by siudawgs » April 12th, 2014, 10:01 am
SIU fans are pretty optimistic about the four newcomers coming in next year. All are high schoolers, three have signed already (Armon Fletcher, Jordan Caroline, Chaz Glotta), one has verbaled (Deion Lavender). There's a chance SIU will sign someone else during the spring period ... technically they're out of scholarships, but there are rumblings Mike Balogun likely won't be back. A much, much worse scenario would be Anthony Beane and his dad leaving town as a package deal ... hopefully not, that would be a huge setback to the rebuild. Aside from the four prep newcomers listed below, lightning-quick but small point guard KC Goodwin redshirted this year and Illinois transfer Ibby Djimbe sat out. Djimbe is a 6-8 bruiser who, along with Bola Olaniyan, should give SIU one of the most physically imposing (though offensively challenged) frontlines in the MVC. Anyway:
Armon Fletcher, 6-5 forward from Edwardsville, Ill. Top player on team that finished fourth place in Illinois' biggest high school class. A very rangy, athletic wing who should be an excellent defender and high-energy player. Has some offensive game but probably will initially be more effective defensively and as an energy guy.
Jordan Caroline, 6-6 forward from Montverde Academy in Florida via Champaign. A burly, undersized power forward who started on arguably the best prep school team in the country. Put up decent but not great numbers on a roster loaded with high-end talent. Is expected to add sorely needed depth to the frontcourt and be ready to help right away based on high level of competition at Montverde. Is son of former Illinois/NFL football player Simeon Rice.
Chaz Glotta, 6-1 guard from suburban St. Louis. Combo guard who scored more than 2,000 points in his high school career. Mostly a shooter but can score in other ways, too. A coach's son. Excellent free throw shooter ... I'm sure Barry has long-term visions of Blake Ahearn. Probably most likely of newcomers to redshirt based on position/body type.
Deion Lavender, 6-4 guard from Alton Marquette High in Illinois, near STL. Late-bloomer who scored like crazy as a senior, albeit against lesser competition than others in this recruiting class. Not supremely athletic but a big guard who is a very good shooter and has a strong scorer's mindset. Was AAU teammate of Armon Fletcher.