Under-the-radar recruits can fly high

Recruiting is the lifeblood of college basketball, perhaps even more important than making free throws in the closing minutes.

That being said, I don’t share the passion many fans have in following the process. Websites and message boards tout the merits of players and rank them regionally and nationally. Every comment from a player on Twitter and Facebook is analyzed by fans hoping to see their favorite school show up on some prospect’s short list.

There are some Dayton Flyer fans who show more interest in who the school is recruiting than in anyone currently playing for UD.

So, while having stayed on the sidelines during the heat of recruiting season, I did talk to Flyers coach Archie Miller about his freshman class. He has another spot available but feels good about who he has coming in.

He spoke about the expected solid efforts he will get from Vee Sanford and Matt Derenbecker after their redshirt transfer years, and how Jordan Sibert from Ohio State will contribute as he sits out this season. Archie was glowing in his comments regarding “skilled” Jalen Robinson from Columbus Northland and how Khari Price from Louisiana was a rare “true point guard.”

But there was an added twinkle in his eye when he talked about Devon Scott from Northland being a “junk yard dog” and how Dyshawn Pierre may be the “secret weapon of the season.”

“Not very many people understand how good he is,” said Archie about UD’s first Canadian recruit.

One of the reasons I do not get caught up in the recruiting hype is the sometimes disappointing college careers of highly regarded high school players.

Two of the least heralded Dayton recruits of the past decade were Brian Roberts and Chris Johnson. B-Rob left as the school’s fourth all-time scorer and C.J. was the only college player in the last 20 years with 1,400 points, 800 rebounds, and 200 three-pointers while shooting over 80 percent from the line.

If this year’s class can have some horses like that, Flyer fans will be in for a treat.