2021 Recruit - Luke Brown (PG)

[Class of 82]

1 hour ago, MDZip said:

Joe played in the JAR as well, fun to watch with that unorthodox style but man he had so many different ways to score. Too bad Huggins wasn't hired a couple years earlier. Joe is still far and away the leading scorer in Zips history and it's not close. The gap between him and number two is as big as the gap between #2 and #8. Of course number 2 is Len Paul and had be been eligible to play his freshman year its possible he could have the all-time scoring title.

The JAR didn't open until I think the year  after I was gone. But you're right about all the ways Joe could score. Still think he could've been a great NBA 3pt specialist had such a thing been of value then. And I miss the noise level in Memorial Hall. Was really fun.

[akronzips71]

1 hour ago, MDZip said:

Joe played in the JAR as well, fun to watch with that unorthodox style but man he had so many different ways to score. Too bad Huggins wasn't hired a couple years earlier. Joe is still far and away the leading scorer in Zips history and it's not close. The gap between him and number two is as big as the gap between #2 and #8. Of course number 2 is Len Paul and had be been eligible to play his freshman year its possible he could have the all-time scoring title.

When Len Paul played there were no three point shots and no dunking.

There was also no shot clock.

Yah, he could have scored a few  thousand more points!

[Blackford]

On 2/18/2020 at 12:22 PM, kreed5120 said:

 

It was certainly underutilized for a number of years because A) it was a new foreign concept to coaches and B ) players didn't grow up practicing it so they weren't as good at shooting them as today's players. I'm not going to pretend to know whether or not Joe could have made it in the NBA. I wasn't even born yet when he was at Akron. I was just making it known that the 3-point line did indeed exist.

 

On 2/18/2020 at 1:48 PM, MDZip said:

Joe played in the JAR as well, fun to watch with that unorthodox style but man he had so many different ways to score. Too bad Huggins wasn't hired a couple years earlier. Joe is still far and away the leading scorer in Zips history and it's not close. The gap between him and number two is as big as the gap between #2 and #8. Of course number 2 is Len Paul and had be been eligible to play his freshman year its possible he could have the all-time scoring title.

So since I’ve not seen the former but the latter ...do you guys also see a comparison ?

[Class of 82]

3 minutes ago, Blackford said:

 

So since I’ve not seen the former but the latter ...do you guys also see a comparison ?

I did get to see the great Len Paul many times. He was a tremendous talent. Great shooter, ball handler, passer. And he was the best player on probably the best Akron team ever. The 71-72 national runner-ups.

 

He got drafted by the Pistons, but inexplicably decided not to sign. He was the last cut as a free-agent with the Cavs. And never played in the NBA.

 

Paul was a much better all-around player than Jakubic, imo. But I have never seen a better pure shooter than Joe. He could heave it from anywhere... look terribly awkward doing it... but the ball just went in. He had other skills, too, but the shooting was uncanny. If you never got to see it, you just might not be able understand. Was truly something.

[Blackford]

1 hour ago, Class of 82 said:

I did get to see the great Len Paul many times. He was a tremendous talent. Great shooter, ball handler, passer. And he was the best player on probably the best Akron team ever. The 71-72 national runner-ups.

 

He got drafted by the Pistons, but inexplicably decided not to sign. He was the last cut as a free-agent with the Cavs. And never played in the NBA.

 

Paul was a much better all-around player than Jakubic, imo. But I have never seen a better pure shooter than Joe. He could heave it from anywhere... look terribly awkward doing it... but the ball just went in. He had other skills, too, but the shooting was uncanny. If you never got to see it, you just might not be able understand. Was truly something.

Thanks ! I did some searching but video appears hard to come by !  Have you gotten to watch this brown kid any ?

[akronzips71]

4 hours ago, Class of 82 said:

I did get to see the great Len Paul many times. He was a tremendous talent. Great shooter, ball handler, passer. And he was the best player on probably the best Akron team ever. The 71-72 national runner-ups.

 

He got drafted by the Pistons, but inexplicably decided not to sign. He was the last cut as a free-agent with the Cavs. And never played in the NBA.

 

Paul was a much better all-around player than Jakubic, imo. But I have never seen a better pure shooter than Joe. He could heave it from anywhere... look terribly awkward doing it... but the ball just went in. He had other skills, too, but the shooting was uncanny. If you never got to see it, you just might not be able understand. Was truly something.

He said that he did not report to Detroit but instead decided to go to Cleveland as a free agent because he thought the local connection would be good. Did not work out.

He was a contemporary of Randy Smith of Buffalo State, who we played against, and he had a great NBA career, setting the iron man record at one time.

[Blackford]

13 hours ago, akronzips71 said:

He said that he did not report to Detroit but instead decided to go to Cleveland as a free agent because he thought the local connection would be good. Did not work out.

He was a contemporary of Randy Smith of Buffalo State, who we played against, and he had a great NBA career, setting the iron man record at one time.

Have you seen the brown kid yet ? Offer any comparison ?

[akronzips71]

3 hours ago, Blackford said:

Have you seen the brown kid yet ? Offer any comparison ?

What makes you think he is even on our radar?

How do you compare a high school kid to an all time great?

[LZIp]

22 minutes ago, akronzips71 said:

What makes you think he is even on our radar?

 

http://verbalcommits.com/players/luke-brown

[Blackford]

2 hours ago, akronzips71 said:

What makes you think he is even on our radar?

How do you compare a high school kid to an all time great?

You guys offered him would be a good reason .....I asked for the comparison because I literally have no clue who you’re talking about nor have I seen him so wanted your input 

[NWAkron]

16 minutes ago, Blackford said:

You guys offered him would be a good reason .....I asked for the comparison because I literally have no clue who you’re talking about nor have I seen him so wanted your input 

I need to get through the next 3 weeks before I can think about all of this

[Blackford]

1 hour ago, NWAkron said:

I need to get through the next 3 weeks before I can think about all of this

Totally fair ...enough good luck to you guys both getting into and making a run in the tourney ...let me know what you think this summer 

[NWAkron]

8 minutes ago, Blackford said:

Totally fair ...enough good luck to you guys both getting into and making a run in the tourney ...let me know what you think this summer 

My opinion isn't one that matters.  I like whoever Akron recruits until I don't!  But I think we all appreciate some new activity on the board.  Everyone's a little on edge coming down the homestretch

[Blackford]

7 minutes ago, NWAkron said:

My opinion isn't one that matters.  I like whoever Akron recruits until I don't!  But I think we all appreciate some new activity on the board.  Everyone's a little on edge coming down the homestretch

I’ve only gotten to see two of your games so your opinion actually goes a long way for me !  I love your point guard ...undersized kid who is faster and tries harder than everyone 

[akronzips71]

1 hour ago, Blackford said:

You guys offered him would be a good reason .....I asked for the comparison because I literally have no clue who you’re talking about nor have I seen him so wanted your input 

There is only one Len Paul.

Your guy should be so lucky as to be half as good as Len Paul.

[Blackford]

56 minutes ago, akronzips71 said:

There is only one Len Paul.

Your guy should be so lucky as to be half as good as Len Paul.

Good deal so back to my original question ...have you seen him ? What’s your thoughts ? ....never have seen a single second of Len Paul basketball don’t even know what position he played 

[Let'sGoZips94]

On 2/23/2020 at 6:16 PM, Blackford said:

Good deal so back to my original question ...have you seen him ? What’s your thoughts ? ....never have seen a single second of Len Paul basketball don’t even know what position he played 

 

Many of us haven't seen a second of Len Paul. Here's what you need to know - his name is in our gym's rafters. He's one of the Akron greats, so if anyone is comparing Luke to Len, take it as a compliment. Haha. 

 

From what I've seen, Luke has a lot of potential. Please excuse any potential disinterest expressed on the board as well. As Akron fans, we've seen a lot of solid recruits go elsewhere, so sometimes we guard ourselves against getting our hopes up and being let down. Additionally, we're Northeast Ohioans, meaning many of us are Cleveland sports fans - we're used to heartbreak, and again, try to guard ourselves against that disappointment.

 

It's also nearly March, which means the real season is beginning (tourney time). In case you didn't know, Akron was in the MAC Title Game for 9 straight seasons - 2007 through 2014 (I believe I have that correct). For 9 years, the guarantees in life were Taxes & Akron Men's Basketball playing at The Q (Quicken Loans Arena, now called Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse) on Saturday in March. Injuries and a lack of depth derailed the next couple of seasons following that run, and our old coach left the program with a pretty bare cupboard when he departed in 2017. We're back at the top of the MAC with a real shot at the title this year, and I think that has us all a bit anxious and quite focused on these next few weeks (last year we were quite focused on recruiting for future seasons at this point in the year). Keep posting - it's definitely appreciated! Go Zips!

Edited February 25, 2020 by Let'sGoZips94

[zippy5]

07-13, 2016 and 2017

[kreed5120]

Frankly I'm just not going to watch youtube videos of some random high school kid who might not even attend Akron. Based off the qualifications that you listed and his 1/2 dozen D1 offers, he seems like he would be a solid get and I can see why Groce offered him. If he commits I'll actually take a look and offer an opinion on the impact I feel he can make. In the meantime I still appreciate hearing updates in case he does commit.

[Let'sGoZips94]

38 minutes ago, zippy5 said:

07-13, 2016 and 2017

 

Wow was my memory bad. We need the old emoticons with the tomato hitting the face. 

[clarkwgriswold]

4 hours ago, kreed5120 said:

Frankly I'm just not going to watch youtube videos of some random high school kid who might not even attend Akron. Based off the qualifications that you listed and his 1/2 dozen D1 offers, he seems like he would be a solid get and I can see why Groce offered him. If he commits I'll actually take a look and offer an opinion on the impact I feel he can make. In the meantime I still appreciate hearing updates in case he does commit.

 

Amen.  No disrespect to the kid but there have been more posts about him than kids who actually committed to and came to Akron.

 

He'd be a nice get but I suspect he has "bigger" offers coming.

Edited February 25, 2020 by clarkwgriswold

[Captain Kangaroo]

His highlight film is pretty much like watching the Pleasantville basketball team. Who wouldn’t like his range and quick release. His shot seems pretty fundamentally sound. NBA 3-point range.
 

Can he defend at a high level? How’s his foot speed? Ball handling? Those would be the questions I still have. 
 

Groce’s teams place a high priority on defense. Is his any good?

[Blackford]

On 2/25/2020 at 11:11 AM, Let'sGoZips94 said:

 

Many of us haven't seen a second of Len Paul. Here's what you need to know - his name is in our gym's rafters. He's one of the Akron greats, so if anyone is comparing Luke to Len, take it as a compliment. Haha. 

 

From what I've seen, Luke has a lot of potential. Please excuse any potential disinterest expressed on the board as well. As Akron fans, we've seen a lot of solid recruits go elsewhere, so sometimes we guard ourselves against getting our hopes up and being let down. Additionally, we're Northeast Ohioans, meaning many of us are Cleveland sports fans - we're used to heartbreak, and again, try to guard ourselves against that disappointment.

 

It's also nearly March, which means the real season is beginning (tourney time). In case you didn't know, Akron was in the MAC Title Game for 9 straight seasons - 2007 through 2014 (I believe I have that correct). For 9 years, the guarantees in life were Taxes & Akron Men's Basketball playing at The Q (Quicken Loans Arena, now called Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse) on Saturday in March. Injuries and a lack of depth derailed the next couple of seasons following that run, and our old coach left the program with a pretty bare cupboard when he departed in 2017. We're back at the top of the MAC with a real shot at the title this year, and I think that has us all a bit anxious and quite focused on these next few weeks (last year we were quite focused on recruiting for future seasons at this point in the year). Keep posting - it's definitely appreciated! Go Zips!

Thanks ! This helps a ton and gives me some background and perspective  ...I was able to watch your home game against ball state ( another team that offered brown )and came away incredibly impressed.  You definitely pass the eye ball test as far as a tournament caliber team ESPECIALLY considering the volatility and inconsistency of the college game in general this year ( anyone can beat anyone it seams ).  I’ve tried to watch a little or learn a little about all the programs that have offered and with the little I’ve put together your coach, roster construction , and openings at point guard in two years seem like you’re at the top of the list and if he doesn’t stay in state I’d be a fan because it’s still drive-able to catch some games.  You guys enjoy the remainder of the season I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you and look forward to seeing you play through March ....Luke’s final two regular season games are throw always but I’ll update the postseason info and whether or not he becomes the first player in Indiana history to lead the state in scoring and assists.

 

 

also ps ....IU which was on record as his “ dream school “

just signed a five start 2021 point guard so I doubt they will come calling 

[Blackford]

21 hours ago, clarkwgriswold said:

 

Amen.  No disrespect to the kid but there have been more posts about him than kids who actually committed to and came to Akron.

 

He'd be a nice get but I suspect he has "bigger" offers coming.

Didn’t come across as  disrespectful I completely see your point  !He could end up with some if he has a very successful

summer but in the little bit of time I’ve been able to get to know the family and observe him as a player I think he’d be more the type to strongly consider a contributing role immediately at a smaller school with tournament prospects than get relegated to the bench mob till his senior year at a power 6 so don’t count yourselves out 

[Blackford]

19 hours ago, Captain Kangaroo said:

His highlight film is pretty much like watching the Pleasantville basketball team. Who wouldn’t like his range and quick release. His shot seems pretty fundamentally sound. NBA 3-point range.
 

Can he defend at a high level? How’s his foot speed? Ball handling? Those would be the questions I still have. 
 

Groce’s teams place a high priority on defense. Is his any good?

Great question ...it’s been my only concern with him ( his size as it relates to defense not his actual ability).  I’ve seen every game he’s played and at the D1 level he will be playing taller guards who are as fast if not faster and can jump significantly higher.  There have been plenty of kids to overcome and be prosperous even with that time of height deficiency and lack of leaping ability but MOST of those players have a common denominator of a solid or muscular frame to be able to move weight around effectively and make it easier for a coach to mask the player on the defensive end.  He has the strongest work ethic of any player I’ve ever seen so you get him with a college level strength and conditioning program and I think he ends up being a 190 pound kid.  If he gets there I don’t think you’ll see a significant disadvantage and his shooting and ball handling will make up for it if it exists.  If he doesn’t get taller OR add any size he will struggle on that end of the floor.  
 

It’s sometimes hard to get an accurate read because Blackford plays a lot of zone defenses but if you’re looking for anything you can use to evaluate and have a few spare minutes  go to the Bruin sports network on YouTube and search their game against Southridge.  It was a neutral site game and that team has a 6’5” junior named colson Montgomery. Kid is their primary ball handler and a 40% 3 pt shooter.  Expected to be selected in first round of professional baseball draft ( elite athlete) and was quarterback of a state runner up in football.   I didn’t expect it but Blackford went man to man most of that game and assigned brown to him.  Despite the height difference he really impressed me with his effort and performance in that game ...really outplayed the kid which opened some eyes 

 

his ball handling and his distributing skills are his strongest talents in my opinion even more so than his range and shooting consistency ...he leads the  state in assists playing for a team that misses 3-4 layups routinely and often his passes are the kind no one sees coming but him 

Edited February 26, 2020 by Blackford