Fudge is probably the best in state guy we could realistically get this class. Really like the kid, he's a bouncy wing who can hit 3s. Reminds me a little of Scottie Lewis on the Gators. Also tall enough to be a true wing, and not a big guard like most of the guys who usually play the wing role for us. It's not like football recruiting, but it would be nice to get some kids in the class to rep their state, and maybe be an ambassador for the class. Hopefully our play this year makes us more attractive for recruiting purposes.
Good and valid point.
It is really about balance on the recruiting board. In fairness, the coaches have great connections to the kids in the DMV, Pennsylvania and the Northeast. No, they don't get all of them but the ones they get make our team very good.
What you would like to see is a kid from Florida on the recruiting board at every position. That would make you happy.
Then, the next question is who is the priority and where do the rest of the kids fall in line on the priority list.
Then you have to balance out your time in recruiting each of those kids.
That is not easy but it can be done.
The hardest part is gauging how serious a kid is about coming to Miami.
That is why I value the final list and official visit. That tells me both Miami and the prospect are serious.
I like Fudge a lot and I agree with you. Also, IMO, Wesley Cardet, Josh Minnot and Ramses Melendez are other big wings who Miami could get commitments from.
This is where it gets difficult. If you take all of the kids who have scholarship offers, group them by position and create your own priority list.
The top tier kids from the DMV, Pennsylvania and Northeast are significantly better but the gap shrinks as you go down the list. Then the question becomes, where do you have the Florida kids on your board.
For example, Benny Williams had Miami in his final four, Miami contacted Fudge, Williams commits to Syracuse and now Fudge has a scholarship offer.
Was the offer too late, NO. Williams flashed early and remained consistent. Fudge has improved and he is coming on strong. Ignore the rankings, you have to watch the games.
It is a very unique process to say. I am sure Miami will fill all 5 scholarships available but with who, I don't have a clue.
