That is great news for Travis if he is getting interest from a solid DII school.

If it were only that easy then we would have a lot more players playing D1 out of Northern Kentucky. Travis is a good player....probably a top 10 player in Northern Kentucky but we just don't produce that many D1 players out of this area. If he is getting a solid D2 look that is pretty good.

 

What role do the coaches play in getting DI looks for these kids?

 

Do the High School coaches proactively 'promote' these kids (send out videos, contact DI coaches, etc.)? AAU coaches?

 

I know a lot of the athletes are seen at the AAU Tournaments over the summer and the AAU coaches 'talk' to a lot of of the coaches that attend the games, however, does any of that take place with the High School coaches as well? I understand it's easy for college coaches to attend AAU tournaments and scout multiple players instead of a high school game where there may only be one or two players on the court, I get all that. I am just curious if anyone has talked to Travis (or any other area players that have the ability / talent to play DI) to see what he wants to do and help him reach his goal (if DI is even his goal).

 

To me, I would think a school like Miami, OH or Ohio University would love to have a 6'5" / 6'6" two guard or three that can jump and take the ball to the rim on their team. Is it up to the athlete to reach out to them and send them a video?

 

I'm only asking, I don't know the answer when it comes to basketball, however, I would think part of the job of a high school coach (and/or AAU coach) is to work with the young athletes to see where they want to go, what they want to do and reach out to those coaching staffs on the athletes behalf.

 

I just get tired of the area players falling short of playing DI college basketball because they are not 'promoted' enough or not made aware of to the coaching staff's at different DI schools.

Gabbard's walk-on offer to Western KY came from hiis AAU coach's help. His offer to D2 Ashland came from AAU ball.

 

Popp made a couple of visits to Kent State. That interest came from AAU ball. His walk-on offer to D2 Ohio Dominican also came from AAU ball, nor did any of the recruiting he received from D3 schools originate from high school ball or coach.

 

Cotton was a heck of a jumper but did not play AAU ball and did not get recruited by a D1 to my knowledge.

 

Besides jumping, defense, shooting, strength, and ball handling must also be considered.

 

I hope Travis gets to play in college if that is what he wants. He will be Boone's best player and one of the top 10 in the 9th region.

 

Some high school coaches help promote their players well, some don't. My advice is to be your own advocate (or the parents can help).

What role do the coaches play in getting DI looks for these kids?

 

Do the High School coaches proactively 'promote' these kids (send out videos, contact DI coaches, etc.)? AAU coaches?

 

I know a lot of the athletes are seen at the AAU Tournaments over the summer and the AAU coaches 'talk' to a lot of of the coaches that attend the games, however, does any of that take place with the High School coaches as well? I understand it's easy for college coaches to attend AAU tournaments and scout multiple players instead of a high school game where there may only be one or two players on the court, I get all that. I am just curious if anyone has talked to Travis (or any other area players that have the ability / talent to play DI) to see what he wants to do and help him reach his goal (if DI is even his goal).

 

To me, I would think a school like Miami, OH or Ohio University would love to have a 6'5" / 6'6" two guard or three that can jump and take the ball to the rim on their team. Is it up to the athlete to reach out to them and send them a video?

 

I'm only asking, I don't know the answer when it comes to basketball, however, I would think part of the job of a high school coach (and/or AAU coach) is to work with the young athletes to see where they want to go, what they want to do and reach out to those coaching staffs on the athletes behalf.

 

I just get tired of the area players falling short of playing DI college basketball because they are not 'promoted' enough or not made aware of to the coaching staff's at different DI schools.

 

Some high schools coaches are better at helping high school athletes market themselves to colleges. Some coaches are pretty well connected in the recruiting circles and some are not. Same with the AAU coaches.

 

The student athlete has the opportunity and ability to perform at the NCAA certified events and at the high school level to get their "name" out there. They can also attend the "Elite" Camps hosted at the various schools. College coaches are a tight knit fraternity and if they see a kid who might not fit their program but could help one of their buddies they will relay the info.

 

The reality is that D1 is a very difficult goal to obtain. When you mention Ohio U and Miami (Oh) you need to look at the players they are recruiting. Miami recruited Josh Sewell out of Trinity last year and he was a candidate for Mr Basketball in Kentucky. Ohio U recruited Rico Johnson from Holmes the Northern Kentucky player of the year and just recently obtained a commitment from Stevie Taylor out of Columbus who is generally regarded as the top PG in the state of Ohio for 2011.

 

Travis is a good player but probably not a D1 caliber player at the level of a Miami or Ohio U. I would be very surprised if any of the class of 2011 in Northern Kentucky actually gets a D1 ride.

Honestly, I don't see anyone from NKY in the 2011 class getting a D-1 scholarship playing basketball. There are several very good players that can play at the D2, NAIA and D3 level but not D1. Just look how many D1 scholarships that's come out of NKY in the last six or seven years, Johnson, Neltner, Brock & Doellman (can't think of any more).

 

As far as high school coaches helping find homes for their atheletes, some get involved and do a very good job promoting their players, some do absolutely nothing at all. You better determine what type of coach Travis has and make the decision for yourself in how involved you or someone needs to be in the players recruitment.

 

IMHO if Travis isn't already getting "real" D-1 interest, (like an invite for an official visit) then, it is very unlikely he will get a scholarship at that level.

Gabbard's walk-on offer to Western KY came from hiis AAU coach's help. His offer to D2 Ashland came from AAU ball.

 

That is my point to a 'T'!!! Another local player that, in my opinion, 'slipped through the cracks' from the stories I heard with regard to Gabbard. Hopefully, things work out for him at WKU and he gets a 'scholarship' instead of being a last minute preferred walk on. Of course, I've only heard 'stories' that may or may not be accurate.

 

To me, the COACHES (specifically HS coaches) need to pro actively promote these athletes that, again, in my opinion, are tweeners between DI and DII. .

 

From what I have been told, Travis's AAU coaches are speaking with college coaches regularly during the AAU tournaments, so kudos to them for assisting Travis in the process. However, because their AAU team 'didn't go to the right AAU tournament', according to some, for very legitimate reasons (costs, vacations, etc., I would hate for more DI coaches to not get the oppurtunity to see him play.

 

I would just like to see him (and other local tweener athletes) get an oppurtunity to play DI ball if they are talented enough to play. And, in my opinion, I believe he is.

 

What is generally the process, if there one, for these types of athletes? Is it up to them to 'recruit themselves'? Should their HS coach be working with them to put videos, school wish list together, etc. together and send out to prospective colleges? I just asking.... I would hate for another local player to slip through the cracks here in NKY.

 

Again, nothing wrong with DII schools and specifally University of Alabama - Huntsville, from what I've googled about them, they are a very solid DII team, however, if the athletes goal is DI, then what can be done to get them to reach their goal.

 

Thoughts?

Travis is a good player but probably not a D1 caliber player at the level of a Miami or Ohio U. I would be very surprised if any of the class of 2011 in Northern Kentucky actually gets a D1 ride.

 

I respect your opinion, however, to me, it is like selling your house. Not everyone has to like it, just one buyer. Same way with being recruited, not everyone has to be recruiting you or liking you, just one school that you have a mutual interest in. The more lines in the water the more of an oppurtunity you have to get a bite.

 

I am just using Miami and Ohio U. as examples. Again, I would think those recruits you mentioned were 'big wins' for those schools. I see where Miami also signed Jon Harris and Quinten Rollins as well that were not as highly regarded as Josh.

 

Same with Ohio U., they also signed TJ Hall who is 6'6" and is small forward who is described as ' a good, but not great athlete, that can knock down mid range jumpers'.

 

That's the point I am trying to make. How is a TJ hall getting recruited to Ohio U. and Jon Harris/Quinten Rollins at Miami?

 

Someone at those schools would have had to see them or get feedback/information on them. I would think that Travis and other locals could be 'those types of recruits'. Hopefully, this makes sense.

Q Rollins is lightening quick, and a great defender and ball handler, and can also dunk, although he is only a 6'0 guard. He was the best player and high scorer on his team and maybe his conference for a few years. I think Miami was interested in him starting in his Junior year when he was with the Shining Stars. He also played AAU for Mike Price, who has a lot of connections with college coaches and is well respected.

 

You are right in that all it takes is to find the right person interested. That's why I think it is also good for the parents and athelete to market themselves too. They are their own best advocates.

That is my point to a 'T'!!! Another local player that, in my opinion, 'slipped through the cracks' from the stories I heard with regard to Gabbard. Hopefully, things work out for him at WKU and he gets a 'scholarship' instead of being a last minute preferred walk on. Of course, I've only heard 'stories' that may or may not be accurate.

 

To me, the COACHES (specifically HS coaches) need to pro actively promote these athletes that, again, in my opinion, are tweeners between DI and DII. .

 

From what I have been told, Travis's AAU coaches are speaking with college coaches regularly during the AAU tournaments, so kudos to them for assisting Travis in the process. However, because their AAU team 'didn't go to the right AAU tournament', according to some, for very legitimate reasons (costs, vacations, etc., I would hate for more DI coaches to not get the oppurtunity to see him play.

 

I would just like to see him (and other local tweener athletes) get an oppurtunity to play DI ball if they are talented enough to play. And, in my opinion, I believe he is.

 

What is generally the process, if there one, for these types of athletes? Is it up to them to 'recruit themselves'? Should their HS coach be working with them to put videos, school wish list together, etc. together and send out to prospective colleges? I just asking.... I would hate for another local player to slip through the cracks here in NKY.

Again, nothing wrong with DII schools and specifally University of Alabama - Huntsville, from what I've googled about them, they are a very solid DII team, however, if the athletes goal is DI, then what can be done to get them to reach their goal.

 

Thoughts?

 

I have talked with Travis about this and he really does want to play basketball at the next level. He has been talking about this since 6th grade. He and I have talked about his recruiting and he is willing to do whatever he needs to do. He will e-mail college coaches, send videos, whatever he needs to do. He has realized if it is going to get done, he will have to do it himself. Unfortunately that's how it is at some schools. Thankfully Travis has a great family and support system around him to help him with this process. It's not going to hurt that he is an Honor Roll student and a great leader on and off the court. I wish him nothing but the best because he deserves it!

If the player wants a D1 scholarship, it falls 100% on the player and his family to do what it takes to try and make it happen. Anything a high school coach can do to help is a bonus. Anything an AAU coach can do to help is a bonus. The player and his family need to be realistic about where he may fit and market himself to the coaches. I think AAU helps more than high school because the college coaches have time to get out and see players during AAU season. During high school season, they are more focused on their own team. If the D1 scholarship doesn't happen, it is never the AAU or high school coaches fault unless he failed to follow up or offer feedback when asked by a college coach. Look at the list of players to go D1 out of N. Ky. There isn't a pipeline out of one particular school that would indicate one particular coach has some special ability. It comes down to the player's size, ability, grades and fit to a college coach and his program. Best of luck to Travis and any other talented player hoping to play at the next level. Do everything you can to make it happen and don't count on anyone else.

Just for the heck of it, can anyone list Montgomery's stats from last season at Boone? PPG, field goal percentage, free throw percentage (with number of foul shots attempted), rebounds, minutes per game, three point percentage (with attempts).

From Cincinnati.com

Points per game - 7.8

Field Goal % - 50.9

Att/ made - 88 for 173

FT % - 57.3

Att/ made - 43 for 75

Rebounds 147

Minutes per game - 21.25

3 point % - 46.7

Att/ made - 7 for 15

From Cincinnati.com

Points per game - 7.8

Field Goal % - 50.9

Att/ made - 88 for 173

FT % - 57.3

Att/ made - 43 for 75

Rebounds 147

Minutes per game - 21.25

3 point % - 46.7

Att/ made - 7 for 15

 

Boone averaged 51 ppg

Points per game - 7.8 (3rd on team)

Field Goal % - 50.9 (2nd on team)

Offensive Rebounds - 66 (led team)

Defensive Rebounds - 81 (led team)

Total Rebounds - 147 (led team)

Assists - 63 (2nd on team)

3 point shooting percentage - 46.67% (2nd on team behind Downs who shot 1 of 2 from 3 pt range)

Steals - 47 (2nd on team, 1 behind leader)

Blocks - 18 (2nd on team)

 

And I would look for each of these to increase his senior season. I do agree that a lot of the recruiting and commitments take place during the junior year, however, hopefully, something will break for him this year and he will be a late signee.

 

Do they keep stats for AAU games? I wonder what the stats were for AAU where the games are a bit more wide open and not so much a 'motion' type offense.

 

Again, I'm not a Travis homer (more of a BCHS fan). I just like to see the local kids get an oppurtunity to play at the next level and to reach their goals.

 

We'll see what happens this year with Travis and the Rebels in a wide open 9th region.

Some of what has been said about No. KY kids being overlooked is true. I believe it has to do with the player rankings that come out of Louisville and Lexington. There's not many No. KY players even mentioned and I know there as good as some of the high ranked players in KY. I've seen it first hand in AAU play. With that said however, if you go to a National event, like Orlando, you have your eyes opened with the amount of talent and size of the kids around the country. 200 teams and almost every team had two 6'8" athletic kids that the D1 coaches are after. We have alot of very good smart players in NO. KY, but D1 players are good, smart and big.

If the player wants a D1 scholarship, it falls 100% on the player and his family to do what it takes to try and make it happen. Anything a high school coach can do to help is a bonus. Anything an AAU coach can do to help is a bonus. The player and his family need to be realistic about where he may fit and market himself to the coaches. I think AAU helps more than high school because the college coaches have time to get out and see players during AAU season. During high school season, they are more focused on their own team. If the D1 scholarship doesn't happen, it is never the AAU or high school coaches fault unless he failed to follow up or offer feedback when asked by a college coach. Look at the list of players to go D1 out of N. Ky. There isn't a pipeline out of one particular school that would indicate one particular coach has some special ability. It comes down to the player's size, ability, grades and fit to a college coach and his program. Best of luck to Travis and any other talented player hoping to play at the next level. Do everything you can to make it happen and don't count on anyone else.

 

This is surprising to me..... if I was the HS or AAU coach, I would want to get the athletes recruited to the school(s) they are interested in and do whatever I could do to reach out to them on the athletes behalf. If I'm Mick Cronin at UC, for example, I don't want every Tom, Dick and Harry athlete reaching out to me saying 'I want to play at your school, etc., etc.'. I would think the coach(s) of that athlete that reaches out to Mick would carry more weight.

I agree that it doesn't hurt if the athlete reaches out as well, however, coming from a coach to a college coach I would think would be a bit more credible. I would think that would be 'part of the job' as a coach to do that for the athlete if they want to play in college. Just my opinion.