2017 Recruiting

[GMUSig03]

Daddy likes

 

[GMUgemini]

Verbal Commits‏@VerbalCommits 10s10 seconds ago
2017 Sinclair CC (OH) F Akiean Frederick has received an offer from George Mason. @TheRealAK23 http://verbalcommits.com/players/akiean-frederick…

Also being recruited by Kent State, Marshall, SE Missouri State, UT Martin, and Nicholls State.

 

[GiantKiller_Co]

Also being recruited by Kent State, Marshall, SE Missouri State, UT Martin, and Nicholls State.

Nicholls State is probably low on that list since they offered before he went JUCO.

 

[emjayar08]

How many years of eligibility would Frederick have? Looks like originally the class of 2014.

 

[Pablo]

How many years of eligibility would Frederick have? Looks like originally the class of 2014.

He has 2 years of eligibility remaining.

 

[Pablo]

http://sinclairathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2016-17/releases/2016-17_All-Conference_MBB:

"Akiean Frederick (6-9/SO – Franklin Heights H.S.) has been named to the 1stTeam All-Conference and was the OCCAC Player of the Year Runner Up to Cincinnati State’s Donte Battle.

Akiean has had an incredible two years at Sinclair that included the 2015-16 OCCAC Regular Season Championship. He has scored over a 1,000 points and has collected 25 double-doubles. Only the third player in school history to have over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 75 block shots and 45 steals. His single game high was a 41 point performance against Lakeland on January 16, 2017 and his single game rebounding high was against Cincinnati State on February 8, 2017 with 18 boards. He has averaged a double-double this season with 22.5 points per game and 11.2 rebounds per game."

 

[gmujim92]

So I guess we have finally answered the question of whether DP recognizes the need for a more experienced big to come in and play next season. Glad to see that.

Even if we don't sign Frederick, the fact that the staff is still making Class of 2017 offers says conclusively that at least one player (and likely more) on the current roster is transferring out.

Now it's just wait and see who comes in and who leaves.

 

[GMUgemini]

If we get another big, I hope Paulsen considers giving Temara a shot at playing at the 4, even if it's spot duty.


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[gmujim92]

If we get another big, I hope Paulsen considers giving Temara a shot at playing at the 4, even if it's spot duty.


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Better option, IMHO, is to redshirt him and give him time to work on his game.

Let the new big and Relvao hold down the 5 next season -- our third big barely plays anyhow -- and see if we can't turn Troy into a monster with 3 years of eligibility remaining.

If there's an injury and Troy has to play, we can always pull the redshirt.

Just can't help but think we could have one hell of a frontcourt for 3 years with Troy, AJ and Goanar in the same class -- two of whom will have had the luxury of redshirting.

 

[Pablo]

Zach Fleer‏@ZachFleer270
'17 Sinclair CC PF Akiean Frederick was offered by George Mason last night. Frederick's seventh D1 offer. Frederick continues crazy rise.

1. 
   Zach Fleer‏@ZachFleer270 2h2 hours ago
   Went from JV and overweight as a junior. Growth spurt, weight loss as a senior. Goes juco. Now has 7 D1 offers three years later.
   

 

[p8triotfan4life]

Paulsen tweeted at 7:29 am this morning from Mattydale, NY...wonder what big men we are targeting live near the Mattydale, NY area.....

Dave Paulsen‏Verified account@PaulsenDave 2h2 hours ago

Won't let 1 game define us. Much to be proud of and lots of progress made. Will let last game inform us in big steps we must take to grow

7:29 AM - 17 Mar 2017 from Mattydale, NY

 

[G M U]

Paulsen tweeted at 7:29 am this morning from Mattydale, NY...wonder what big men we are targeting live near the Mattydale, NY area.....

Dave Paulsen‏Verified account@PaulsenDave 2h2 hours ago

Won't let 1 game define us. Much to be proud of and lots of progress made. Will let last game inform us in big steps we must take to grow

7:29 AM - 17 Mar 2017 from Mattydale, NY

Either Paulsen has some connections in upstate New York and he's looking at another recruit. Or he's visiting the Temara family who lives near by. Could speculate all day whether Paulsen is talking to Troys brother or discussing transfer possibilities for Troy, or could just be hanging out with the Temara's. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

 

[ephoops]

Either Paulsen has some connections in upstate New York and he's looking at another recruit. Or he's visiting the Temara family who lives near by. Could speculate all day whether Paulsen is talking to Troys brother or discussing transfer possibilities for Troy, or could just be hanging out with the Temara's. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Mount Vernon (Calixte's school) is playing in the NY State Public Schools tournament in Binghamton on Saturday afternoon in the state semis and (if they win) the finals on Sunday afternoon.

 

[JimP]

Mount Vernon (Calixte's school) is playing in the NY State Public Schools tournament in Binghamton on Saturday afternoon in the state semis and (if they win) the finals on Sunday afternoon.

Cool - maybe I'll run into Dave. He also coached near Syracuse - at D-II Lemoyne, in the 90's.

 

[Pablo]

1. Verbal Commits‏@VerbalCommits 1h1 hour ago
   2017 Sinclair CC (OH) F Akiean Frederick has received an offer from Loyola (IL). @TheRealAK23 http://verbalcommits.com/players/akiean-frederick…

AK2️⃣3️⃣‏@TheRealAK23 1h1 hour ago
Just got off the phone with Head Coach Porter Moser and I'm blessed to receive my 8th D1 offer from Loyola University Chicago

 

[gmujim92]

Mount Vernon (Calixte's school) is playing in the NY State Public Schools tournament in Binghamton on Saturday afternoon in the state semis and (if they win) the finals on Sunday afternoon.

Recruiting means no rest for the weary.

 

[Pablo]

http://giantkiller.co/2017/03/17/george-mason-hits-the-2017-recruiting-trail/:

"GREG CALIXTE | 6-9 PF | Mount Vernon HS (NY)

Greg Calixte is currently a senior at Mount Vernon High School, the same high school former Mason Patriot Sherrod Wright attended. At 6’9” 230lbs, Greg is similar in size to Troy Temara when he first came to Mason and would be a good addition to the Patriots with Jalen Jenkins graduating. He comes from a winning program, a trait Paulsen and his staff look for in building our own winning culture at George Mason, and played four years of varsity HS basketball. His size allows for his ability to score and block in the low post, which Greg says is his best asset as a player. His aggressiveness to defend, block and get steals would be great asset for the Patriots especially once he adapts to college play and learns to stay out of foul trouble — a delicate balance that can help win games. Greg Calixte, like George Mason Patriot Goanar Mar (Minnesota), is a Mr Basketball finalist for his state of New York. He is expected to commit whenever his basketball season ends. Mt Vernon (NY) is in the State Championship semifinals so an announcement may come as soon as next week for Calixte. When asked about what he is looking for in a college, he simply wants whatever is the best fit for him. He has a good set of mid majors to choose from including St Bonaventure, UAB, Toledo, UNCW as well as Big East DePaul where he has taken an official visit to. Quinnipiac was also in the mix with an official visit, but with the recent firing there it probably is no longer on his list.

AKIEAN FREDERICK | 6-9 PF | SINCLAIR CC (JUCO)

Akiean Frederick could be Coach Paulsen’s first JUCO transfer at George Mason. Currently a Redshirt Sophomore at Sinclair Community College, Akiean has become somewhat of a highly sought after recruit in recent weeks amongst mid-majors. Last season he averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds per game, but this season he’s improved to averaging a double double on the season at 22 points and 11 rebounds per game. Sound familiar? Late last year ‘low major’ schools began sending offers and as of today, he is holding eight division one offers including Marshall, George Mason, Loyola (Chicago), Kent State and UT Martin. Given his skill level, I would say Marshall, Kent State, UT Martin and George Mason are his most probable choices unless more offers keep pouring in (which most likely will happen). His ability to hit a mid-range jumper, score in the paint and his high basketball IQ given his experience makes him a steal for whichever school he decides to continue his basketball career at. I can imagine this is why he calls himself a Point Forward. He only has two years of eligibility left, but could definitely be an asset for the Patriots if he were to commit."

 

[Patriotsince81]

http://giantkiller.co/2017/03/17/george-mason-hits-the-2017-recruiting-trail/:

"GREG CALIXTE | 6-9 PF | Mount Vernon HS (NY)

Greg Calixte is currently a senior at Mount Vernon High School, the same high school former Mason Patriot Sherrod Wright attended. At 6’9” 230lbs, Greg is similar in size to Troy Temara when he first came to Mason and would be a good addition to the Patriots with Jalen Jenkins graduating. He comes from a winning program, a trait Paulsen and his staff look for in building our own winning culture at George Mason, and played four years of varsity HS basketball. His size allows for his ability to score and block in the low post, which Greg says is his best asset as a player. His aggressiveness to defend, block and get steals would be great asset for the Patriots especially once he adapts to college play and learns to stay out of foul trouble — a delicate balance that can help win games. Greg Calixte, like George Mason Patriot Goanar Mar (Minnesota), is a Mr Basketball finalist for his state of New York. He is expected to commit whenever his basketball season ends. Mt Vernon (NY) is in the State Championship semifinals so an announcement may come as soon as next week for Calixte. When asked about what he is looking for in a college, he simply wants whatever is the best fit for him. He has a good set of mid majors to choose from including St Bonaventure, UAB, Toledo, UNCW as well as Big East DePaul where he has taken an official visit to. Quinnipiac was also in the mix with an official visit, but with the recent firing there it probably is no longer on his list.

AKIEAN FREDERICK | 6-9 PF | SINCLAIR CC (JUCO)

Akiean Frederick could be Coach Paulsen’s first JUCO transfer at George Mason. Currently a Redshirt Sophomore at Sinclair Community College, Akiean has become somewhat of a highly sought after recruit in recent weeks amongst mid-majors. Last season he averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds per game, but this season he’s improved to averaging a double double on the season at 22 points and 11 rebounds per game. Sound familiar? Late last year ‘low major’ schools began sending offers and as of today, he is holding eight division one offers including Marshall, George Mason, Loyola (Chicago), Kent State and UT Martin. Given his skill level, I would say Marshall, Kent State, UT Martin and George Mason are his most probable choices unless more offers keep pouring in (which most likely will happen). His ability to hit a mid-range jumper, score in the paint and his high basketball IQ given his experience makes him a steal for whichever school he decides to continue his basketball career at. I can imagine this is why he calls himself a Point Forward. He only has two years of eligibility left, but could definitely be an asset for the Patriots if he were to commit."

Who are possible stud recruits at George Mason for $500 Alex. I would LOVE to land either one of these guys. We all know the 5 spot is our main area of need.

 

[Mason2005]

We are one piece away from being legit, do work Paulsen!!

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[JimP]

Got to see Calixte play in the semi's and finals in NYS. Mt. Vernon cruised to 36 point win in the semis and won by 11 in the final. To these untrained eyes as far as evaluating bball talent. Calixte seems like a solid recruit. Good solid build - and I imagine he'll bulk up more as he moves into college.

At least in the two games I saw, Mt. Vernon has a few good guards that do a lot of the team's scoring. A senior named Noah Morgan was a solid scorer for them - I see he's got some lower level D-1 offers. Mt. Vernon seemed to look for Calixte in the post more in the 2nd half - when he was able to use his body to seal off defenders for easy buckets. I thought I read somewhere he averages 15, but he only had 4 in the semi's and 7 in the finals. (all in the 2nd half) Not a knock - he took his shots when he got them and there were plenty of offensive options on his team. I thought he forced a shot in each game and he was whistled for a charge during the final. Looked a little shaky at the line - was 1-4 total in the two games. Shot looked a little flat. At this point in his bball career - looks like all his shot attempts come from the paint. MV had plenty of guys who could knock down mid-range shots and Calixte did not attempt one outside of the paint.

So - offensively, I doubt Calixte would come in and score much off the bat. I was impressed with his defense and rebounding. Changed shots, blocked a couple and got rebounds. Was ready and willing to take charges and did take one in the semifinal game. He seems like a guy that could grow into a solid big man under Paulsen. Not sure he'd make a huge difference right away. I think as we've seen - it's tough at the GMU level to find a big man out of high school who is ready to put up big numbers as a freshman. I think he'd be a good pick up and I imagine he'd be starting by his junior and senior year. Not surprisingly, if Paulsen wants a big guy to contribute right away, I think he's going to have to go the JUCO route.

No Paulsen or Mark Schmidt sightings. (I think the Bonnies offered Calixte too) Tony Shaver was there during the semis though. Hopefully W&M can get to the big tourney now that Northwestern has.