Gary Flowers

[LA_Mustang]

I noticed on The Insiders that we have offered Lincoln's Flowers. I know that grades were a possible hang up but I guess he is good to go?? His only two offers are from us and K-State. I absolutely love this kid's game. How great would it be to get a package deal with him and Eaton?

BTW, Rivals has their 06 rankings out and the biggest of prizes, SOC's Darrell Arthur, is ranked as the #4 recruit in the country. He lists Kansas, UT, and Arizona. I know Coach Tubbs is doing everything in his power to get Mr. Arthur to the Hilltop.

[Hoop Fan]

Thats good news on Flowers, LA. I didnt know if we were in on him seriously, but we must be. I know its much easier said than done, but we have never really parlayed a Dallas recruit into a pipeline. We had a little bit of a start with the Q joining Sasser and Willie D, but after Tubbs went to OU it fizzled. There are so many players among the south Dallas programs of Lincoln, Kimball, Duncanville, Seagoville, Lancaster, Cedar Hill, Skyline, and Carter. These guys all live close and grow up knowing each other. You would think that SMU with Jimmy Tubbs could be a destination where these guys play together after competing against each other in high school. Eaton and Darrell Arthur must cross paths and know each other. Together, they could be the talk of the town at SMU.

[LA_Mustang]

HF, in the last five years we have seen Dallas go from respectable to a top 5 market for basketball recruits. Our administration was smart enough to bring in a solid basketball guy with unmatched DFW high school connections to go after that talent in our backyard. Its not going to be easy but I truly believe Coach Tubbs will get it done. We continue to slowly raise the bar for our DISD recruits in Willie D, Sas, Q, and Hop. Now we need to get a Eaton or Arthur caliber player. Open up that DISD pipeline and keep it open.

BTW, I have a feeling that we will see the real Hop this season. His health and confidence are back and I will be very surprised if he is not the WAC POY in 04. This is our best chance to make the NCAAs in years with Hop, our solid senior class, and promising younger guys.

[Hoop Fan]

I think Tubbs will make it happen too. I wish Moody was renovated, which would help the process.

If BHop can regain the explosiveness he had in high school, that would be huge. The WAC hasn't really yet seen what Mr. Hopkins can do. This is the year, he has had time to get healthy and Tubbs will get everybody in top condition. And I look for the I-Man to break out more than anybody else with a new coach.

[OldPony]

I think you are right about Isham. He just totally disappeared last year after impressing me the year before. I would love to see what you guys have seen from BHop other than in flashes. If both come out firing, this year could be fun. I also look for Simpson to demonstrate some shooting range to open up the middle for Bhop and Isham drives but a lot depends on the dedvelopment of Rack. We know what we get from Castro and it is solid but not very spectacular. Time will tell about recruiting but nothing would help Tubbs han dancing this year.

[SWC2010]

Coach, go get Flowers!