Let the Letter of Intent Signing Commence!!!

by Mr. Kensington on Nov 9, 2011 9:30 AM CST in Marquette Hatchlings

Steve Taylor of Chicago Simeon headlines Marquette's class of incoming freshmen. (David Pierini, Chicago Tribune / March 19, 2011)

After months of irrational interest in the comings and goings of high school basketball stars, the day has finally come to make official what has been so hotly discussed. Today is the day that so many hours of effort put in by coaching staffs, and so many hours of scouring Twitter by bloggers, finally come to fruition. That's right kids, today is Day One of the 2011 college basketball early signing period. Between today and November 16th, high school hoops stars from around the country will sign on the dotted line and make official their intent to play basketball for college programs. So, in case you haven't been paying attention, here is your quick glance at those that will be signing on to play for Coach Buzz Williams and YOUR Marquette Golden Eagles next season.

Jamal Ferguson - A 6'4", 180lb shooting guard from Richmond, VA (Maury High School), Jamal was the first prospect to commit to Marquette for the 2012-13 season, and the first to send in his LOI. He got his decision out of the way early, announcing his intention to play for MU back in January of 2011. Scout.com ranks him as a 3-star prospect, the #22 SG in the 2012 class. ESPN.com lists him as a small forward, so I think we can see how he fits into Buzz Williams' overall plan of "switchable" players. He is a long, athletic wing player with great finishing ability and also projects as a plus perimeter defender. Jamal chose Marquette over Georgetown. Obligatory YouTube highlight package here.

TJ Taylor - No Buzz Williams recruiting class would be complete without a Junior College player. TJ Taylor, a 6'4" 220lb shooting guard from Denison, TX (Denison HS), comes to Marquette by way of Paris Junior College in Texas. Taylor was recruited by MU out of high school, but eventually chose to play for Jeff Capel and the Oklahoma Sooners. After spending an injury marred semester in Norman, he decided to transfer out of OU and take the JUCO route to Milwaukee. He was the #78 ranked player by ESPN.com and the #29 ranked SG by scout.com in 2010. TJ is regarded as a scorer that can play point guard or small forward, along with shooting guard (switchables!). He is a physical player that can finish and also has a decent stroke from 3-point land. Obligatory YouTube clip here.

The final two pieces to the 2012 recruiting class after the jump

Steve Taylor - A 6'7", 200lb small forward or power forward, depending on who you ask (switchables!), Steve is probably the crown jewel of the 2012 recruiting class. He comes to Marquette from Simeon HS in Chicago, IL. He is rated the #11 PF and #56 overall prospect in the nation by scout.com (note: that's 30 spots higher than local uber-recruit JP Tokoto), as well as the #64 overall recruit by ESPN.com. Taylor is a top flight talent that can score inside and out, that is crafty around the rim and knows how to grab some rebounds as well (Sound like anyone we know?). Steve chose MU over Missouri, DePaul, Xavier, Providence and others. Obligatory YouTube highlights here.

Aaron Durley - If you feel like we just talked about young Mr. Durley, it's because we did. The 6'10", 270lb center from Sugar Land, TX (George Bush HS) made his announcement just a little over 2 weeks ago. Durley is the only player in this year's class that won't get the switchable tag (unless you count his prowess as a baseball player). This big fella is as true a center as there is. Out of the same high school that brought you Chris Otule, he is the latest in an ever growing line of players to make the trip from Texas to Milwaukee in order to play for Buzz Williams. Aaron is a big man that can score, has good hands and good touch around the rim. His junior season was derailed by an Achilles injury, and that kept him off the radar of a lot of schools. He says the Achilles is now fully healed, so hopefully he is ready to have a breakout senior season and then head north to be the heir apparent to Big Chris in the middle for Marquette. Durley chose MU over South Florida and others. Obligatory YouTube clip highlight here.

So join me in welcoming these young men to the Marquette family. It is always fun to see who will be the next generation of Golden Eagles. And I know I can't wait to see these guys in Blue and Gold next season. Welcome aboard boys!

Poll

Which incoming Marquette recruit are you excited to see next season

Aaron Durley

5 votes

Jamal Ferguson

18 votes

Steve Taylor

20 votes

TJ Taylor

7 votes

Yes!

14 votes

64 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I don't think this post does justice to my level of excitement for Steve Taylor

The more I read about the kid, the more I think that this is a great get for Buzz. I don’t use Lazar Hayward comparisons loosely.

Plus, if all goes well, Chicago Simeon isn’t a bad place for athe college coach to have good standing.

We all have to chase one rabbit. If we try to chase two rabbits we won't catch either of 'em.

by Mr. Kensington on Nov 9, 2011 12:15 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Just to clarify

What is the Yes! in response to? I want to make sure what Im agreeing to…

by IWantFrys on Nov 9, 2011 12:35 PM CST reply actions

AKA

All of the above.

We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.

by Rubie Q on Nov 9, 2011 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

BTW

All four have officially signed.

http://twitter.com/muathletics/status/134347792205352961

Restoring carousel. Come help.

by Brewtown Andy on Nov 9, 2011 2:03 PM CST reply actions

Saw that

Good stuff. We would’ve looked silly if we wrote about all these guys then one of them changed their mind.

We all have to chase one rabbit. If we try to chase two rabbits we won't catch either of 'em.

by Mr. Kensington on Nov 9, 2011 2:55 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Scholarship Table...

Is there anyway to add a scholarship table to the options above (like the roster). Seeing as though we have only 2 seniors on the team currently it took me awhile to figure out how we can “afford” 4 incoming freshman. 13 total scholarships available to D1 programs, with Jake Thomas on a one year deal and we banked a scholly from last year correct?

by Soft Pretzel with Cheese on Nov 9, 2011 3:50 PM CST reply actions