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Toledo Signs 5 Recruits

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Joplin Finally Nails a Strong Class

Potential.

This is what the 2007 class possesses over the next four to five years for the Toledo Rockets. Arguably one of Stan Joplin’s best classes, the addition of five newcomers (with the possibility of two more) to the men’s roster has Toledo fans buzzing about the future of this program.

It’s about time.

Joplin has done well over the past ten seasons in securing quick, versatile guards who have shown consistency in their scoring. Several names such as a Chad Kamstra, Terry Reynolds, Keith Triplett, Nick Moore, Sammy Villegas, and recently with Keonta Hall and Justin Ingram have all at one point or another been the go-to guy for the offense. Joplin’s teams have never been a ball-control, slow tempo, pounds the ball inside type. They rely on speed and quick decision-making. They get up and down the floor. This mentality is designed around recruits who can run, jump, and play hands-on defense in order to force turnovers. Because of this coaching style, Toledo has not gone after that dominant big man or a shooter who camps behind the three point line. That isn’t their style. Joplin has demonstrated that he prefers speed with scoring behind it. He wants playmakers that can get after it on defense. So far, the 2007 class supports this model, but it is also indicative of what changes this ball club needed in order to get to the next level. Finally the coach has understood that some size underneath won’t necessarily hurt you.

Paul Crosby (Holt, MI) 6-7, 240-forward

Easily the steal of the class, Crosby averaged 16 points, 11 rebounds and 3.7 blocked shots per game as a junior while being named to AP first-team all-state squad as well as the Lansing State Journal Dream Team. As a sophomore, he helped the Rams to Michigan's Class A state title. In Prep Spotlight's rankings, he was rated as the No. 1 power forward in the state of Michigan, and “possesses a big body and has a good touch around the basket," according to Joplin. "He's a physical player who will help us rebounding and give us a low-post threat that we'll need to replace Tino." Commenting further that Crosby could “become one of those guys who are really tough to play in our league,” the Rockets look to him as a definite low post threat, which they need next season with Valencia graduating. Academic questions kept him away from a Big Ten school, but Crosby expects to be a full qualifier and he surely needs to be. If he stays healthy and keeps his grades at a satisfactory level, Toledo could have a potential star on its hands.

James Davis (Columbus, OH), 6-5, 180-guard

An athletic, big guard who has deep shooting range, Davis averaged close to 17 points per game with a career-high of 35 points as a junior for Linden-McKinley High School en route to earning honorable all-district honors. Prep Spotlight's rankings rate him as the No. 2 wing and No. 8 overall player in the state of Ohio. James possesses the skills to take the ball to the rack or settle for an open jump shot. Joplin calls this young man “an ideal player for us, someone who can defend, is athletic and is very versatile. He also played some football, which I like." With his athletic skills and playmaking capabilities, James looks to be the type of player who can stretch the defense and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Expect him to compliment Jonathon Amos on occasion or perhaps even earn a starting role later on.

Dante Harvey (Lithonia, GA), 6-6, 210- guard

Considered by the coach as the best athlete in the class, Harvey, a three star recruit by Rivals.com, comes from Columbia High School in Georgia. Harvey transferred to powerhouse Columbia this year after averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks a game last year at Miller Grove (GA) High School. One who could play both forward positions, Harvey is “the type of guy who can help us defensively, block shots and also score.” The key for the Georgia native to earn minutes will be his defense. Joplin believes that he “is someone that really fits into our system" and it will be interesting to see if Harvey will get some sufficient playing time behind Tyrone Kent, Ridley Johnson, Paul Crosby and Shane Ross.

Mohammed Lo (Senegal) 6-8, 235- forward

A Senegal native who lived mostly in Paris, France, Lo averaged 16 points per game at Port Chester (NY) High School last year and is now attending The Patterson School in Lenoir, North Carolina. A potential power forward or center, Lo “is a physical player with a big body who will give us a scoring option down low." But Lo’s abilities are not strictly tied to the inside. He’s also “someone that can step out and hit a jumper and run the floor well," proclaimed Joplin. Look for Lo to be that first or second option off the bench for the Rockets if help is needed inside. It is unlikely that Lo will redshirt next season because Toledo will need that big body down low to match up with the taller and stronger opposition. But, if Joplin can secure that 6-9 or 6-10 center that he has claimed to be interested in, Lo may be an ideal candidate to sit for a year, learn the system, and improve his inside game.

Terrance Tubbs (Ypsilanti, MI) 6-5, 215- forward

Tubbs is considered as the wild card of the group. Originally from Ypsilanti, he transferred to Harmony Community School in Cincinnati where he graduated in 2006. However, with academics in question, Tubbs is currently working on raising his test score to enroll on campus in January. If successful, he has the potential to be “an Antonio Gates-type of player," says Joplin. "He's just tough and a solid defensive player."

At 6-5 and 230 pounds, Tubbs presents a tough match-up for the opposition because of his ability to score, strong ball-handling skills, and overall eye for making big plays.

Inside Prep Sports writes that Tubbs "... handles the ball really well for a wide body tweener. The footwork on this boy is something from a Hollywood dance studio with his wide array of spins, up and under, and drop steps. Terrance does a great job posting up smaller defenders and flashing for the ball. He has a UNREAL idea about flashing and screening in the zones. Still raw with the game he has a huge upside." Although Tubbs has not played high school ball in two years, he is certainly a steal for the Rockets if he becomes eligible. Similar to Harvey, both should give Tyrone Kent a run for the starting job next fall.

By Mike Sopher, Toledo Sports Beat Writer for VanDelaySports.com

published 12.02.2006

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