Welcome to the 1st installment of The War Room for 2021. As always, I'll begin this session with the ground rules for those that may be new. Everything that is reported in The War Room must stay in The War Room. Sometimes the info is sensitive enough that it simply doesn't need to be passed on beyond the doors of this message board thread.
This is a special feature for our subscribers only. The reason why it is posted on the premium board is because that's the only way to ensure that the info stays exclusive to Dayton Flyer fans. Thanks for your cooperation.
Without further ado, here it is.... The 1st edition of the War Room for 2021!
END OF THE YEAR MEETINGS
From what I am told, Dayton still has hopes of possibly making the NIT. As a result, end-of-the-year meetings have not happened with the coaches and players yet. I’m expecting their season to be officially over on Sunday night and for those meetings to start taking place next week.
Of course the wild cards are the seniors. Ibi Watson didn’t really slam the door when he was asked about returning the other day during a call with the media. Could Jalen Crutcher or Rodney Chatman return? They would not count against the 13 scholarships if they returned to Dayton, but lets say that Crutcher goes and plays for Penny, he would count as one of the 13 for Memphis. One thing is for sure: 2020-2021 was a disappointing season and not the way I’d want my college career to end.
As far as the other guys, I’m expecting at least two names to enter the transfer portal in the next couple of weeks. I’d be very surprised if there are any less, but would not be surprised if there are any more. Obviously, the two frontrunners in my mind are Luke Frazier and Moulaye Sissoko.
The interesting one for me, though, is Elijah Weaver. I’m not sure what to think on this one because he had a two-game stretch where I thought he had turned the corner and was going to have an impact down the stretch. The exact opposite happened. It all unraveled for him once Rodney Chatman came back in the Rhode Island game and it was downhill from there for Weaver.
It’s quite possible that because of his size and length, they move him back to the wing where he played at USC. Problem with that, though, he hasn’t been consistent enough from the perimeter. That’s the part of his game he needs to continue to improve.
At one point, I thought R.J. Blakney might be included on this list, but I think his end of the season carries a lot of momentum into the off-season for himself and the team.
BLAKNEY
Speaking of Blakney, there were so many of you (myself included) during the middle of the season that couldn’t understand why he wasn’t seeing the floor more. It was he who provided the most consistent effort and energy every time he stepped on the floor.
From what I was told, Blakney had a tough time grasping the offense. He was struggling being in the right spot at the right time during practice and in the game. It came down to a trust factor at that point and it took a while I think for the Dayton staff. I watched Blakney a few times with that in mind, and there were times during games where teammates corrected him after a play or even during the play, the guys with the ball would motion for him to be at a certain place.
By the end of the season, I think it became evident to everyone that even with limited understanding and knowledge on offense, he was finding ways to impact the game with his effort and energy. He just plays hard every time he is on the floor and it just felt different then some of the other guys on the team. I think that’s ultimately what led to him getting inserting into the starting lineup the last couple of games this season.
Keep in mind, there wasn’t a regular offseason for these guys. They weren’t able to come in and get a headstart on things during summer school like they normally would. That’s why I am so much more optimistic about R.J. in year two as opposed to year one. And he could be a freshman again because of COVID, that’s the best part!
TRANSFERS
Dayton will most likely be very active in the transfer market, especially if the one-time waiver goes through and guys will be eligible immediately. Here are some names I am hearing we should keep an eye on.
Parker Fox is a 6-8 forward at D2 Northern State, where he won conference player of the year and was also back-to-back defensive player of the year. He is still playing currently, but I’ve been told that the Flyers have reached out to people that are close to him to gauge his interest.
Trotwood native Amari Davis has entered the transfer portal after spending the first two years at UW-Green Bay. He had 35 points this season when he came home to play at Wright State. He averaged over 17 points a game this season. Anthony Solomon spent a good deal of time watching him the summer that he arrived at Dayton and I believe he will be the one heading up Davis’ recruitment during his transfer.
I’ve also heard there is interest in VMI guard Alden Parham. He’s originally from the Richmond area but has told me that he is open to play anywhere. He doubled his scoring average this season, going from nine points to more than 18 per game. He was already a career 39% three-point shooter and this season he averaged 43% from the perimeter. I would expect VCU to make a run at him as well since VMI doesn’t have a graduate program and he’s looking to play one more season.
Farleigh Dickinson’s Jahlil Jenkins is a name to keep an eye on well. He’s a grad transfer that averaged 16 points a game for the last two seasons and scored a season-high 30 over St. Francis (PA) this year. He shoots the ball well, 38% from behind the arc, and dished out a team-high 85 assists this season. The last two guys would both be attractive options if (and most likely will) have to replace Crutcher.
TYTY
Last, but not least, the topic that everyone is waiting for. TyTy Washington. First, immediately after the comments were made by McDermott, I was told to watch TyTy’s commitment status very carefully that is why I made the posts that I did on Monday about the game in Vandalia.
Yes, I and the staff are well aware that they already have Malachi Smith and Lynn Greer in the fold for next season. With that being said, TyTy Washington is the 32nd ranked prospect by Rivals.com and a scorer, with or without the ball. Anthony Grant has shown the ability to play multiple point guards on the floor at the same time and they would definitely take him.
I was told that Dayton head coach Anthony Grant and assistant coach Ricardo Greer had a phone conversation with TyTy on Thursday following his decommitment. The fact it was those two tag-teaming and almost immediately when they were allowed, that should tell you all you need to know about their level of interest. DaRon Holmes also texted me that he is working very hard to bring him to Dayton with him.
With that being said, source cautioned that they still think it’s a long shot that they win this recruiting battle because of the blueblood schools that Dayton is competing with. You have two of the best recruiters Dayton has ever had heading it up and then throw in the close relationship with his teammate that’s coming to Dayton next year, the Flyers will have a legitimate shot. Will it be enough to close that gap with Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky? That’s the question. Nobody gave Dayton a shot with his teammate so maybe they could do it again.
CLOSING
That does it for this edition of the War Room! A formal welcome to the new subscribers and a thank you to you long, loyal subscribers. You all are the reason why this site is the best place to talk Dayton basketball all year round. Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. I just got out this week from a 17-day quarantine after two of my three kids tested positive for COVID. Luckily, they both showed just mild symptoms and are back to normal now. Lets hope to have some more fun on the recruiting trails like we did last fall! Until next time, WE ARE...
This is a special feature for our subscribers only. The reason why it is posted on the premium board is because that's the only way to ensure that the info stays exclusive to Dayton Flyer fans. Thanks for your cooperation.
Without further ado, here it is.... The 1st edition of the War Room for 2021!
END OF THE YEAR MEETINGS
From what I am told, Dayton still has hopes of possibly making the NIT. As a result, end-of-the-year meetings have not happened with the coaches and players yet. I’m expecting their season to be officially over on Sunday night and for those meetings to start taking place next week.
Of course the wild cards are the seniors. Ibi Watson didn’t really slam the door when he was asked about returning the other day during a call with the media. Could Jalen Crutcher or Rodney Chatman return? They would not count against the 13 scholarships if they returned to Dayton, but lets say that Crutcher goes and plays for Penny, he would count as one of the 13 for Memphis. One thing is for sure: 2020-2021 was a disappointing season and not the way I’d want my college career to end.
As far as the other guys, I’m expecting at least two names to enter the transfer portal in the next couple of weeks. I’d be very surprised if there are any less, but would not be surprised if there are any more. Obviously, the two frontrunners in my mind are Luke Frazier and Moulaye Sissoko.
The interesting one for me, though, is Elijah Weaver. I’m not sure what to think on this one because he had a two-game stretch where I thought he had turned the corner and was going to have an impact down the stretch. The exact opposite happened. It all unraveled for him once Rodney Chatman came back in the Rhode Island game and it was downhill from there for Weaver.
It’s quite possible that because of his size and length, they move him back to the wing where he played at USC. Problem with that, though, he hasn’t been consistent enough from the perimeter. That’s the part of his game he needs to continue to improve.
At one point, I thought R.J. Blakney might be included on this list, but I think his end of the season carries a lot of momentum into the off-season for himself and the team.
BLAKNEY
Speaking of Blakney, there were so many of you (myself included) during the middle of the season that couldn’t understand why he wasn’t seeing the floor more. It was he who provided the most consistent effort and energy every time he stepped on the floor.
From what I was told, Blakney had a tough time grasping the offense. He was struggling being in the right spot at the right time during practice and in the game. It came down to a trust factor at that point and it took a while I think for the Dayton staff. I watched Blakney a few times with that in mind, and there were times during games where teammates corrected him after a play or even during the play, the guys with the ball would motion for him to be at a certain place.
By the end of the season, I think it became evident to everyone that even with limited understanding and knowledge on offense, he was finding ways to impact the game with his effort and energy. He just plays hard every time he is on the floor and it just felt different then some of the other guys on the team. I think that’s ultimately what led to him getting inserting into the starting lineup the last couple of games this season.
Keep in mind, there wasn’t a regular offseason for these guys. They weren’t able to come in and get a headstart on things during summer school like they normally would. That’s why I am so much more optimistic about R.J. in year two as opposed to year one. And he could be a freshman again because of COVID, that’s the best part!
TRANSFERS
Dayton will most likely be very active in the transfer market, especially if the one-time waiver goes through and guys will be eligible immediately. Here are some names I am hearing we should keep an eye on.
Parker Fox is a 6-8 forward at D2 Northern State, where he won conference player of the year and was also back-to-back defensive player of the year. He is still playing currently, but I’ve been told that the Flyers have reached out to people that are close to him to gauge his interest.
Trotwood native Amari Davis has entered the transfer portal after spending the first two years at UW-Green Bay. He had 35 points this season when he came home to play at Wright State. He averaged over 17 points a game this season. Anthony Solomon spent a good deal of time watching him the summer that he arrived at Dayton and I believe he will be the one heading up Davis’ recruitment during his transfer.
I’ve also heard there is interest in VMI guard Alden Parham. He’s originally from the Richmond area but has told me that he is open to play anywhere. He doubled his scoring average this season, going from nine points to more than 18 per game. He was already a career 39% three-point shooter and this season he averaged 43% from the perimeter. I would expect VCU to make a run at him as well since VMI doesn’t have a graduate program and he’s looking to play one more season.
Farleigh Dickinson’s Jahlil Jenkins is a name to keep an eye on well. He’s a grad transfer that averaged 16 points a game for the last two seasons and scored a season-high 30 over St. Francis (PA) this year. He shoots the ball well, 38% from behind the arc, and dished out a team-high 85 assists this season. The last two guys would both be attractive options if (and most likely will) have to replace Crutcher.
TYTY
Last, but not least, the topic that everyone is waiting for. TyTy Washington. First, immediately after the comments were made by McDermott, I was told to watch TyTy’s commitment status very carefully that is why I made the posts that I did on Monday about the game in Vandalia.
Yes, I and the staff are well aware that they already have Malachi Smith and Lynn Greer in the fold for next season. With that being said, TyTy Washington is the 32nd ranked prospect by Rivals.com and a scorer, with or without the ball. Anthony Grant has shown the ability to play multiple point guards on the floor at the same time and they would definitely take him.
I was told that Dayton head coach Anthony Grant and assistant coach Ricardo Greer had a phone conversation with TyTy on Thursday following his decommitment. The fact it was those two tag-teaming and almost immediately when they were allowed, that should tell you all you need to know about their level of interest. DaRon Holmes also texted me that he is working very hard to bring him to Dayton with him.
With that being said, source cautioned that they still think it’s a long shot that they win this recruiting battle because of the blueblood schools that Dayton is competing with. You have two of the best recruiters Dayton has ever had heading it up and then throw in the close relationship with his teammate that’s coming to Dayton next year, the Flyers will have a legitimate shot. Will it be enough to close that gap with Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky? That’s the question. Nobody gave Dayton a shot with his teammate so maybe they could do it again.
CLOSING
That does it for this edition of the War Room! A formal welcome to the new subscribers and a thank you to you long, loyal subscribers. You all are the reason why this site is the best place to talk Dayton basketball all year round. Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. I just got out this week from a 17-day quarantine after two of my three kids tested positive for COVID. Luckily, they both showed just mild symptoms and are back to normal now. Lets hope to have some more fun on the recruiting trails like we did last fall! Until next time, WE ARE...
