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Not to be picky, but if they are missing alot of kids, then they are actually not doing their homework--or at least not doing it well.
I actually find the whole thing humorous. My recent contact with college coaches has assured me of my original belief that they pay little to no attention to "the rankings." (With "no attention" leading the voting.)
They (college coaches) go to showcases (and a WIDE variety of them), scour their own camps, and talk to HS coaching contacts and make up their own minds on what they see.
Thank god for the kids they do! I feel sorry for the poor parents and kids that are led to believe that there is only one way--or even a "best" way--to get some attention.
I know a player who will be playing at a D1 next year based on a recommendation to a coach from a teammate, a poorly shot video, test scores, and a call to a HS coach. Unbelievable considering he didn't go to a "must go" showcase.
I actually find the whole thing humorous. My recent contact with college coaches has assured me of my original belief that they pay little to no attention to "the rankings." (With "no attention" leading the voting.)
They (college coaches) go to showcases (and a WIDE variety of them), scour their own camps, and talk to HS coaching contacts and make up their own minds on what they see.
Thank god for the kids they do! I feel sorry for the poor parents and kids that are led to believe that there is only one way--or even a "best" way--to get some attention.
I know a player who will be playing at a D1 next year based on a recommendation to a coach from a teammate, a poorly shot video, test scores, and a call to a HS coach. Unbelievable considering he didn't go to a "must go" showcase.
K13
Good post & it gets more humorous the more you are around it. There is not "one way" and I think some of the other coaches who post here say it best that the more people who eventually see your kid, the more likely you are to find ONE person who likes him.
I might add, that if your kid pitches, I would NOT advise trying to do everything. My oldest was selected to an All Star team to pitch and his high school coach pitched him 4 innings the day before. I did not let him throw in that All Star game even though there were a TON of college coaches there.
We were mad on this end. The coaches of the All Star game were not happy. The colleges were probably not happy. My point is simple, WHY CAN'T WE ALL GET ON THE SAME PAGE TO HELP THE KIDS. Who was served in this example? It still upsets me to this day.
Good post & it gets more humorous the more you are around it. There is not "one way" and I think some of the other coaches who post here say it best that the more people who eventually see your kid, the more likely you are to find ONE person who likes him.
I might add, that if your kid pitches, I would NOT advise trying to do everything. My oldest was selected to an All Star team to pitch and his high school coach pitched him 4 innings the day before. I did not let him throw in that All Star game even though there were a TON of college coaches there.
We were mad on this end. The coaches of the All Star game were not happy. The colleges were probably not happy. My point is simple, WHY CAN'T WE ALL GET ON THE SAME PAGE TO HELP THE KIDS. Who was served in this example? It still upsets me to this day.
nc42dad.......Clearly someone who gets it. Let's examine the order of importance certain things fall in for a high school baseball player.
1. Moving on to the next level
2. Staying healthy
3. Winning HS games
I'm sure some will disagree with that, but I think most players would feel that way. Using that model as the basis for argument, to most players getting an opportunity to play in front of college coaches would be very important to them. For the sake of health, some coordination of efforts between high school coaches and travel coaches is essential. Knowing that there is much more exposure available in weekend summer travel tournaments than during your mid-week high school baseball games, why would a coach throw a pitcher 4 innings on a Thursday, basically burning him up for the weekend.
I understand that all coaches would like to win. I just wish that members of the coaching community would re-examine their priorities and adjust them to be more in line with the players priorities listed above. I am not in any way trying to take sides here, placing blame on HS coaches rather than summer coaches. There is no blanket statements. In the same sense that a kid shouldn't throw 4 Thursday innings, if he does, he shouldn't throw on the weekend. Or, if a coach is coming to see a kid in his Monday HS game, he should be handled very carefully over the weekend so he is ready to perform.
Let's get on the same page, and more than anything the same page involves the same priorities. As coaches, let's put our egos on he back burner and realize whats truly important. Developing young men, not only as players but as people.
1. Moving on to the next level
2. Staying healthy
3. Winning HS games
I'm sure some will disagree with that, but I think most players would feel that way. Using that model as the basis for argument, to most players getting an opportunity to play in front of college coaches would be very important to them. For the sake of health, some coordination of efforts between high school coaches and travel coaches is essential. Knowing that there is much more exposure available in weekend summer travel tournaments than during your mid-week high school baseball games, why would a coach throw a pitcher 4 innings on a Thursday, basically burning him up for the weekend.
I understand that all coaches would like to win. I just wish that members of the coaching community would re-examine their priorities and adjust them to be more in line with the players priorities listed above. I am not in any way trying to take sides here, placing blame on HS coaches rather than summer coaches. There is no blanket statements. In the same sense that a kid shouldn't throw 4 Thursday innings, if he does, he shouldn't throw on the weekend. Or, if a coach is coming to see a kid in his Monday HS game, he should be handled very carefully over the weekend so he is ready to perform.
Let's get on the same page, and more than anything the same page involves the same priorities. As coaches, let's put our egos on he back burner and realize whats truly important. Developing young men, not only as players but as people.
Ncdad42 - at what point of the season did Kyle throw in the all-star game -- if it was during the summer then that is a serious communication issue and most others would be frustrated. If it was during the regular HS season then .....
Regarding the recent event held at the White Sox academy, my understanding is that it was put on by the White Sox. Like Perfect Game and PBR, the White Sox are a private enterprise which allows it to invite whomever they want to their event. Their goal is simple; to get a handle on local talent for possible future draft consideration. If they don't identify the right talent pool their business will be negatively affected down the road. The point is the free enterprise system has the right motivation already built into it and its pointless for dads to offer their biased judgement on how the White Sox should go about identifying talent.
The same point goes for Perfect Game and PBR. Without credibility their product will suffer and their businesses will be affected. If you don't like a private business for whatever reason, simply don't spend the time or money to support it. For whatever reason, some folks here have made it very clear that they don't care for a given showcase service (which is their right) but also seem to have an agenda to want to tell others how to live their lives too. If I don't care for a restaurant, I won't go there and could care less what others do. Not frequenting a business but at the same time spending a lot of time criticizing it doesn't make much sense unless you actually like the place and your goal is better seat selection.
Finally for those who like to rip apart the rankings, take a look at the top 5 08 players and compare their PBR ranking with how Perfect Game ranks them. You will find that they are all ranked a 10 in the PG rankings indicating a national talent. Some of these kids may get drafted early this year too which means that besides Louisville, Kentucky, Kansas and Arkansas, others seem to think they're quite talented too.
The same point goes for Perfect Game and PBR. Without credibility their product will suffer and their businesses will be affected. If you don't like a private business for whatever reason, simply don't spend the time or money to support it. For whatever reason, some folks here have made it very clear that they don't care for a given showcase service (which is their right) but also seem to have an agenda to want to tell others how to live their lives too. If I don't care for a restaurant, I won't go there and could care less what others do. Not frequenting a business but at the same time spending a lot of time criticizing it doesn't make much sense unless you actually like the place and your goal is better seat selection.
Finally for those who like to rip apart the rankings, take a look at the top 5 08 players and compare their PBR ranking with how Perfect Game ranks them. You will find that they are all ranked a 10 in the PG rankings indicating a national talent. Some of these kids may get drafted early this year too which means that besides Louisville, Kentucky, Kansas and Arkansas, others seem to think they're quite talented too.
quote:Originally posted by Coach Ope:
nc42dad.......Clearly someone who gets it. Let's examine the order of importance certain things fall in for a high school baseball player.
1. Moving on to the next level
2. Staying healthy
3. Winning HS games
I'm sure some will disagree with that, but I think most players would feel that way. Using that model as the basis for argument, to most players getting an opportunity to play in front of college coaches would be very important to them. For the sake of health, some coordination of efforts between high school coaches and travel coaches is essential. Knowing that there is much more exposure available in weekend summer travel tournaments than during your mid-week high school baseball games, why would a coach throw a pitcher 4 innings on a Thursday, basically burning him up for the weekend.
I understand that all coaches would like to win. I just wish that members of the coaching community would re-examine their priorities and adjust them to be more in line with the players priorities listed above. I am not in any way trying to take sides here, placing blame on HS coaches rather than summer coaches. There is no blanket statements. In the same sense that a kid shouldn't throw 4 Thursday innings, if he does, he shouldn't throw on the weekend. Or, if a coach is coming to see a kid in his Monday HS game, he should be handled very carefully over the weekend so he is ready to perform.
Let's get on the same page, and more than anything the same page involves the same priorities. As coaches, let's put our egos on he back burner and realize whats truly important. Developing young men, not only as players but as people.
Coach Ope:
Mike F
BMG-
It was the Jack Keiser All Star game. Not exactly sure of the date - late June/early July?
It was not a serious "lack of communication issue" because all parties were aware of the dates and implications. I don't (didn't) jump in as I let my boy(s)take some ownership of their situation. The coach(s) were well aware the game was the next day. Do you think it's intentional and why would any coach do that to a kid? Whose interest is being served? For the life of me, I cannot think of one good reason. I have a guess but I won't post it here.
It was the Jack Keiser All Star game. Not exactly sure of the date - late June/early July?
It was not a serious "lack of communication issue" because all parties were aware of the dates and implications. I don't (didn't) jump in as I let my boy(s)take some ownership of their situation. The coach(s) were well aware the game was the next day. Do you think it's intentional and why would any coach do that to a kid? Whose interest is being served? For the life of me, I cannot think of one good reason. I have a guess but I won't post it here.
igball, you are missing the point. Some people cannot afford the service that is provided. They are not chosing not to go there because of bad service. I am quite sure that PBR does a good job representing the people that pay them. I just don't think they have the right to say an individual is "#1 in the state" without having full knowledge as to what is out there. If they said "#1 of all PBR clients", I would have no problem with that.
Ncdad42, I did not think the communication problem was on your end at all - I know you work diligently for your kids .. I cannot think for the life of me why anyone would do that to the kid if they were aware of the situation.
IMHO, summer HS ball should be used for developmental purposes - especially for kids that are coming up to varsity and for younger varsity players. All HS players should play in the summer with their HS team at least a few games but High-profile pitchers with a chance to go D-I or getting drafted should prioritize getting to the premiere events ESPECIALLY when they get invited.
Believe it or not there is a balance and MOST HS coaches handle it quite well (PB2 is a good example)- although there are exceptions as well. Also, for the average player (and most players are indeed average) -- summer HS ball may be the best environment for their development (more practice time, better structure with continuity, etc.).
Unfortunately, the rules change for high profile players -- some coaches might cringe at this point but this is nevertheless the case. The job of a coach is to train, instruct or DIRECT athletes or athletic teams. Proper direction for high-profile players is a dynamic process, which entails a certain commitment from the coach in the support functions (scheduling out a pitcher's starts, scouting communications, shifting a start based on a high-profile matchup, etc.) - there have been several good examples of this in the recent past
and the needs for each kid is different.
Some coaches feel that the extra effort distracts from the "team" -- HOWEVER, a coach in his role as educator should be able to balance the needs of the TEAM and the PLAYER - they are not mutually exclusive but necessarily connected
Travel Ball must make the same effort and all travel guys do not have the best interests for all the kids in their programs - some kids do not need a certain level of exposure ($$$ associated with travel ball or certain programs) because they are not high-profile players (college or pro)- for some of these kids, they should focus on academics rather than make their school decision based on playing baseball.
IMHO, summer HS ball should be used for developmental purposes - especially for kids that are coming up to varsity and for younger varsity players. All HS players should play in the summer with their HS team at least a few games but High-profile pitchers with a chance to go D-I or getting drafted should prioritize getting to the premiere events ESPECIALLY when they get invited.
Believe it or not there is a balance and MOST HS coaches handle it quite well (PB2 is a good example)- although there are exceptions as well. Also, for the average player (and most players are indeed average) -- summer HS ball may be the best environment for their development (more practice time, better structure with continuity, etc.).
Unfortunately, the rules change for high profile players -- some coaches might cringe at this point but this is nevertheless the case. The job of a coach is to train, instruct or DIRECT athletes or athletic teams. Proper direction for high-profile players is a dynamic process, which entails a certain commitment from the coach in the support functions (scheduling out a pitcher's starts, scouting communications, shifting a start based on a high-profile matchup, etc.) - there have been several good examples of this in the recent past
and the needs for each kid is different.
Some coaches feel that the extra effort distracts from the "team" -- HOWEVER, a coach in his role as educator should be able to balance the needs of the TEAM and the PLAYER - they are not mutually exclusive but necessarily connected
Travel Ball must make the same effort and all travel guys do not have the best interests for all the kids in their programs - some kids do not need a certain level of exposure ($$$ associated with travel ball or certain programs) because they are not high-profile players (college or pro)- for some of these kids, they should focus on academics rather than make their school decision based on playing baseball.
Coach Ope,
While I would agree--in general--with the theme of your post, I know just as many HS ballplayers that are more concerned with their team winning as they are with moving on to the next level. In fact, I know a good number that have no plans to play ball in college at all. And, I know plenty of parents that would put the health of their child above both of those. I don't think it is a sampling error either. I think our perspective gets skewed a bit sometimes because these message boards tend to center around those that are interested in moving on to the next level.
As regards your restaurant analogy, I agree that we simply choose not to eat at places we don't like, but we often offer others our opinion on the quality of the experience we had there--especially when asked. I am not sure how this is different.
PBR, Perfect Game, HeadFirst, White Sox, and all the others have their place. Those that feel they were served well by their services should certainly tout their value. Those that feel that they were not certainly have a right to give their opinion of their value also.
I am not trying to say that showcases don't have a place for those that want to play at the next level--they most certainly do.
But, the value of "rankings, etc." when it comes to an individual college coach forming his opinion on a ballplayer's ability to play for him are minimal--if of any value at all.
Showcases are simply one method of getting a ballplayer in front of college coaches. They are by no means the only one. Parents and ballplayers, who do not know better, are often led to believe that they "must" attend "this" showcase if they want to be seen. Those parents and ballplayers should get the benefit of the knowledge of coaches, other parents, and others that, while possibly helpful, these events are not as "make or break" as they are often touted to be.
I guess what I am trying to say is that while going to a showcase or even a couple is a good idea--going to any specific one is not a "make or break" event.
Regarding the value and validity of the "rankings", I will just respectfully disagree.
While I would agree--in general--with the theme of your post, I know just as many HS ballplayers that are more concerned with their team winning as they are with moving on to the next level. In fact, I know a good number that have no plans to play ball in college at all. And, I know plenty of parents that would put the health of their child above both of those. I don't think it is a sampling error either. I think our perspective gets skewed a bit sometimes because these message boards tend to center around those that are interested in moving on to the next level.
As regards your restaurant analogy, I agree that we simply choose not to eat at places we don't like, but we often offer others our opinion on the quality of the experience we had there--especially when asked. I am not sure how this is different.
PBR, Perfect Game, HeadFirst, White Sox, and all the others have their place. Those that feel they were served well by their services should certainly tout their value. Those that feel that they were not certainly have a right to give their opinion of their value also.
I am not trying to say that showcases don't have a place for those that want to play at the next level--they most certainly do.
But, the value of "rankings, etc." when it comes to an individual college coach forming his opinion on a ballplayer's ability to play for him are minimal--if of any value at all.
Showcases are simply one method of getting a ballplayer in front of college coaches. They are by no means the only one. Parents and ballplayers, who do not know better, are often led to believe that they "must" attend "this" showcase if they want to be seen. Those parents and ballplayers should get the benefit of the knowledge of coaches, other parents, and others that, while possibly helpful, these events are not as "make or break" as they are often touted to be.
I guess what I am trying to say is that while going to a showcase or even a couple is a good idea--going to any specific one is not a "make or break" event.
Regarding the value and validity of the "rankings", I will just respectfully disagree.
K13:
I agree that my opinion expressed in that last post was skewed towards a kid that does have aspirations of moving on to the next level.
I also agree with the showcase take. The bottom line reverts back to trying to get players in front of the right coach, and there is safety in numbers. The more coaches attending a particular showcase, the better idea it is to attend that showcase. There is also a fair amount of overlap in that the same coaches, or at least different coaches from the same school attend many different showcases. Showcases provide players with an opportunity to demonstrate their tools. Very valuable for pro ball, in that they are looking for players with the physical skills to play in the big leagues. From a college standpoint, it more helps them shape their recruiting lists. Knowing they only have a player for 4 years (3 or 5 in some cases, I know) they need to look for a player who can help them win inside that window, not necessarily a bunch of talented projects that may develop in 3 or 4 years. They take the skills demonstrated in a showcase setting and make it a priority to see those players who impressed them in a game situation to see how the tools play.
I can actually point back to my own playing career and as a 2000 high school grad who attended exactly zero showcases and signed a D-I NLI in the early signing period as an example that there is no such thing as a make or break event.
I will reiterate what I said in earlier posts; all a player needs is for one coach to like him to get a chance to play at the next level. The more sets of eyes a player has on him, the better the chances are for him to have a coach like him.
I agree that my opinion expressed in that last post was skewed towards a kid that does have aspirations of moving on to the next level.
I also agree with the showcase take. The bottom line reverts back to trying to get players in front of the right coach, and there is safety in numbers. The more coaches attending a particular showcase, the better idea it is to attend that showcase. There is also a fair amount of overlap in that the same coaches, or at least different coaches from the same school attend many different showcases. Showcases provide players with an opportunity to demonstrate their tools. Very valuable for pro ball, in that they are looking for players with the physical skills to play in the big leagues. From a college standpoint, it more helps them shape their recruiting lists. Knowing they only have a player for 4 years (3 or 5 in some cases, I know) they need to look for a player who can help them win inside that window, not necessarily a bunch of talented projects that may develop in 3 or 4 years. They take the skills demonstrated in a showcase setting and make it a priority to see those players who impressed them in a game situation to see how the tools play.
I can actually point back to my own playing career and as a 2000 high school grad who attended exactly zero showcases and signed a D-I NLI in the early signing period as an example that there is no such thing as a make or break event.
I will reiterate what I said in earlier posts; all a player needs is for one coach to like him to get a chance to play at the next level. The more sets of eyes a player has on him, the better the chances are for him to have a coach like him.
Posters:
This is my second time to this overall site which is in my opinion a great site and the first time posting a message. I was flipping through the topics and saw Pre Area Code tryouts so I was interested in learning. My son attended this tryout last week. We are from a bordering state. It seems the thrust of this message exchange is something that I am obviously not privy too but based on the original topic, Pre Area Code tryout, I thought for the short stint to run this "pure exposure camp" that it went well. It is purely a choice to attend or not. To me the biggest selling point here is this was a Free opportunity for a young player to display his stuff, good or bad. The key word is Free. Yes I had to pay for a motel, food and gas but should my son or any young man seek out an opportunity to work towards moving to the next level this event was clean and Free exposure unlike some events I have attended with my son in the past. Thanks for hearing me out and I will do my best from here on out to stay out of the State of Illinois site, again the topic caught my eye.
This is my second time to this overall site which is in my opinion a great site and the first time posting a message. I was flipping through the topics and saw Pre Area Code tryouts so I was interested in learning. My son attended this tryout last week. We are from a bordering state. It seems the thrust of this message exchange is something that I am obviously not privy too but based on the original topic, Pre Area Code tryout, I thought for the short stint to run this "pure exposure camp" that it went well. It is purely a choice to attend or not. To me the biggest selling point here is this was a Free opportunity for a young player to display his stuff, good or bad. The key word is Free. Yes I had to pay for a motel, food and gas but should my son or any young man seek out an opportunity to work towards moving to the next level this event was clean and Free exposure unlike some events I have attended with my son in the past. Thanks for hearing me out and I will do my best from here on out to stay out of the State of Illinois site, again the topic caught my eye.
Johnson 1-
We welcome you to IL. Many of us post around in non-IL sites so don't let that keep you away. Alot of us travel over to Iowa and play games there. Sometimes we get a little off topic and spirited but I think the info I have gotten over the past couple years has been helpful. Thanks for sharing & you are right, you don't need to drop thousands of dollars on different Showcases. Ask people on these sights and they can share experiences on Showcases that they have gone to & whether they are worth attending. The Braves usually hold a try out in the summer & it is free too. Personally I like the idea of showcasing your velocity in the summer - not the winter.
We welcome you to IL. Many of us post around in non-IL sites so don't let that keep you away. Alot of us travel over to Iowa and play games there. Sometimes we get a little off topic and spirited but I think the info I have gotten over the past couple years has been helpful. Thanks for sharing & you are right, you don't need to drop thousands of dollars on different Showcases. Ask people on these sights and they can share experiences on Showcases that they have gone to & whether they are worth attending. The Braves usually hold a try out in the summer & it is free too. Personally I like the idea of showcasing your velocity in the summer - not the winter.
Ope's,
Sounds like we are pretty much on the same page--although I am not sure that that is something that works in your favor. LOL.
nc42dad,
Great point on the pro tryouts and summer vs winter velocity (although I think most college coaches take this into account). Pro tryouts are usually free, are often attended by college coaches, and are a great way to get your "showcase" feet wet before selecting a couple to go to.
Sounds like we are pretty much on the same page--although I am not sure that that is something that works in your favor. LOL.
nc42dad,
Great point on the pro tryouts and summer vs winter velocity (although I think most college coaches take this into account). Pro tryouts are usually free, are often attended by college coaches, and are a great way to get your "showcase" feet wet before selecting a couple to go to.
I have just never been a big fan of seeing radar guns in Jan/Feb. It is intimidating to the kids IMO.
I remember one scout telling my kid to "show him something" last January. First time off a mound? Don't think so. Apparently 80 wasn't good enough for him. The Marlins weren't there with a gun. Mine won't throw a curve ball until March either.
I believe that some coaches take it into account but I think it REALLY sends the wrong message. How are coaches/scouts going to know a kid was throwing 80% or 90%. They never ask and most kids probably couldn't tell them anyway. It just never made sense to me - maybe because my kids aren't the type to light up the guns in the first place, or maybe they just won't because they know better.
I would sure like to hear from someone in the know who uses one in January. What value is it? Think about it, a kid goes to a PG showcase and decides to throw 90% because his arm isn't ready yet to go all out. When they post his picture and stats on his bio it isn't going to say he throws 84/85 but he was only throwing at 90%. I know I am not the sharpest person on the block but this to me is one of the "great mysteries of life!" Right now my youngest kid would not throw his hardest pitch for Maria Sharapova if she asked him! Smart kid. I would be dumb enough to do it, ha.
I remember one scout telling my kid to "show him something" last January. First time off a mound? Don't think so. Apparently 80 wasn't good enough for him. The Marlins weren't there with a gun. Mine won't throw a curve ball until March either.
I believe that some coaches take it into account but I think it REALLY sends the wrong message. How are coaches/scouts going to know a kid was throwing 80% or 90%. They never ask and most kids probably couldn't tell them anyway. It just never made sense to me - maybe because my kids aren't the type to light up the guns in the first place, or maybe they just won't because they know better.
I would sure like to hear from someone in the know who uses one in January. What value is it? Think about it, a kid goes to a PG showcase and decides to throw 90% because his arm isn't ready yet to go all out. When they post his picture and stats on his bio it isn't going to say he throws 84/85 but he was only throwing at 90%. I know I am not the sharpest person on the block but this to me is one of the "great mysteries of life!" Right now my youngest kid would not throw his hardest pitch for Maria Sharapova if she asked him! Smart kid. I would be dumb enough to do it, ha.
Most players have been gotten back into the swing of things at this point by way of winter practices and this will not be their first time off a mound.
I know that I would not attend a showcase had I not gotten my arm into shape to do my best.
I know that I would not attend a showcase had I not gotten my arm into shape to do my best.
J.Weaver,hopefully all players have the same stradegy that you have. Suffering an injury especially in the winter won't help your future. If your in shape participate in the showcases, if not wait until your ready.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by RRF8:
Thanks for your input igball. I would have no problem with rankings if PBR called it a ranking of only PBR showcase participants, but they sell it as "in the state".
Igball, I think you're right on the money!
Quoting Popeye from circa 1960; "that's all I can stands, I can't stands no more". Just like clockwork each year at this time, here come more of the uninformed naysayers and stone throwers. Kind of like the dandelions that try their best to take over my lawn each spring.
How many posters have to write, and write again that either their sons, or sons of Dad's that they know, have never attended a PBR Showcase and nonetheless they're ranked in the magazine? Now, I know that Sean Duncan doesn't need my help, but how many issues of his magazine have to be published before his claim that he does not care what summer team players are committed to? Top Tier, Sparks, Hurricanes, SI Bullets, players from Eldorado to Rock Falls to Belleville. It just doesn't matter to him. That is a huge reason why he has tremedous credibility with college coaches, not just from Illinois but from surrounding states. He calls it like he sees it and who could ask for more?
Thanks for your input igball. I would have no problem with rankings if PBR called it a ranking of only PBR showcase participants, but they sell it as "in the state".
Igball, I think you're right on the money!
Quoting Popeye from circa 1960; "that's all I can stands, I can't stands no more". Just like clockwork each year at this time, here come more of the uninformed naysayers and stone throwers. Kind of like the dandelions that try their best to take over my lawn each spring.
How many posters have to write, and write again that either their sons, or sons of Dad's that they know, have never attended a PBR Showcase and nonetheless they're ranked in the magazine? Now, I know that Sean Duncan doesn't need my help, but how many issues of his magazine have to be published before his claim that he does not care what summer team players are committed to? Top Tier, Sparks, Hurricanes, SI Bullets, players from Eldorado to Rock Falls to Belleville. It just doesn't matter to him. That is a huge reason why he has tremedous credibility with college coaches, not just from Illinois but from surrounding states. He calls it like he sees it and who could ask for more?