TxHoops

I don't think calling a team out BEFORE the draft (saying if they pick someone else, it will be the biggest mistake they've ever made) will endear yourself to that franchise. Moreover, it reinforces the stigma of lack of maturity and poor decision making. At some point, this kid has to grow up or start listening to people who are trying to help him. I really hope he does. He is supremely talented and don't want him pissing a promising career away.

Fact of the matter is, there are laws in effect that allow one time offenders all the rights the rest of us have.  Depending on the severity of the crime, most felonies, at least in Texas, allow for "deferred adjudication" which is basically probation which, if successfully completed (i.e., you keep your nose clean) keeps a conviction off your record.  Then you can vote, own a firearm, etc.  Further, we now have a law whereby although this arrest and probation isn't removed from your record for law enforcement purposes, you can have it "non-disclosed" which means prospective employers, etc., can't find it when you apply for the job (information isn't available to the general public).  If you mess up again after all those second chance options, that's on you.    For what it's worth, I think those laws are good because a lot of people make a mistake in life, especially when they're young.  But they LEARN from it.  What was being discussed at the symposium is mostly ridiculous.  Lack of consequences in their life is how many ended up where they are in the first place.

  I hadn't thought about Baylor because they weren't previously in the mix.  PhatMack brings up a good point about proximity too.  Will be interesting to see if they are in the hunt.  Would make sense for them to be.

  Your source may be better than mine...my memory!  In fact, we can probably say "is" not "may" ;)   I only followed his recruiting because of his younger brother, Mickey.  It was kind of known that they would be going to school together (very tight-knit family), and Mickey was one of the top 10 kids in the country in his class at that time in hoops (he was a sophomore I believe).  I do know, as a Longhorn, Texas was never really in the mix for Mike (I assume not for a lack of trying).  I also remember OU being in his top 5 (I think - also main school I didn't want getting him), and FSU being considered a front runner (that was while watching the ESPN show at that Nike camp) due to his family originally being from Florida.    A&M should definitely be in the hunt.  Sumlin's going to need some help from Kennedy with Mickey to close the deal.  Before Mickey committed to tOSU to follow his brother, his other finalists were Duke, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, UNC, OU, and UT.  So we are kind of like A&M, we were at least in the hunt for Mickey, but not for Mikey.  For either of us to get the one, we need to convince the other (IMO - still think they'll end up together).  My fear is both will end up at OU.    For what it's worth, for both of their sakes, I would much rather the Aggies land them than that place up North!

By the way, the family moved to Dallas from Florida and Florida State was initially considered the front runner for Mikey before he signed with tOSU.  OU was also heavily in the mix.  Will be interesting to follow.

His little brother Mickey had committed to tOSU to play basketball as well.  Mike is a beast - set the Nike Camp Sparq (sp?) record - a series of combine-like drills (vertical leap, 40 yd, shuttle drill) to test overall athleticism.  And this from a LB.  My guess is it will be a school that his father would like Mickey to play basketball at as well.

To weigh in on the current high school situation, as far as pure talent goes, I like the depth of players at Central and Silsbee.  I would probably give the edge to Central but this doesn't necessarily translate to wins.  An example would be how evenly Nederland plays Central with FAR less talent.  With the Toon kid transferring to Nederland, I am not sure that gets any easier for the Jags next year.  He is an upgrade from Coach English's graduating son IMO. 

McCain is a special kid and a great young player and his little brother might end up better.  Future looks bright for Silsbee basketball.  In this age group, watch out for Port Arthur Memorial.  Port Arthur Lincoln 7th grade went undefeated in every boys sport this year and were unscored upon in Football.  I saw a couple of their basketball games and they might have beat any junior high team in this area.  Loaded with talent.