Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Vandy Lands Transfer PG Eric McClellan from Tulsa (And Other Hoops Notes)

Vanderbilt landed its 2013 PG recruit (basically) in Tulsa Transfer Eric McClellan.  McClellan worked his way to Tulsa's starting PG in his freshman season, where he averaged 8.6 ppg.  Below is a link to his stat page.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/57052/eric-mcclellan 


Because McClellan is a freshman, he will have 4 years to play 3 seasons, which was likely a big reason the staff chose to focus their efforts more directly on him rather than his more well-known teammate, sophomore SG Jordan Clarkson.  This signing essentially solidifies Vanderbilt at the PG spot through 2015.  With McClellan and Jeter in the fold, as well as Astroth and Bright, I expect the staff's efforts to shift more directly to the front court.  Vanderbilt has two targets on their radar in Jimmie Taylor, a center out of Alabama, and Maverick Morgan a PF from Ohio.  Taylor would be a crown jewel in the 2013 class, but he is being heavily pursued by a number of high-major programs.  Morgan has also received a number of high-major offers, but may be a bit more of a realistic target.  Either way, Vanderbilt is extremely thin in the front-court with the departures of Forwards Lance Goulbourne and Jeff Taylor, as well as Festus Ezeli and Steve Tchiengang.  With Josh Henderson's injury concerns and the fact that any other player at the five will be undersized (Shelby Moats/Rod Odom), front-court depth has to be priority number one for the 'Dores.


In addition, Vanderbilt Assistant Dan Muller will be named as head coach at his alma mater (and Stallings former post) Illinois State.  Muller has been integral in recruiting high level talent to Vandy, and has earned his first head coaching job.  It will be interesting to see who Stallings hires as a replacement.

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