I don't know if the coaching staff still is recruiting Jaxson Hayes. However, IF they are and they somehow convince him that Ohio eventually potentially would have a chance to match up upfront with most teams in the country if they can pair him with Nathan Springs and he decides to commit...Yeah, I know, I know. A real long shot, at best. But it's okay to dream, right? I not even sure we have a scholarship left; I think there's one in coach Phillips' pocket. But I'm extremely confident that if Hayes were to decide he wants to come, we'll find one from somewhere.

I know that, apparently, he's had a great summer, but I find it fascinating that Kentucky offered a kid who averaged two points a game as a junior.

I understand what you're saying. But sometimes a kid decides to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond.

Number of kids doing this has diminished to a tiny trickle. Highly unlikely any more, though not impossible.

I asked that question in your thread just a minute ago. Agreed on the " :( "

I agree with you, Brucecuth, the days of the high school all-American coming to Ohio or to the MAC, much less the National High School Player of the Year, pretty much are over. The only way I can envision that happening now is if a one-and-done type kid decides to attend a mid-major believing it presents a more favorable forum to put up huge numbers in one season. I think it's very much up to conjecture whether coach Phillips would even want a baller like that, for the very "it's all about me" reason.

I do want to comment about Walter Luckett coming to Ohio. We've been friends since his sophomore year in Athens. And yes, many of the power schools wanted him to red-shirt and get his surgically-repaired knee stronger. Some of you may not believe this, but Walt really loved Ohio and Athens; he still speaks about it today. I personally think he probably would have chosen North Carolina if his knee hadn't blown up during his high school senior season, but he's never admitted that. And I'm telling you, Ohio still very much would have been in the mix.

One more thing: There was no indication back then and thereafter that Walter was bought by Ohio. No flashy car, no house for his parents, no rise in financial status. The family lived in the same Bridgeport projects apartment throughout his time in Athens. Walt purchased a house for his mother after he became successful in the business world. So for those who wondered if there was a secret stash hidden away somewhere, nope, not to the best of my knowledge.

OhioCatFan, a dentist in Connecticut, whose daughter was a student with us in Athens, made inroads very early, hung in until the very end and Ohio eventually reaped the benefit of his diligence and determination.

His daughter, Nancy, was in school with us. Liked her as a person.