UNI gets verbal from Bennett Koch

[panther-state]

Well everyone around here know's that Coach Jacobson can't recruit worth squat...obviously he's just grabbing at straws huh?

I think I can count Ben's recruiting flops thus far on Austin Pehl's nose (that means just one Grillz...1)

[beatingrillz]

Why the rushed offer is what I don't understand. He wasn't going anywhere, UNI was the only school looking at him, and he is a legacy there. Why offer him now before you see if any of that potential turns into product. What will UNI do if come his senior year he is more JV then Varsity. Oh wait, Jacobsen isn't afraid to pull scholarships so that won't be a problem.

[SycamoreFanatic]

Interesting that none of the Koch boys played for the Shockers in the Koch House ?

[unipanther99]

Quality kid with a high basketball IQ makes this a no-brainer. No high expectations from me at this point (all this best sibling yet and one-on-one talk is overboard IMO), but he should be a great fit for our program in whatever role he needs to fill when he gets here.

[2livewu]

Is this the same kid that kept holding up the sign that said "My two big brothers rock!" or something like that?


If so, I can't believe he's in the class of 2013.

[valleychamp]

Is this the same kid that kept holding up the sign that said "My two big brothers rock!" or something like that?


If so, I can't believe he's in the class of 2013.

No, that was their young sister.

[Ali]

Why the rushed offer is what I don't understand. He wasn't going anywhere, UNI was the only school looking at him, and he is a legacy there. Why offer him now before you see if any of that potential turns into product. What will UNI do if come his senior year he is more JV then Varsity. Oh wait, Jacobsen isn't afraid to pull scholarships so that won't be a problem.

Why not? All indications are that he will be an excellent player. Why string this out if you can secure the commitment early?

[beatingrillz]

It doesn't add up that's why I would string it out. He looks more the part of walk-on. If he develops congrats if not the Jacobson is no different then Lowery or even Altman towards the end. I think if he does really develop what good is a verbal? He can get out of it anytime he wants. I just looks like a legacy grab with no definite talent behind it.

[Ali]

It doesn't add up that's why I would string it out. He looks more the part of walk-on. If he develops congrats if not the Jacobson is no different then Lowery or even Altman towards the end. I think if he does really develop what good is a verbal? He can get out of it anytime he wants. I just looks like a legacy grab with no definite talent behind it.

How does he look like a walkon? You've broken down his tape and watched him play?

If Jake thinks he deserves a scholarship offer already, I'll take his opinion over yours.

[Trapped in CA]

Overall Jake has a history of offering kids early. It believe that he has a pretty good eye for the type of player he wants. Knowing that UNI simply does not have the cache of a Kansas, Duke or UCLA, they have to gamble and go in early, knowing that every so often there is going to be a flame out in the process.

Example - UNI offered to sophomore Matt Thomas of Onalaska, WI last Thanksgiving (first offer from what I can tell). Since then he has received offers from Iowa State, Marquette, Boston College, Creighton, UW Green Bay, & Minnesota. Plus interest from Wisconsin. Not Duke & Kansas, but a pretty good set of schools.

If Jake doesn't know what he is getting with Bennett (after having a relationship with the family for the past 6-8 years), God help him with recruiting some random play from Chicago or Dallas. Give the guy some credit - it is job & reputation on the line, not yours.

PS - The beating his brother Adam in a one on one game is nothing to be ashamed of for Bennett. However, until its about 50-50, I wouldn't be using this as my elevator pitch.