Gavin Thurman committs to MSU

by **BEARZ77** » October 2nd, 2011, 9:20 am

Being reported that Gavin Thurman of Wichita Heights HS has given a verbal to the Bears. He's 3*** who also had offers from Iowa and Nebraska among others. Had earlier been offered by the Shox, but decided not to sign , then some questions about his grades surfaced and the Shox signed some other front court guys. Understand those concerns have been answered now, so excellent get for the Bears.

**Sponsor**

by **DUBulldog** » October 2nd, 2011, 9:52 am

Good get for the Bears

by **BEARZ77** » October 2nd, 2011, 2:27 pm

Some questions repeatedly alluded to on Shocker board about academics; however, I understand he has a qualifying ACT score and GPA, and needs only to maintain such this school year. Guess we will see, but obviously Coach Lusk and staff felt optimistic with where his academics stood. With Marcus Marshall and Thurman committed and Bears still in the hunt for Rosburg, may end up being an excellent 2012 recruiting haul for the Bears.

by **Aargh** » October 2nd, 2011, 9:17 pm

I know nothing about Thurman's academics, but, at one point last summer Iowa and WSU were his top two choices. That was reported repeatedly. Then word came out of Iowa that "there was no way" Thurman would qualify and they backed off. Then WSU apparently told him they wanted to wait until spring to offer him a schollie - after they had an offer to him for at least a year.

WSU did get commits from two players (Early and Green) who appear to be combo forwards - which is what Thurman looks like. While those commits would seem to be the reason WSU pulled their offer, WSU is getting a visit this weekend from Deontae Hawkins, who also appears to be a combo forward. It seems that WSU is still recruiting players similar to Thurman.

An interesting thing is that Hawkins is a teammate of Yates, the PG who recently committed to CU.

If you never want to be misinformed, confused, lied to, or disappointed, then reading Recruiting forums should be avoided.

by **BEARZ77** » October 3rd, 2011, 4:06 am

The time line on the Shocker board seems to suggest that WSU pushed hard for a committement over the summer, but Thurman chose to remain open to other options including not ruling out WSU.Then it appears concerns about academics led to the Shocks saying they would wait till spring to see where things were and in the process also signed additional front court help. Doesn't really matter, as despite the "help" offered by Shock fans coming on Bear Nation to offer their insights, our staff seemed comfortable enough with Gavin to offer.

by **Wufan** » October 3rd, 2011, 6:24 am

Gavin was certainly a player that many (but not all) Shocker fans wanted to STAY in Wichita! He is very talented, and I don't say lightly, that his talents remind me of Kyle Weems. He's big enough to play the 4 and athletic enough to play the 3. He's a smooth wing and shoots the ball well. He'll team with Perry Ellis this year in an effort to win a Kansas state Championship (Gavin's first, but Perry's 4th).

Not trying to knock your get, but the downside on GT was a questionable work ethic that some thought manifested itself in his academic performance and his poor summer showing. None-the-less, I would have been thrilled if he had committed to WSU and I think the Bears landed one heck of a player! Congrats!

Also, in brief readings of this forum, it appears that the Valley (paticularly WSU and CU) have signed some tremendous players this summer!

by **SubGod22** » October 3rd, 2011, 7:37 am

I'm not entirely sure he can play the 4. Unless he's stronger than he looks he'll be a 3. I would have accepted him as a Shocker commit but was never blown away as some were. Keeping local talent is important, but not more important than getting the best talent available. Gavin should have a fine career. He'll probably go off against the Shox a time or two. He's not as big as Weems, but may be more athletic. I barely noticed him at the Shocker Elite Camp this summer and even when I've worked his HS games he hadn't really stood out and wowed me. Maybe I've only caught him on off days.

It's still nice to see him in the Valley. If he can get his academics in order anyway. I won't be shocked if he ends up at Hutch.

by **1972Shocker** » October 3rd, 2011, 2:51 pm

That's a very nice get for the Bears. Glad he picked MSU over Colorado State. Good work by Steve Woodberry.

Would have liked to have had him at WSU but circumstances and timing seemed to conspire against that happenning, but I think we have some decent gets also.

by **shockem** » October 4th, 2011, 8:10 am

As much as I hate losing city league kids to other valley schools, I enjoy being able to watch them develop in their careers and play some games in Wichita. Gavin is one of those guys that I hoped would stay in Wichita, although in the end I feel like the Shox pulled off some better recruits. Gavin will be a good player and probably start for the bears for 3+ years.

by **Bearvision** » October 9th, 2011, 4:24 pm

For the sake of all information, the guys Wichita have committed to them are not as highly rated as Thurman ESPN has him as 50th rated PF in the entire country, and #35-50 all have the same grade (89).

Where have the questions about his work ethic come from? I'm curious to read this if you could post the link to info, I'd appreciate it.

Take the ratings FWIW.