All that glitters isn't gold.
Well, Villanova and her fans were certainly gleaming with the possibility of bagging the No. 2 ranked high school basketball player in the nation and hometown hero—Tyreke Evans of American Christian Academy.
This glimmer of prideful hope that Villanova had struck gold in Evans, however, turned out to be nothing more than pyrite.
All that glitters isn't gold. And all those Wildcat hopes to acquire a player like Evans are for naught.
Taking nothing away from Memphis, their program certainly deserves highly ranked, superb players. With one of the best reputations in the nation, tons of talent, and a successful coach, Memphis has all the pull it could ask for.
In fact, the Tigers look to be challenging the reputation of college basketball powerhouse such as Duke, UNC, and Kansas.Because of Memphis's rising reputation and increasing success, many predicted that Evans would choose Memphis over Villanova and Connecticut. Even Tyreke's hometown paper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, reported earlier this morning that there was a "90 percent shot he will go to Memphis."
Ninety percent sure seems like pretty foolproof odds. However, there was a strong hope, in fact, a strong belief, among Villanova Wildcat fans, students, alumni, and coaches that Evans would be staying close to home and playing for Jay Wright next year.As previously reported by Bleacher Report scribe Chris D'Aniello, Tyreke Evans had quite a few motives to upset Memphis and head to Villanova. These included an Evans' family visit to the Wright home that went very well.
Tyreke, who was very close with his two brothers "Pooh" and "Doc", said that whatever choice he made, he would discuss it with his brothers before committing 100 percent. Upon questioning, his brother Julius, A.K.A. "Doc", said that he really hoped Tyreke would choose Villanova.Julius, all that glitters isn't gold.
And that dream of Tyreke playing for the Wildcats next year may have glistened, but it sure wasn't golden.
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3 months ago
Memphis loses a guard, but gains one. The Tigers also have a 5 star recruit by the name of Angel Garcia. Garcia and Evans should be a great combination. Memphis is the new haven of basketball ladies and gentlemen.
3 months ago
I agree. Evans will be an all-star. I've never seen Garcia play, but from what I've read I think Memphis should be in good shape next year. I think they're on their way up to the top, but I think they need to win a championship within a few years to become a top teir elite type.
3 months ago
I agree. Evans will be an all-star. I've never seen Garcia play, but from what I've read I think Memphis should be in good shape next year. I think they're on their way up to the top, but I think they need to win a championship within a few years to become a top teir elite type.
3 months ago
Hang on, this article was in philly papers the day before..it was not a shock to villanova at all.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/high_school/pennsylvania/20080415_High_Schools_-_Sources__Tyreke_Evans_likely_headed_to_Memphis.html
Its a win win for villanova..there were number two choice..great for recruiting going forward! Also, they currently have corey fisher and corey stokes..as well as scottie reynolds..there just wasnt room for a guy like Evans who is going to shoot 20+ shots a game...travel around with his posse, not attend classes or play defense, and ride off into the nba after one year...guys like that ..the one and done mentality..end up doing more hard for a program..as recruits potentially shy away from a program thinking he might stay two years..why take the chance. Also, you have to play defense in the big east conf.....you dont get the constant feeding of cup cakes like conf usa has to offer.....chuck and duck ...and let guys run around you..the big east is a much tougher conf..one where he would have been challenged to become a better player..not just dribble ..over handle the ball and chuck it up..like he will at memphis. best of luck to him..lets see how memphis goes next year ...
2 months ago
I guess thats why Memphis whipped every Big East team they played this season...Ask Georgetown, UConn or Cincy if Memphis is for real....
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