This is the final in a series of four posts on the Griz men’s basketball team, discussing the past season and a look ahead to next season. The four post shall be as followed, Part 1 Season Wrap up, Part 2 Look ahead: Big Men, Part 3 Look Ahead: Wing players and Part 4 Look Ahead: Recruits.

Taking a look at the Recruit / Recruiting

Last fall Tinkle filled all three of his projected 2009 scholarships with guard 6-2 guard Will Cherry, 6-5 combo forward Thurmond Woods and 6-9 center/ forward Eric Hutchison. As I have said before, I would expect Cherry to play next year. Hutchison I think really could use a redshirt year, but will be one of the few big men with size on the team next year and could be pressed into action at he center position. Woods is a talent, but the only question is at which position. Right now he is a power forward, who can play some at the 3 spot. He has not played high school basketball this winter so he could be the x-factor coming into next fall. There are also some questions about him clearing the NCAA clearing house. From what I am hearing, Tinkle is out on the recruiting trail looking to sign at least one more players for this fall. To do that, though, that will mean at least one of the existing players will not be returning. I have heard a few names like Michael Taylor or Nyandigisi Moikobu, but the rumor I am hearing most often is Shawn Stockton may be looking to leave. I have heard Shawn may be looking to transfer to a JC (North Idaho?) or another D-1, with playing time being the reason. In any case it appears that Tinkle is looking to recruit a point guard this spring, from either the JC ranks or high school. I am told he definitely is looking for some one who can play next year. I have also heard he has been looking at some athletic power forward types again from both JC and high school ranks but, at this point it does not seem to be a priority. The spring recruiting season just kicked into high gear this past week so I expect to get a clearer idea what there priorities might be.