Griz lose out on Paris Austin...

[grizzlyjournal]

More discouraging news on the recruiting front as Oakland phenom pg Paris Austin just announced his intent to play for the Boise St. Broncos.

Montana, along with St. Mary's were the other two teams on his short list.

Dang.

Here's his announcement:

"I just would like to say thank you to all the coaches that recruited over the years but I've decided to go play in the mountain west and attend Boise st University . I am truly blessed to have this opportunity and to be able to play at a high level. Without god and my parents above me none of this could be possible, I am blessed "

The entire announcement thread is available here: https://twitter.com/HumbleGuy_Paris" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just my interpretation, but I had considered Montana's "in the thick of it" staying power with -- now ESPN 4-star ranked Austin -- as perhaps their major "as yet unsigned" recruit.

Let's be honest about this: The Griz were always a serious long shot. But the simple fact that they were among the final group of three teams (among an impressive initial list) made me pretty hopeful over the past 10 days or so...

We'll see how the Griz move now, with 2 weeks left in the early signing period. Wish Austin the best. I do know that Boise State is having an incredible recruitment year.

 

[sacstateman]

I've seen both Austin and Oguine play in HS and I think you got the better of the two. Austin is a good player but he sometimes gets out of control. If he can harness that tendency he will be a real good player. Oguine on the other hand seemed to me to make good decisions and not force anything besides being the far superior shooter. Don't worry too much as at least you didn't lose him to another BSC team.

 

[citygriz]

i think we got a good one in oguine too. my only question is whether he's a true point or will grow into a two. i think the griz were hoping they could pair austin and oguine in the backcourt.

at the same time, i never thought we had a real shot at paris austin missoula. he apparently had a great visit to boise, and i always thought that was his first "away from home" option.

remember, coach "k" at duke had a terrible recruiting year his first year. he was down to the wire with several big-time kids, but lost almost all of them. second year? every year after? not so much! give our staff a year on the recruiting trail, and i think they'll get some incredible resuts.

meantime, on the football side, we get a verbal from a three-star defensive lineman, and on the bb side, will signs with the cavs. not a bad day, on balalnce.