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There's a common conception among Badger fans that Leuer projects to the small forward position more than he does center. I think that's a mistaken conclusion on their parts. Just because you're skinny at 17-18 years old, can dribble, and aren't a stiff; doesn't mean you're a small forward. 6'10"+ plus players are rarely going to be able to match lateral quickness with perimeter opponents. Durant was the exception, not the rule. I recall when message boarders called me crazy during the 2001 draft, for asserting that Tyson Chandler would more likely end up at center than small forward in the NBA, because he's over 7 feet tall. Taller ballers can't match lateral quickness, naturally fill out as they get older, and thus move down a position or two. Leuer especially projects to fill out. He looks about 215 already when he was listed at 195 during his recruitments. He sports a baby face and corresponding baby fat on his body, which will add weight alone when he converts it into denser muscle. Against Duke early in the season, Leuer stepped up to be our best player at battling in the paint. He exhibited impressive post moves, pump fakes, and adequate strength; the few times when he was given the opportunity during the season. He has the look in his eyes of a special player and he'll succeed wherever he's utilized. It just so happens he'll be most needed at center next season because he's the frontcourt player the closest to being ready for prime time. In 2009 he could slide back down to the 4 position with Landry graduating. Look for him to be a mini Butch in the swing next year though.
I'm fine with the 3 guard lineup as long as it's not used for extended periods, forcing us to rest 2 at the same time. We need 2 of that group in the ballgame perpetually. Not doing so might prompt more minutes for Jarmusz. I also don't want to see Gullickson. He's not an NCAA tournament caliber player, especially being so rusty.
The Perry transfer was out of Bo's control. However, he didn't have to grant a scholarship to Gullickson. Bo often walks the line between having enough scholarships to field a deep enough team and showing loyalty to hard working walk-ons, refusing to burn redshirts, banking scholarships for long term, etc. We fell on the wrong side of that line in 2005-2006, starting with 10 true scholarship players, but ending up with 7 after academic issues and a transfer. We were never the same afterward and went from Big Ten frontrunners to losers against North Dakota State, an around .500 record in conference, and an early exist from the NCAA's.
I've heard conflicting reports about the Jerry Smith recruiting situation. He announced he was holding a press conference to make a declaration, which was reportedly that he wanted to commit to Wisconsin, according to papers, but he subsequently canceled his presser. I've heard Jeter's departure played a signficant role. I'd be more inclined to believe Bohannon's commitment had more bearing because he made the 360 a couple hours following the news about Jason. Smith and Bohannon play the same position. Either way, from our perspective, we weren't taking three small guards in the same cycle. The first two of Smith, Bohannon, and Hughes; who were willing to commit, would have been accepted. It was Bohannon or Smith; Hughes or Smith. Gavinski only could have been substituted for another frontcourt player. The best frontcourt college player, so far, rising up from that class, was either Adam Koch or Andy Polka. Both have been solid mid major players but I don't know if they'd even be rotation players with Bucky. I'd rather lament Kyle "Dream" Weaver or even Michael Nelson instead of DeAaron Williams. Or how about a million talented players from Milwaukee Public Schools weren't an option because they failed to qualify.
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