IF YOU FOLLOW COLLEGE SPORTS RECRUITING. By now, you've surely heard of Crystal Ball predictions. The 24/7 Sports network unveiled this new feature about a year ago. Recruiting experts contributing to their site offer predictions on where recruits will land in percentages. For example, last week, with the recruitment of Willie Atwood:
I'm confident in my #CrystalBall pick of Willie Atwood to #Iowa: That's a minority opinion tho: http://t.co/ZIBzDCKBQK @jerrymeyer247
— Andrew Kulha (@AKonSports) April 24, 2014
They use this tool many ways. There's a dedicated Twitter account for the Crystal Ball. There's charts and graphs monitoring predictions regarding a recruit. It's also useful in recruiting roundups where fans can get a feel for multiple recruits. Even fans of "foggy."
IT'S COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT HERE AT BHGP WE BELIEVE CARING IS CREEPY. However, we want to provide you, the reader, with the most up-to-date Hawkeye coverage on the Internet. Still, we don't follow recruiting much other than reading what's on 24/7 and Twitter. We'll let you know when a recruit verbally commits but other than that, we aren't much for projections. At least, until a meeting was held over the weekend and it was decided that we'd make use of some new technology and get in the prediction business.
So, let me introduce you to BHGP's new recruiting prediction machine, Spike's 8-ball. Why Spike? Well, as the website notes, "Spike's 8-ball knows all." We can ask it anything and instantly receive and answer.
AND ASK IT QUESTIONS WE DID. Let's get to it starting with hoops.
Cole Huff is a transfer from Nevada that is reportedly down to Iowa and Creighton. Iowa is far too often the bridesmaid in these things. We asked if Huff would select the Hawkeyes after his visit. Per Spike's 8-ball:
Oh. Well, on to some football recruits. Iowa has offers out to several 2015 Top 100 recruits. Some have Iowa connections. Let's see how Iowa sits with some of the top targets on their football recruiting board.
Spike, will Justin Hilliard commit to Iowa?
Spike, Jashon Cornell recently named Michigan State his leader. Will he eventually see the light and commit to Iowa?
Okay. Forget the Top 100 recruits. Let's see if we can get some favorable answers about some other kids with Iowa offers.
Spike, will James Daniels, brother of Hawkeye running back Leshun Daniels be a Hawkeye?
Will James Daniels be a Hawkeye?
Shit.
Spike, Seth Nerness is a local kid that recently visited Iowa. Will he end up on an Iowa roster some day?
Okay, so it looks good for at least one commit for the Hawks. The magic powers of Spike's 8-ball can only offer a few answers at a time. We'll hope to use this technology again. Perhaps, this summer when football recruiting and basketball camps heat up.
For now, keep an eye out for #BHGPs8ballpredictions. Or don't.