Russell Byrd SG 2010 (MSU commit)

[Ukosumu]

Russell Byrd (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=71020)
http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/RUSSELLBYRD5_27150.JPG
http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_darkstar.gif
Shooting guard
Fort Wayne (IN) Blackhawk Christian
AAU: Blessed IJN
Ht: 6-foot-7
Wt: 190 lbs
Class: 2010
Rivals.com Rating: NR (About (http://javascript<b></b>:openHelp(1);))
Position Ranking: NR
2010: Hoops Top 100 ranking (84) (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=1909)
2010: Shooting guards (24) (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?ra_key=2184)




Current list: Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan St, Notre Dame, Ohio St, Tennessee, Wake Forest, Louisville, Michigan, Baylor, and Indiana

[Ukosumu]

July 25, 2008

Super Showcase: Thursday (http://kentucky.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=830304)
By Brian Snow Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting (http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/)

ORLANDO -- The Super Showcase got going in full force in Orlando on Thursday with the 17 and under action beginning and the 16 and under tournament coming to a close. With 12 courts located on the Disney premises, there was good action all around and notable performances galore.

Notes from the note pad
Russell Byrd (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=71020) can really shoot the ball. Even though he struggled in his team's loss to the Baltimore Stars, he just has the look of someone who is going to make every shot he puts up. In his second game of the day Byrd found his range and really kept Blessed IJN in the game. His stroke is simply pretty to see.

[Ukosumu]

August 6, 2008
Hoops: Michigan watching Byrd closely
(http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=888&script=content.asp&cid=834486&fid=&tid=&mid=)

Chris Balas
TheWolverine.com

He's one of the best shooters in his class and seems to be a perfect fit for John Beilein's offense, but Fort Wayne (Ind.) Blackhawk Christian shooting guard Russell Byrd only recently received a Michigan offer. Byrd holds no hard feelings, however, having moved U-M into his top five.

[Forrest4Three]

Come on down... Mr. Byrd!:thumbup:

[KennesawCat]

Supposedly recently narrowed his list down to 5. Anyone know who they are? (michigan is one of them)

[jfthom2]

6'7 SG who can actually shoot! Yep, come on down, you'll play here.

[Ukosumu]

Supposedly recently narrowed his list down to 5. Anyone know who they are? (michigan is one of them)
From another board (Hawkeye Hideout) his final five are Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State.

Also be reported on Buckeye Planet.

[Adolph Rollingover]

[quote=Ukosumu;483250]Russell Byrd (http://kentucky.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=2&pr_key=71020)
http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/RUSSELLBYRD5_27150.JPGhttp://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/rivals/full.24571/78aba342b7daa7b43bb8f8660a2b0ba3/steve-novak.jpgsteve novak
http://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_star.gifhttp://vmedia.rivals.com/images/database/pdb05_darkstar.gif

[Ukosumu]

August 13, 2008
Four-star junior makes return trip to UK
(http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=888&script=content.asp&cid=837638&fid=&tid=&mid=)

Jim Tirey
CatsPause.com

As the summer winds down, many families load up and hit the road for a small getaway just before the grind of the school year begins. It just so happens that one Indiana family made a stop at the University of Kentucky as part of their last summer hurrah.

[Ukosumu]

2010 Prospect — Russell Byrd (http://blog.kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=7000)

by Matt Jones @ 12:20 am. on KSR

Russell is from Fort Wayne, Indiana and is the latest player to put UK high on his radar, even visiting the school in the last couple of weeks. He was interviewed by Jim Tirey at TCP this week and stated that the visit went well and that Kentucky is now one of his top schools, along with some teams in the Big Ten. Byrd is in the Class of 2010 and is a 6′7″ wing type player that is attracting a lot of interest from second tier Big Ten schools and Michigan State

[Ukosumu]

Cats host a 2010 sharpshooter (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/catsfan/2008/08/cats-host-2010-sharpshooter.html)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
by Chris Diggs Courier Journal.com

Shooting guard Russell Byrd spent a few days in Lexington this week seeing the facilities and meeting with all of the higher ups, including Coach Gillispie, AD MItch barnhart and University President Lee Todd.

Byrd, who is 6-foot-7 and 190-pounds, plays for Blackhawk Christian in Fort Wayne Indiana. Considered one of the better shooters in the class, Byrd is ranked #84 overall and #24 at his position.

Byrd currently holds offers from UK, Iowa, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Wake Forest, Louisville, Baylor and Indiana.

[Forrest4Three]

Rumor has it.. it will come down to us and Michigan St.:5x

[bb4cats]

Rumor has it.. it will come down to us and Michigan St.:5x

Come on CBG and staff lets tie down a 6' 7" shooter, I know ya can do it!!:widcat:

[Will Lavender]

What's most interesting about this is that Byrd appears to be a very similar player to Dakota Euton. Is Gillispie sending a message by going this hard after Byrd? Seems strange to recruit two kids who are almost the same size and have the same skillsets to the exact same class. (Of course, you ALWAYS need shooters.)

Just thinking aloud, really...

[Ukosumu]

August 21, 2008
by Jody Demling

August 21, 2008
by Jody Demling
Concerning the New Scout.com 2010 Rankings

UK is listed with the following guys: No. 5 Brandon Knight, No. 11 Adreian Payne, No. 32 Anthony Johnson, No. 36 Justin Martin, No. 41 Jordan McRae, No. 56 Ian Miller, No. 63 Stacey Poole, No. 69 Russell Byrd, No. 72 Cory Joseph and No. 75 Lenzelle Smith.
http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs....html#comments (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/2008/08/barnes-smith-tabbed-high-in-10.html#comments)

[Ukosumu]

August 24, 2008
From Jody Demlings' blog (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/demling/labels/Russell%20Byrd.html)

From IU's Elite Camp this weekend:
New IU commitment - Matt Carlino - wasn't the only big-time prospect on hand. Fort Wayne junior shooter Russell Byrd and Alabama senior forward Christian Watford were among the most sought-after players at the camp.

[supertroy18]

I think I would always prefer to have a 6'6" -6'7" type kid named Byrd/Bird from Indiana. Now if there were only a kid from Michigan named Magic...

[Ukosumu]

Currently #89 for the class of 2010 on Rivals.
http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewrank.asp?SID=910&Year=2010&ra_key=1909

[Ukosumu]

September 7, 2008
Ft. Wayne's Byrd enjoys watching football with Izzo (http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=847502&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=)
Paul Konyndyk
SpartanMag.com

Ft. Wayne sharpshooter Russell Byrd was in East Lansing with his parents on Saturday for an unofficial visit. The 6-foot-7 wing watched the Spartan football game with Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and hung out with the basketball team on Saturday.

******

Maybe we should have the Byrd family attend a WCN tailgate in the near future?

[Ukosumu]

September 8, 2008
Byrd looking forward to UK's 'Madness'
(http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=848027&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=)Jim Tirey
CatsPause.com

The group of recruits who will be in attendance for Kentucky's Big Blue Madness event this year is shaping up to be quite impressive. Five-star 2009 Oklahoma center Daniel Orton has confirmed that he will be there, and now four-star 2010 Indiana shooting guard Russell Byrd has confirmed that he will also be at Rupp Arena.

*****

This should outshine any MSU football game don't you think?

[Ukosumu]

U-M’s Persistence Paying Off with Byrd (http://kentucky.scout.com/a.z?s=48&p=2&c=792000&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fkentucky.scout.com%2fa.z %3fs%3d48%26p%3d2%26c%3d792000)
By Sam Webb
Managing Editor
Date: Sep 18, 2008

The Michigan Wolverines recently made the cut for Blackhawk Christian (Ft. Wayne, IN) SG Russell Byrd, and now are prepping to host him on another visit.

[Ukosumu]

October 8, 2008
Byrd closing in on a decision (http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=860436&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=)
Chris Balas
TheWolverine.com

Michigan has been trying to make up ground with Fort Wayne (Ind.) Blackhawk Christian class of 2010 shooting guard Russell Byrd since the summer, competing with some heavy hitters for his commitment. John Beilein and his staff seemed to take another step forward this weekend.
*****

Isn't he coming to BBM?

[matt colvin]

Yes

[Ukosumu]

Byrd Has Blast in Ann Arbor (http://kentucky.scout.com/a.z?s=48&p=2&c=799008&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fkentucky.scout.com%2fa.z %3fs%3d48%26p%3d2%26c%3d799008)

By Sam Webb
Managing Editor
Date: Oct 8, 2008

Blackhawk Christian (Ft. Wayne, IN) SG Russell Byrd’s return visit to Ann Arbor last weekend proved to be quite memorable. His interaction with the players and coaches provided him with information necessary to help him move yet another step closer to making a choice… and as it turns out, decision day may come sooner rather than later.

[Ukosumu]

October 14, 2008
Byrd gives high marks to Kentucky visit
(http://kentucky.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=862848&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=)

Jeff Drummond
CatsPause.com

Daniel Orton wasn't the only high-profile visitor to "Big Blue Madness" who left Lexington extremely impressed with the Kentucky program. And while the big Oklahoman thrilled many UK fans by announcing his verbal commitment to the Wildcats before leaving town, a second player may be drawing closer to his own college decision.

[Ukosumu]

From the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette prior to BBM:

Published: October 9, 2008 12:31 p.m.
Russell Byrd update (http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081009/BLOGS06/810090287)
Greg Jones


Blackhawk Christian junior shooting guard Russell Byrd has narrowed his list of college choices to three.

Byrd's father, Kelly, told me Thursday that his son was down to Michigan, Michigan State and Kentucky. He said that Ohio State and Indiana was pretty much off the radar. In a phone conversation from Kentucky, where they were for Midnight Madness, Kelly said Russell could be making up his mind in the next couple of weeks and for sure before the season starts in November.

The Byrds' family traveling caravan of sorts was going to East Lansing for another visit there and has already been to Ann Arbor to check out the Wolverines.

Stay tuned.

[Ukosumu]

Russell Byrd Coming for Critical Visit (http://kentucky.scout.com/a.z?s=48&p=2&c=801298&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fkentucky.scout.com%2fa.z %3fs%3d48%26p%3d2%26c%3d801298)
By Mike Fowler
Managing Editor
Date: Oct 15, 2008

Michigan State is preparing this weekend for the visit of arguably its most important recruit of the 2010 class, Ft. Wayne Blackhawk Christian shooting guard Russell Byrd.
******
Hopefully he can't get BBM out his mind as MSU shows him around.

[matt colvin]

Maggard has reported that Byrd will announce Friday. He is taking the time this week to make his decision.

At least he didn't commit on the spot at MSU.

[ImForKy]

“He felt he had enough information,” Kelly Byrd said about his son. “He’d seen enough, heard enough. He wanted to take this week to pray and discuss this with his mother and father.”

When asked about the prayer, Kelly Byrd said, “We’re aware of God’s allegiance to Big Blue Nation.”

Link (http://ukbasketball.bloginky.com/)

[matt colvin]

When asked about the prayer, Kelly Byrd said, “We’re aware of God’s allegiance to Big Blue Nation.”



Not sure how to read that part :confused: What I mean is that our chances weren't necessarily thought to be great, but that one sentence does sound nice. FWIW, Maggard said today that he didn't think we had a great chance. But, you never know. Keep your :5x

[Ukosumu]

Just more confirmation of what has been mentioned above....

MSU Top Target Byrd To Announce on Friday (http://pennstate.scout.com/a.z?s=157&p=2&c=803324&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fpennstate.scout.com%2fa. z%3fs%3d157%26p%3d2%26c%3d803324)
By Mike Fowler
Managing Editor
Date: Oct 21, 2008

After enjoying an outstanding unofficial visit to East Lansing over the weekend, Ft. Wayne Blackhawk Christian guard Russell Byrd has cut his recruitment short and will announce his decision on Friday, GSN has learned.

[poodoo]

I AM :5x, Matt. :)

[Ukosumu]

From The Best of the Best Prep Basketball Scouting (http://botbscouting.blogspot.com/2008/10/russell-byrd.html)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Russell Byrd


Expect Russell Byrd, a 6'7 SG from Ft. Wayne, IN/Blackhawk Christian to commit to Michigan State or Kentucky Friday. Byrd is Top 75 in the 2010 class. If I was a betting man I would go with Michigan State on this one!

Posted by Lou Dawkins at 9:11 PM (http://botbscouting.blogspot.com/2008/10/russell-byrd.html) http://www.blogger.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif (http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=2308475434037124562&postID=4311999691490440667)

[Ukosumu]

Big Blue Thoughts (http://wildcatwords.wordpress.com/)

More on Byrd, Media Days and Football (http://wildcatwords.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/more-on-russell-byrd/)

by bigblueblogger on October 22nd, 2008




The Kentucky Sports Report (http://kentucky.scout.com/)’s Brian Eldridge spoke with Russell Byrd’s dad yesterday about his recruitment and his upcoming decision on Friday. It appears that it’s a close raise between Kentucky and Michigan State. Michigan is also still in the running for Byrd. Byrd’s father confirmed, again, his Friday decision date.

[cumberlandredskin]

Big Blue Thoughts (http://wildcatwords.wordpress.com/)

More on Byrd, Media Days and Football (http://wildcatwords.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/more-on-russell-byrd/)

by bigblueblogger on October 22nd, 2008




The Kentucky Sports Report (http://kentucky.scout.com/)’s Brian Eldridge spoke with Russell Byrd’s dad yesterday about his recruitment and his upcoming decision on Friday. It appears that it’s a close raise between Kentucky and Michigan State. Michigan is also still in the running for Byrd. Byrd’s father confirmed, again, his Friday decision date.

Have they mentioned what time today for his announcement?

[Will Lavender]

There have been reports on the other boards since yesterday afternoon that Byrd has already chosen Michigan State. :icon_sad:

[Ukosumu]

There has been no talk of Byrd's announcement in the local papers or anywhere that I can find on the web.

[Ukosumu]

Byrd Ready To Pull Trigger - Is He Green? (http://ohiostate.scout.com/a.z?s=145&p=2&c=804462)
By Mike Fowler
Managing Editor
Posted Oct 24, 2008


He talked about having to take a 'leap of faith' to join Michigan floundering program to help them build something were little currently exists. Michigan appears to be the longest of shots for a commitment.

He also talked about how much he liked the Kentucky program after attending the Big Blue madness celebration marking the start of practice for UK. We had a fantastic time. It was really a great visit. Russell enjoyed it,” Kelly Byrd told Kentucky Sports Report. “He enjoyed spending time with the staff and the players. Madness was really impressive.”

Byrd said he and his family had a great time at Michigan State's 60-era Midnight Madness where the always entertaining and self-deprecating Tom Izzo and his family came out in 60's era hippie garb.

During his visit, Izzo and his staff of Mark Montgomery, Mike Garland and Dwayne Stephens laid out the scenario that would have Byrd in the playing rotation as a freshman and defined what his role would be in the Spartans attack.

[Will Lavender]

There has been no talk of Byrd's announcement in the local papers or anywhere that I can find on the web.

Someone on the recruiting free board at Rivals yesterday claimed it was MSU.

Another poster over there quoted the Rivals Network's Justin Young saying that everything he'd heard pointed to MSU.

[Ukosumu]

Someone on the recruiting free board at Rivals yesterday claimed it was MSU.

Another poster over there quoted the Rivals Network's Justin Young saying that everything he'd heard pointed to MSU.That has been the "feel" of other posters and respected columnist but until Russell Byrd announces it is still up in the air.

Either way I wish RB nothing but the best. Payne OH (where I live) is just across the state line from and New Haven IN (where I work) is right next to Fort Wayne so I am claiming him as a local and will follow his career wherever he plays.

[matt colvin]

He's supposedly calling coaches right now. We ought to know shortly.

[Will Lavender]

Byrd to Michigan State:

http://michiganstate.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=867567

[DBCAT]

Oh well. There are plenty of other players out there. Good luck to him at MSU.

[matt colvin]

Yep. Best of luck to Mr. Byrd! He's a very classy young man. Wish we could have gotten him, as we could have used a good shooter.

[bleedblu]

Scouts.com reported he is going to the Big Ten. He is going to be wearing green.:mad:

[WildcatRick]

This doesnt really bother me at all. Wouldnt have minded having the young man, but not as big of a loss as some think, IMO.

[ibleedblue2]

Good luck to Mr. Byrd.Wish he would have been a cat, but it is untelling who Coach has already been looking at and talking to replace him. I read over on ksr that Terrence Boyd was still very much talking CATS. He and Orton are big buds.

[Ukosumu]

Check out the "thank you letter" posted on TrueBlueKentucky.com (http://www.truebluekentucky.com/) from the Byrd family.

Byrd family = class act :thumbup:

[Will Lavender]

^ Very nice.

I wish Russell all the best in East Lansing. He'll be playing for a tremendous coach. :thumbup:

[poodoo]

Check out the "thank you letter" posted on TrueBlueKentucky.com (http://www.truebluekentucky.com/) from the Byrd family.

Byrd family = class act :thumbup:

While I couldn't read it, I'll take your word for it. :thumbup::thumbup: to the Byrd family. :)