Water polo recruiting: Samuels to say no to traditional powers?
January 2nd, 2009, 5:28 pm · 9 Comments · posted by DAN ALBANO, ocvarsity.com
Villa Park water polo standout Josh Samuels says he has scheduled recruiting trips to reigning NCAA champion USC, Cal and UCLA this month but also wants to visit a little lesser known program that I believe should not be discounted in the battle to land the nation's No. 1 recruit.
Yes, The Register's 2008 player of the year is very much interested in LMU, whose roster includes his brother and former VP standout, Albert.
Santa Barbara is still alive in the race but from talking to Samuels, it appears that it has come down to USC, Cal, UCLA and LMU.
Why should water polo fans not overlook LMU when it comes to Josh Samuels. Check out his quote from the senior about LMU:
"The whole history of the program is a little different (but) the direction they're going is the same as everyone else. They don't want to lose anymore. ... That (attitude is) good news."
Samuels also said this, "For me to pick a school, I need to see how I gel with the teammates. ... The only team I know I like, because I actually know all the guys through my brother, is LMU. I need to see where I fit in with everyone else."
Man, if Samuels lands at LMU, and brings a few recruits with him, collegiate water polo could be in for a change. This kid is a difference maker.
9 Comments
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Stephen Lipinski ring a bell to anyone? Remember how that worked out. If Samuels goes to LMU you can kiss his olympic water polo career over before it starts.
BigAlbanoFan-The cream will always rise to the top. Where Samuels plays college ball will not effect what level he then progresses to in the future. He is simply too good. Plus did you see LMU this last year, they almost beat Stanford to make it to the NCAA final. If Samuels goes to LMU i predict a championship for the school in the future.
Actually - actually I did see LMU play several times. My point is that what players have been developed at LMU. Samuels is good but he still needs to be developed and how many players have been developed into Olympic Level players after their years at LMU. ( Dont throw he Kevin Witt name to me either )
Samuels is still considering LMU out of a courtesy to his brother, his sister and his HS coach who all went or go to LMU.
I don't think Josh is just being polite about his feelings for LMU.
He's a straight-shooter and I believe him when he says he is interested in LMU.
Now, as far as Samuels' Olympic dreams being vanished if he picks LMU? That's crazy. His talent ain't going to disappear.
He has plenty to get the U.S. national team's interest.
I believe water polo-wise, Samuels needs to find a place where he feels comfortable, sure, but also a spot that helps his game reach a consistently high level. Now, is there just one way to accomplish the latter?
I say, no.
Don't forget that the number 1 Goalie coming out of the NCAA finals this year was Sophmore Andy Stevens who is also a Villa Park HS Alum. That said, if Josh was only thinking about the Olympic team he should be going to UCI, I believe they have produced more Olympic players than any other school.
Where ever Josh goes he will have an immediate impact and I doubt that his olypmic opportunities will be reduced.
Samuels is going to USC. Period. It was decided long ago, and any discussion to the contrary was meant to squeeze the last dime out of Jovan.
Pool Boy -
Wrong answer--Period. (Div1Polo)--Samuels should not go to UCI because they do not have the most Water Polo Olympians.
If Samuels wants a collegiate program that has the best track record in athletes who go on to the Olympics, the CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY at LONG BEACH would be the best, they have the most Alumni who have partaken in the Olympics - 16
Mmmm. I can smell the bacon...........cooking
Someone just got fried.
Pool Boy-
P.S. If you dont believe this statistic about CSULB's prestigious Men's Water Polo Program, ask proud alum, Christopher Segesman (Athens 2004).
no one guessed ucla? one of josh's closest friends, nice guy and great goalie redshirted there....how could you miss that?