As of right now he is not committed. To me this reads as a photoshoot until proven otherwise .
Yes, that is how I saw it as well, still just a possibility until anything further.
Why would you put on a team's uniform if you did not commit to that team?
Most schools have a "media room" set up and ready to go for people who are coming in on visits. You take pics at every place so that when you do decide, you (or your team) has a photo ready to go
Rez - That makes sense, but why would either party (the university or player) post a pic of the player in the uniform of a team he has not selected? I follow WI recruiting quite a bit and, while I have seen many posts by players thanking schools for visits, I have never seen them post a pic of themselves in a uniform for a team that they have not decided to play for.
Rez - That makes sense, but why would either party (the university or player) post a pic of the player in the uniform of a team he has not selected? I follow WI recruiting quite a bit and, while I have seen many posts by players thanking schools for visits, I have never seen them post a pic of themselves in a uniform for a team that they have not decided to play for.
That's the part. That's weird to me too. From what I have seen mostly the kids who post the photos from these are the high schoolers, not the portal. Recruits. It also is worth noting that he never posted this himself and had later posted a #notcommitted quote of this tweet. It looks like it was either a family member or an agent who posted that photo
I wonder if the picture being posted could work against Valpo.
Rez - That makes sense, but why would either party (the university or player) post a pic of the player in the uniform of a team he has not selected? I follow WI recruiting quite a bit and, while I have seen many posts by players thanking schools for visits, I have never seen them post a pic of themselves in a uniform for a team that they have not decided to play for.
There has been a big push in recent years of recruits going on visits, doing the photo shoot and then posting the photos with #notcommitted as a hashtag. It's all part of the social media recruiting trend. Valpo does photo shoots with everyone on their official visits. From what I understand, Valpo has filled out roster with two recent commits, and ironically, they have yet to do their photo shoots.
I've thought that the pictures of a player in a new commit uniform were AI generated and not actual photos.
@vu84v2 ... this is standard protocol on official visits ... idk of a player who does not do so.
Would be great if Brown could bring along his teammate Isaac Finlinson, who is 6’8” and was the leading scorer with 19 ppg. The pair were a powerful 1-2 punch for Snow.
GROK EVALUATION OF BROWN JR.
### Background
- **Position**: Point Guard
- **Height/Weight**: 6’0” (per Valparaiso’s announcement), weight not specified.
- **Previous Experience**:
- **Bella Vista Prep**: Named to the All-Region team, averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals per game.
- **Snow College (2023-24)**: Played in all 28 games, starting 26, averaging 7.8 points per game.
- **Valparaiso University (2025-26)**: Signed as a junior for the 2025-26 season under head coach Roger Powell Jr.[]( https://valpoathletics.com/news/2025/4/29/mens-basketball-brown-becomes-latest-to-join-the-brown-gold.aspx) []( https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1917226722337935385)
- **Hometown**: South Phoenix, Arizona
### Skill Evaluation
#### 1. **Scoring Ability**
- **Strengths**:
- Brown’s 15 points per game at Bella Vista Prep demonstrate his ability to score at a high level in a prep setting, likely through a combination of drives, mid-range shots, and some perimeter shooting. This scoring versatility is a good foundation for Division 1.
- At Snow College, he averaged 7.8 points per game while starting 26 of 28 games, showing he remained a key offensive contributor against junior college competition. His role as a starter suggests he can handle significant minutes and shot attempts.
- **Areas for Improvement**:
- The drop from 15 PPG in prep to 7.8 PPG at Snow College may indicate challenges adjusting to stronger defenses or a shift to a more facilitative role. Division 1 competition in the MVC (e.g., against teams like Drake or Indiana State) will be even tougher, requiring greater efficiency.
- No specific shooting percentages or three-point data are available. To thrive at Valparaiso, Brown will need a reliable jump shot, especially from beyond the arc, as MVC defenses often prioritize stopping penetration.
#### 2. **Playmaking and Ball-Handling**
- **Strengths**:
- Brown’s 7 assists per game at Bella Vista Prep highlight his elite court vision and ability to create for teammates, a critical skill for a point guard. This suggests he can run Valparaiso’s offense effectively, setting up teammates like returning MVC players or new transfers.
- His 26 starts at Snow College indicate coaches trusted him to handle the ball and make decisions, even if assist numbers for that season aren’t specified. At 6’0”, he likely has the ball-handling skills to navigate pressure defenses.
- **Areas for Improvement**:
- MVC defenses, known for physicality and strategic pressure (e.g., Indiana State’s aggressive guards), will test his ball security. Without turnover data, it’s unclear how he fares under pressure, but minimizing mistakes will be key.
- He’ll need to adapt to Valparaiso’s offensive system under Roger Powell Jr., who may emphasize pace and ball movement. Building chemistry with new teammates will be crucial.
#### 3. **Rebounding**
- **Strengths**:
- Averaging 6 rebounds per game as a point guard at Bella Vista Prep is exceptional, reflecting hustle, anticipation, and athleticism. This ability to contribute on the glass adds versatility, especially for a 6’0” guard.
- **Areas for Improvement**:
- Rebounding data from Snow College isn’t provided, so it’s uncertain if this strength translated to a higher level. MVC frontcourts (e.g., Bradley or Murray State’s bigs) are physical, which may limit his rebounding impact unless he’s relentless or exceptionally explosive.
- At 6’0”, he’ll need to rely on positioning and timing rather than size to compete for boards in Division 1.
#### 4. **Defense**
- **Strengths**:
- Brown’s 2 steals per game at Bella Vista Prep indicate quick hands, defensive instincts, and the ability to disrupt passing lanes. This is a valuable asset for a point guard in the MVC, where guard play is critical.
- His stamina, evidenced by playing all 28 games at Snow College, suggests he can defend for extended periods, which is essential in Valparaiso’s up-tempo style under Powell.
- **Areas for Improvement**:
- No defensive stats from Snow College are available, so it’s unclear how he performed against stronger opponents. MVC guards (e.g., Indiana State’s Robbie Avila or Drake’s returning players) are skilled and physical, requiring Brown to improve lateral quickness and strength.
- At 6’0”, he may struggle against taller or more physical guards unless he compensates with tenacity and technique.
#### 5. **Athleticism and Intangibles**
- **Strengths**:
- His All-Region honors at Bella Vista Prep and consistent starting role at Snow College suggest leadership, work ethic, and a high motor, qualities that translate well to Division 1.
- Valparaiso’s recruitment of Brown as a junior indicates confidence in his ability to contribute immediately, likely due to his experience and well-rounded game (scoring, passing, rebounding, defense).[]( https://valpoathletics.com/news/2025/4/29/mens-basketball-brown-becomes-latest-to-join-the-brown-gold.aspx)
- Posts on X from Valparaiso’s basketball account and fans show excitement about his signing, suggesting he brings energy and potential to the program.[]( https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1917226722337935385) []( https://twitter.com/ValpoBasketball/status/1917978281384513992)
- **Areas for Improvement**:
- Without data on his speed, vertical leap, or strength, his athleticism is hard to gauge. The MVC requires above-average athleticism to compete, so Brown may need to enhance his explosiveness and conditioning.
- Transitioning from junior college to Division 1 involves a mental and physical leap. He’ll need to adjust to a faster pace, higher expectations, and a new coaching staff at Valparaiso.
### Projection for Division 1 (Valparais tags, which may reduce his rebounding opportunities compared to prep play.
- **Potential Role**:
- **Optimistic Scenario**: Brown could compete for a starting point guard role by midseason, leveraging his playmaking (7 APG in prep) and defensive tenacity (2 SPG). If he improves his scoring efficiency and three-point shooting, he could average 8-10 points, 4-5 assists, and 3 rebounds, becoming a key floor general for Valparaiso.
- **Realistic Scenario**: He’s likely to begin as a backup guard, playing 15-20 minutes per game. His passing and defense will earn him rotation minutes, but he’ll need to prove his scoring against MVC defenses. Expect 5-7 points, 3 assists, and 2-3 rebounds in his first season.
- **Challenges**: The MVC is a competitive mid-major conference with strong guard play. Brown must overcome the jump in competition, refine his shooting, and adapt to Powell’s system to avoid being a limited role player.
- **Development Areas**:
- **Shooting**: A consistent three-point shot is essential to stretch MVC defenses and complement his drives.
- **Physicality**: Adding strength will help him handle physical guards and finish through contact.
- **Leadership**: As a junior point guard, he’ll need to quickly establish himself as a vocal leader and floor general.
### Comparison to Division 1 Standards
- **Typical MVC Point Guard**: A starting point guard in the MVC (e.g., at Valparaiso, Drake, or Indiana State) typically averages 8-12 points, 4-6 assists, and 1-2 steals, with shooting splits around 40-45% FG, 33-38% 3PT, and 70-80% FT. They must run the offense, handle pressure, and defend skilled opponents.
- **Brown’s Fit**: His prep stats (15 PPG, 7 APG, 2 SPG) suggest he has the raw talent to meet these standards, but his 7.8 PPG at Snow College indicates he’s not yet at that level consistently. His playmaking and defense are strong, but scoring efficiency and outside shooting need improvement.
### Conclusion
Mark Brown Jr. has the potential to be a valuable contributor at Valparaiso University, with strengths in playmaking, defensive hustle, and versatility. His 7 assists and 2 steals per game at Bella Vista Prep highlight his ability to orchestrate an offense and disrupt opponents, while his 26 starts at Snow College show he can handle a significant role against decent competition. However, his scoring drop to 7.8 PPG at Snow College and lack of detailed shooting stats suggest he must improve his offensive efficiency and adapt to the MVC’s physicality and speed. At 6’0”, his size is adequate, but he’ll need to enhance his strength and shooting to compete with top MVC guards. With development under coach Roger Powell Jr., Brown could become a reliable rotation player or starter by his senior year, potentially averaging 8-10 points and 4-5 assists in a best-case scenario.
**Note**: This evaluation is limited by the absence of detailed stats (e.g., shooting percentages, assist-to-turnover ratio, athletic metrics) from Snow College and his yet-to-begin tenure at Valparaiso. If you have additional stats, scouting reports, or specific aspects of his game you’d like me to focus on, please let me know. Would you like me to search for more recent information or analyze a particular part of his skill set further?
I'm wondering whether or not the delay is because the players are from overseas. Paperwork issues?
I'm wondering whether or not the delay is because the players are from overseas. Paperwork issues?
Either that or it's finals week for a lot of schools around the country.
Saw Brown averaged 13.4 ppg at snow last year not 7.8. Grok is pretty much as accurate as well is basically inaccurate.
I found that piece a complete waste of however long it took me to read it. Basically a bunch of numbers, some not correct, and a conclusion of "we don't have any idea what this guy can do but we'll see".
Thanks for the insight.
