Colorado Adds One More 2018 Basketball Recruit in Jakub Dombek

CU has had a checkered success rate in the whacky world of international recruiting. The latest foray, Lazar Nikolic, seems to be successful and will continue to be so for CU. Part of that is because he was a known quantity with big time offers. But part of that is because Bill Grier is one of the best in the business at international recruiting and he sits on CU’s bench.

Grier ran Gonzaga’s international recruiting for ten good years, and during this time they got names like Elias Harris, Ronnie Turiaf, and more. He developed great contacts, a feel for the wide world of sports, and some serious chops. So if there’s anyone to trust in these matters, it’s him. And he has found another gem.

Now, don’t let the competition (Loyola Marymount and Arkansas State) fool you. I, too, questioned if the Buffs needed a lightly recruited foreign prospect that would likely sit on the wing. Then I watched the tape.

I’m an idiot. Dombek is a beast (offensively, at least). He is a freak athlete who can jump entirely too high given his 6’10 frame, and he knows how to finish. These are not the (incorrect) stereotypical European finishes. He attacks the rim like it owes him money. Jakub also shows some nice dribble drive action, with a surprisingly tight handle and a flair for the dramatic. His stroke is smooth and quick, and he is an active and willing passer. Defensively, he only put his crazy chasedown blocks on tape, and it’s a fair bet that he needs to work on 1-on-1 defense with how skinny he is. But man, he is a load to bear on offense. Putting Dombek next to Battey in a lineup is unfair. He is a skilled big man with athleticism pouring out of his pockets.

Tad (and Bill Grier) do it again.