Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

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#376      
Lot of Louisville fans unhappy online with the CoHawk rumors, specifically about the prospect of paying 2 mil for someone that "only scores 12 ppg and took 4 years to get to even that".

Shows the flip side of leaving for a better financial opportunity...new fans in a new place have no established relationship or bond with you...in the words of Draymond: "They don't love you like that"

Hope Coleman goes somewhere they really appreciate him.
First off, I am the biggest CoHawk fan there is and have had to defend him to my brothers for a few years, but, to be honest, let's throw the shoe on the other foot............If we said we were spending 2M on a guy with similar stats, and, not knowing CoHawk's true skill set, I bet we'd be a little upset as well. JMHO so don't think I'm not a fan and kind of wish he was back, but I can see where the other fan base is coming from if I were to lay down by orange tinted glasses.
 
#377      
While I agree staff probably hasn’t soured on DGL, what was TA gonna say. Plus, he only spoke about returners by name, so not saying something about one of the only two would have been weird.

I didn’t listen to quite all the interview, but the two most interesting things for me were his praise for Goode and that while he acknowledges he “went to the other side,” Luke is an Illini having graduated from the beloved and been a part of so much winning. The second thing was that a former player who transferred from Illinois to Louisville had a big impact on Tre White coming to Illinois. And said player and his father believe leaving Illinois was a huge mistake. They didn’t fully realize what Brad was trying to do with his coaching.
Of course it was! He left an Elite 8 team to play on one of the worst teams of all time. His PG play could have very easily got us into a 1 seed, avoiding UCONN before the Final Four. Oh well...I'm looking forward to the UCLA beatdown with the crowd reactions 😁
 
#378      
Absolutely killed the visit …

Brad and O’s faces in the pics tells the story …

I’m not ready to say he’s coming … But I wish UK and Bama luck in trying to top this visit, sell, fit, etc …
Heard the same - NBA scouts are telling him he the ONLY thing he needs to work on his body and Fletch killed it on the visit...

What a time to be an Illini...in on top 10 talent and right in it at closing time.
 
#379      
First off, I am the biggest CoHawk fan there is and have had to defend him to my brothers for a few years, but, to be honest, let's throw the shoe on the other foot............If we said we were spending 2M on a guy with similar stats, and, not knowing CoHawk's true skill set, I bet we'd be a little upset as well. JMHO so don't think I'm not a fan and kind of wish he was back, but I can see where the other fan base is coming from if I were to lay down by orange tinted glasses.
I have orange tinted glasses, and I wouldn't offer Hawkins 2 million NIL for 2024-2025 for Illinois

In context - it is reported Shannon got less than a million in NIL - No idea what Domask received but I doubt it was anywhere near 1 million
 
#380      
Heard the same - NBA scouts are telling him he the ONLY thing he needs to work on his body and Fletch killed it on the visit...

What a time to be an Illini...in on top 10 talent and right in it at closing time.
Good News Yes GIF by Bounce
 
#381      
To those who were just so darn frustrated in April and early May that the roster wasn't finalized, how are you feeling now? Kinda seems like it wasn't worth all the consternation. But also, interestingly, a lot of those posters suddenly seem to be MIA. Funny that.

Roster construction is a long game. We now have the level of success and recruiters to get us in the door to places we couldn't a few years ago. This is why it pays to save some money and have some roster flexibility, just in case. No matter how this works out, it's pretty darn nice to be in serious contention for this one.
 
#382      
I know the hot topic is Riley but hearing LaTulip so high on Ivisic, I decided to watch some highlights. His post move is a little reminiscent of Edey with that hook but much more mobile. That shot looks pure and seems to find the holes in the D. I saw everything from posts, put backs, mid range jumper, and the 3. I think he is going to feast being paired with these other play makers and passers. I love the way the roster is composed if they can come together and play as a unit.
 
#383      
From that group, he and Kasparas would be the likely starters. Though I'd expect White and Rodgers to get plenty of minutes. Absent multiple injuries, IMO it will be tough for Davis to get much PT.

Our depth chart at the 3 is certainly much more open for Riley that that of Kentucky and Bama.
Offensively, Kasparas could start day 1. Defensively may be a whole different conversation.
 
#384      
Lot of Louisville fans unhappy online with the CoHawk rumors, specifically about the prospect of paying 2 mil for someone that "only scores 12 ppg and took 4 years to get to even that".

Shows the flip side of leaving for a better financial opportunity...new fans in a new place have no established relationship or bond with you...in the words of Draymond: "They don't love you like that"

Hope Coleman goes somewhere they really appreciate him.
I don't really understand how it is in your best interest in making the NBA to go to a new school and new system in your 5th year? (oh how I can't wait for this 5th year crap to be over) It is not like Hawkins was playing at UCSB and needs to show he can play against top talent. There's going to be some adjustment period, and it's possible the system just doesn't work that well for him.

Had he stayed, he is no longer behind Shannon and Domask, and it is possible the offense gets built around him with a much better PG than he's played with in a couple of years. That feels to me like a better path to the NBA.

Now, some have said his relationship with Underwood is not all rainbows and sunshine, but to me staying sounds like a better business decision. If he doesn't really think he will make the NBA based on 2 years of feedback, then I'd say absolutely, make as much money as you can, go to a school you think will be fun. That I get.
 
#385      
Will Riley comparable is HS junior Michael Porter IMHO
Porter is an offensive beast when he plays.
Porter played only 3 games at Missouri due to injuries. Missed his rookie year due to back surgery.
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He has been injury prone in NBA but in Sept 2021 got 5 year $171M contract. Immediately got in injured again.
 
#386      
To those who were just so darn frustrated in April and early May that the roster wasn't finalized, how are you feeling now? Kinda seems like it wasn't worth all the consternation. But also, interestingly, a lot of those posters suddenly seem to be MIA. Funny that.
I like our roster as is. I understand you don't turn down a 5 star but I think we right now we will have good EDG chemistry. I wonder what a 5 star player's expectations would be. JMO - I stayed at Holiday Inn last night.
 
#387      
To those who were just so darn frustrated in April and early May that the roster wasn't finalized, how are you feeling now? Kinda seems like it wasn't worth all the consternation. But also, interestingly, a lot of those posters suddenly seem to be MIA. Funny that.

Roster construction is a long game. We now have the level of success and recruiters to get us in the door to places we couldn't a few years ago. This is why it pays to save some money and have some roster flexibility, just in case. No matter how this works out, it's pretty darn nice to be in serious contention for this one.
Kind of seems like when you are proven to be wrong in your premature assessment of said recruiting and are left without a leg to stand on , so they just slink away into the dark recesses they all live in........

Pessimism is a state of mind and most results of pessimism is a depressive state of mind...........i am a firm believer in allowing optimism to rule my life and handle what happens in my life and my love for anything Illini to be a positive state of mind......

I get down when things happen out of my control that affects the Illini adversely , such as the bogus TSJ fiasco , but i don't dwell on it like many here do..........

let's examine the FACTS about this exercise in recruiting a new roster that's been done by BU and staff.........we've had to replace all but 2 returnees this off season..........By all accounts we have brought in talented players with their own unique skills.........Every position has been addressed with a replacement that shows potential to be a major player in our hopeful successful next season.....

Now , we are talking about adding a top 10-15 player either this upcoming season or next season............It has been a complete turnaround from the preceding 2 coaches and their results........Why is it so hard for peeps to not see and become excited about the state of the ILLINI MBB & WBB programs now ??????.......I don't understand , but hey , I'm a glass half full guy , not a premature procastrigator......Is that a word ???..........lol..............

JMHO..............
 
#388      
Heard the same - NBA scouts are telling him he the ONLY thing he needs to work on his body and Fletch killed it on the visit...

What a time to be an Illini...in on top 10 talent and right in it at closing time.
Obviously, lots of things can change, but I'm assuming he's looking at being a 1 and done guy, right?
 
#389      
I know the hot topic is Riley but hearing LaTulip so high on Ivisic, I decided to watch some highlights. His post move is a little reminiscent of Edey with that hook but much more mobile. That shot looks pure and seems to find the holes in the D. I saw everything from posts, put backs, mid range jumper, and the 3. I think he is going to feast being paired with these other play makers and passers. I love the way the roster is composed if they can come together and play as a unit.
Agreed, I think he could be the steal of the offseason.

Another thing I'm wondering (and hoping) about possibly developing, is a high-level lob connection between our 2 point guards and Ivisic and hopefully Booth. I think Boswell and KJ will both be adept at throwing lobs, and Ivisic is obviously a decent target just because of his size and reportedly good hands.

But Booth is another guy that would seem to have all the tools to emerge as a great lob target. He's tall, long, and appears to have much better vertical athleticism than any other big that I can recall us having recently. If Booth can focus in on making his offensive game just: 1) open catch and shoot threes, 2) strong drives on sloppy closeouts, 3) lobs, and 4) putbacks off of rebounds, it should greatly improve his efficiency. And then you add in his rim protection on the defensive end, and he has the chance to carve out a nice niche for himself, if he can put it all together.

(And I'm still assuming Booth doesn't really spend much time as the "5" on D - it'd be better to pair him with Ivisic, Morez, or even Humrichous as the primary "5" defender and let Booth just focus on rim protection and closeouts/perimeter defense. And finally, I'm not forgetting Morez as a lob target, but on paper he'd seem to be in "3rd place" on the team behind Ivisic and Booth, in my eyes - that doesn't mean he's not capable at it, though.)
 
#390      
Kind of seems like when you are proven to be wrong in your premature assessment of said recruiting and are left without a leg to stand on , so they just slink away into the dark recesses they all live in........

Pessimism is a state of mind and most results of pessimism is a depressive state of mind...........i am a firm believer in allowing optimism to rule my life and handle what happens in my life and my love for anything Illini to be a positive state of mind......

I get down when things happen out of my control that affects the Illini adversely , such as the bogus TSJ fiasco , but i don't dwell on it like many here do..........

let's examine the FACTS about this exercise in recruiting a new roster that's been done by BU and staff.........we've had to replace all but 2 returnees this off season..........By all accounts we have brought in talented players with their own unique skills.........Every position has been addressed with a replacement that shows potential to be a major player in our hopeful successful next season.....

Now , we are talking about adding a top 10-15 player either this upcoming season or next season............It has been a complete turnaround from the preceding 2 coaches and their results........Why is it so hard for peeps to not see and become excited about the state of the ILLINI MBB & WBB programs now ??????.......I don't understand , but hey , I'm a glass half full guy , not a premature procastrigator......Is that a word ???..........lol..............

JMHO..............
Why don’t they get excited? Maybe it’s because they are nicknamed “negative Nancy” and that is who they want to be.

Don’t worry about them, this next couple years will be fun to watch. This next season could bring us one the best Illini basketball teams of all times.
 
#391      
Agreed, I think he could be the steal of the offseason.

Another thing I'm wondering (and hoping) about possibly developing, is a high-level lob connection between our 2 point guards and Ivisic and hopefully Booth. I think Boswell and KJ will both be adept at throwing lobs, and Ivisic is obviously a decent target just because of his size and reportedly good hands.

But Booth is another guy that would seem to have all the tools to emerge as a great lob target. He's tall, long, and appears to have much better vertical athleticism than any other big that I can recall us having recently. If Booth can focus in on making his offensive game just: 1) open catch and shoot threes, 2) strong drives on sloppy closeouts, 3) lobs, and 4) putbacks off of rebounds, it should greatly improve his efficiency. And then you add in his rim protection on the defensive end, and he has the chance to carve out a nice niche for himself, if he can put it all together.

(And I'm still assuming Booth doesn't really spend much time as the "5" on D - it'd be better to pair him with Ivisic, Morez, or even Humrichous as the primary "5" defender and let Booth just focus on rim protection and closeouts/perimeter defense. And finally, I'm not forgetting Morez as a lob target, but on paper he'd seem to be in "3rd place" on the team behind Ivisic and Booth, in my eyes - that doesn't mean he's not capable at it, though.)
lobs and easy put backs starts with guards beating their man off the dribble and then driving the lane making another defender to commit.
 
#393      
Lot of Louisville fans unhappy online with the CoHawk rumors, specifically about the prospect of paying 2 mil for someone that "only scores 12 ppg and took 4 years to get to even that". Shows the flip side of leaving for a better financial opportunity...new fans in a new place have no established relationship or bond with you...in the words of Draymond: "They don't love you like that"
Anytime you switch jobs you have to prove yourself again. Coleman gives you a lot of complementary skills but is not a big time scorer or rebounder. For $2M per year most fans would expect 20 ppg 10 rbg. If he repeats last year 12 ppg 6 rbg 3 apg the Louisville boo birds will come out. He would be better off at established winning program like UNC UConn etc with at structured offense and a fan base that appreciates the little things.
 
#395      
And said player and his father believe leaving Illinois was a huge mistake. They didn’t fully realize what Brad was trying to do with his coaching.

From a coaches perspective, this drives me crazy. What do players and parents think the coaches are trying to do with their coaching? They are obviously trying to make each player as successful as possible and win a national championship. I was from the Underwood style of coaching and it didn’t always go over well but my motives and intentions were crystal clear to everyone… guess the Clark’s thought they were gonna be above it, cuz it’s not like it’s is some great secret that Underwood is not a hold your hand and sing Kumbaya type of coach
 
#396      
I often don’t feel graduating early is a good move for HS kids. Play out the senior year and come in with Jeremiah as a fearsome duo! We can keep a lot of guys too….
I agree, but now that so many kids aren’t playing with the guys with whom they grew up just not the draw there once was for these players.
 
#398      
To those who were just so darn frustrated in April and early May that the roster wasn't finalized, how are you feeling now? Kinda seems like it wasn't worth all the consternation. But also, interestingly, a lot of those posters suddenly seem to be MIA. Funny that.

Roster construction is a long game. We now have the level of success and recruiters to get us in the door to places we couldn't a few years ago. This is why it pays to save some money and have some roster flexibility, just in case. No matter how this works out, it's pretty darn nice to be in serious contention for this one.
To be fair, I was an optimist at that point and I have still been mostly MIA. It's mostly because I just ran out of gas.
 
#399      
Just making sure...

We are the frontrunner...right?

Edit: A lot of my posts either go through the day after I posted...or don't go through at all. I'd say around 50-60% don't go through at all. I had several not go through yesterday. Anyone know why this happening?
 
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#400      
Just making sure...

We are the frontrunner...right?

Edit: A lot of my posts either go through the day after I posted...or don't go through at all. I'd say around 50-60% don't go through at all. I had several not go through yesterday. Anyone know why this happening?
Sounds like we're the clubhouse leader...but there are a couple good players still out on the course.
 
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