For other Twitter avoiders out there, Joe Jackson who has been generating the player breakdowns appears to be adding them to his YouTube channel as well. The video for Illinois isn't up yet, but a few others are and can be found here.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
How talented is next year's team? Defining terms is important here.
Potential is not the same as outcome, to be annoyingly obvious. So if talent means at the point of intake onto the team, that is one thing.
Comparing to next year's team with those fro past years, I suspect -- maybe wrongly -- that most fans are going to look at outcome the accomplishments of previous teames (B1G and NCAA achievements, NBA, overseas professional, or whatever). So comparing the potential of the incoming team (10 of 12 players new to the program) with the actual accomplishments in college and thereafter of past teams is definitely apples versus oranges.
I think the Sleepers scoffing at Illinois fans is at this point justified, not because we are wrong but because we just don't know yet. There is a LOT of failure for highly-ranked HS recruits, for example. A LOT. But I also think the Sleepers were as unclear as we may be in regard to the comparisons they were making (NBA pros only, it sounded like).
Potential is not the same as outcome, to be annoyingly obvious. So if talent means at the point of intake onto the team, that is one thing.
Comparing to next year's team with those fro past years, I suspect -- maybe wrongly -- that most fans are going to look at outcome the accomplishments of previous teames (B1G and NCAA achievements, NBA, overseas professional, or whatever). So comparing the potential of the incoming team (10 of 12 players new to the program) with the actual accomplishments in college and thereafter of past teams is definitely apples versus oranges.
I think the Sleepers scoffing at Illinois fans is at this point justified, not because we are wrong but because we just don't know yet. There is a LOT of failure for highly-ranked HS recruits, for example. A LOT. But I also think the Sleepers were as unclear as we may be in regard to the comparisons they were making (NBA pros only, it sounded like).
I think the team will be fun to watch next year. I don't want to create any expectations or starting line ups. I think we will be good and improve as the season progresses.
Thank you, I must’ve missed that one. I appreciate it
illiniswish09
- Northwest Suburbs
Was just offered by Xavier yesterday
Manual's Dietrich Richardson makes a case for the top spot in 2025 and more from Riverside-Brookfield
A look at the top players in the state's Class of 2025 and a big notebook of thoughts from this past weekend's shootout at Riverside-Brookfield.chicago.suntimes.com
I agree with your statement however the Arizona fans looking at Illini like they are far superior is kind of baffling to me. They are a very delusional fan base. Especially acting like Tommy Lloyd is a great coach.
LadyLoyalty
- Indian Wells, CA
All fan bases are somewhat delusional.
I think in this era, talent needs to be thought of as 1 year potential, not college career. In that sense, I'm not sure this team is as talented as last year. If you look at the ceiling of the top players, and more than 1 year, then I think the answer is yes. Really depends, and who knows how good this team will be. I think the Sleepers guys were tracking to the same idea.
Totally agree.
Not ours thoughAll fan bases are somewhat delusional.
Lol! True story but they.are exceptionally salty.All fan bases are somewhat delusional.
For those not knowing what to expect, and therefore watching with high anticipation....you are correct. No one can predict how this team will fit together, gel their chemistry, and fight for tough wins. BU and staff deserve a nod of respect for recruiting a roster that once again give Illini fans the promise of a team of which they can be proud every night. There is a high probability this team will bring home a few tough wins, some close losses we think should have been wins, and maybe a couple of head scratching losses. If the latter can be avoided, we should have a reasonably satisfactory season. But once again, for me, it will be the incremental improvement week by week that I will watch with riveting interest.
But most should agree, this team truly has the potential to be a #1 seed again in 2025-26....if they can stay together for two seasons. Unfortunately, that is unlikely as $ seeking egos go chasing a payday rather than a title. But what is obvious to a kid seldom is determined with much clear thought beyond what they can touch....and the future can't be.,,,by any of us.
But most should agree, this team truly has the potential to be a #1 seed again in 2025-26....if they can stay together for two seasons. Unfortunately, that is unlikely as $ seeking egos go chasing a payday rather than a title. But what is obvious to a kid seldom is determined with much clear thought beyond what they can touch....and the future can't be.,,,by any of us.
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I think it's simply top end talent vs depth. I don't think a single player on this year's team will be as good as Terrence, Ayo, Kofi, or even Domask but from 1 to 10 it's a deeper and more versatile roster.
For example if you were to compare them to last year's team. Sure nobody is going to be as good as the top end guys but there might be 8 guys on this year's roster that would have been the 3rd or 4th best player on last year's team.
Really? Looking for a paycheck is egotistic?
It's amazing how blithely some people suggest that players should renounce their own best interests in the name of team that some haven't yet even suited up for.
Not sure if you’re being sarcastic or not. If you're not, calling a team/organization/program “poverty” does not necessarily mean they’re poor or lack funds. It usually is a way of basically calling them bad and having a lack of success.
Commons examples: NY Jets, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Marlins, Indiana Hoosiers, Iowa Hawkeyes
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
Would be lucky to finish in the top half of the B1G. At most a bubble team. A lot of downside and fit questions on the roster but the bolded is plainly incorrect. Boswell, Wells, Humdinger and Ivisic all on the court at once is insane floor spacing, we had nothing resembling that this season...
www.illinoisloyalty.com
I'm just curious if @LuckyIllini is sticking with his/her prediction from May?
Anything new on some of the '25 targets? Word seems to be that AJ Dybantsa, Meleek Thomas, Jasper, and Khamenia will all be visiting (except Jasper already visited).
Feels like Jasper and Khamenia are the two that we realistically might have a good shot at landing? Of course the dream would be to go 2/2 on those two but getting 1/2 would still be amazing.
Feels like Jasper and Khamenia are the two that we realistically might have a good shot at landing? Of course the dream would be to go 2/2 on those two but getting 1/2 would still be amazing.
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Yeah, let's not forget Ivisic. At 7-1 and 250 pounds we have another quality center who is plenty strong to defend the post.
IlliniwekKDR
- Colorado Springs, CO
I still kind of hate us sometimes
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
he hit ~42% of his 3s too!
LadyLoyalty
- Indian Wells, CA
True. Though, chemistry and connection is the key for any team to be successful. Last year was a great example. It was palpable.