Illinois Hoops Summer Recruiting Thread

[TCTORNADO]

Originally Posted by Indicchief

How many assists?

He will do very, very well in Groce's scheme. I would expect better numbers under Groce.

3, but I don't look @ assists in an AAU game, they are almost non-existent.

[pnorber2]

Originally Posted by Illiniwek06

I didn't see the IHSA Championship, but read that Sterling Brown looked like the best player on the court. Can anyone provide some perspective? Thanks.

I watched the IHSA semifinals (to see my bud Fred Van Vleet, whom we should've recruited) in Peoria, and everyone I was with thought that Sterling Brown easily played the best. If it wasn't for the insane hype, we never would've known that Nunn or Parker were so highly touted. That isn't to say that they aren't incredible, but that day they didn't seem special while Sterling was noteworthy.

[combes]

Originally Posted by pnorber2

I watched the IHSA semifinals (to see my bud Fred Van Vleet, whom we should've recruited) in Peoria, and everyone I was with thought that Sterling Brown easily played the best. If it wasn't for the insane hype, we never would've known that Nunn or Parker were so highly touted. That isn't to say that they aren't incredible, but that day they didn't seem special while Sterling was noteworthy.

Who won that game?

I like VanVleet. Not sure he is BT good, though. No doubt he could play for us, but not a difference maker at his size. He is no Ulis. Jmo

[illiniparkie]

Speaking of Kendrick, here is an update on his recruitment.

“I am kind of narrowing it down. I have Memphis, UCLA, Illinois, Marquette, Oklahoma St, and Florida State.”

What’s the timeline for a decision?

“Hopefully I get this out of the way before the school season starts.”

Nunn discussed what will be important in the program he picks.

“Relationship with the coaches and how I will fit into their program.”

http://chicagohoops.hoops247.com/ind...=34:recruiting

[illiniparkie]

Looks like we will be seeing Nate Taphorn in the Big Ten. Only not for us:

Northwestern continues its nice blend of attracting Illinois products, along with a national and international recruiting flavor, as coach Bill Carmody secured a commitment from Nate Taphorn, a 6-7 wing from Pekin, Sunday night.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/hoopsrepor...s_to_nort.html

[illini73]

Anyone question his athleticism?

http://purdue.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1384915

[TCTORNADO]

Originally Posted by illiniparkie

Looks like we will be seeing Nate Taphorn in the Big Ten. Only not for us:

That's an excellent choice for Nate. He certainly attained "a reach school" for him. Good luck to NT!!

[UofIChE06]

Originally Posted by TCTORNADO

Tyler Ennis' CIA/Bounce U17 lost 100-84 to Team USA Midwest in championship game of Nike Global Challenge in D.C. He had 18 pts on 7 of 16 shooting. Wiggins had 24, Lyles 21 & XRM14.

That actually wasn't CIA Bounce. That was Team Canada. Our northern neighbors have come a long way in hoops to have a team like that.

[Lovethechief78]

Originally Posted by JimmyChitwood

It doesnt matter why we were on the list back then. It's the same reason that Depaul and 8 other teams are on that list (some reason that has nothing to do with going there). The coaching change gave them a perfect opportunity to remove us because he wasnt coming here regardless. I think it's a good thing we arent on the list now really. Gives the fans time to move on and focus on recruits that actually wanna put us back on the map. To me, Parker not coming here just proves he is like every other recruit that has no loyalty to his state. 99.9% of his recruitment has been through his dad and all about good pr. His dad has done a great job with it too, but let's not kid ourselves. He has had his school picked for awhile now.

Agree 100% If the Parker's really wanted to consider Illinois, they could, plain and simple. But, let's remember, going to MSU or a blue blood guarantees NOTHING in The Dance..**so**much is about match-ups, especially when you get deep in the tourney. The NCAA is so popular, in part, because of the significant upsets that occur. JP is no more likely/guaranteed to win a NC at Illinois or any other school.

[midastouch11]

Originally Posted by illini73

Anyone question his athleticism?

http://purdue.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1384915

I would really like it if KBD started our 2014 class soon.

[TCTORNADO]

Originally Posted by UofIChE06

That actually wasn't CIA Bounce. That was Team Canada. Our northern neighbors have come a long way in hoops to have a team like that.

You are absolutely right it was Team Canada, but mostly CIA/Bounce players.

[UofIChE06]

Originally Posted by TCTORNADO

You are absolutely right it was Team Canada, but mostly CIA/Bounce players.

Don't a few of them play for Huntington Prep too. They have to have great chemistry playing together so much.

[Hugh Jorgen]

Originally Posted by Groundhogday

I've read a couple of different observers noting that the first thing that jumps out at you in meeting Morgan in person is that he is really big. A lot of high school guys who are listed at 6'10" are really 6'7" or 6'8", and most are not nearly as strong as Morgan entering their senior year of high school. It will be interesting to see his athleticism and skills, but the guy undeniably has the size to be a legitimate B1G center.

Have stood next to Morgan, and the thing that shocked me was his current size and strength as well...right now, the kid reminds me of a taller but slightly less built version of Stephen Sheffler from Purdue.

He'll reach campus with a very solid foundation for a freshman center, and he has the frame to add another 15 pounds easy over the course of his 4 years...with further development of his already sound skillset, and some work on his explosiveness, he could be a major recruiting coup for Groce and company. Meyers surprised all of us, and I honestly think this kid could be the next big surprise.

[Hugh Jorgen]

Originally Posted by DaytonIllini

Yes. A person with any sense of honor or decency would.

Perhaps you failed history. The Fab 5 had their two championship game seasons vacated and two more seasons vacated under Fisher. Anyone with a shred of honor or decency would prefer our 1 championship game under Weber to the two vacated championship games under Fisher or the 1 Memphis championship game under Calipari that was vacated.

Anyone that doesn't understand that has no honor or decency. They're simply lacking something in the morals category. I couldn't give a rat's ass where Jabari Parker goes but we'll know whether he and his parents are the high character people he's portrayed or some common riff-raff after he makes his decision.

Now, it's July. Can we get back to Illinois recruiting on this thread?

Well said...even in this day and age, I'm still shocked by what people are willing to overlook and accept as far as speech and conduct go.

[Hugh Jorgen]

Originally Posted by midastouch11

I would really like it if KBD started our 2014 class soon.

+100...I've been wanting to see KBD commit to the Orange and Blue more than any of the other recruits in the two upcoming classes.

I've heard the hype surrounding all of the others and watched them play well, but never very well in any setting the past 3 seasons. Meanwhile, KBD has continually made steady progress all along the way and what excites me the most is that he seems like he could be another one of those players with elite level athleticism whose skills catch up by the time he is in college...the kind of player that stays 4 years and anchors a major shift in program success.

[TCTORNADO]

Originally Posted by illiniparkie

Speaking of Kendrick, here is an update on his recruitment.

He only listed 6 teams, when is he going to announce the additional 4??

[PeoriaSteve]

Originally Posted by carmelillini

UK has become a Free Pass to first round NBA selection. Don't see him not making the blue his choice. We'll know soon enough.

Yeah, cause he won't be a 1st rounder if he goes to MSU or somewhere else.:rolleyes:

[IlliniJim20]

Originally Posted by illiniobserver22

For some perspective on how impressive it is for Groce to be in Ennis' top 3 so early:

1. Ennis would be our first 5* recruit on Rivals since...well, ever. Looking at RSCI, our last top 20 guy would have been Dee Brown in 2002. We have not signed an out of state 5* in the past 15 years at least, if ever.

2. We have recruited (seriously) the following 5* Rivals players (final rankings) in the past 5 years to the best of my memory:

Gary Harris
Anthony Davis
Brad Beal
Quincy Miller
Branden Dawson
B.J. Young

Of those, we only were a finalist for Beal, and in hindsight probably a distant third.

So, Groce has already matched Weber's last 5 years in terms of competing for 5* recruits.

I have no idea what you are saying???

Groce is in on one 5* recruit. According to your data, Weber was in on SIX 5* recruits. How is 1 > 6?

At this poin, Ennis belongs on the list you provided, 5 * we have (in this case are) recruited. Until he signs, he cannot be compared to Dee Brown as "our" recruit.

[IlliniJim20]

Originally Posted by justsomedude

I'm sure no one participating in this thread ever looked at another's paper in High School, or used a fraternity study file, or broke the ruled in golf. A lot of people make mistakes as 17 year olds but grow beyond it.

Peeking at another person's paper is light years away from orchestrating the ACT stand in, in another city, in order to cheat NCAA rules.

[illiniobserver22]

Originally Posted by IlliniJim20

I have no idea what you are saying???

Groce is in on one 5* recruit. According to your data, Weber was in on SIX 5* recruits. How is 1 > 6?

At this poin, Ennis belongs on the list you provided, 5 * we have (in this case are) recruited. Until he signs, he cannot be compared to Dee Brown as "our" recruit.

You are a poor reader. Weber recruited six 5* kids in the last 5 years, but made the top three of just one. Groce made the top three of one in a couple of months with a much lower national opinion of the program than Weber started with.

I don't think you can make an argument that Weber was "in on" Anthony Davis or Branden Dawson or Gary Harris etc. in any real way where there was actual consideration of them coming here. In other words, there were no Illinois hats on their tables.

[DaytonIllini]

Originally Posted by illiniobserver22

You are a poor reader. Weber recruited six 5* kids in the last 5 years, but made the top three of just one. Groce made the top three of one in a couple of months with a much lower national opinion of the program than Weber started with.

I don't think you can make an argument that Weber was "in on" Anthony Davis or Branden Dawson or Gary Harris etc. in any real way where there was actual consideration of them coming here. In other words, there were no Illinois hats on their tables.

Did you forget about Eric Gordon?

[IlliniJim20]

Originally Posted by DaytonIllini

It'll be interesting to watch him. I saw him against Finley Prep and against top talent he looked pretty darn human. Nunn looked less than human in that game as I recall.

He looked like he had elite level skill but sub-elite level athleticism. I cannot help but wonder what happens in the NBA where every SF he faces will be ridiculously explosive.

Not making a prediction. Just curious to see how it works out. In full disclosure I didn't think Gordon would be that good in the NBA so take it for the little it's worth.

I share similar views. Not sour grapes since we did not land him, but I have seen himplay 4-5 times in high school games. Great talent, but I could not see the superstar label. Who knows

[DaytonIllini]

Originally Posted by IlliniJim20

I share similar views. Not sour grapes since we did not land him, but I have seen himplay 4-5 times in high school games. Great talent, but I could not see the superstar label. Who knows

Yes. Definitely not sour grapes. I think he'll be a great college player and would LOVE to have had him. I just wonder about his athleticism at the NBA level.

[zoggle101]

I did question KBD athleticism just a little bit. KBD got torched by a 6'2 guard in the ISHA 2 a super sectional named Braxton Lanier from Pleasant plain. Lanier scored like 22 points with KDB on him most of the game. Took him off the bounce a lot. That said, KDB was only a soph, and should get better guarding on the perimeter as he works on his lateral quickness. Miliken got a heck of a player in Lanier who just won MVP of the IBCA 1 and 2 a all star game this summer.

[illiniobserver22]

Originally Posted by DaytonIllini

Did you forget about Eric Gordon?

The 5 years I considered:

2012
2011
2010
2009
2008