Illinois Hoops Summer Recruiting Thread

[Dan]

Kieta bates diop put on a show today. The dreaded 'pro' tag is being thrown around by college coaches. Illinois purdue and mich all watching

http://twitter.com/Sturdy32

[jhayton]

KBD is a monster. I really hope he wants to stay close to home.

[IlliniRunIn07]

Was it KBD that had a relationship with PP before he came to UI? I remember Klee saying something along the lines of how big of a whiff it would be if we did not get KBD. I never thought we were front runners for his services, but when Klee makes a comment like that you think we would have to be in the lead.

I could be thinking of someone else though.

[mskizas]

Any really good recruits?

[U of I 89-05-10]

Originally Posted by mskizas

Any really good recruits?

Haha ... What?...

[Kramer116]

Originally Posted by IlliniRunIn07

Was it KBD that had a relationship with PP before he came to UI? I remember Klee saying something along the lines of how big of a whiff it would be if we did not get KBD. I never thought we were front runners for his services, but when Klee makes a comment like that you think we would have to be in the lead.

I could be thinking of someone else though.

You were remembering correctly.

I think we land him.

[Foo G]

Originally Posted by Mike

Slightly OT:

Hey, anybody seen this "local kid" (MICHAEL FINKE) play?:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/basketballre...l-Finke-142861

Has some offers, but guessing he's not good enough for UI to recruit.

There was some info on him in the Henrickson article.
He's the son of former Illini basketball recruit turned tight end Jeff Finke.
It sounds like he's just starting to hit the scene and make an impact.
I'm betting he'll get some attention from Groce before it's all said and done.
If not, it should speak well for who we have in the mix for 2014 and 2015.

[RHITIllini]

Originally Posted by Kramer116

You were remembering correctly.

I think we land him.

KBD is from Normal. Paris's son plays in the Bloomington-Normal area

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Foo G

There was some info on him in the Henrickson article.
He's the son of former Illini basketball recruit turned tight end Jeff Finke.
It sounds like he's just starting to hit the scene and make an impact.
I'm betting he'll get some attention from Groce before it's all said and done.
If not, it should speak well for who we have in the mix for 2014 and 2015.

Thanks Foo G.
Yeah, maybe if he keeps improving we'll give him a closer look.

[katu06]

Anyone have any good videos of KBD? My buddy and I are looking around on the internet and can't find anything of value.

[TCTORNADO]

Originally Posted by WesterveltVictoryCigar

I did, but then my alarm clock went off.

Well played--creative!!

[JIllini79]

God damn if we can get Ennis on campus which I think he will take a visit here considering we are recruiting him so hard, I think we have a legit shot at him.

Also, KBD is a must get in 2014 for us.

[JJB]

Standout Player of the Day: Tyler Ennis, CIA Bounce

Ennis was among those mentioned as a top player from Day 1, but on Day 2 he really shined. With coaches from across the country looking on, Ennis picked apart defenses, showing a range of skills that could help him be an impact player at the collegiate level.

One Division I coach said, “Give him a suitcase, I’ll take him back with me right now and let him start for my team.”

The key to Ennis’ game is his poise. He never allows the defense to speed him up or fluster him on the offensive end. Off of the pick and roll, he drops passes right where they need to be, putting his big men in a position to score.

He also showed a nice touch within 15 feet, drawing the defense and being able to finish with floaters off the glass.

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcspor...ry-stands-out/

[Kramer116]

https://twitter.com/#!/prepbullseye

Am leaning toward naming Kieta Bates-Diop my Player Of The Summer. Is dominating early vs Fieldhouse Elite."

[blmillini]

I can't imagine KBD foregoing college or even leaving early but you never know.

[blmillini]

Originally Posted by IlliniRunIn07

Was it KBD that had a relationship with PP before he came to UI? I remember Klee saying something along the lines of how big of a whiff it would be if we did not get KBD. I never thought we were front runners for his services, but when Klee makes a comment like that you think we would have to be in the lead.

I could be thinking of someone else though.

Klee suspected that PP knew him well since they both live here in B-N. It is too small a community for them not to know each other pretty well. I could see him going to Illinois but it is all going to be about fit and education.

[Foo G]

Originally Posted by JJB

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcspor...ry-stands-out/

Coach Groce maybe?

[jhayton]

Originally Posted by Foo G

Coach Groce maybe?

Possibly, but there are a lot of coaches that would say that, but I doubt it. From what I have seen and heard about JG he doesn't seem like the type of person that would say that. JMO.

[justsomedude]

Originally Posted by jhayton

Possibly, but there are a lot of coaches that would say that, but I doubt it. From what I have seen and heard about JG he doesn't seem like the type of person that would say that. JMO.

That quote could be taken a few times

[justsomedude]

Originally Posted by RHITIllini

KBD is from Normal. Paris's son plays in the Bloomington-Normal area

I think Paris helped with his jr high aau program

[Dan]

Groce on July recruiting

Illinois' approach to this July was twofold -- continue to play catch up with the 2013 and 2014 classes, while getting in early on the better prospects in the 2015 and 2016 classes.

"I think we've made up a lot of ground," Groce said. "That's for sure."

Klee

[james81]

The Klee article really doesn't say anything about recruiting progress other than the process is well-organized. July is a difficult month because expectations get raised, but often commitments don't come until later in the fall. This is the time of year that requires patience. A long-term strategy is unfolding which is not simply focused on 2013 or 2014. We are at a point where the commitment of one key player could have a significant impact in attracting other high level recruits. On the other hand, the more likely scenario in the short-term is we get one or two role players, important for the team, but not transformative in pushing us to the next level. That could be a few years away.

[IlliniFreak7]

So now that we've started to make up ground with the 2014 class, who do you think will be our top targets outside of okafor, cliff, and kbd?

[Dan]

Today's the last day of the July evaluation period.

Mike Brey, Todd Howard, John Groce, John Beiilein, Brad Stevens, Matt Painter, Tom Izzo among head coaches at Spiece this morning.

http://twitter.com/JeffRabjohns

[Kramer116]

http://www.umhoops.com/2012/07/29/gr...medium=twitter

Trevon Bluiett scored 10 points in his team’s victory over MBA Select in the afternoon, knocking down a couple 3-pointers in the first half as well as finishing a few shots in the paint. Bluiett continues to improve his all-around game and defense. This weekend was a good opportunity for him to do that because he didn’t appear to have the legs to take all of the long-distance shots he’s accustomed to taking for his team. It’s been a tough but extremely productive summer for Bluiett.

Scoring 10 points of his own, Keita Bates-Diop didn’t stand out quite as much as he did yesterday but still managed to impress. He didn’t play as much on Saturday afternoon, with his coach opting to give him some rest. Bates-Diop spent most of the weekend showing off his improved aggressiveness inside, and although he still needs to improve on his finishing ability, he continued to show off that newfound aggressiveness. He has excellent body control, just needs to work on his touch around the rim. Those skills will come but his long-range jumpshot is still extremely consistent.

Both Bluiett and Bates-Diop remain alive in bracket play with their respective teams and will play semifinal games at 9:15 on Sunday, looking to cap the July evaluation period with one final championship.