Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

Foo G · Sep 23, 2012, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Xavier Rathan-Mayes appears quite happy at being followed by Deron Williams.

...and Mark "Big Time" Bick!

NEIlliniFan · Sep 23, 2012, 07:45 AM

I live in New England (as you can tell by my handle) so can't help but be familiar with UConn. Generally speaking, UConn likes their chances with XRM. XRM has been very complimentary about Ollie, referred to him as a 'Man of God', and point out that Dad lives in New Haven.

Many UC fans think that Ollie's one-year contract is a mere formality and that he's in a 'no-lose' situation. If the team doesn't do well, well what can you expect from a penalized team with a first-year coach that got such a late start? If they do well then look what KO accomplished.

They also play up all of their national championships and bball tradition. Now, my thought is that if UC's administration was so sold on KO then he would have received more than a one-year contract. Calhoun clearly delayed announcing his retirement until it was too late to do anything other than name KO as the head coach. Also, those national championships were with Calhoun as head coach, not Ollie. KO has done nothing.

But 17/18-year-old high school kids don't always think that logically. I think Groce has done a great job just getting Illinois into XRM's final three. Groce may or may not close the deal with XRM, but it won't be due to a lack of effort.

ChiCityHoops34 · Sep 23, 2012, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealWorld52

XRM seems like a really really hard worker as does Kendrick, if he goes to FSU the chances of him being as dedicated are small, too too too many distractions.

Dude its college and your first time living on your own. It doesnt matter where you go to school, distractions are there wherever an 18 year old is living by himself. I know that personally :laugh:

ChiCityHoops34 · Sep 23, 2012, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEIlliniFan

I live in New England (as you can tell by my handle) so can't help but be familiar with UConn. Generally speaking, UConn likes their chances with XRM. XRM has been very complimentary about Ollie, referred to him as a 'Man of God', and point out that Dad lives in New Haven.

Many UC fans think that Ollie's one-year contract is a mere formality and that he's in a 'no-lose' situation. If the team doesn't do well, well what can you expect from a penalized team with a first-year coach that got such a late start? If they do well then look what KO accomplished.

They also play up all of their national championships and bball tradition. Now, my thought is that if UC's administration was so sold on KO then he would have received more than a one-year contract. Calhoun clearly delayed announcing his retirement until it was too late to do anything other than name KO as the head coach. Also, those national championships were with Calhoun as head coach, not Ollie. KO has done nothing.

But 17/18-year-old high school kids don't always think that logically. I think Groce has done a great job just getting Illinois into XRM's final three. Groce may or may not close the deal with XRM, but it won't be due to a lack of effort.

I dont see a top 25 player in the country with the other options he has commiting to such a hazey situation

Foo G · Sep 23, 2012, 08:01 AM

John Groce
Leonard Hamilton
Kevin Ollie

Not the names you're used to (or expect) seeing battle it out for a big-time recruit.

NEIlliniFan · Sep 23, 2012, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiCityHoops34

I dont see a top 25 player in the country with the other options he has commiting to such a hazey situation

Neither do I. But I went through a college search with a kid just two years ago and know from experience that logic isn't necessarily a big part of the process.

UConn really does have a Duke-like sense of entitlement when it comes to men's basketball. Their fans are a bit obnoxious about it.

Which is why I hope that XRM goes to FSU if he doesn't come to UI.

HsvIllini · Sep 23, 2012, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foo G

John Groce
Leonard Hamilton
Kevin Ollie

Not the names you're used to (or expect) seeing battle it out for a big-time recruit.

How true!

PeoriaSteve · Sep 23, 2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sure Shot

Didn't XRM say he wanted to play at a basketball school?

He's gotta like what he's seeing tonight.

Nice one, Sure!

Dan · Sep 23, 2012, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Rathan-Mayes took notice of Kendrick Nunn's commitment to Illinois. Nunn, who committed to the Illini on Sept. 15, passed along his phone number.

"We talk through texts, mainly," Rathan-Mayes said.

Rathan-Mayes, who was raised in Canada, has another associate in the UI program. He was a Huntington Prep teammate of current Illini sophomore Ibrahima Djimde.

"Me and Ibby are pretty close," he said.

Klee

DanvIllini · Sep 23, 2012, 09:47 AM

IDK where else to put this... but can someone tell me what Jay Price was doing at the I Fund Tailgate?

Dan · Sep 23, 2012, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Had a great time here in Illinois on my visit!! Heading back to H-Town to see my main man @rfulford Lool! Back to work

Appreciate everyone in Illinois making my visit special had a great time

http://twitter.com/YungBoiMayes

PBLPanther · Sep 23, 2012, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanvIllini

IDK where else to put this... but can someone tell me what Jay Price was doing at the I Fund Tailgate?

Looking for work?

ctblaisdell83 · Sep 23, 2012, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBLPanther

Looking for work?

Beat me to it

2005ILLINIWHITESOX · Sep 23, 2012, 09:56 AM

Anybody know anything about how DJ's visit to ND went this weekend? Anything new that we should be concerned about him?

Dan · Sep 23, 2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2005ILLINIWHITESOX

Anybody know anything about how DJ's visit to ND went this weekend? Anything new that we should be concerned about him?

Only real news that came out of it, last night an ND media guy tweeted that Jackson might announce his decision this week-

Quote:

Sources indicate that Marian guard Demetrius Jackson has told #NotreDame he will likely make his college choice sometime next week.

http://twitter.com/tnoieNDInsider

IlliniMic · Sep 23, 2012, 10:16 AM

Except for a surprise anouncement from XRM (he says he will announce on 10/13). Isn't no news the best news Illinois fans could get this weekend? Meaning, Illinois is still in the hunt for both players.

jonnymo · Sep 23, 2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

No faith yet? I was right on Nunn, right on Kansas being out of the running for DJ, and I've been telling you for 2 weeks now that DJ is a done deal. I trust my sources.

Why why why why why can't people just stop worrying about Djax....he's in the bag NOW!!! If people MUST worry about a recruit worry about XRM!! even though I think we lead on him as well he IS NOT in the bag as is Djax

combes · Sep 23, 2012, 10:20 AM

Alvin Ellis just committed to Minnesota. Nice player.

BrooksTaylorFan · Sep 23, 2012, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnymo

Why why why why why can't people just stop worrying about Djax....he's in the bag NOW!!! If people MUST worry about a recruit worry about XRM!! even though I think we lead on him as well he IS NOT in the bag as is Djax

DJ is the must have and XRM is the icing on the cake. Having Ibby here certainly helps our chances with XRM so we'll just have to wait and see what develops.

idoc13 · Sep 23, 2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

DJ is the must have and XRM is the icing on the cake. Having Ibby here certainly helps our chances with XRM so we'll just have to wait and see what develops.

Do you think DJ announces this week?

BrooksTaylorFan · Sep 23, 2012, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idoc13

Do you think DJ announces this week?

Yes.

RyanK · Sep 23, 2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idoc13

Do you think DJ announces this week?

Yep, probably Thursday or Friday

TearsOfJoy · Sep 23, 2012, 10:40 AM

Anyone notice DJ's lack of tweets during his visit to ND? Certainly no pictures of him wearing the host's jersey like when he was here! Love following the forum and am looking forward to contributing

OneTime3 · Sep 23, 2012, 10:41 AM

That Deron follow is pretty sweet. He only follows 211 people out of his 250k followers.

PeoriaChief · Sep 23, 2012, 10:42 AM

Just off personal belief, my read on the recruiting situations...

Demetrius Jackson - 60/40 Illini
XRM - behind FSU and UConn, even after the visit. Very impressed we got in his top 3

Sep 23, 2012, 07:45 AM	#6152
NEIlliniFan Posts: 43	I live in New England (as you can tell by my handle) so can't help but be familiar with UConn. Generally speaking, UConn likes their chances with XRM. XRM has been very complimentary about Ollie, referred to him as a 'Man of God', and point out that Dad lives in New Haven. Many UC fans think that Ollie's one-year contract is a mere formality and that he's in a 'no-lose' situation. If the team doesn't do well, well what can you expect from a penalized team with a first-year coach that got such a late start? If they do well then look what KO accomplished. They also play up all of their national championships and bball tradition. Now, my thought is that if UC's administration was so sold on KO then he would have received more than a one-year contract. Calhoun clearly delayed announcing his retirement until it was too late to do anything other than name KO as the head coach. Also, those national championships were with Calhoun as head coach, not Ollie. KO has done nothing. But 17/18-year-old high school kids don't always think that logically. I think Groce has done a great job just getting Illinois into XRM's final three. Groce may or may not close the deal with XRM, but it won't be due to a lack of effort.

Sep 23, 2012, 08:01 AM	#6155
Foo G Nobody likes a comedian Location: Kirksville, MO Posts: 1,655	John Groce Leonard Hamilton Kevin Ollie Not the names you're used to (or expect) seeing battle it out for a big-time recruit.

Sep 23, 2012, 09:47 AM	#6160
DanvIllini Super Lurker Location: Danville, IL Posts: 353	IDK where else to put this... but can someone tell me what Jay Price was doing at the I Fund Tailgate?

Sep 23, 2012, 09:56 AM	#6164
2005ILLINIWHITESOX Posts: 199	Anybody know anything about how DJ's visit to ND went this weekend? Anything new that we should be concerned about him?

Sep 23, 2012, 10:16 AM	#6166
IlliniMic Posts: 38	Except for a surprise anouncement from XRM (he says he will announce on 10/13). Isn't no news the best news Illinois fans could get this weekend? Meaning, Illinois is still in the hunt for both players.

Sep 23, 2012, 10:20 AM	#6168
combes Posts: 2,448	Alvin Ellis just committed to Minnesota. Nice player.

Sep 23, 2012, 10:40 AM	#6173
TearsOfJoy Posts: 17	Anyone notice DJ's lack of tweets during his visit to ND? Certainly no pictures of him wearing the host's jersey like when he was here! Love following the forum and am looking forward to contributing

Sep 23, 2012, 10:41 AM	#6174
OneTime3 Posts: 121	That Deron follow is pretty sweet. He only follows 211 people out of his 250k followers.

Sep 23, 2012, 10:42 AM	#6175
PeoriaChief Posts: 518	Just off personal belief, my read on the recruiting situations... Demetrius Jackson - 60/40 Illini XRM - behind FSU and UConn, even after the visit. Very impressed we got in his top 3