Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

job71188 · Sep 23, 2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illiniwek_2

I don't mean to be difficult, but I can't imagine Hill being satisfied with a redshirt. He's too good in my opinion. I think we may have oversigned already by a player. I don't mean to doubt people but in hindsight I think it may have been better not to go after Rice.

I wouldn't say that it's a bad problem if we have too many talented players on the roster.

rtbritt · Sep 23, 2012, 06:23 PM

I think people get too caught up in positions in basketball. Obviously the point guard brings the ball up. The 2 and 3 though, are pretty much interchangeable depending on matchups.

In general, you have 2 "wings" which can be 2 or 3. And as has been discussed, most seem that our 4 will be played most of the time by a 3/4 combo type (specifically Rice, Henry, and maybe Bertrand.) At 6'6" Hill is very similar to Bertrand, so you'd think somewhere along the line, Hill could play some 4.

So if we land XRM and DJ, then you have them two, as well as Abrams who can all three easily play the 1. Then, all of our other guards can shift between 2 and 3. Then some 3s can shift between 3 and 4.

If we have a more traditional 4 in the post, then they can easily shift between 4 and 5 positions.

My point being that we can easily find playing time for quality players.

uppantera · Sep 23, 2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illiniwek_2

I don't mean to be difficult, but I can't imagine Hill being satisfied with a redshirt. He's too good in my opinion. I think we may have oversigned already by a player. I don't mean to doubt people but in hindsight I think it may have been better not to go after Rice.

Rice was apparently the best player in summer workouts, and with his size, he gives us lineup flexibility. He's absolutely a crucial asset.

I want these high profile recruits too, but let's not undersell our current players.

Larken24 · Sep 23, 2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uppantera

let's not undersell our current players.

+1

GroceBurgers · Sep 23, 2012, 06:43 PM

I really feel that Myke Henry will have a breakout sooner than later, keep in mind he really didnt play much last year. Not as much as I would have liked at least. Garbage minutes mostly.

justsomedude · Sep 23, 2012, 06:45 PM

Also, if our only true interior players are Egwu, freshman Morgan, ibby and shaw, there is a good chance that the majority of minutes at the 4 go to wings like Bertrand, rice and Henry.

I really have no idea who will get minutes where, but I'll be excited to find out.

justsomedude · Sep 23, 2012, 06:46 PM

Also, let's lock up Jackson and XRM first.

grkill · Sep 23, 2012, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illiniwek_2

I don't mean to be difficult, but I can't imagine Hill being satisfied with a redshirt. He's too good in my opinion. I think we may have oversigned already by a player. I don't mean to doubt people but in hindsight I think it may have been better not to go after Rice.

Finally someone else who agrees. To the poster who said Hill may take a redshirt, are you serious? Hill is probably better than Nunn, Nunn geys more pub because of Simeon.

I agree on Rice, I wasnt a fan and still not a fan. I think if Groce knew he would get Xrm, nunn, and jackson he would not have signed him. In all honestly he takes away another scholarship. It seems like the news is out and kids wanna play for coach Groce!

grkill · Sep 23, 2012, 06:49 PM

And Hill should not play the 4. Hes a true SG SF. Lets not put him in a baf situation.

justsomedude · Sep 23, 2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grkill

And Hill should not play the 4. Hes a true SG SF. Lets not put him in a baf situation.

Honestly, we're going to get the best guys on the floor, attack until winded and go with next. I doubt Hill will play the 4, but there is plenty of time to work it out.

IlliniFreak7 · Sep 23, 2012, 06:56 PM

Lets not forget that these players will still all be freshmen and so they will take time to get used to big ten play. They are all going to need to share minutes and I really dont see us not going super deep the whole time we play and really splitting the 1-3 between dj nunn xrm tracy and hill assuming we get both of them (still by no means a sure thing). In addition I wouldnt be surprised to see groce use 4 guards at times too. Im more worried about upper classmen not having time rather than the freshmen. Groce is building his team and he knows who he wants and how to use them.

ChiCityHoops34 · Sep 23, 2012, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wokker

I think it's been mentioned before, but if the dream scenario comes true and we land DJ and XRM, Hill may end up taking a RS. Then you would have more PT available at the 3 for Nunn.

Then you'd have Abrams, XRM, DJ, Rice, and Nunn splitting three guard positions five ways in a face-paced, guard heavy line-up. (possibly Henry at the 3 too).

Bertrand would spend more time at the 4 with some combination of Langford/Henry/Shaw.

5 would be Egwu with Morgan/Ibby providing spot minutes.

Talk about a scary lineup with depth. I can't think about this too much because we all know best-case scenario is rarely reality

Haha comments like these make me laugh. Malcom is a stud he'll suprise people. Only reason he dropped was due to injury, so much talent.

Illinois5 · Sep 23, 2012, 06:58 PM

Rice is a good player and I can see him being one of our more valuable players next year.

Don't count Mr. Rice out. He's a good player with a lot to prove.

I think i'm more excited to see what he does more than anyone else this upcoming season.

illini4413 · Sep 23, 2012, 07:00 PM

I don't think everyone understands the strength and toughness that Rice adds to the lineup. Whether he's a starter or on the bench, he's an absolute must on this roster. A 6'4, 235 pound small forward who can score at will never hurt anyone in Big Ten play. Would much rather have him on our team than to play against him.

Ron Zooks Barber · Sep 23, 2012, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbrew87

DJack just favorited my last tweet! About him and XRM coming to Illinois for my birthday present!!!!

britt31 · Sep 23, 2012, 07:05 PM

Rice will be a stud for this team. Hill, nunn, xrm, and dj will contribute right away. Plenty of minutes to go around, in groce we trust!

Wokker · Sep 23, 2012, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiCityHoops34

Haha comments like these make me laugh. Malcom is a stud he'll suprise people. Only reason he dropped was due to injury, so much talent.

In no way is it a slight on Hill, but he would seem the most likely candidate for a RS. Consider:

1. He dropped due to injury, yes. He is expected to make a full recovery but may not be at his best going into freshman year.

And

2. IF (and a big IF) Nunn, XRM, and DJ all come aboard, then there are three generally higher rated players than Hill in the same class, on top of Rice, Abrams, and Bertrand. Common sense says there is a good chance someone redshirts.

Chuckle all you want, I'm just using common sense. And on that note, I'm done derailing a recruiting thread with hypothetical lineups for next year.

Go Illini

othawhitemeat · Sep 23, 2012, 07:07 PM

Honestly,

If we get D.J. and not even XRM, I would love to see many times going to the 4 guard lineup. While we might struggle against some in the post, I like our 4 guard lineups better than a team such as Mizzou or even Villanova just because we will have players such as Bertrand that is quite the athlete or Rice that is built and will hold players off the block. However, on the other end, who is going to guard them.

If we somehow get XRM and D.J. picture this lineup at times

D.J./Abrams
Bertrand/Nunn
XRM/Hill
Rice/Bertrand/Henry
Egwu

XRM is a great shooter, D.J. is a little of everything, Rice will create havoc on both sides, Bertrand can slash and will be better by then. Truly our one weakness will be who is backing up Egwu? However, guarding our slashing and playmaking will be an issue and I can see this coaching staff using our correct personnel. Rice/Bertrand really could make it work by being flexible at playing at the 4 spot.

Foo G · Sep 23, 2012, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illiniwek_2

I don't mean to be difficult, but I can't imagine Hill being satisfied with a redshirt. He's too good in my opinion. I think we may have oversigned already by a player. I don't mean to doubt people but in hindsight I think it may have been better not to go after Rice.

Rice is a proven commodity.
He's got the ability to score, defend at a high level, and is the strongest and toughest player on the roster.
Along with Paul, he is one of the 2 best players on the team right now.
His redshirt season will only give him time to work on and improve his weaker areas.
He'll be a better player in Groce's system than at least half (if not all) of the current roster.
How can you possibly question his worth?

I do agree that the notion of Hill redshirting is absurd, barring injury.

UncleBob · Sep 23, 2012, 07:13 PM

IF we get DJ and XRM, for next year we will be three deep at PG - DJ, XRM, TA.
XRM, TA, KN, RR at SG .
MaH, MyH, DL, RR, JB at SF.
Egwu, Shaw, Morgan, Ibby and another big...

Am I missing anyone? You may disagree with how I assigned positions, but that would make us three deep at PG, five bigs, and lots of depth at the SG and SF positions. How could we not be happy with that?

Foo G · Sep 23, 2012, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wokker

In no way is it a slight on Hill, but he would seem the most likely candidate for a RS. Consider:

1. He dropped due to injury, yes. He is expected to make a full recovery but may not be at his best going into freshman year.

And

2. IF (and a big IF) Nunn, XRM, and DJ all come aboard, then there are three generally higher rated players than Hill in the same class, on top of Rice, Abrams, and Bertrand. Common sense says there is a good chance someone redshirts.

Chuckle all you want, I'm just using common sense. And on that note, I'm done derailing a recruiting thread with hypothetical lineups for next year.

Go Illini

I disagree.

Hill will be at full strength very soon; this is not a Crandall Head situation.
Redshirts are not based on rankings by recruiting services.
You don't redshirt guys that have the potential to leave early for the NBA.

kyontz · Sep 23, 2012, 07:15 PM

According to the ultimate source, himself, Michael Finke was offer by Groce tonight...

Quote:

Just received a scholarship from head coach John Groce and The University of Illinois! #illini

http://twitter.com/Finke_Michael

TooHot4Tots · Sep 23, 2012, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyontz

According to the ultimate source, himself, Michael Finke was offer by Groce tonight...

Yeah I just read that on twitter from wcia

Foo G · Sep 23, 2012, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyontz

According to the ultimate source, himself, Michael Finke was offer by Groce tonight...

I wonder if that is in any way indicative of our chances to land KBD.

Jkat00 · Sep 23, 2012, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyontz

According to the ultimate source, himself, Michael Finke was offer by Groce tonight...

Hmmmm not liking that

Sep 23, 2012, 06:23 PM	#6277
rtbritt Posts: 266	I think people get too caught up in positions in basketball. Obviously the point guard brings the ball up. The 2 and 3 though, are pretty much interchangeable depending on matchups. In general, you have 2 "wings" which can be 2 or 3. And as has been discussed, most seem that our 4 will be played most of the time by a 3/4 combo type (specifically Rice, Henry, and maybe Bertrand.) At 6'6" Hill is very similar to Bertrand, so you'd think somewhere along the line, Hill could play some 4. So if we land XRM and DJ, then you have them two, as well as Abrams who can all three easily play the 1. Then, all of our other guards can shift between 2 and 3. Then some 3s can shift between 3 and 4. If we have a more traditional 4 in the post, then they can easily shift between 4 and 5 positions. My point being that we can easily find playing time for quality players.

Sep 23, 2012, 06:43 PM	#6280
GroceBurgers Location: Champaign Posts: 7	I really feel that Myke Henry will have a breakout sooner than later, keep in mind he really didnt play much last year. Not as much as I would have liked at least. Garbage minutes mostly.

Sep 23, 2012, 06:45 PM	#6281
justsomedude Posts: 1,361	Also, if our only true interior players are Egwu, freshman Morgan, ibby and shaw, there is a good chance that the majority of minutes at the 4 go to wings like Bertrand, rice and Henry. I really have no idea who will get minutes where, but I'll be excited to find out.

Sep 23, 2012, 06:46 PM	#6282
justsomedude Posts: 1,361	Also, let's lock up Jackson and XRM first.

Sep 23, 2012, 06:49 PM	#6284
grkill Banned Posts: 235	And Hill should not play the 4. Hes a true SG SF. Lets not put him in a baf situation.

Sep 23, 2012, 06:56 PM	#6286
IlliniFreak7 Banned Posts: 210	Lets not forget that these players will still all be freshmen and so they will take time to get used to big ten play. They are all going to need to share minutes and I really dont see us not going super deep the whole time we play and really splitting the 1-3 between dj nunn xrm tracy and hill assuming we get both of them (still by no means a sure thing). In addition I wouldnt be surprised to see groce use 4 guards at times too. Im more worried about upper classmen not having time rather than the freshmen. Groce is building his team and he knows who he wants and how to use them.

Sep 23, 2012, 06:58 PM	#6288
Illinois5 Location: Illinois Posts: 193	Rice is a good player and I can see him being one of our more valuable players next year. Don't count Mr. Rice out. He's a good player with a lot to prove. I think i'm more excited to see what he does more than anyone else this upcoming season.

Sep 23, 2012, 07:00 PM	#6289
illini4413 Banned Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 17	I don't think everyone understands the strength and toughness that Rice adds to the lineup. Whether he's a starter or on the bench, he's an absolute must on this roster. A 6'4, 235 pound small forward who can score at will never hurt anyone in Big Ten play. Would much rather have him on our team than to play against him.

Sep 23, 2012, 07:05 PM	#6291
britt31 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 69	Rice will be a stud for this team. Hill, nunn, xrm, and dj will contribute right away. Plenty of minutes to go around, in groce we trust!

Sep 23, 2012, 07:07 PM	#6293
othawhitemeat Posts: 377	Honestly, If we get D.J. and not even XRM, I would love to see many times going to the 4 guard lineup. While we might struggle against some in the post, I like our 4 guard lineups better than a team such as Mizzou or even Villanova just because we will have players such as Bertrand that is quite the athlete or Rice that is built and will hold players off the block. However, on the other end, who is going to guard them. If we somehow get XRM and D.J. picture this lineup at times D.J./Abrams Bertrand/Nunn XRM/Hill Rice/Bertrand/Henry Egwu XRM is a great shooter, D.J. is a little of everything, Rice will create havoc on both sides, Bertrand can slash and will be better by then. Truly our one weakness will be who is backing up Egwu? However, guarding our slashing and playmaking will be an issue and I can see this coaching staff using our correct personnel. Rice/Bertrand really could make it work by being flexible at playing at the 4 spot.

Sep 23, 2012, 07:13 PM	#6295
UncleBob Location: San Clemente, CA Posts: 468	IF we get DJ and XRM, for next year we will be three deep at PG - DJ, XRM, TA. XRM, TA, KN, RR at SG . MaH, MyH, DL, RR, JB at SF. Egwu, Shaw, Morgan, Ibby and another big... Am I missing anyone? You may disagree with how I assigned positions, but that would make us three deep at PG, five bigs, and lots of depth at the SG and SF positions. How could we not be happy with that?