Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[PeoriaChief]

Originally Posted by BoolahBoolah

Gotta be honest, that video showed me absolutely nothing.

I'm all in favor of offering the local kids first, but there are some legit questions about where Austin projects at the next level.

This video showed very little jumpers, very little creating, way too much in the post.

I've heard the kid sells out on D and plays his tail off, and that's great, but I haven't seen any semblance of a J, ability to create off the bounce, or anything that would lead me to believe he can run a team full time.

If we had DJ on board, I think you take him as your glue guy... Now that we don't, and assuming XRM isn't coming, I don't know that you can project him as a reliable PG moving forward.

This is a really interesting judgment call for the staff. If Austin doesn't get an offer in the next couple months, I doubt he ever gets one. I'm glad they get paid the big bucks and not me.

I agree word for word. That video further solidified my opinion of Austin as pg.

[BrooksTaylorFan]

Originally Posted by Lovethechief78

BTF- What do you think our chances are with XRM?

His stepdad coming on the visit was huge and both him and his mom loved Illinois. The general feeling now is that we have him, but we still have 2 weeks to go. Not going to UConn to stay home and study (help qualify) is a great sign.

Trying to get the FSU side, but all I have heard is legacy and Wiggins. Well his stepdad isn't putting any pressure on him to go to FSU and they want the best school that will get him to the NBA. And Wiggins to FSU is highly unlikely.

[Foo G]

Austin seems very similar to Kendrick Nunn IMO.
Same height, same position, same question marks.
Nunn is probably just more refined in his skills at this point.
If LA shows that he can play PG this year and handle the ball at a high level, I think he becomes a more viable option.

[Cool Hand Luke]

Originally Posted by Lucy727

Was yours the one with #ColbertsCastle ? If so, thanks I borrowed it. I got re-tweeted too! He appears to be RTing all of #IlliniNation.

Originally Posted by Leonardite

Twas me

No. I do not think so. That one is mine as is #nunnbetter.

No one is better at stalking high school kids than me. Something to be proud of.

[brosox]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

His stepdad coming on the visit was huge and both him and his mom loved Illinois. The general feeling now is that we have him, but we still have 2 weeks to go. Not going to UConn to stay home and study (help qualify) is a great sign.

Trying to get the FSU side, but all I have heard is legacy and Wiggins. Well his stepdad isn't putting any pressure on him to go to FSU and they want the best school that will get him to the NBA. And Wiggins to FSU is highly unlikely.

Ouch. I am still recovering from the week of obsessing over whether or not DJ would commit to us. Now, it looks like it will be two weeks of obsessing over XRM. When does the recruiting season end? I don't know if my heart can take much more of this.

[ILHoff]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

His stepdad coming on the visit was huge and both him and his mom loved Illinois. The general feeling now is that we have him, but we still have 2 weeks to go. Not going to UConn to stay home and study (help qualify) is a great sign.

Trying to get the FSU side, but all I have heard is legacy and Wiggins. Well his stepdad isn't putting any pressure on him to go to FSU and they want the best school that will get him to the NBA. And Wiggins to FSU is highly unlikely.

That's very encouraging. I'm curious to know your take on him as a PG. I know he wants to play point and his favorite player is Deron, but how much experience does he actually have playing the position? I know Ennis plays the point on their AAU team and he may get spot minutes, but I'm trying to gauge if he can be a full time point guard.

[BrooksTaylorFan]

Originally Posted by ILHoff

That's very encouraging. I'm curious to know your take on him as a PG. I know he wants to play point and his favorite player is Deron, but how much experience does he actually have playing the position? I know Ennis plays the point on their AAU team and he may get spot minutes, but I'm trying to gauge if he can be a full time point guard.

I think he's more of a PG than Nunn or Abrams are and he's more of a combo guard that Groce loves. He would most certainly thrive in this offense and I know he would love to follow in the footsteps of his hero, DW.

[Indicchief]

Originally Posted by ILHoff

That's very encouraging. I'm curious to know your take on him as a PG. I know he wants to play point and his favorite player is Deron, but how much experience does he actually have playing the position? I know Ennis plays the point on their AAU team and he may get spot minutes, but I'm trying to gauge if he can be a full time point guard.

If I could rephrase that question: What does Groce think/feel on this matter (of XRM being able to play PG at UoI)?

[ILHoff]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

I think he's more of a PG than Nunn or Abrams are and he's more of a combo guard that Groce loves. He would most certainly thrive in this offense and I know he would love to follow in the footsteps of his hero, DW.

Thanks for the response. Just wanted to add he seems to also have those intangibles that Groce is looking for in a player. He is an extremely hard worker, focused on getting better, and has the kind of personality that clicks with other players. I hope we can land him.

[FeelYourPaign]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

Don't really want to disclose details, but the in home went poorly and he wasn't the type of player that fit Groce's criteria about character. They passed on him regardless of how the DJ situation ended up.

Thanks, BTF. That is the sort of insight that one won't get very many places, so I am grateful for it. Even more grateful that it is a part of this staff's selection process. This says good things about the future, IMO.

[FeelYourPaign]

Originally Posted by Blue

I can't help but get excited to see Kendrick preaching the Illini word on twitter. Reaching out to prospective recruits, retweeting positive messages, etc. It just seems like a step in the right direction for the program in general. This guy is the spark.

Yes !
Don't follow Twitter and the like, so don't really know what those environments look like, but regardless his never ending energy is just a great sign for the future. Really happy to have KN on board.

[IlliNYC]

Originally Posted by grkill

Dumb question, but why do all recruits go to football games? The atmoshpere is not great and the team is not that good.

What better way to prove we're a basketball school?

[Dan]

Ben Moore will visit Illinois 10/26 Homecoming weekend.

BHS F, Ben Moore cuts list to 4-In no order-Colo St-SMU-Missouri-Illinois-Will visit Missouri (10/12) & Illinois (10/26) decision soon after

http://twitter.com/brookhoops

[PeoriaChief]

Originally Posted by Foo G

Austin seems very similar to Kendrick Nunn IMO.
Same height, same position, same question marks.
Nunn is probably just more refined in his skills at this point.
If LA shows that he can play PG this year and handle the ball at a high level, I think he becomes a more viable option.

I disagree. Austin goes to the post and has a "bully" type body that helps in score from down there, he even played the 4 some as a freshman on varsity. Nunn has the athletic ability, quickness, lift, that Austin can only dream of. Also Nunn shoots the ball much better. I believe Nunn can grow into a pure shooter, he has such a natural stroke. Austin I think at best could grow into an adequate shooter.

My opinion of course.

[PeoriaChief]

Originally Posted by ILHoff

That's very encouraging. I'm curious to know your take on him as a PG. I know he wants to play point and his favorite player is Deron, but how much experience does he actually have playing the position? I know Ennis plays the point on their AAU team and he may get spot minutes, but I'm trying to gauge if he can be a full time point guard.

Honestly, I think people get wrapped into trying to put a number to a player. In this offense Groce needs guards that can attack, get into the lane, and create for others or finish whether that's from triple threat, off the dribble or using a screen. I think Nunn and XRM definitely have that ability, as well as Hill to a lesser degree. A "point guard" is replaced with a main creator in the half court.

Now DJ was perfect because he could do all the above and had the natural point guard instincts and experience being the main the ball handler. With that said I do believe that XRM and Nunn will thrive in this offense and Hill will as well playing off those 2.

[PeoriaChief]

And in my above example XRM would be the "1" offensively with Nunn at the 2. I believe the two would switch defensively putting the ball hawking Nunn on the oppositions point and the 6'4" XRM on the 2.

[Vick217]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

His stepdad coming on the visit was huge and both him and his mom loved Illinois. The general feeling now is that we have him, but we still have 2 weeks to go. Not going to UConn to stay home and study (help qualify) is a great sign.

Trying to get the FSU side, but all I have heard is legacy and Wiggins. Well his stepdad isn't putting any pressure on him to go to FSU and they want the best school that will get him to the NBA. And Wiggins to FSU is highly unlikely.

Thanks BTF thats great news! Well its not looking like we will get verbal from Colbert.

[jdc]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

Henry has issues, much like Powell, and won't decide until spring anyways. They will continue to watch him, but it's very unlikely he would end up at Illinois.

I was told that Moore would commit right away if he got an offer, but that did not happen because Groce has him on hold. If Colbert doesn't commit this weekend, watch for Moore to come on board soon.

Can I ask what issues (generally speaking) Henry has? We're recruiting him too and while we're not waiting on him, since he said he will commit in the spring. He's a local kid so I think we'd like there to be no "issues" that prevent us from going hard at him. It's interesting that you say they are similar to Powell's, because we were recruiting him (and should have had a very good shot at him, as his former high school and AAU teammate is our current PG and was all-freshman team in the ACC) but we pulled off of him a few months ago.

Also, it's kind of sad to me that I have to come to an Illinois board to find out information on Florida kids!

[mdonsbach]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

His stepdad coming on the visit was huge and both him and his mom loved Illinois. The general feeling now is that we have him, but we still have 2 weeks to go. Not going to UConn to stay home and study (help qualify) is a great sign.

Trying to get the FSU side, but all I have heard is legacy and Wiggins. Well his stepdad isn't putting any pressure on him to go to FSU and they want the best school that will get him to the NBA. And Wiggins to FSU is highly unlikely.

Okay don't get me wrong I love the insights so I don't want to come off as a Debbie downer but I really don't think I could handle another 2 weeks of XRM hype to be let down. I know you have your inside sources but I don't want to build this up like crazy as we did with DJ just to have the crash at the end. My Illini heart is still a little fragile.

[Clete1]

September 30, 2012
MELTCON 4 – Big man search heats up

Attention shifts to big man targets with recent offers to Michael Finke, Ben Moore, and weekend visits by Finke and Austin Colbert. Moore visit set for 10/26.

Kendrick Nunn shows he’s still solid with UI by trying to drum up twitter support for AC. Malcolm Hill active on Twitter as well.

Dan posts CIA Bounce TV ad for XRM’s October 13 decision presser. UI fans breathe a sigh of relief that Dave Telep is not involved.

FSU plays BC on October 13, raising the question “If a recruit commits to a school on national television and no one from that school sees it, does it count?”

Positive feedback from XRM regarding last weekend's visit reported by BTF (sorry Brooks, no Jen Sterger reference for you here.)

Clete1’s wife is not happy to find links to pictures of hot FSU girls in his internet browsing history. Clete’s “journalistic integrity” argument doesn’t wash – he agrees to atone by not watching any more Illini Football games this year.

Groce rushes to Champaign after his Ryder Cup victory just in time to reassure recruits Colbert and Finke the “attendance at football games is not mandatory”.

Clete1’s daughter watches game and still wants to attend UI for some reason. Clete1’s other daughter wants to go to Cornell, where “they know how to play football”.

Football School Fun Fact: Leonard Hamilton was hired by FSU on the strength of his 19 win season with the Washington Wizards. The AD was unaware that an NBA season is 82 games.

Family may have swung the deal in DJ’s recruitment. Here’s some helpful information for the people around XRM (pay attention X-Mom):

- UI has a great track record with players from other countries – Deron Williams came from Texas.

- The last known case of bubonic plague in the US occurred in Florida. So what if it was 1922? Do you want to take that kind of risk with your child? Champaign is PLAGUE FREE.

- No alligator attacks in Champaign this week. Florida? "Alligator Attacks 84 year old Woman, Rips off her Arm" http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/n...0,637719.story Not too many one armed players in the NBA . . .

[zoggle101]

Larry Austin is not a pf and to say he played the four is giving people the wrong impression. He was the second tallest starter but they were all guards even AJ powers who was their tallest starter at 6'3 . Austin is supposed to play the point this year. Another thing is the other four starters were all seniors and Austin was only a sophomore. On top of that there were many games where LA was their best player.

I'm sure RyanK could shed some more light on why LA wasn't the primary pg for the Lions last year.

[Kramerica Industries]

Originally Posted by Clete1

September 30, 2012
MELTCON 4 – Big man search heats up

Attention shifts to big man targets with recent offers to Michael Finke, Ben Moore, and weekend visits by Finke and Austin Colbert. Moore visit set for 10/26.

Kendrick Nunn shows he’s still solid with UI by trying to drum up twitter support for AC. Malcolm Hill active on Twitter as well.

Dan posts CIA Bounce TV ad for XRM’s October 13 decision presser. UI fans breathe a sigh of relief that Dave Telep is not involved.

FSU plays BC on October 13, raising the question “If a recruit commits to a school on national television and no one from that school sees it, does it count?”

Positive feedback from XRM regarding last weekend's visit reported by BTF (sorry Brooks, no Jen Sterger reference for you here.)

Clete1’s wife is not happy to find links to pictures of hot FSU girls in his internet browsing history. Clete’s “journalistic integrity” argument doesn’t wash – he agrees to atone by not watching any more Illini Football games this year.

Groce rushes to Champaign after his Ryder Cup victory just in time to reassure recruits Colbert and Finke the “attendance at football games is not mandatory”.

Clete1’s daughter watches game and still wants to attend UI for some reason. Clete1’s other daughter wants to go to Cornell, where “they know how to play football”.

Football School Fun Fact: Leonard Hamilton was hired by FSU on the strength of his 19 win season with the Washington Wizards. The AD was unaware that an NBA season is 82 games.

Family may have swung the deal in DJ’s recruitment. Here’s some helpful information for the people around XRM (pay attention X-Mom):

- UI has a great track record with players from other countries – Deron Williams came from Texas.

- The last known case of bubonic plague in the US occurred in Florida. So what if it was 1922? Do you want to take that kind of risk with your child? Champaign is PLAGUE FREE.

- No alligator attacks in Champaign this week. Florida? "Alligator Attacks 84 year old Woman, Rips off her Arm" http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/n...0,637719.story Not too many one armed players in the NBA . . .

Exceptional as always. I think the Bubonic plague may be the deciding factor. :laugh::laugh:

[BrooksTaylorFan]

Originally Posted by mdonsbach

Okay don't get me wrong I love the insights so I don't want to come off as a Debbie downer but I really don't think I could handle another 2 weeks of XRM hype to be let down. I know you have your inside sources but I don't want to build this up like crazy as we did with DJ just to have the crash at the end. My Illini heart is still a little fragile.

No build up, no hype, no last second stay at home attachment. This is completely different than DJ. No predictions yet, but they like where they stand with XRM right now.

[RyanK]

Originally Posted by zoggle101

Larry Austin is not a pf and to say he played the four is giving people the wrong impression. He was the second tallest starter but they were all guards even AJ powers who was their tallest starter at 6'3 . Austin is supposed to play the point this year. Another thing is the other four starters were all seniors and Austin was only a sophomore. On top of that there were many games where LA was their best player.

I'm sure RyanK could shed some more light on why LA wasn't the primary pg for the Lions last year.

You just covered it all. Lanphier was a guard oriented team last year.

[BrooksTaylorFan]

Originally Posted by zoggle101

Larry Austin is not a pf and to say he played the four is giving people the wrong impression. He was the second tallest starter but they were all guards even AJ powers who was their tallest starter at 6'3 . Austin is supposed to play the point this year. Another thing is the other four starters were all seniors and Austin was only a sophomore. On top of that there were many games where LA was their best player.

I'm sure RyanK could shed some more light on why LA wasn't the primary pg for the Lions last year.

I think ur confusing Austin Colbert comments with Lary Austin comments.