Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

illiniobserver22 · Oct 12, 2012, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kramer116

Luckily this is a basketball message board or your post could be totally misinterpreted...

I agree with Combes on this one, I think that Malcolm Hill is our best incoming recruit easily.

Best part of all on Hill is that he's young for his class and looks like he's 14. I think when he matures a bit more over the next couple years he could add another level of explosiveness that would really position him to be a star. He's definitely going to thrive playing with the ball off screens with his ability to slash and pull up.

Illini70math · Oct 12, 2012, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kramer116

Yea, IU fans do not consider Illinois a real rival. It is Kentucky and Purdue that they hate most and feel are their rivals from what I have seen.

One has to be careful because IU fans like to play the "disdain game" with Illinios -- UI isn't "good enough" to be their rival because we have no banners. Over recent years, though, the hatred of many IU fans burned as brightly (or brighter) for UI as it did for Purdue or Kentucky. Many linked UI to the Sampson/Gordon fiasco and their years in Purgatory.

It's a bit like asking who is UI's main rival. The answer often depends on where the fan lives. Some would say Iowa, some Mizzou, some Indiana, and so on.

IntenselyOrange · Oct 12, 2012, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illini70math

One has to be careful because IU fans like to play the "disdain game" with Illinios -- UI isn't "good enough" to be their rival because we have no banners. Over recent years, though, the hatred of many IU fans burned as brightly (or brighter) for UI as it did for Purdue or Kentucky. Many linked UI to the Sampson/Gordon fiasco and their years in Purgatory.

It's a bit like asking who is UI's main rival. The answer often depends on where the fan lives. Some would say Iowa, some Mizzou, some Indiana, and so on.

I 100% agree with this. I think IU is a bit more polarized in that they all have disdain for Purdue and Kentucky, but that doesn't mean that a fair number don't also hate Illinois or Michigan based on locale.

07inNY · Oct 12, 2012, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IntenselyOrange

I 100% agree with this. I think IU is a bit more polarized in that they all have disdain for Purdue and Kentucky, but that doesn't mean that a fair number don't also hate Illinois or Michigan based on locale.

This is the case. I just attended grad school at IU (after graduating U of I in 07). Twisted I know. I can say IU students very much consider us as a rival. However, a LOT of their hatred toward Illinois is directed at Weber. Quite a few houses and apartments had anti-Illini posters outside all year with Weber in a baby bonnet, etc. Didn't see this with any other teams except Purdue. There is a different vibe around campus for the Illini game then any other on the schedule (save Purdue and UK).

I can also say Crean very much considers Illinois a rival. I am very close with someone on his staff there from my time in Bloomington. He gave me great seats for the Illini/IU game that we lost last year. Needless to say me and my four undergrad buddies were in orange. After the game my buddy told me Crean was wondering who gave away family section/team tickets to the %$*@#'s dressed in orange.

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Oct 12, 2012, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illiniobserver22

Best part of all on Hill is that he's young for his class and looks like he's 14. I think when he matures a bit more over the next couple years he could add another level of explosiveness that would really position him to be a star. He's definitely going to thrive playing with the ball off screens with his ability to slash and pull up.

Not sure this is really a good thing other than it may indicate he's a little underrated. Since most athletes reach maturity in their late 20's, being younger means he's further away from that than most of the guys he'll be going against in college.

illiniobserver22 · Oct 12, 2012, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesterveltVictoryCigar

Not sure this is really a good thing other than it may indicate he's a little underrated. Since most athletes reach maturity in their late 20's, being younger means he's further away from that than most of the guys he'll be going against in college.

I just think it means he may continue to grow, fill out, and become more explosive whereas someone like Kendrick Nunn for example is much closer to a finished product in terms of his body.

Madturkillini · Oct 12, 2012, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesterveltVictoryCigar

Not sure this is really a good thing other than it may indicate he's a little underrated. Since most athletes reach maturity in their late 20's, being younger means he's further away from that than most of the guys he'll be going against in college.

It actaully IS a good thing, because it can only mean that he will improve at a higher rate than the other players in his class.

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Oct 12, 2012, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madturkillini

It actaully IS a good thing, because it can only mean that he will improve at a higher rate than the other players in his class.

If you say so....

colbeck1 · Oct 12, 2012, 09:11 AM

This is insulting. On my screen, there is an advertisement in the middle of the page. Apparently, my browser thinks I might want Tarheels gear. BS.

Dan · Oct 12, 2012, 09:11 AM

* Xavier Rathan-Mayes to announce decision tomorrow, Saturday, October 13. (I haven't seen the exact time/viewing location for announcement)
* Austin Colbert is visiting Seton Hall this weekend.
* Ben Moore is visiting Illinois today.

Quote:

Ben Moore

"He thinks Coach Groce has a lot of energy and enthusiasm," Brost said. "He thinks that they're headed in the right direction."

Even with that said, Brost said he does not think Moore will make a decision on where he's heading to play college basketball this weekend.

"My guess is -- and this is just a guess on my part -- is he'll come back from the visit and really sit down with his parents," Brost said. "They'll ook at the pros and cons of every place, see where they're at and go from there."

Matt Daniels

cali illini · Oct 12, 2012, 09:11 AM

Hopefully we get a verbal from Ben Moore this weekend and wrap up a Great 2013 class! It was nice to be in consideration with some highly talented kids but i think this class will do very well at Illinois!! I think the future looks pretty bright with this new staff, Congrats to Groce and the rest of the coaching staff!

Illwinsagain · Oct 12, 2012, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justsomedude

I want a new coach
One that won't make me sick
One that won't make me hit the bar,
Just trying to forget

I want a new coach
One that won't crap the bed,
One that won't make want to cry
Or leave the program dead

One that won't make me nervous
Wondering how they'll lose
One that wins games pushing tempo coast to coast
I'm talking groce.

I want a new coach
One that won't stall
One that won't whine to much
Or lose at the hall.

I want a new coach
That will let the bench play
One that will put up a fight
Without marker on his face

One that won't make me nervous
Wondering how they'll lose
One that wins games pushing tempo coast to coast
I'm talking groce.

Wow, someone has really put their Heart and Soul into this.

BrooksTaylorFan · Oct 12, 2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illwinsagain

Wow, someone has really put their Heart and Soul into this.

Bad is Bad, right? Maybe he's just Doing It All For My Baby?

TEYPAY · Oct 12, 2012, 09:30 AM

quick - I can't take this anymore - I wanna new drug......

Never mind - just take me Back in Time - 2005-06..... that will make me feel better.

ChitownIllini · Oct 12, 2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

Bad is Bad, right? Maybe he's just Doing It All For My Baby?

It's the Power of Love.

Hope we get some good news in the next day or two.

Illwinsagain · Oct 12, 2012, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

Bad is Bad, right? Maybe he's just Doing It All For My Baby?

The question is how does he have time for this? Is he not Workin' for a Living?

HONDO3 · Oct 12, 2012, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HsvIllini

Tomorrow, the 13th.

Is Saturday the 13th unlucky?

illini73 · Oct 12, 2012, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILHoff

Very similar to another Ben that played at Chicago Simeon. I can't believe that is an 8th grader at 6'7" moving with that much fluidity...wow.

I have not heard/read much about him (of course he is only an 8th grader), but it sounds like he is already a top 10 player in the nation in his class.

Just keep working that pipeline Groce and the UofI basketball program will be prominent again real soon!

illinimic1 · Oct 12, 2012, 09:48 AM

XRM to Illinois is my prayer tonight. Even if he decides to go to FSU, I wish him well. But please shock us all and pick ILLINOIS!!!

Madturkillini · Oct 12, 2012, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesterveltVictoryCigar

If you say so....

Don't understand why you act confused, but what I'm trying to say is, it makes a difference at what age you stop growing. Hill looks like he may still be getting taller, how can that be not a good thing? Physical growth is the only means of getting better at sports without an effort, you are naturally getting better. I had a friend in my track team in middle school. When he was an 8th grader, he could do close to 20' in long jump. But he already looked like a man. When he was a 10th grader, he wasn't even as good as he used to be any more. Just an example.

Madturkillini · Oct 12, 2012, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illinimic1

XRM to Illinois is my prayer tonight. Even if he decides to go to FSU, I wish him well. But please shock us all and pick ILLINOIS!!!

Is there any solid reason for why everbody believes XRM will chose FSU? I am pretty sure he will pick FSU too, but it's just a feeling, not based on any info.

BrooksTaylorFan · Oct 12, 2012, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madturkillini

Is there any solid reason for why everbody believes XRM will chose FSU? I am pretty sure he will pick FSU too, but it's just a feeling, not based on any info.

Hamilton has been recruiting X for a long time and they have a good relationship. He also has some buddies going to FSU too. The unknown factor is Wiggins. Lots of talk about him reclassifying and going to FSU, but it's not going to happen prior to tomorrow. Could it be in the works? Who knows. I honestly don't see it happening, but you never know. So with his strong relationship to Hamilton and nothing coming out the past few weeks, everyone feels that he's going to FSU.

IrishTerryConklin · Oct 12, 2012, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HONDO3

Is Saturday the 13th unlucky?

It will be for two programs out of the following list:

Us
UConn
FSU

Madturkillini · Oct 12, 2012, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

Hamilton has been recruiting X for a long time and they have a good relationship. He also has some buddies going to FSU too. The unknown factor is Wiggins. Lots of talk about him reclassifying and going to FSU, but it's not going to happen prior to tomorrow. Could it be in the works? Who knows. I honestly don't see it happening, but you never know. So with his strong relationship to Hamilton and nothing coming out the past few weeks, everyone feels that he's going to FSU.

I see, it makes sense.

It just p... me off that every 4-5* recruit we go for always has a coach who has been recruiting him for many years, and we are always the outsider. On the other hand, we've also seen coaches (should we assume that they cheat?) who don't have to spend 3+ years in a new program to start recruiting top talent.

Hopefully our recruiting situation will change starting from 2015. I can't wait, it is hard to be patient after years of suffering and finally having a coach who got me excited about Illini basketball again!

kingt131 · Oct 12, 2012, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

* Xavier Rathan-Mayes to announce decision tomorrow, Saturday, October 13. (I haven't seen the exact time/viewing location for announcement)
* Austin Colbert is visiting Seton Hall this weekend.
* Ben Moore is visiting Illinois today.

Xavier Rathan-Mayes
Live Streamed Commitment
http://ciabouncebasketball.com/home

9pm

Oct 12, 2012, 09:11 AM	#14159
colbeck1 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 14	This is insulting. On my screen, there is an advertisement in the middle of the page. Apparently, my browser thinks I might want Tarheels gear. BS.

Oct 12, 2012, 09:11 AM	#14161
cali illini Posts: 176	Hopefully we get a verbal from Ben Moore this weekend and wrap up a Great 2013 class! It was nice to be in consideration with some highly talented kids but i think this class will do very well at Illinois!! I think the future looks pretty bright with this new staff, Congrats to Groce and the rest of the coaching staff!

Oct 12, 2012, 09:30 AM	#14164
TEYPAY Location: Springfield Posts: 1,131	quick - I can't take this anymore - I wanna new drug...... Never mind - just take me Back in Time - 2005-06..... that will make me feel better.

Oct 12, 2012, 09:48 AM	#14169
illinimic1 Posts: 25	XRM to Illinois is my prayer tonight. Even if he decides to go to FSU, I wish him well. But please shock us all and pick ILLINOIS!!!