Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[WesterveltVictoryCigar]

Originally Posted by BlockI

Could the Austin offer indicate the staff has rolled over the 13' ride? I know Colbert is still working on his choice but the 14' roster has very few open spots. We have Zabo, another PG, KBD, T Bluiett, Finke, O'mara, Alexander and now Austin with offers. If we take another in 13' does that only leave 1 for 14'?

Perhaps, but I think the staff is planning on taking more than one recruit in 2014 regardless of if we get another in 2013. I suspect if Colbert goes elsewhere they'll be waiting until the spring to see if another late bloomer or maybe a de-commit due to coaching changes becomes available.

[IlliniMot]

I don't consider myself an insider, but in this case, I do have some info to share regarding the LA offer. I'm from Springfield and work with someone very close to LA's dad. I was talking with him this morning to get his thoughts, and he gave me what he considered to be a snapshot of where Larry's thought process is. Larry appreciated the offer but, if he had to make a decision today, it would not be Illinois.

Of course things can and will change in any recruitment, but it seems there could be some resentment about how the offer was rescinded and how long it's taken for Coach Groce to make this offer. To quote my co-worker, "Larry's had a lot of time to consider other options without having to look at them through orange & blue glasses." He's developed some solid relationships with other staffs and it seems it will be another uphill battle to land this recruit.

Take this for what it's worth and may the best man end up an Illini.

[illiniobserver22]

Originally Posted by IlliniMot

I don't consider myself an insider, but in this case, I do have some info to share regarding the LA offer. I'm from Springfield and work with someone very close to LA's dad. I was talking with him this morning to get his thoughts, and he gave me what he considered to be a snapshot of where Larry's thought process is. Larry appreciated the offer but, if he had to make a decision today, it would not be Illinois.

Of course things can and will change in any recruitment, but it seems there could be some resentment about how the offer was rescinded and how long it's taken for Coach Groce to make this offer. To quote my co-worker, "Larry's had a lot of time to consider other options without having to look at them through orange & blue glasses." He's developed some solid relationships with other staffs and it seems it will be another uphill battle to land this recruit.

Take this for what it's worth and may the best man end up an Illini.

Thanks for passing that along.

Landing Larry will be a tough battle for Groce, and it may be too late to make up ground. That said, if Groce decides to go after him 100%, I think this is a recruitment he can win. No big power players involved (yet, anyway), we have home-field advantage, a PG-centric system, a top notch recruiting staff, and I would bet there's at least some lingering fondness for Illinois from Larry, who indicated he wanted to come here over anywhere else about 2 years ago.

[IlliniMot]

Originally Posted by illiniobserver22

Thanks for passing that along.

Landing Larry will be a tough battle for Groce, and it may be too late to make up ground. That said, if Groce decides to go after him 100%, I think this is a recruitment he can win. No big power players involved (yet, anyway), we have home-field advantage, a PG-centric system, a top notch recruiting staff, and I would bet there's at least some lingering fondness for Illinois from Larry, who indicated he wanted to come here over anywhere else about 2 years ago.

I agree that we have some things on our side, but the impression I got was that he is not willing to be slow-played or to be considered plan B, regardless of where he ends up.

[RyanK]

Originally Posted by DaytonIllini

I don't think anyone is a 'lock'. He'd fit our program. If he wants to go somewhere else, good for him but I don't see any harm in offering the kid.

I agree. However, my point was it seems some people are already penciling LA into our 2014 class. This one will be a battle, and as of now, were pretty far behind.

[FeelYourPaign]

Originally Posted by IlliniMot

I don't consider myself an insider, but in this case, I do have some info to share regarding the LA offer. I'm from Springfield and work with someone very close to LA's dad. I was talking with him this morning to get his thoughts, and he gave me what he considered to be a snapshot of where Larry's thought process is. Larry appreciated the offer but, if he had to make a decision today, it would not be Illinois.

Of course things can and will change in any recruitment, but it seems there could be some resentment about how the offer was rescinded and how long it's taken for Coach Groce to make this offer. To quote my co-worker, "Larry's had a lot of time to consider other options without having to look at them through orange & blue glasses." He's developed some solid relationships with other staffs and it seems it will be another uphill battle to land this recruit.

Take this for what it's worth and may the best man end up an Illini.

Thanks for sharing.
I do not know a thing, except that I've read that the new staff wanted to see LA play the point a few times before offering. Now, I'm 50, not 17, so understand my point of view, but what I see is that the staff said "this is the most important position on our roster and this kid hasn't played it yet. We want to see him play. We judge based on our own values, not rankings and we need to see anyone perform a few times to have a feel for their skills and potential. With our requirements, we are high on LA and we want to make an offer."

That sounds good when you put it that way, which I hope is decently on point from the UI staff perspective.

Now, for LA, it might feel different and I can understand that. Hope he comes back to the fold, but JG has to run the program the best way that he can for the program, not for LA or any other single recruit.

I'm hopeful for LA's recruiting and wildly excited about JG's recruiting in general. I think this will all work out for the best.

[HONDO3]

Originally Posted by IlliniMot

I don't consider myself an insider, but in this case, I do have some info to share regarding the LA offer. I'm from Springfield and work with someone very close to LA's dad. I was talking with him this morning to get his thoughts, and he gave me what he considered to be a snapshot of where Larry's thought process is. Larry appreciated the offer but, if he had to make a decision today, it would not be Illinois.

Of course things can and will change in any recruitment, but it seems there could be some resentment about how the offer was rescinded and how long it's taken for Coach Groce to make this offer. To quote my co-worker, "Larry's had a lot of time to consider other options without having to look at them through orange & blue glasses." He's developed some solid relationships with other staffs and it seems it will be another uphill battle to land this recruit.

Take this for what it's worth and may the best man end up an Illini.

This is why he won't be at UI. His feelings were hurt. This has probably been his mindset for quite a while.

[RealWorld52]

I have felt bad for Larry for awhile. This is a kid we have been talking about since he was barely 12, then the offer is rescinded. However, I compliment Coach Groce on really making sure Larry is the kind of player we want! That extra caution is what will make this program a level higher. I hope Larry "rewarms" up to ILL and considers his state school.

[BrooksTaylorFan]

Originally Posted by RyanK

I agree. However, my point was it seems some people are already penciling LA into our 2014 class. This one will be a battle, and as of now, were pretty far behind.

Definitely agree that LA is an uphill battle, but give Groce some credit. LA has always had minimal interest in Illinois even when Weber was here. Weber hoped that LA would jump on board after his offer and that never happened. Now Groce made LA sweat it out for 6 months and actually want an offer from Illinois. You have to believe that LA is watching what Groce is doing here and watching the excitement build as he add guys like Nunn and Tate. This strategy still might not work, but what do we have to lose? It will be interesting to see what happens from here on out.

[DaytonIllini]

It's a bit amazing how arrogant these kids have gotten if their feelings are hurt that they don't have an offer before they play their first high school game as a junior or before a 6'1" kid plays his first game as point guard in high school.

I wonder if we are not ascribing other people's feelings about things to Larry. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that you needed to secure a PG in 2013 before you could make a push for a 2014 PG. He might be a bit perturbed about the 2015's being offered ahead of him. That would be understandable but again I think you had to hold off on 14 offers if you had any hope of getting a top 13 guard.

[Calilama]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

Definitely agree that LA is an uphill battle, but give Groce some credit. LA has always had minimal interest in Illinois even when Weber was here. Weber hoped that LA would jump on board after his offer and that never happened. Now Groce made LA sweat it out for 6 months and actually want an offer from Illinois. You have to believe that LA is watching what Groce is doing here and watching the excitement build as he add guys like Nunn and Tate. This strategy still might not work, but what do we have to lose? It will be interesting to see what happens from here on out.

Ego is a funny thing especially a young mans ego.....LA might end up putting it aside and cutting Groce some slack given the transition that occurred....it might end up that none of that means crap if LA figures out he is in a system that really features his talents and he won't even have to change uniform colors....go illini...no substitute for being a hometown hero

[IlliniMot]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

Definitely agree that LA is an uphill battle, but give Groce some credit. LA has always had minimal interest in Illinois even when Weber was here. Weber hoped that LA would jump on board after his offer and that never happened. Now Groce made LA sweat it out for 6 months and actually want an offer from Illinois. You have to believe that LA is watching what Groce is doing here and watching the excitement build as he add guys like Nunn and Tate. This strategy still might not work, but what do we have to lose? It will be interesting to see what happens from here on out.

Although I didn't mention this in my first post, my source was quick to point this out. So, based on my understanding of the situation, LA is not one of those kids who has ever bled O&B. However, he is by no means anti-Illini and is therefore worth pursuing. I have seen him play many times and believe he will be a great teammate and an asset wherever he ends up. If that happens to be Illinois, you can count on the fact that he will have "bought-in" and decided that's where he wants to be.

[ChiCityHoops34]

Originally Posted by DaytonIllini

It's a bit amazing how arrogant these kids have gotten if their feelings are hurt that they don't have an offer before they play their first high school game as a junior or before a 6'1" kid plays his first game as point guard in high school.

I wonder if we are not ascribing other people's feelings about things to Larry. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that you needed to secure a PG in 2013 before you could make a push for a 2014 PG. He might be a bit perturbed about the 2015's being offered ahead of him. That would be understandable but again I think you had to hold off on 14 offers if you had any hope of getting a top 13 guard.

+ 1 a 16 year old kid feeling "disrespected" being offered a free big 10 education no matter when its offered is such a joke

[OrchardDowns]

Larry Austin may be another case where we see a local kid with an Illinois offer go to a smaller school. Hope not, but I will admit I was surprised to see Groce offer Austin after pulling the offer Weber had out for him, and then making him wait so long for another.

This could be another case where we get to see just how great a recruiter Groce is?

[dmac279]

Originally Posted by illiniobserver22

Thanks for passing that along.

Landing Larry will be a tough battle for Groce, and it may be too late to make up ground. That said, if Groce decides to go after him 100%, I think this is a recruitment he can win. No big power players involved (yet, anyway), we have home-field advantage, a PG-centric system, a top notch recruiting staff, and I would bet there's at least some lingering fondness for Illinois from Larry, who indicated he wanted to come here over anywhere else about 2 years ago.

Maybe not so much after the last two years

[Calvin]

Originally Posted by DaytonIllini

It's a bit amazing how arrogant these kids have gotten

Arrogant kids or arrogant fans? At least he's just a kid.

[justsomedude]

Originally Posted by OrchardDowns

Larry Austin may be another case where we see a local kid with an Illinois offer go to a smaller school. Hope not, but I will admit I was surprised to see Groce offer Austin after pulling the offer Weber had out for him, and then making him wait so long for another.

This could be another case where we get to see just how great a recruiter Groce is?

I doubt he'll go to a smaller school if he spurns us, unless you consider Mizzou or Memphis types as smaller.

[combes]

Originally Posted by HONDO3

This is why he won't be at UI. His feelings were hurt. This has probably been his mindset for quite a while.

This describes Dad more than Larry from what I have heard.

[IlliniFan1987]

I think it's more on Social Media. To many fans have access to these kids, and praise them as if they are the savior of their basketball program. I am a high school coach, and have aspired to be a College Coach. And you see it, when players like XRM, have these huge parties to announce their decision before ever playing a college game. And fans claiming guys are the next deron williams, or the next kevin durant. Your going to have kids think highly of themselves and believe they deserve better when they feel disrespected.

[aberger]

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

Definitely agree that LA is an uphill battle, but give Groce some credit. LA has always had minimal interest in Illinois even when Weber was here. Weber hoped that LA would jump on board after his offer and that never happened. Now Groce made LA sweat it out for 6 months and actually want an offer from Illinois. You have to believe that LA is watching what Groce is doing here and watching the excitement build as he add guys like Nunn and Tate. This strategy still might not work, but what do we have to lose? It will be interesting to see what happens from here on out.

I call BS and agree with this. If he was so in love with Illinois, he would have jumped on Weber's offer. He did not. His recruitment reminds me a bit of the guard (think from the Rockford area) who wanted an Illinois offer, got it, then waited for a better offer. Lost the Illinois offer and went to a mid major. LA will probably go to a high major, but his interest in Illinois was not as strong as it seemed to be.

[OrchardDowns]

Originally Posted by combes

This describes Dad more than Larry from what I have heard.

Hope you are right about this. Would like to see Austin as an Illini, but am having my doubts it will happen....but why would Groce even offer unless he was sure the kid would commit?

Baffles me a bit!

If Austin goes somewhere else, just more bad press for Illinois hoops! Hope he chooses to stay home!!

[PeoriaSteve]

Originally Posted by 217sports

I'm from Springfield and I heard at one time he was basically verbally committed to mizzou. Just rumors though

You mean like Jackson was basically verbally committed to us?:laugh:

[chief78]

I'm hoping Coach Groce does things his way and gets the type of players that fit his system and that he wants. If the local talent wants to be loved and gets offended when offers don't show up when they think they should - then so be it. I want players who want to be Illini and fit Coach's system - local or not. Lets get this train back on the track and eventually the prospects will be 'Fighting' for an Illini offer.

[BrooksTaylorFan]

LA and Lyle are both long shots right now. Keep an eye on Zabo and Jaycee Hillsmann. Hillsmann is a big lefty guard who transfered from Champaign to Simeon and should make some noise this fall. He's a big, defensive minded guard who can score and will only get better at Simeon. Simeon could become the farm system for Illinois with him, Williams, Matthews, and Kopet.

[SIUC]

IMO as bad as we were with the previous regime, I think we will take a big hit even on these kids that are 2014-2015 just because of ther perception of our losing ways (that can change in a hurry if Groce gets us winning ). Sure Groce is recruiting his butt off and has a differnet style, but right now until we win these kids will go elswhere in my opinion.

Also some of these guys that are getting offered now, after the 1st or second or third choice has gone elsewhere, could be a double edge sword for us. One your not getting the type of player you want and Two they are feeling dissed that they werent more of priority and offered sooner and may choose to go elswhere.


Im a big Illini fan for a long time but the last few years have made me quite skeptical. Im all in for Groce bring back the Illini back to where they should be. An annual top 15 team nationally.

Go Illini