Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

IlliniByProxy · Dec 28, 2012, 08:43 AM

Maybe I'm looking at the situation wrong, but I think signing Tate sealed our fate with Ulis. My guess is Coach Groce is looking for a much more skiled pg. Tate probably won't be a major contributor until he is a junior. If you take Ulis you are in the same boat as Tate. Down the line he may be a quality pg, but he won't contribute early. I think Groce has added his quality depth and is now looking for a major contributor. Sometimes it's not about IF the kid is good enough, it's about if he fits into the roster.

BigTenChamp87 · Dec 28, 2012, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapan1030

Pressey is an incredible player, but I think what helps him as well is that when he drives, he has multiple extremely large and talented big men to dish to. Illinois does not. Therefore, I'm of the opinion that unless we're getting a bona fide stud at PG like Lyle, a guy like Alexander or Okafor would be much more beneficial. Assuming we could get those guys of course

I think that will be Nnanna by his senior season, Ulis' fresh season. Also, if Morgan is as advertised, it may be him as well.

Joel Goodson · Dec 28, 2012, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniByProxy

Maybe I'm looking at the situation wrong, but I think signing Tate sealed our fate with Ulis. My guess is Coach Groce is looking for a much more skiled pg. Tate probably won't be a major contributor until he is a junior. If you take Ulis you are in the same boat as Tate. Down the line he may be a quality pg, but he won't contribute early. I think Groce has added his quality depth and is now looking for a major contributor. Sometimes it's not about IF the kid is good enough, it's about if he fits into the roster.

+infinity. 13 rides overall and we're very tight in '14. We have higher priorities right now. That said, if those don't pan out, we could do a lot worse than adding Ulis. And, FWIW, I think Ulis is a better PG than Austin (offensively, defensively the nod clearly goes to Austin). Ulis may be (or end up) better than Tate, but we needed a '13 PG.

Cool Hand Luke · Dec 28, 2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniByProxy

Maybe I'm looking at the situation wrong, but I think signing Tate sealed our fate with Ulis. My guess is Coach Groce is looking for a much more skiled pg. Sometimes it's not about IF the kid is good enough, it's about if he fits into the roster.

I think I tend to agree, Proxy. If Groce decided to go after Ulis I would be okay with it. I wasn't at one time -- his size is a big worry -- but we desperately need legitimate ball handlers.

But when you sign Jaylon Tate, you are adding him as insurance. He's a very good ball handler but he is not a B1G-level starter. You sign Jaylon Tate hoping you can sign a guy like Lyle -- combo guard or not -- not a guy like Ulis.

That's my take anyway. Not claiming it's what Groce is thinking.

Don't get me wrong. I like having Tate on the roster. He can help next season. We will be in desperate need of someone who can control the ball. But we need a stud as our primary ball handler, whether it be a PG, combo or point-forward.

I am ignoring my own advice and holding out hope we can somehow nab both Lyle and Alexander. Adding those 2 guys makes us instant Final Four contenders.

Lyle
Nunn
Hill
Egwu
Alexander

That would be one hell of a starting lineup, with guys like Abrams, Tate, Rice, Colbert, Morgan, Henry, Langford, and Finke coming off the bench.

I am obviously making some assumptions. If we somehow got Lyle and Alexander (lol) I assume it means a couple guys would leave and 2 freshmen and 2 sophomores would start ahead of some seniors. But it doesn't matter what the actual starting lineup is. I'm not convinced Egwu will ever be as good as we hope. It wouldn't shock me to see Henry or Colbert starting ahead of him.

Okay, back to reality.

PeoriaSteve · Dec 28, 2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK Illini

If Hill can stay healthy and bulk up, he should be a pretty killer player by his junior year.

I'm starting to think he can be a killer by his soph season after JB leaves.

RyanK · Dec 28, 2012, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by combes

According to the Iowa Rivals guy, Ulis does not have an offer from Iowa yet. Austin does, though. UIC has offered Ulis.

Strange. I was sitting next to McCaffery when he stated he would take "the Ulis kid" right now.

PeoriaSteve · Dec 28, 2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LibertyIllini

Heading out to the Proviso West tourney...willing to give everyone a report on Jalen Brunson.

We'll look forward to that, Liberty. This kid sounds like a winner that we'd like to get. A lefty DWill....I'm in!

RHITIllini · Dec 28, 2012, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanK

Strange. I was sitting next to McCaffery when he stated he would take "the Ulis kid" right now.

I think Ulis is terribly underrated by the Illinois fanbase.

Austin isn't a lone wolf. He needs talent around him to be effective. Which he would have at Illinois, but Ulis can create for himself, and that's what Groce had in DJ Cooper, which is why I'm a little surprised Ulis didn't get the offer before Austin.

On another note, even if Illinois doesn't get C. Matthews in 2015, Glynn Watson is a pretty good second choice at PG. Both are very good. Watson isn't as elite as Matthews at this point, but he's still a guy I would have no problem with if he was my PG.

combes · Dec 28, 2012, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHITIllini

I think Ulis is terribly underrated by the Illinois fanbase.

Austin isn't a lone wolf. He needs talent around him to be effective. Which he would have at Illinois, but Ulis can create for himself, and that's what Groce had in DJ Cooper, which is why I'm a little surprised Ulis didn't get the offer before Austin.

On another note, even if Illinois doesn't get C. Matthews in 2015, Glynn Watson is a pretty good second choice at PG. Both are very good. Watson isn't as elite as Matthews at this point, but he's still a guy I would have no problem with if he was my PG.

I like Ulis, but he must be underrated by most of the high major teams in the country.

Kramer116 · Dec 28, 2012, 09:40 AM

https://twitter.com/Finke_Michael

Quote:

I hate to lose. Let me repeat.. I hate to lose. Hate that feeling in your stomach after a loss knowing u were better than them. #frustrated

From yesterday, but good to see/hear from Finke.

IlliniFreak7 · Dec 28, 2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigTenChamp87

I think a better analogy is Pressey at Mizzou ( the 5'10" guy who was single-handedly the difference maker against us in the Bragging Rights game). Ulis will be able to play in a high major conference. He has an offer from Iowa and hope that does not come back to haunt us.

Sorry my point wasn't to compare him to dee in terms of style but instead in terms of situation. Dee was a fantastic college player but never really made it to much at the next level. Ullis is a great high school player but many people haven't bought in that he will transfer that well to the next level. I'm not saying whether he can or can't, just that that is clearly his issue. It's one thing to dominate in hs but with obvious flaws such as height. He may not be able to play good defense or shoot over people and he may get lost in the much larger big men when he drives. Then again he may be ableto do all of these. It's just that there is clearly a disconnect between what he can do and what coaches seem to think he can do at the next level

Dan · Dec 28, 2012, 11:01 AM

Yesterday-

Quote:

Austin is really good on the break. Another dish for him. Then another..

Lanphier wins, 63-53. Game was closer than that. They were about +18 with Austin on the floor.

http://twiter.com/Sturdy32

Today-

Quote:

Another solid game for LArry Austin this morning. 15 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds as Lanphier beats Richwoods.

http://twiter.com/Sturdy32

Madturkillini · Dec 28, 2012, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Yesterday-
Today-

Those are true PG numbers.

Psycho 86 · Dec 28, 2012, 11:53 AM

Larry Austin is shooting 57% from the free throw line this year.

Botb9 · Dec 28, 2012, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho 86

Larry Austin is shooting 57% from the free throw line this year.

I would say that's NOT a good line from a PG.

Botb9 · Dec 28, 2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanK

Strange. I was sitting next to McCaffery when he stated he would take "the Ulis kid" right now.

Did he slam a chair when he said that?

carmelillini · Dec 28, 2012, 12:34 PM

Heading to the North Central tounament this afternoon to catch Hyron Edwards play for East Chicago. Need to find the Orange wind shirt.

SummerofGeorge · Dec 28, 2012, 12:54 PM

Hmmmm, so many options today. Cliff at 4:00 in Pontiac, Finke at 4:30 in B/N, LA playing against a good Washington team at 6:30, and the Simeon boys in Pontiac at 7:30. What shall I do???

HsvIllini · Dec 28, 2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SummerofGeorge

Hmmmm, so many options today. Cliff at 4:00 in Pontiac, Finke at 4:30 in B/N, LA playing against a good Washington team at 6:30, and the Simeon boys in Pontiac at 7:30. What shall I do???

Well if you go to Pontiac, you can kill two birds with one stone....

justsomedude · Dec 28, 2012, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Luke

I think I tend to agree, Proxy. If Groce decided to go after Ulis I would be okay with it. I wasn't at one time -- his size is a big worry -- but we desperately need legitimate ball handlers.

But when you sign Jaylon Tate, you are adding him as insurance. He's a very good ball handler but he is not a B1G-level starter. You sign Jaylon Tate hoping you can sign a guy like Lyle -- combo guard or not -- not a guy like Ulis.

That's my take anyway. Not claiming it's what Groce is thinking.

Don't get me wrong. I like having Tate on the roster. He can help next season. We will be in desperate need of someone who can control the ball. But we need a stud as our primary ball handler, whether it be a PG, combo or point-forward.

I am ignoring my own advice and holding out hope we can somehow nab both Lyle and Alexander. Adding those 2 guys makes us instant Final Four contenders.

Lyle
Nunn
Hill
Egwu
Alexander

That would be one hell of a starting lineup, with guys like Abrams, Tate, Rice, Colbert, Morgan, Henry, Langford, and Finke coming off the bench.

I am obviously making some assumptions. If we somehow got Lyle and Alexander (lol) I assume it means a couple guys would leave and 2 freshmen and 2 sophomores would start ahead of some seniors. But it doesn't matter what the actual starting lineup is. I'm not convinced Egwu will ever be as good as we hope. It wouldn't shock me to see Henry or Colbert starting ahead of him.

Okay, back to reality.

Unless one of them transfers, if Abrams, Henry and Rice are all coming off the bench as seniors, I think its safe to say we will be very, very good.

Having said that, it would also be shocking.

SummerofGeorge · Dec 28, 2012, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HsvIllini

Well if you go to Pontiac, you can kill two birds with one stone....

That is what I was thinking but I have not seen Finke play yet. I think I will hit that game and then to Pontiac for Simeon game.

BigTenChamp87 · Dec 28, 2012, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HsvIllini

Well if you go to Pontiac, you can kill two birds with one stone....

Presuming the team made the trip to Chicago today, would like to see coach get out to the Dipper to check out Ulis for himself. It's only 30 minutes south of downtown; coach drove over an hour to see Austin when the team was in St Louis.

BigTenChamp87 · Dec 28, 2012, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanK

Strange. I was sitting next to McCaffery when he stated he would take "the Ulis kid" right now.

Can't remember where I saw it, but Ulis reports that he has two high major offers: DePaul and Iowa. His recruiting will heat up after the summer evaluation period, mark my word.

Dan · Dec 28, 2012, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Belleville East beats Decatur MacArthur 63-50 as Malcolm Hill pumps home 34 points to give him 106 in last three. #618hoops

http://twitter.com/DavidMWilhelm

Cool Hand Luke · Dec 28, 2012, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Quote:

Belleville East beats Decatur MacArthur 63-50 as Malcolm Hill pumps home 34 points to give him 106 in last three. #618hoops

http://twitter.com/DavidMWilhelm

The kid is lighting it up.

Dec 28, 2012, 11:53 AM	#3064
Psycho 86 King Monkey Nut Location: Rochester,Illinois Posts: 1,103	Larry Austin is shooting 57% from the free throw line this year. __________________ Fear me for I am the keeper of his SPIRIT, a soldier for his reinstatement as MASCOT. I strike down those who try to oppose THE CHIEF!! WWW.EZMUDDIN.COM

Dec 28, 2012, 08:43 AM	#3051
IlliniByProxy Location: St. Joseph, IL Posts: 453	Maybe I'm looking at the situation wrong, but I think signing Tate sealed our fate with Ulis. My guess is Coach Groce is looking for a much more skiled pg. Tate probably won't be a major contributor until he is a junior. If you take Ulis you are in the same boat as Tate. Down the line he may be a quality pg, but he won't contribute early. I think Groce has added his quality depth and is now looking for a major contributor. Sometimes it's not about IF the kid is good enough, it's about if he fits into the roster.

Dec 28, 2012, 12:34 PM	#3067
carmelillini Location: Hamilton Co. Posts: 2,064	Heading to the North Central tounament this afternoon to catch Hyron Edwards play for East Chicago. Need to find the Orange wind shirt.

Dec 28, 2012, 12:54 PM	#3068
SummerofGeorge Location: Peoria Posts: 314	Hmmmm, so many options today. Cliff at 4:00 in Pontiac, Finke at 4:30 in B/N, LA playing against a good Washington team at 6:30, and the Simeon boys in Pontiac at 7:30. What shall I do???