Marrero and Dillard update

*Chris Yates* · Oct 20, 2009, 08:58 PM

Here's a very recent (October 20) summary of the play of DeJuan Marrero and Lorenzo Dillard at the Pangos event. (Both of them attended our MM.)

http://www.slamonline.com/online/unc...the-heartland/

–DeJuan Marrero, 6-5 sophomore wing, Bowman (IN): A ultra-competitive slasher who was probably the most high-profile prospect in attendance, Marrero played with a chip on his shoulder (in a good way), as he bullied his way to the rack, finished above the rim in transition, handled some playmaking duties and rebounded assertively.

–Lorenzo Dillard, 6-0 freshman combo guard, Evanston (IL): A scorer with a nice frame and some versatility, the son of former DePaul star Skip Dillard, has good size, a smooth way about him and advanced scoring tools for his age.

*Chris Yates* · Oct 20, 2009, 09:32 PM

Here's more on Dillard at Pangos.

http://yourseason.suntimes.com/boys_...-notes.article

Dillard, a freshman who went to Illinois for Midnight Madness last Friday, was viewed by Scout.com national recruiting analyst Evan Daniels as the best prospect at the event from Illinois.

“Lorenzo has all the tools to be a high-major point guard,” said Daniels. “He’s quick, handles the ball, can shoot and has a bit of a mid-range jumper. He needs to improve his effort and consistency but he has got what it takes to be really good.”

*Chris Yates* · Oct 20, 2009, 09:35 PM

Harv & Roy had a similar impression of Dillard at Pangos.

http://ilprepbullseye.com/page44.html

* Lorenzo Dillard 6'0 PG 2013 Evanston (Township) IL
Probably the best overall prospect from Illinois that we saw during our time at this event. Maybe it is because of his strong frame, but although he is listed at 6'0 to us it appeared as though he could actually be as big as 6'2. Dillard showed that he is capable of playing either guard spot, although right now he is probably most effective with the ball in his hands. He handles well, can attack the basket and can hit pullup jumpers from beyond the 3-point arc. Like most young guards, Dillard will need to continue to improve upon his decision-making, but there is no question that he has all the tools to rank among the top prospects in Illinois from the 2013 class.

The class of 2013 in the State of Illinois is absolutely loaded!

*Bubba Eder* · Oct 20, 2009, 09:46 PM

Thanks CY some very good infromation.

*Orange Hall* · Oct 21, 2009, 07:17 AM

CY, it is a great sign that Marrero was at our MM. Beyond that, do you think we have a good shot at getting a commitment from him. You have to like the description of him as "ultra-competitive". That is the kind of player that makes teams great.

*Chris Yates* · Oct 21, 2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange Hall

CY, it is a great sign that Marrero was at our MM. Beyond that, do you think we have a good shot at getting a commitment from him. You have to like the description of him as "ultra-competitive". That is the kind of player that makes teams great.

Rumor has it that UI and Ohio State are his leaders. The fact that he chose to come to our MM is obviously a good sign. You have to remember, though, that he's just starting his sophomore season, so it's still early. Nevertheless, I think we have a very good chance of getting his commitment. Our class of 2012 will be small (at most two recruits), so he's a big part of that equation. And the State of Indiana is LOADED with talent in 2012, so there will be lots of great Indiana players in 2012 who go somewhere other than Purude and IU. If we could pair DeJuan Marrero and James Siakam on the floor, we'd have a relentless combination.

*Orange Hall* · Oct 21, 2009, 07:43 AM

Thanks for the info. I really like your thought about Marrero and Siakim on the same team. Having two guys who play so hard would be really exciting to watch. That kind of relentless effort and love of playing the game is what made the Flying Illini and the '05 Illini two of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the history of college basketball.

WOLFE · Oct 21, 2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Yates

Rumor has it that UI and Ohio State are his leaders. The fact that he chose to come to our MM is obviously a good sign. You have to remember, though, that he's just starting his sophomore season, so it's still early. Nevertheless, I think we have a very good chance of getting his commitment. Our class of 2012 will be small (at most two recruits), so he's a big part of that equation. And the State of Indiana is LOADED with talent in 2012, so there will be lots of great Indiana players in 2012 who go somewhere other than Purude and IU. If we could pair DeJuan Marrero and James Siakam on the floor, we'd have a relentless combination.

Hey Judge I hope that kid has the recruiting credentials of a future 5 star because if he doesn't some of the posters will be throwing garbage your way..

Good stuff, as always...

*Bubba Eder* · Oct 21, 2009, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WOLFE

Hey Judge I hope that kid has the recruiting credentials of a future 5 star because if he doesn't some of the posters will be throwing garbage your way..

Good stuff, as always...

Thanks for the morning laugh, that was a GOOD one

*Waam* · Oct 21, 2009, 12:15 PM

Kid is young, but man, sounds like he's got great great potential. Let's treat him REAL nice hehehe...

Anyway, sounds great that he would come to MM. I heard it was great. Still love the Bruce Weber entrance.

james81 · Oct 21, 2009, 12:48 PM

The good news is the state of Indiana has a great crop of talent for 2012, and they are not all going to end up at IU. This will be a test of Crean's recruiting power, getting the players he wants the most. We've got a great chance with that class, but who we target will depend on what happens with our 2011 recruiting. If we miss out on Randle and Beal, Ron Patterson could be our top priority, and right now, he's near the top of the 2012 Indiana class. He attended Hoosier Hysteria, which may be fine, especially if he attends MM next year closer to the time when he will probably decide.

*zoggle101* · Oct 21, 2009, 05:29 PM

Is this Kevin Dillard little brother? Good genes if it is.

Side Note: Ryan Hare was kicked off the SIUc team for good after being suspended a couple of months ago. Possible 11 option after a year of juco????

Armon Bassett is not at UAB like I first thought and will team up James Mckinney at Ohio U.

jackman404 · Oct 21, 2009, 05:51 PM

State is LOADED in 2013. If we can get 1 big time recruit for 2012 (Marrero seems like he could be the man), the class of 2012 will be done (maybe add Bobo Drummond to keep the Peoria pipeline alive and well). Then all we need is a post player for 2013 to go along with the endless supply of great wings in the class, and we will be set!

*zoggle101* · Oct 21, 2009, 06:00 PM

Keep the PIP in tact for sure. Guy's we all know that 13 is stacked so its getting a little old hearing that. This is to no one particular but we're beating a dead horse on that one. Let's not forget about Ochenjue who could further help along with Siakam, Egwu in making Jok look at us further.

Wittsdream · Oct 23, 2009, 01:20 PM

Have a friend who coached one of the squads at the recent Pangos event, including guys like Marrero, Simpson, Dillard and this kid from Milwaukee Vincent h.s., Deonte Burton.

He told me that Marrero is an extremely coachable young man, and really likes his skill set. He also stated that he is a legit 6-6 1/2" and already physically developed.

The one player that stood out to him at the event, though, was Deonte Burton, who's a 6-4 wing player with a lefty shot from the 2013 class. Says the kid has the biggest hands he's ever seen and projects him to be a monster prospect by this time next year.

I know that Weber has very strong ties to the Milwaukee area, and Vincent h.s. is perennially one of the city's best programs, so it should be interesting to see if we get involved with this kid soon.

He will be a high major target for most of the top programs in the Midwest, and likely a priority recruit for both Wisconsin and Marquette.

BananaShampoo · Oct 23, 2009, 04:46 PM

So is this Dillard related to the Kevin Dillard at SIU?

Wittsdream · Oct 23, 2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BananaShampoo

So is this Dillard related to the Kevin Dillard at SIU?

No, former De Paul star Skip Dillard's son. He's a freshman at Evanston Township, and has been described by a couple of AAU coaches as one of the most athletic point guards in the state, even for his age. Has very good ball handling skills, quick hands, well built for a freshman, and can light it up big time.

There's a good reason Bruce invited him to MM.

NxtLvelIllini7 · Oct 23, 2009, 05:55 PM

Someone above mentioned Bobo Drummond in 2012.. I just dont see us landing him or should I say needing him for 2 reasons

-We have Tracey Abrams PG 2011

-Lorenzo Dillard PG 2013

Also Jelani Neely 2012 PG from Simeon HS should be given a look. If we dont have more than 2 scholarships in 2012 we dont go after a PG IMO.

I would love to land 2 out of the other 3 non commited players if we could, dont get me wrong!

Illini1956 · Oct 23, 2009, 06:05 PM

How about taking a 12 or 13 committ now???

*Waam* · Oct 23, 2009, 06:58 PM

I think we all have a great feeling that as long as the state is loaded with talent, so will the state school. However, we should start working on a contingency plan in case the cupboard would happen to run a little dry every once that odd year eh? We'll see if this comes to pass.

WesterveltVictoryCigar · Oct 24, 2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illini1956

How about taking a 12 or 13 committ now???

Since we've made offers to kids like Drummond, Marrero, Hamilton, Parker and Foster, one can reasonably assume they'd accept a commit from any of them.

Oct 20, 2009, 08:58 PM	#1
Chris Yates Recruiting Correspondent Location: Michigan Posts: 3,059	Here's a very recent (October 20) summary of the play of DeJuan Marrero and Lorenzo Dillard at the Pangos event. (Both of them attended our MM.) http://www.slamonline.com/online/unc...the-heartland/ –DeJuan Marrero, 6-5 sophomore wing, Bowman (IN): A ultra-competitive slasher who was probably the most high-profile prospect in attendance, Marrero played with a chip on his shoulder (in a good way), as he bullied his way to the rack, finished above the rim in transition, handled some playmaking duties and rebounded assertively. –Lorenzo Dillard, 6-0 freshman combo guard, Evanston (IL): A scorer with a nice frame and some versatility, the son of former DePaul star Skip Dillard, has good size, a smooth way about him and advanced scoring tools for his age. __________________ Last living member of Olaf Blab fan club Last edited by Chris Yates; Oct 20, 2009 at 09:10 PM.

Oct 20, 2009, 09:32 PM	#2
Chris Yates Recruiting Correspondent Location: Michigan Posts: 3,059	Here's more on Dillard at Pangos. http://yourseason.suntimes.com/boys_...-notes.article Dillard, a freshman who went to Illinois for Midnight Madness last Friday, was viewed by Scout.com national recruiting analyst Evan Daniels as the best prospect at the event from Illinois. “Lorenzo has all the tools to be a high-major point guard,” said Daniels. “He’s quick, handles the ball, can shoot and has a bit of a mid-range jumper. He needs to improve his effort and consistency but he has got what it takes to be really good.” __________________ Last living member of Olaf Blab fan club

Oct 20, 2009, 09:35 PM	#3
Chris Yates Recruiting Correspondent Location: Michigan Posts: 3,059	Harv & Roy had a similar impression of Dillard at Pangos. http://ilprepbullseye.com/page44.html * Lorenzo Dillard 6'0 PG 2013 Evanston (Township) IL Probably the best overall prospect from Illinois that we saw during our time at this event. Maybe it is because of his strong frame, but although he is listed at 6'0 to us it appeared as though he could actually be as big as 6'2. Dillard showed that he is capable of playing either guard spot, although right now he is probably most effective with the ball in his hands. He handles well, can attack the basket and can hit pullup jumpers from beyond the 3-point arc. Like most young guards, Dillard will need to continue to improve upon his decision-making, but there is no question that he has all the tools to rank among the top prospects in Illinois from the 2013 class. The class of 2013 in the State of Illinois is absolutely loaded! __________________ Last living member of Olaf Blab fan club

Oct 23, 2009, 04:46 PM	#16
BananaShampoo Captain 'Paign Location: Urbana, IL Posts: 7,258	So is this Dillard related to the Kevin Dillard at SIU? __________________ C-U/UIUC Historian and Lover of all Things Illini

Oct 23, 2009, 05:55 PM	#18
NxtLvelIllini7 Location: C-U, IL Posts: 893	Someone above mentioned Bobo Drummond in 2012.. I just dont see us landing him or should I say needing him for 2 reasons -We have Tracey Abrams PG 2011 -Lorenzo Dillard PG 2013 Also Jelani Neely 2012 PG from Simeon HS should be given a look. If we dont have more than 2 scholarships in 2012 we dont go after a PG IMO. I would love to land 2 out of the other 3 non commited players if we could, dont get me wrong! __________________

Oct 20, 2009, 09:46 PM	#4
Bubba Eder Location: Northeast Missouri Posts: 719	Thanks CY some very good infromation.

Oct 21, 2009, 07:17 AM	#5
Orange Hall Posts: 81	CY, it is a great sign that Marrero was at our MM. Beyond that, do you think we have a good shot at getting a commitment from him. You have to like the description of him as "ultra-competitive". That is the kind of player that makes teams great.

Oct 21, 2009, 07:43 AM	#7
Orange Hall Posts: 81	Thanks for the info. I really like your thought about Marrero and Siakim on the same team. Having two guys who play so hard would be really exciting to watch. That kind of relentless effort and love of playing the game is what made the Flying Illini and the '05 Illini two of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the history of college basketball.

Oct 21, 2009, 12:15 PM	#10
Waam Posts: 2,826	Kid is young, but man, sounds like he's got great great potential. Let's treat him REAL nice hehehe... Anyway, sounds great that he would come to MM. I heard it was great. Still love the Bruce Weber entrance.

Oct 21, 2009, 12:48 PM	#11
james81 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,277	The good news is the state of Indiana has a great crop of talent for 2012, and they are not all going to end up at IU. This will be a test of Crean's recruiting power, getting the players he wants the most. We've got a great chance with that class, but who we target will depend on what happens with our 2011 recruiting. If we miss out on Randle and Beal, Ron Patterson could be our top priority, and right now, he's near the top of the 2012 Indiana class. He attended Hoosier Hysteria, which may be fine, especially if he attends MM next year closer to the time when he will probably decide.

Oct 21, 2009, 05:29 PM	#12
zoggle101 Location: Spfld, IL Posts: 2,740	Is this Kevin Dillard little brother? Good genes if it is. Side Note: Ryan Hare was kicked off the SIUc team for good after being suspended a couple of months ago. Possible 11 option after a year of juco???? Armon Bassett is not at UAB like I first thought and will team up James Mckinney at Ohio U.

Oct 21, 2009, 05:51 PM	#13
jackman404 Posts: 451	State is LOADED in 2013. If we can get 1 big time recruit for 2012 (Marrero seems like he could be the man), the class of 2012 will be done (maybe add Bobo Drummond to keep the Peoria pipeline alive and well). Then all we need is a post player for 2013 to go along with the endless supply of great wings in the class, and we will be set!

Oct 21, 2009, 06:00 PM	#14
zoggle101 Location: Spfld, IL Posts: 2,740	Keep the PIP in tact for sure. Guy's we all know that 13 is stacked so its getting a little old hearing that. This is to no one particular but we're beating a dead horse on that one. Let's not forget about Ochenjue who could further help along with Siakam, Egwu in making Jok look at us further.

Oct 23, 2009, 01:20 PM	#15
Wittsdream Location: Chicago Posts: 690	Have a friend who coached one of the squads at the recent Pangos event, including guys like Marrero, Simpson, Dillard and this kid from Milwaukee Vincent h.s., Deonte Burton. He told me that Marrero is an extremely coachable young man, and really likes his skill set. He also stated that he is a legit 6-6 1/2" and already physically developed. The one player that stood out to him at the event, though, was Deonte Burton, who's a 6-4 wing player with a lefty shot from the 2013 class. Says the kid has the biggest hands he's ever seen and projects him to be a monster prospect by this time next year. I know that Weber has very strong ties to the Milwaukee area, and Vincent h.s. is perennially one of the city's best programs, so it should be interesting to see if we get involved with this kid soon. He will be a high major target for most of the top programs in the Midwest, and likely a priority recruit for both Wisconsin and Marquette.

Oct 23, 2009, 06:05 PM	#19
Illini1956 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,502	How about taking a 12 or 13 committ now???

Oct 23, 2009, 06:58 PM	#20
Waam Posts: 2,826	I think we all have a great feeling that as long as the state is loaded with talent, so will the state school. However, we should start working on a contingency plan in case the cupboard would happen to run a little dry every once that odd year eh? We'll see if this comes to pass.