Recruiting Targets: AAU Ball

JJB · Apr 14, 2010, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kramer116

I have heard about Jok, but what can you tell me about Devin Davis? What position does he play? I read the Indiana Scout board fairly often because I want to read up about their 2012 kids, and I have never seen much about him or any other 2013 yet.

Quote:

Devin Davis, Jr. 6'6 Warren Central was really active, plays hard, he looked comfortable on the perimeter although he did most of his scoring damage inside. He had a nice dunk driving from the arc in a half-court set. I see him being a wing in college.

http://coachsjourney.blogspot.com/20...ions-2013.html

illiniparkie · Apr 14, 2010, 11:18 PM

http://ilprepbullseye.com/page30.html

6'9 University of Illinois verbal commit Nnana Egwu from St. Ignatius High School in Chicago, IL was named the tournament MVP in the 17-under division, and 5'10 sophomore point guard Antonio "Bo Bo" Drummond from Central High School in Peoria, IL was named the MVP in the 16-under division. We have not seen too many big kids run the floor with the passion, energy, and non-stop effort that Egwu does. He just looks like one of those marathon runners that could run all day. He finishes with authority, and gets tons of missed shot rebound baskets in transition. His offensive skills are also much more polished than people think, as he has a soft touch and an assortment of hook shots. He needs to continue to work on strength and diversification of pivot moves. Defensively, his lateral mobility is second to none and he can alter the course of a game even if he does not score one basket.

As for Drummond, he looked like a different player at Attack Athletics. He looked like the player we and others raved about going into his freshman season. The reason is because he looked to penetrate and score more. Drummond has strong upper body strength, and an ability to create fouls and score in traffic. He still needs to be a bit more consistent with his jumper, but is not relying on it totally to the detriment of his penetrating ability. While Drummond does not have blazing quickness, he knows angles and is an opportunistic scorer. Perhaps most impressive was the fact that his increased penetrating did not lead to any deterioration of his solid playmaking and decision skills. That is important in today's day and age when too many young guards feel they need to choose between the roles of scorer and point guard.

Our choice for the 17-under division MVP (with all due respect given to Egwu) would have been explosive 6'1 point guard Tracy Abrams from Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago, IL. Abrams shot the trifecta extremely well, ran the point with poise and maturity, attacked the basket in traffic, and was a highlight reel in transition. He worked extremely well with 6'2 two guard Chasson Randle from Rock Island High School in Rock Island, IL, and you could just see that these kids love playing together and have great chemistry. Most importantly, Abrams is a lock down defender with quickness and toughness who converts baskets almost as easily as former Chicago Marshall star Darius Smith did.

*** We spoke with 6'2 guard Chasson Randle from Rock Island High School extensively, and he informed us that despite his close friendship with former Iowa State assistant coach and current University of Houston Assistant Coach Danyel Robinson, he will not be considering Houston, as it is not the best fit for his academic interests and pursuits. However, he also told us that he has NOT dropped the Cyclones, and that Iowa State is still being fully evaluated. The University of Illinois and Purdue University continue to be two schools that are always at the tip of Randle's tongue when he speaks about his recruiting.

*AK Illini* · Apr 15, 2010, 08:49 AM

lol, good stuff, the Abrams/Randle talk is tantilizing business. And Egwu seems like a dude improving with every day.

joekam · Apr 15, 2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK Illini

lol, good stuff, the Abrams/Randle talk is tantilizing business. And Egwu seems like a dude improving with every day.

Agreed. Hopefully Abrams verbal helps lure Randle.

PeoriaSteve · Apr 15, 2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratdawg

Andrew Drone form Ridgway is as good a kid as you will find. He helps with the 4th grade basketball camp voluntarily. answers yes sir and no sir to any adult that speaks to him good kid. very big boned kid probably outweighs Tisdale right now by 30 to 50 lbs. if he hits the weights he could be a monster.

This kid sounds like a winner and this is the 1st I've heard of him. Keep the reports coming on both him and the Harrisburg kid, Ratdawg.

bmuell08 · Apr 15, 2010, 04:45 PM

That is a good sign with Nnanna and Tracy for Randle.

PURDUE7 · Apr 15, 2010, 10:16 PM

Does the fact that Randle looked like a lock for ILLINI 2 months ago and hasn't verballed yet scare anyone?

The fact PURDUE was early leader on Dawson and have not closed worries me........

*AK Illini* · Apr 16, 2010, 07:44 AM

well he never looked like a lock, a solid lean sure, but not a lock. Anyways, does it worry me, not really, because of the type of kid he appears to be and the way he is handling his recruitment, an early commit wasn’t in the cards. By all accounts were still right there at the top of his list (more importantly I believe we actually are near the top, not just being mentioned out of pity, yes it happens) and that’s about all I can ask for.

chamillionaire · Apr 16, 2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kramer116

They are all ages ranging (current fr, soph, ju --- next year will be incoming soph, jr, sr)

2011 (to be seniors) - Mike Shaw, Mychael Henry, Chasson Randle, Devin Langford, Ben McLemore, Sam Thompson

2012 (to be juniors) - Garry Harris, DeJuan Marrero, Yogi Ferrell, Ron Patterson, AJ Hammons,

2013 (to be sophomores) - Tommy Hamilton Jr, Jabari Parker, Lorenzo Dillard, Alex Foster

Feel free to add names to the watch list, just off the top of my head I know I missed a couple

2011 - Tracy Abrams

ILWildcat · Apr 16, 2010, 11:29 AM

I would be SHOCKED if you guys dont end up landing Randle.

Kramer116 · Apr 16, 2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chamillionaire

2011 - Tracy Abrams

I was just listing guys not currently committed to Illinois or any other school. If that was not the case, I would have added Abrams and Nnanna Egwu as well obviously.

*AK Illini* · Apr 16, 2010, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILWildcat

I would be SHOCKED if you guys dont end up landing Randle.

I’ll be legitimately bummed, as I put our odds at close to or above 50%. However I won’t be shocked, I’m never shocked when Illinois misses out on a high level recruit.

borange · Apr 16, 2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK Illini

I’ll be legitimately bummed, as I put our odds at close to or above 50%. However I won’t be shocked, I’m never shocked when Illinois misses out on a high level recruit.

Unfortunately, me either.

job71188 · Apr 16, 2010, 11:58 AM

Anyone know if Illinois is pursing Antonio Drummond from Peoria?

Is he worth going after with Abrams and possibly Randle coming in for 2011? Not to mention all the talent in 2013.

ILWildcat · Apr 16, 2010, 11:59 AM

Things change so quickly in recruiting that you can be shocked one week if a player doesnt go somewhere and almost expecting them to choose some other team by the next week. What I have heard up to this point would make me extremely confident as an Illini fan. That being said, a week ago I thought UK had CJ Leslie locked up no doubt about it and within a day or two it sounds like he's back to NC State whom he's originally committed to.

bbpeoria · Apr 18, 2010, 07:19 AM

Lots of good information.

On Bobo Drummond the Illini appear to still be recruiting him but he might not be at the forefront as guys like Yogi Ferrell seem to be a little hotter prospects. Drummond struggled a little during the HS season but has been playing strongly to start the AAU Spring season (FYI Ferrell has been playing like THE top PG in 2012 according to some reports)
It is funny that two of the Illini top 2012 PG targets are Yogi and Bobo

As an aside supposedly Hammonds from Indy has an Illini offer. If you want a banger he is it as I have seen him play and he is a skilled big man and I mean BIG. Not a super athlete and will need to watch his size but he is a top 50 type player for sure.

combes · Apr 18, 2010, 09:40 AM

Since Randle is not a true point guard, he would also be competing for time with Richardson, Paul, Head, Bertrand, and Richmond on the wing. While I think he would be successful in getting playing time, one can see why he might have second thoughts. Kids want to go somewhere where they will play. Fans want to stack recruits on top of recruits.

Ultimately, I think he will see his opportunities for his state school at the point and at the wing as a combo and come to Illinois. But I do see why he is taking his time.

*SaltLife* · Apr 18, 2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by combes

Since Randle is not a true point guard, he would also be competing for time with Richardson, Paul, Head, Bertrand, and Richmond on the wing. While I think he would be successful in getting playing time, one can see why he might have second thoughts. Kids want to go somewhere where they will play. Fans want to stack recruits on top of recruits.

Ultimately, I think he will see his opportunities for his state school at the point and at the wing as a combo and come to Illinois. But I do see why he is taking his time.

Guards like Randle and Abrams who are used to playing off guard or combo in HS would help themselves in the long run if they concentrated on their point guard skills and defensive skills against jitterbug opponents. In college their lack of height will be much more pronounced and a handicap. A great point guard, with speed to burn can usually be utilized and effective. Trend though continues to be taller and taller players playing at 1-2-3 positions. Magic Johnson as a 6'8" point guard showed value of taller guards and points.

rbachhuber · Apr 19, 2010, 12:58 PM

This becomes quite a puzzle when you realize that once an offer is accepted, there is one less available for the next four years. Does Weber have offers out to prospects I haven't listed?

TEYPAY · Apr 19, 2010, 01:42 PM

Correct - if that person locks in, they are here for 4 years and that has domino effect on future scholarships. I understand the need for class balance, but I just don't see more than one more this year (max) and using more than 3 combined for next year (not counting Abrams and Egwu). That would leave 2 for 2012 (all of Indiana's high schoolers) and 3 for Parker, Hamilton and Foster!!! All subject to change based on leaving early, redshirts, etc. I guess we just need the judge to tell us what is going to happen.

PS - Joseph - pipe dream!

CrazedUIFan · Apr 19, 2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbachhuber

This becomes quite a puzzle when you realize that once an offer is accepted, there is one less available for the next four years. Does Weber have offers out to prospects I haven't listed?

You are missing quite a few Indiana players on that list.

rbachhuber · Apr 19, 2010, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazedUIFan

You are missing quite a few Indiana players on that list.

I'd like to list all the players we think Weber has made offers to. Does anyone keep track of that?

bmuell08 · Apr 19, 2010, 09:23 PM

I enjoyed the add in of Corey Joseph

JJB · Apr 20, 2010, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Even with that talent staring them in the face, the boys from KC Pump N Run weren't even remotely intimidated. Warrior power forward Christian Kirk was an absolute man inside for Pump N Run. At 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds, Kirk is just a high-motor kid who attacks the glass, and can also step out and hit the mid-range jumper. For the most part Kirk took it right to Chol, and gave Pump N Run the presence it needed on the inside.

Not a name that is often talked about for our 2011 targets. But, we have had Kirk on campus several times for home games and in our summer HS team shootout.

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.c...sp?CID=1076021

JJB · Apr 20, 2010, 01:21 AM

Quote:

To go with Zeller, Indiana Elite had a very strong showing from Kevin Ferrell. The 2012 point guard who is playing up with the 17-and under squad is a dynamic floor general. In an age where many point guards are more focused on scoring than running their team, Ferrell knows what his job is. He penetrates to the rim and looks for easy buckets via the pass, he knows when to push the ball and when to pull it back, and also if he is left open he will knock down the open three.

Having grown since last summer, he is now 5-foot-11, Ferrell is a tough as nails defender who helps his team easily convert defense into offense. Ferrell is quickly playing himself into the conversation as one of the best floor generals in the 2012 class nationally.

Kevin Ferrell has offers from Ohio State, Indiana, Illinois, Notre Dame, Virginia, and Butler. He noted he would like to stay close to home.

http://basketballrecruiting.rivals.c...sp?CID=1075768

Apr 14, 2010, 11:18 PM	#52
illiniparkie Posts: 89	http://ilprepbullseye.com/page30.html 6'9 University of Illinois verbal commit Nnana Egwu from St. Ignatius High School in Chicago, IL was named the tournament MVP in the 17-under division, and 5'10 sophomore point guard Antonio "Bo Bo" Drummond from Central High School in Peoria, IL was named the MVP in the 16-under division. We have not seen too many big kids run the floor with the passion, energy, and non-stop effort that Egwu does. He just looks like one of those marathon runners that could run all day. He finishes with authority, and gets tons of missed shot rebound baskets in transition. His offensive skills are also much more polished than people think, as he has a soft touch and an assortment of hook shots. He needs to continue to work on strength and diversification of pivot moves. Defensively, his lateral mobility is second to none and he can alter the course of a game even if he does not score one basket. As for Drummond, he looked like a different player at Attack Athletics. He looked like the player we and others raved about going into his freshman season. The reason is because he looked to penetrate and score more. Drummond has strong upper body strength, and an ability to create fouls and score in traffic. He still needs to be a bit more consistent with his jumper, but is not relying on it totally to the detriment of his penetrating ability. While Drummond does not have blazing quickness, he knows angles and is an opportunistic scorer. Perhaps most impressive was the fact that his increased penetrating did not lead to any deterioration of his solid playmaking and decision skills. That is important in today's day and age when too many young guards feel they need to choose between the roles of scorer and point guard. Our choice for the 17-under division MVP (with all due respect given to Egwu) would have been explosive 6'1 point guard Tracy Abrams from Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago, IL. Abrams shot the trifecta extremely well, ran the point with poise and maturity, attacked the basket in traffic, and was a highlight reel in transition. He worked extremely well with 6'2 two guard Chasson Randle from Rock Island High School in Rock Island, IL, and you could just see that these kids love playing together and have great chemistry. Most importantly, Abrams is a lock down defender with quickness and toughness who converts baskets almost as easily as former Chicago Marshall star Darius Smith did. * We spoke with 6'2 guard Chasson Randle from Rock Island High School extensively, and he informed us that despite his close friendship with former Iowa State assistant coach and current University of Houston Assistant Coach Danyel Robinson, he will not be considering Houston, as it is not the best fit for his academic interests and pursuits. However, he also told us that he has NOT dropped the Cyclones, and that Iowa State is still being fully evaluated. The University of Illinois and Purdue University continue to be two schools that are always at the tip of Randle's tongue when he speaks about his recruiting*. Last edited by illiniparkie; Apr 14, 2010 at 11:20 PM. Reason: clarity*

Apr 15, 2010, 08:49 AM	#53
AK Illini UofI Basketball..off the chain Location: Chicago Posts: 5,021	lol, good stuff, the Abrams/Randle talk is tantilizing business. And Egwu seems like a dude improving with every day. __________________ For every 3 animals Josh eats, I'm going to eat 4.

Apr 16, 2010, 07:44 AM	#58
AK Illini UofI Basketball..off the chain Location: Chicago Posts: 5,021	well he never looked like a lock, a solid lean sure, but not a lock. Anyways, does it worry me, not really, because of the type of kid he appears to be and the way he is handling his recruitment, an early commit wasn’t in the cards. By all accounts were still right there at the top of his list (more importantly I believe we actually are near the top, not just being mentioned out of pity, yes it happens) and that’s about all I can ask for. __________________ For every 3 animals Josh eats, I'm going to eat 4.

Apr 18, 2010, 07:19 AM	#66
bbpeoria Posts: 75	This is a great thread Lots of good information. On Bobo Drummond the Illini appear to still be recruiting him but he might not be at the forefront as guys like Yogi Ferrell seem to be a little hotter prospects. Drummond struggled a little during the HS season but has been playing strongly to start the AAU Spring season (FYI Ferrell has been playing like THE top PG in 2012 according to some reports) It is funny that two of the Illini top 2012 PG targets are Yogi and Bobo As an aside supposedly Hammonds from Indy has an Illini offer. If you want a banger he is it as I have seen him play and he is a skilled big man and I mean BIG. Not a super athlete and will need to watch his size but he is a top 50 type player for sure.

Apr 15, 2010, 04:45 PM	#56
bmuell08 Banned Location: Columbia, IL Posts: 543	That is a good sign with Nnanna and Tracy for Randle.

Apr 15, 2010, 10:16 PM	#57
PURDUE7 Posts: 181	Does the fact that Randle looked like a lock for ILLINI 2 months ago and hasn't verballed yet scare anyone? The fact PURDUE was early leader on Dawson and have not closed worries me........

Apr 16, 2010, 11:29 AM	#60
ILWildcat Banned Posts: 808	I would be SHOCKED if you guys dont end up landing Randle.

Apr 16, 2010, 11:58 AM	#64
job71188 Posts: 148	Anyone know if Illinois is pursing Antonio Drummond from Peoria? Is he worth going after with Abrams and possibly Randle coming in for 2011? Not to mention all the talent in 2013.

Apr 16, 2010, 11:59 AM	#65
ILWildcat Banned Posts: 808	Things change so quickly in recruiting that you can be shocked one week if a player doesnt go somewhere and almost expecting them to choose some other team by the next week. What I have heard up to this point would make me extremely confident as an Illini fan. That being said, a week ago I thought UK had CJ Leslie locked up no doubt about it and within a day or two it sounds like he's back to NC State whom he's originally committed to.

Apr 18, 2010, 09:40 AM	#67
combes Posts: 1,066	Since Randle is not a true point guard, he would also be competing for time with Richardson, Paul, Head, Bertrand, and Richmond on the wing. While I think he would be successful in getting playing time, one can see why he might have second thoughts. Kids want to go somewhere where they will play. Fans want to stack recruits on top of recruits. Ultimately, I think he will see his opportunities for his state school at the point and at the wing as a combo and come to Illinois. But I do see why he is taking his time.

Apr 19, 2010, 12:58 PM	#69
rbachhuber Location: burbs Posts: 121	This becomes quite a puzzle when you realize that once an offer is accepted, there is one less available for the next four years. Does Weber have offers out to prospects I haven't listed?

Apr 19, 2010, 01:42 PM	#70
TEYPAY Location: Springfield Posts: 452	Correct - if that person locks in, they are here for 4 years and that has domino effect on future scholarships. I understand the need for class balance, but I just don't see more than one more this year (max) and using more than 3 combined for next year (not counting Abrams and Egwu). That would leave 2 for 2012 (all of Indiana's high schoolers) and 3 for Parker, Hamilton and Foster!!! All subject to change based on leaving early, redshirts, etc. I guess we just need the judge to tell us what is going to happen. PS - Joseph - pipe dream!

Apr 19, 2010, 09:23 PM	#73
bmuell08 Banned Location: Columbia, IL Posts: 543	I enjoyed the add in of Corey Joseph