Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (March 2018)

[ChuckM]

I think kids like Griffin and Tevian Jones are great fits for Underwood's offense. Good length and can really shoot it.

Michigan is a great example of a school that thrives off of those lengthy perimeter guys. Some of them in the top-150 (Stauskas, Jordan Poole), but several of them not (Rakhman, Caris Lavert, Tim Hardaway Jr., etc.). Obviously not comparing Griffin to any of them, but Beilein makes a living off of those types of wings. They present matchup problems, and really extend the defense.

Adding Jones would help us quite a bit, but I like what Griffin can bring.

You know, I agree mostly with top-50 guys being special, but after that I don't think these recruiting sites really know how to rank a guy. There's just too many factors that they can't compare to really know a kid ranked 51 is a lot better than a kid ranked 151.

Underwood needs to find guys that fit his system and coach them up, he does that he'll turn the program around no matter where his players ranked coming out of high school.

Give me 5 good players that want to win as a team over a Trae Young any day of the week.

 

[doowink]

Man it seems alot of people here can't read at all. I see trice would of committed already idk 500 plus times

HE HASN'T COMMITTED BECAUSE HE HAS SAID HE WONT COMMIT ANYWHERE TILL APRIL 11TH HIS GPA BIRTHDAY

sometimes i feel some of you type just to type

I just want to know if Grandps is an Illini fan???

 

[Joel Goodson]

I think kids like Griffin and Tevian Jones are great fits for Underwood's offense. Good length and can really shoot it.

Michigan is a great example of a school that thrives off of those lengthy perimeter guys. Some of them in the top-150 (Stauskas, Jordan Poole), but several of them not (Rakhman, Caris Lavert, Tim Hardaway Jr., etc.). Obviously not comparing Griffin to any of them, but Beilein makes a living off of those types of wings. They present matchup problems, and really extend the defense.

Adding Jones would help us quite a bit, but I like what Griffin can bring.

Great comparison. Like most Illini fans, I hate Michigan, but Beilein really knows what he's doing. Let's get Jones! Griffin and Jones will supercharge our offense and I think they can be dawgs on D.

 

[doowink]

Anyone want to explain how a high school team with two 5 star players and a georgia tech signee goes 7-12?

I would guess...playing pretty stiff competition or team chemistry issues...or possibly both:noidea:

 

[Calvin]

Anyone want to explain how a high school team with two 5 star players and a georgia tech signee goes 7-12?

Pretty amazing. My guess is the 5 star kids are ranked mostly on potential. Whether they ever realize it is another question.

 

[LarryGotFouled]

Future will be fine

I think kids like Griffin and Tevian Jones are great fits for Underwood's offense. Good length and can really shoot it.

Michigan is a great example of a school that thrives off of those lengthy perimeter guys. Some of them in the top-150 (Stauskas, Jordan Poole), but several of them not (Rakhman, Caris Lavert, Tim Hardaway Jr., etc.). Obviously not comparing Griffin to any of them, but Beilein makes a living off of those types of wings. They present matchup problems, and really extend the defense.

Adding Jones would help us quite a bit, but I like what Griffin can bring.

I agree. I'm just not feeling that much doom and gloom on this situation. I can recall the Weber / Groce years when about this time of year would be when we'd obsess over some second tier guy out of the CPL that went 'undiscovered' by the blue bloods. Or else some non-Chicago small school kid (Chastain anyone??) that was 'wildly underrated'. There were always dozens of posts on 'recruiting nationally' so we weren't beholden to Chicago or just the luck of the draw in Illinois downstate in a given year.

Well - the three best players on the team are from TN, FL, and OH. We have a commitment from a NY guard and we have legit shots and may lead for a FL big man and an exciting CA wing. Still in the mix for a St. Louis 4/5 star guard and have multiple offers out to more east coast bigs. That's without even knowing what international options may be out there that this board won't hear of until the last minute.

It seems to me in one recruiting cycle, coming off a subpar year on the court, this staff has managed to do what many on this board thought could only happen after a 2005-type season (which Weber was constitutionally unable to capitalize on.)

Underwood will get guys who thrive in his system. It looks to me like 6'5-6'7 who can shoot and finish at the rim is the sweet spot. Pair those type of guys with at least 1-2 Ebo or Kane types to avoid the layup line on defense and we will be ready to compete. Let's give him a chance to cycle out of what doesn't fit and get guys that he targeted on board and locked in before we make too many judgments on the system and what 'will work' in the B1G.

 

[coachk1979]

Some highlights of Griffin. Number 0. I think we got a steal. He may not be a high flyer but he gets to the rim. At least a few times in these highlights against a 7'0 recruit from UCLA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=JmY41WKU95w

 

[foby]

Some highlights of Griffin. Number 0. I think we got a steal. He may not be a high flyer but he gets to the rim. At least a few times in these highlights against a 7'0 recruit from UCLA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=JmY41WKU95w

Love the step back for a 3 starting about the 2:50 mark.

 

[Spoon House]

Some highlights of Griffin. Number 0. I think we got a steal. He may not be a high flyer but he gets to the rim. At least a few times in these highlights against a 7'0 recruit from UCLA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=JmY41WKU95w

I think this is a good video in that it shows why he's not higher up on the rankings. He doesn't appear to be at home handling the ball, and his defense is suspect.

But there's no denying he's got a good shot and an ability to finish at the glass. Defense and ball handling can always be learned. May very well end up a nice budget pickup for Underwood & co.

 

[Goldtop]

So why no conversation about Samba Kane? Doesn't seem like many care that he is considering the Illini and currently on campus. The talk is still about Trice and Jones (which by the way, I don't mind).

 

[the national]

So why no conversation about Samba Kane? Doesn't seem like many care that he is considering the Illini and currently on campus. The talk is still about Trice and Jones (which by the way, I don't mind).

I think its more like we're making small talk while we wait to hear news on Samba. (though I do really like both Trice and Jones alot too)

 

[Obelix]

I think this is a good video in that it shows why he's not higher up on the rankings. He doesn't appear to be at home handling the ball, and his defense is suspect.

But there's no denying he's got a good shot and an ability to finish at the glass. Defense and ball handling can always be learned. May very well end up a nice budget pickup for Underwood & co.

I actually disagree on ball handling, from personal experience, I think it is probably the toughest basketball skill to learn as people move up in age, that's why I focus so much on ball handling drills in younger ages.

 

[IlliniFandom]

I actually disagree on ball handling, from personal experience, I think it is probably the toughest basketball skill to learn as people move up in age, that's why I focus so much on ball handling drills in younger ages.

I would agree. If you look at someone like Mark Smith. His handles were more than adequate at the HS level it seemed, but when you get to the college level, he really didn't look comfortable handling the ball. Arms get a little longer and faster when opponents attempt to steal. the physicality needed to maintain the dribble fighting to come up court or through a pick...not an easy skill to continue to grow in...

 

[Spoon House]

I actually disagree on ball handling, from personal experience, I think it is probably the toughest basketball skill to learn as people move up in age, that's why I focus so much on ball handling drills in younger ages.

That's fair. I suppose when I think about improving at ball handling at the college level, what's really happening is that young players are growing out of young mistakes and just being a bit smarter.

 

[drewillini89]

I actually disagree on ball handling, from personal experience, I think it is probably the toughest basketball skill to learn as people move up in age, that's why I focus so much on ball handling drills in younger ages.

Ideally, Griffin is going to be shooting more than handling/passing in Underwood's 7-second offense. Still gotta catch the ball and dribble once in a while though! He'll get better.

 

[EJ33]

I actually disagree on ball handling, from personal experience, I think it is probably the toughest basketball skill to learn as people move up in age, that's why I focus so much on ball handling drills in younger ages.

Yep, this has been a consistent weakness on our perimeter over the last several years, and there has been little improvement from year to year.

 

[Peoria Illini]

I think this is a good video in that it shows why he's not higher up on the rankings. He doesn't appear to be at home handling the ball, and his defense is suspect.

But there's no denying he's got a good shot and an ability to finish at the glass. Defense and ball handling can always be learned. May very well end up a nice budget pickup for Underwood & co.

Everybody's defense on that video was suspect, LOL. Hard to tell, that looked like a run and gun game. He looks quick enough, but we've seen how not being able to play defense stunted the playing time and growth of some players this past season.

Hard to tell on his ball handling. He did have that one goof, but will be interesting to see how he goes to the next level.

 

[illinitiger]

Ideally, Griffin is going to be shooting more than handling/passing in Underwood's 7-second offense. Still gotta catch the ball and dribble once in a while though! He'll get better.

I thought the 7 second offense is really a myth

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[mhuml32]

Pretty amazing. My guess is the 5 star kids are ranked mostly on potential. Whether they ever realize it is another question.

I'd be shocked if there are many 5* basketball recruits averaging less than 20-25/game. I'm also wondering why this team performed so poorly with so much talent.

 

[Peoria Illini]

I'd be shocked if there are many 5* basketball recruits averaging less than 20-25/game. I'm also wondering why this team performed so poorly with so much talent.

Cuonzo's cousin Marvin Martin was coaching the team?

 

[ILL in IA]

Cuonzo's cousin Marvin Martin was coaching the team?

 

[skibdaddy]

Some highlights of Griffin. Number 0. I think we got a steal. He may not be a high flyer but he gets to the rim. At least a few times in these highlights against a 7'0 recruit from UCLA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=JmY41WKU95w

After watching those highlights I have a few concerns to help temper expectations for Griffin:

Before you read this list know that I'm not trying to bash the kid and I can see that he does have some good offensive skills

1. Few defensive highlights or rebound highlights (that one goaltend was sweet though)
2. Crunch time was dominated by #4 for his team, not him
3. Seems lazy in transition
4. Arguing w/ref about no call on and-1 circus 3ptr... cmon
5. Maybe most concerning for me was his lack of excitement/camaraderie with his teammates... one time a guy was on the ground and he was there, but didn't help pick him up... another time the rest of the players are all jumping on each other after a good play and he's not involved

Hopefully this stuff doesn't matter, or can be improved, but I wouldn't expect much more than a few 3 pointers from him next year.

 

[Peoria Illini]

After watching those highlights I have a few concerns to help temper expectations for Griffin:

Before you read this list know that I'm not trying to bash the kid and I can see that he does have some good offensive skills

1. Few defensive highlights or rebound highlights (that one goaltend was sweet though)
2. Crunch time was dominated by #4 for his team, not him
3. Seems lazy in transition
4. Arguing w/ref about no call on and-1 circus 3ptr... cmon
5. Maybe most concerning for me was his lack of excitement/camaraderie with his teammates... one time a guy was on the ground and he was there, but didn't help pick him up... another time the rest of the players are all jumping on each other after a good play and he's not involved

Hopefully this stuff doesn't matter, or can be improved, but I wouldn't expect much more than a few 3 pointers from him next year.

Legit concerns. Hard to see defensive highlights in a package like that. Entire game looked like a track meet.

Hopefully Underwood and Antigua (or whomever/whoever the !!!'t Coach in charge of this recruitment) saw enough in person to see whether he can play Underwood Ball.

His dad being a former NBA player and current assistant coach should hopefully have stressed the hustle aspect of getting to the next level.

 

[foby]

After watching those highlights I have a few concerns to help temper expectations for Griffin:

Before you read this list know that I'm not trying to bash the kid and I can see that he does have some good offensive skills

1. Few defensive highlights or rebound highlights (that one goaltend was sweet though)
2. Crunch time was dominated by #4 for his team, not him
3. Seems lazy in transition
4. Arguing w/ref about no call on and-1 circus 3ptr... cmon
5. Maybe most concerning for me was his lack of excitement/camaraderie with his teammates... one time a guy was on the ground and he was there, but didn't help pick him up... another time the rest of the players are all jumping on each other after a good play and he's not involved

Hopefully this stuff doesn't matter, or can be improved, but I wouldn't expect much more than a few 3 pointers from him next year.

Neither would I. But with a roster of 13 it is always great to have a player like this who will improve and contribute as an upperclassman.

 

[rtbritt]

I thought the 7 second offense is really a myth

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Pretty sure he just says "I want to score in the first 7 seconds....IF POSSIBLE... then run offense until we get a good shot." That is just to emphasize transition and catching defense off guard.