Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (July 2020)

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#76      

BMoreIllini

Baltimore, MD
So

Something about an in-state recruit that elects to go to another state school in the conference...I hate to say it, but I can't abide by his decision..won't be rooting for his success
I've never understood this. These are 17/18 year old kids trying to make a difficult adult decision with huge implications on their future with a ton of pressure from family, friends, and random internet strangers. Recruitments are so public and criticized by fans when they're scorned, let kids live their life when they go about this the right way as it seems Christie did. (I do think some criticism is warranted in a Landers Nolley type recruitment however).
 
#77      
I've never understood this. These are 17/18 year old kids trying to make a difficult adult decision with huge implications on their future with a ton of pressure from family, friends, and random internet strangers. Recruitments are so public and criticized by fans when they're scorned, let kids live their life when they go about this the right way as it seems Christie did. (I do think some criticism is warranted in a Landers Nolley type recruitment however).
Cliff Alexander comes to mind
 
#78      
I’m assuming things have changed a lot in basketball since the Kruger and Self teams. My recollection is that those
teams had several serviceable bigs that could eat up minutes and protect the paint (often by fouling). It was a strategy
that proved very successful for those clubs.

You're grossly mischaracterizing the quality of those bigs, especially defensively. Kruger is a guy who has said in interviews he spends almost 80% of his time on defense, and it showed in those Illini teams. They were none of the things I mentioned (late on help, etc. ). Those guys were awesome at defending the paint. Kruger had Arch and Cookie, who were both in the NBA. He also had the insanely tenacious Lucas Johnson, Marcus Griffin, and Damir Krupalija. If that's your idea of serviceable, I applaud your high standards, but strongly disagree.

And yes, the game was much more physical at that time, and there weren't as many 3 point shots and spacing. Bigs today need better footwork and reads in the paint.
 
#79      
Something about an in-state recruit that elects to go to another state school in the conference...I hate to say it, but I can't abide by his decision..won't be rooting for his success
I’d love to see the Illini pull in the top in state recruits in both basketball and football, but I can’t blame a kid for seeking an opportunity that he feels is the best fit for him. Are all the fans on here that grew up in Illinois still living in state? Did they only date and eventually marry a girl or guy from Illinois? Why would any person limit their opportunities based upon where their parents chose to raise them? Sure it’s great when a player like Ayo chooses to stay home, but it’s just as great when a player like Kofi or Trent choose the orange and blue over their in-state options.
 
#80      
I’d love to see the Illini pull in the top in state recruits in both basketball and football, but I can’t blame a kid for seeking an opportunity that he feels is the best fit for him. Are all the fans on here that grew up in Illinois still living in state? Did they only date and eventually marry a girl or guy from Illinois? Why would any person limit their opportunities based upon where their parents chose to raise them? Sure it’s great when a player like Ayo chooses to stay home, but it’s just as great when a player like Kofi or Trent choose the orange and blue over their in-state options.
Well said. Although I think landing a top in-state recruit feels better than the equal out of state.
 
#81      
Well said. Although I think landing a top in-state recruit feels better than the equal out of state.
I’d agree with that. But kids have to decide what they think is best for them — usually with a great amount of pressure involved. If they want to go somewhere else, all the best to them except when playing Illinois. But, you’re right. The smile is a little bigger when the Illini nab a commitment from an in-state stud.
 
#82      
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#83      
Something about an in-state recruit that elects to go to another state school in the conference...I hate to say it, but I can't abide by his decision..won't be rooting for his success
Until we hang some National Championship banners and have a Hall of Fame Coach, it's not an apples to apples comparison. The last time they failed to make the tournament field (1997), Max Christie wasn't even born yet. I doubt Izzo has to do much negative recruiting against other programs, but it would be pretty easy if he wanted to.
 
#88      
He looks like he can play the 4. Preacher size.

Speaking of, I can’t help but wonder if the Preach was around in today’s small ball culture, if he couldn’t have found his way onto an nba roster? Played bigger than he was. Rebounded. Was a 40%+ shooter on an admittedly low volume, but would check a lot of boxes to maybe be a poor man’s Draymond green.
 
#90      
You're grossly mischaracterizing the quality of those bigs, especially defensively. Kruger is a guy who has said in interviews he spends almost 80% of his time on defense, and it showed in those Illini teams. They were none of the things I mentioned (late on help, etc. ). Those guys were awesome at defending the paint. Kruger had Arch and Cookie, who were both in the NBA. He also had the insanely tenacious Lucas Johnson, Marcus Griffin, and Damir Krupalija. If that's your idea of serviceable, I applaud your high standards, but strongly disagree.

And yes, the game was much more physical at that time, and there weren't as many 3 point shots and spacing. Bigs today need better footwork and reads in the paint.
I think we may have a different connotation of the term serviceable. I’m guessing that any player with a division 1 scholarship is either really good, has crazy potential or is related to Lori Loughlin. The players that you mentioned were the same ones I was thinking of. Their role on the team was not glamorous. However, what they did was integral to the team’s success. I think of someone like Da’Monte Williams to explain what I mean by ’serviceable’. No one would argue that Ayo
Dosunmu is the ‘better’ player. However, I can think of at least one game last year that if Da’Monte doesn’t do what he does, Illinois loses. In my opinion, a team has to have a couple of stars and several good, serviceable players to prosper. I can remember a couple years ago that once Giorgi got in foul trouble, the game was over. There was no depth to protect him.
If Illinois has a chance to grab a 7 footer who potentially can be serviceable, they should go for it. If I remember correctly, the Kruger and Self players you mentioned didn’t come into the league ready to contribute significantly as Freshman.
 
#91      
Looking at the highlights I saw, he played their 5 last year. He also looks like he just wants to dunk EVERYTHING!!! Stanley Highlights

I am not sure how to feel after watching the video you shared (thank you); I am intrigued but need to rewatch. After a brief view, several things came to mind:

1. OT: It is impossible to teach and fully appreciate the physical specimen that is Kofi Cockburn. ~5:09 is illustrative of this. Think of his physical changes and skill development while you watch.

2. Stanley: A strong, tenacious athlete with sound footwork, quick hands, and the ability to play well on and off the ball. He is an attacking player who is able to generate high percentage shots due to his footwork on the block / in the paint as well as his ability to run the floor (with or without the ball). While his speed and size allow him to stretch the floor, his shot needs work. His 33.3% from three is from a limited sample size; he will need to take and make more shots to justify to B1G coaches to that his offensive efficiency does not drop off precipitously outside of 6ft.

3. Fit: Our "tempered" uptempo system with excellent guard play will leverage his strengths. However, our backcourt depth (Ayo or not) will limit the amount of time the ball is in his hands, thus taking away his strength to dribble drive. Add the group of DMW, Hutcherson, Grandison and Giorgi, and questions arise re: minutes and role. BU has proven his ability to identify talent, but in this case, does Ben have a fit in C-U? Does he even have a position? And if he signs, what is the opportunity cost of the scholarship? (none of these are rhetorical)
 
#99      

haasi

New York
would be thrilled to have Deivi Jones Locker at the House of Paign. Come in at your peril!
 
#100      
You're grossly mischaracterizing the quality of those bigs, especially defensively. Kruger is a guy who has said in interviews he spends almost 80% of his time on defense, and it showed in those Illini teams. They were none of the things I mentioned (late on help, etc. ). Those guys were awesome at defending the paint. Kruger had Arch and Cookie, who were both in the NBA. He also had the insanely tenacious Lucas Johnson, Marcus Griffin, and Damir Krupalija. If that's your idea of serviceable, I applaud your high standards, but strongly disagree.

And yes, the game was much more physical at that time, and there weren't as many 3 point shots and spacing. Bigs today need better footwork and reads in the paint.
I think we may have a different connotation of the term serviceable. I’m guessing that any player with a division 1 scholarship is either really good, has crazy potential or is related to Lori Loughlin. The players that you mentioned were the same ones I was thinking of. Their role on the team was not glamorous. However, what they did was integral to the team’s success. I think of someone like Da’Monte Williams to explain what I mean by ’serviceable’. No one would argue that Ayo
Dosunmu is the ‘better’ player. However, I can think of at least one game last year that if Da’Monte doesn’t do what he does, Illinois loses.
 
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