Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (January-March 2016)

[Chipatsj23h]

Lucas' new highlight tape looked GREAT. That is Groce's type of PG, thats what he has been searching for, and he is it. He has a lot of "DJ Cooper" in him, similar games.

 

[Deleted member 10676]

[FONT=&quot]Kedric Prince[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ‏@KedPrince4 [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]#[/FONT][FONT=&quot]illini[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Dee Brown has major impact on '19 Marquise Walker: Met Dee when I was 4, it was the greatest experience of all-time basketball wise.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Kedric Prince[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ‏@KedPrince4 [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]#[/FONT][FONT=&quot]illini[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Bball fans, meet St. Joseph frosh phenom Marquise Walker top players in '19: I would love if Illinois offered its my home state[/FONT]

 

[Illinijose]

Glad to see someone else posted the T. Lucas/Kiwane Garris comparison, was seeing the same thing.

Hope M Hill stays part of the Illinois family after he graduates.

Like to see Illinois follow the St Joes Freshman, and possibly offer. Seems to be on path of being a solid college PG.

 

[Tevo]

If Thorne doesn't get an extra year, we should get on this guy

http://region9athletics.com/sports/mbkb/2015-16/players/kavellbigbywilliams801l

http://www.hutchnews.com/sports/juc...cle_cd0281aa-ba80-559f-9911-4700870b4349.html

Averaged a double-double in the highest juco class and is starting to get major interest.

Knowing nothing about his background, I'm in. Athletic, leaper, dunks everything, can actually dribble and run at the same time, and dear Lord do we need forwards. So sure, offer him.

 

[Deleted member 57255]

TJL looks good. Strong shot and touch around the rim.

 

[Foggy Notion]

Knowing nothing about his background, I'm in. Athletic, leaper, dunks everything, can actually dribble and run at the same time, and dear Lord do we need forwards. So sure, offer him.

4. Bigby-Williams emerges from Juco ranks


Kavell Bigby-Williams
Center
4 STARS
Gillette College
Gillette, WY
RR: N/A
Ht: 6'9"
Wt: 225 lbs
Class: 2016
N/A
POSITION
N/A
NATIONAL
N/A
STATE
Commitment status:
UNDECIDED

Originally committed to play his college basketball at Montana State, a native of London, England, has emerged as the hottest name in junior college basketball.

A 6-foot-10 center at Gillette College in Wyoming, four-star sophomore Kavell Bigby-Williams was already one of the most sought after recruits in junior college basketball. After his performance at last week’s NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., where he had 57 points, 49 rebounds and 23 blocks in four games, his stock has gone through the roof.

He’s athletic, he runs and he plays with great energy on the glass and as a defender. Word coming out of Hutch was that Oregon could be the early favorite. However, others who are heavily involved include Texas, Utah, San Diego State, Missouri, Arizona State, Charlotte and Bradley.

This article also discusses Jordan Goodwin and Marquise Walker.

https://basketballrecruiting.n.rivals.com/news/starting-five-jolly-opens-it-up

 

[FeelYourPaign]

[He’s athletic, he runs and he plays with great energy on the glass and as a defender. Word coming out of Hutch was that Oregon could be the early favorite. However, others who are heavily involved include Texas, Utah, San Diego State, Missouri, Arizona State, Charlotte and Bradley.]

They sure don't spell "Illinois" very well in that list of interested suitors.
Hope we get in there

 

[Paul Kleevage]

He reminds me of Kiwane Garris.

I agree with the comparison. A couple of things I took away from the video:

1. He's not going blow you away with his quickness or his athleticism, but he's already good at using his body and handles to create space.
2. He also uses his body well to generate decent looks in the lane against taller defenders.
3. He has good handles and court vision, which we desperately need.
4. His frame can definitely add weight. I can envision him being very strong by his sophomore year.
5. I like his shot. Decent form and can release it quickly when needed. Seems to have a decent mid-range jump shot and floater, which will make him difficult to guard.

The only concern I have is his ability to go up against a quicker guard, both defensively and offensively.

Should get decent minutes as a freshman.

 

[rtbritt]

I agree with the comparison. I couple of things I took away from the video:

1. He's not going blow you away with his quickness or his athleticism, but he's already good at using his body and handles to create space.
2. He also uses his body well to generate decent looks in the lane against taller defenders.
3. He has good handles and court vision, which we desperately need.
4. His frame can definitely add weight. I can envision him being very strong by his sophomore year.
5. I like his shot. Decent form and can release it quickly when needed. Seems to have a decent mid-range jump shot and floater, which will make him difficult to guard.

The only concern I have is his ability to go up against a quicker guard, both defensively and offensively.

Should get decent minutes as a freshman.

I'm excited to see him play for us. I see glimpses of Chris Paul when I see him play. A lot of similarities, I think, in their games.

 

[Johnny Lawrence]

This kid shoots like a mother and jumps like a brother.

Is this a saying now because it's hilarious.

 

[Adnarel]

I agree with the comparison. I couple of things I took away from the video:

1. He's not going blow you away with his quickness or his athleticism, but he's already good at using his body and handles to create space.
2. He also uses his body well to generate decent looks in the lane against taller defenders.
3. He has good handles and court vision, which we desperately need.
4. His frame can definitely add weight. I can envision him being very strong by his sophomore year.
5. I like his shot. Decent form and can release it quickly when needed. Seems to have a decent mid-range jump shot and floater, which will make him difficult to guard.

The only concern I have is his ability to go up against a quicker guard, both defensively and offensively.

Should get decent minutes as a freshman.

5b. He's got a weird release on some of his jumpshots. I saw his right leg kicked out a few times, but it didn't happen all the time.

Good analysis!

 

[Sal Iacuzzo]

[He’s athletic, he runs and he plays with great energy on the glass and as a defender. Word coming out of Hutch was that Oregon could be the early favorite. However, others who are heavily involved include Texas, Utah, San Diego State, Missouri, Arizona State, Charlotte and Bradley.]

They sure don't spell "Illinois" very well in that list of interested suitors.
Hope we get in there

If we are waiting on Thorne it will be too late by the time we find out.

 

[Illinijose]

Is this a saying now because it's hilarious.

Love to take credit but it was first used to describe Rex Chapman coming out of high school. It fit Rex perfectly. Rex had Seth Curry range and could jump like Jordan. Had a decent pro career but was a stud in high school and at Kentucky.

Matt Chastain passes the eye test, he might have other sport interest (baseball) like others mentioned. Could he sign with Illini baseball (not sure they offer full scholarships) and play basketball as well? Like the comparison of an athletic Andy Kauffmann. Any player than can be effective in the half cour and full court is worthy of a scholarship in one of the major conferences. I could see kid having success at Gonzaga, NU, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana.

 

[DanvIllini]

Love to take credit but it was first used to describe Rex Chapman coming out of high school. It fit Rex perfectly. Rex had Seth Curry range and could jump like Jordan. Had a decent pro career but was a stud in high school and at Kentucky.



Matt Chastain passes the eye test, he might have other sport interest (baseball) like others mentioned. Could he sign with Illini baseball (not sure they offer full scholarships) and play basketball as well? Like the comparison of an athletic Andy Kauffmann. Any player than can be effective in the half cour and full court is worthy of a scholarship in one of the major conferences. I could see kid having success at Gonzaga, NU, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana.

I believe the rule is that dual sport must take a scholarship of the revenue sport. I think that is the case with football but I'm not sure on basketball.

 

[BananaShampoo]

Just curious, but does anyone know if Illini staff are aware of Chastain, and if they are, has anyone on staff seen him play in person?

 

[FeelYourPaign]

If we are waiting on Thorne it will be too late by the time we find out.

I have to assume that given the way JG has managed offers and open spots in the past, if he wanted to offer, he would offer regardless of spots. there is enough risk that not all 3 of Black, Nunn and Tate return. Plus the ever present risk that someone announces intentions to transfer. That is just a part of the college bball landscape. Anyway, just guessing here, obviously, but doubt that thorne would be the stopper to any offer.

 

[combes]

Love to take credit but it was first used to describe Rex Chapman coming out of high school. It fit Rex perfectly. Rex had Seth Curry range and could jump like Jordan. Had a decent pro career but was a stud in high school and at Kentucky.

Matt Chastain passes the eye test, he might have other sport interest (baseball) like others mentioned. Could he sign with Illini baseball (not sure they offer full scholarships) and play basketball as well? Like the comparison of an athletic Andy Kauffmann. Any player than can be effective in the half cour and full court is worthy of a scholarship in one of the major conferences. I could see kid having success at Gonzaga, NU, Wisconsin, Purdue, Indiana.

Chastain passes the eye test against 1A competition. How would he do with Goodwin guarding him? Chastain said that the kid on Leo was the best player he had ever played against. That kid is not a D-1 player. I think Chastain is skilled but he is not a sure thing at the next level until we see him against real competition.

As for scholarships, there is a pecking order. If you play football and another sport, you must be on a football scholarship. If football is not involved, then basketball is next. Basketball and any other sport, you must be on basketball scholarship. In the old days, football schools like Nebraska used to stash players on track scholarships. Can't do the any more. So, if Chastain plays basketball and baseball, he would be on a basketball scholarship.

 

[Bomb Squad 217]

Chastain is not a sure thing by any means. But his athleticism and length and shooting ability give him potentially a high ceiling. I mean if you need someone for that last spot on the bench, you could do a lot worse.

 

[midastouch11]

Chastain is not a sure thing by any means. But his athleticism and length and shooting ability give him potentially a high ceiling. I mean if you need someone for that last spot on the bench, you could do a lot worse.

Illinois has too much need at point guard and center to be trying to find a wing for the last seat on the bench. Chastain is intriguing but there are just too many other glaring deficiencies right now at other spots.

 

[FarewellLasagna]

Chastain is not a sure thing by any means. But his athleticism and length and shooting ability give him potentially a high ceiling. I mean if you need someone for that last spot on the bench, you could do a lot worse.

Chaste in reminds me of Brett Melton, but playing against lesser competition.

 

[Tevo]

I gotta be honest, I don't really see it.

Quick, strong, uses leverage well, but very undersized, not an explosive athlete, just an okay ballhandler for a guy his height and he's going to have trouble getting his jumper off against B1G level defenders.

I'm only going off of a bunch of highlight videos, so it's tough to judge the overall court sense that makes or breaks a point guard, but regardless I don't see a very high ceiling there and if he's not super ready to play as a freshman it's gonna be tough to have him out there. Maybe not Lewis and Tate tough, but tough.

I see Abrams as the starter next year for sure.

I have to agree. I think what I remind myself is the "expert" observers saying he always makes the right decision, which is hard to illustrate in fast-cutting highlight videos. Finding the right guy, dribbling when he should, passing when he should, deciding how to attack a team, when to back it out, etc. That stuff you can only see while watching game film, so maybe that is his best attribute right now.

But from a sheer highlight-video comparison, I wasn't so impressed with what I saw. I then looked up the All-State teams from Wisconsin (Te'Jon made All-State in Wisconsin's division 2) and came across Jordan McCabe (also All-State in Div 2, but as a soph). You may know McCabe's name from YouTube videos as an 8th grader and 9th grader. Ridiculous handles, excellent passing, and an apparent ego too big to fit into the gym. His sophomore year highlights are very impressive, and it looks like he's toning down the hotdog approach. Comparing highlights for Te'Jon and McCabe makes Te'Jon's ball handling and passing look downright pedestrian.

 

[Second and Chalmers]

I have to agree. I think what I remind myself is the "expert" observers saying he always makes the right decision, which is hard to illustrate in fast-cutting highlight videos. Finding the right guy, dribbling when he should, passing when he should, deciding how to attack a team, when to back it out, etc. That stuff you can only see while watching game film, so maybe that is his best attribute right now.

That would speak to a readiness to play the college game, which would help.

 

[Illinifanatic4ever]

Chastain is not a sure thing by any means. But his athleticism and length and shooting ability give him potentially a high ceiling. I mean if you need someone for that last spot on the bench, you could do a lot worse.

Reminds me of these guys you see this time of year as a 13 or 14 seed that seem to come out of no where and help upset a 3 or 4 seed ala the guy I saw yesterday from SFA. Not highly touted but can shoot and play's smart.

 

[Robert Bennett]

Reminds me of these guys you see this time of year as a 13 or 14 seed that seem to come out of no where and help upset a 3 or 4 seed ala the guy I saw yesterday from SFA. Not highly touted but can shoot and play's smart.

+1 half of these smaller seeded pg's could have started for us this year easily.

 

[Adnarel]

I gotta be honest, I don't really see it.

I don't think TJL is being universally hailed as a program-changer in the pivotal sense. But he is a program-changer in the sense that we've just finally, finally got our PG that is so long overdue. He is already a straight upgrade to our current situation, so I don't think the excitement is necessarily misplaced. We just have to be realistic about what to expect from him next fall as he learns the ropes.

Ideal role is backup to TA, I agree.