counting is fluid
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April-June 2016)
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TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Considering making the trek over there myself. Do you (or does anyone else) have a schedule for the event?
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
This point makes sense to me. Would it be better to get 5 (hopefully diverse) players and a 5th year senior transfer to fill a need?
PM we can maybe meet up.
Captain Bubbles
- Fairfield, IL
This is GOLDEN. Sounds like it came from a movie, but this line is great. Made me laugh, thanks.
I was pretty high on Hill when he came in, but he hasn't been able to make that last step in his development where he can create his own shot. Rice was like that --super good college player in a lot of ways, but just not able to develop a move or two that put him in the elite category.
He creates his own shot all the time with his jab step/fade away jumper, which is very NBA like. He'll be in the league, the main thing he needs to work on is his mobility, which it is very possible to improve one's mobility. If he gets a little bit quicker and adds a couple inches to his ups he'll fit right in.
Illiniwek06
- N of I-80
Hill can't create his own shot?
Disagree. Hill creates his own shot all the time. His fadeaway is one of the toughest shots in the league to defend, and he gets into position to take it with his dribble, jab-step, and use of his body. He gets contact and then fades away from it.
Hill definitely is not getting most of his points on set plays that get him wide open shots.
I don't know why you still wouldn't be high on Hill. He is one of the best players in the league and will likely end up as the third leading scorer in UI history in total points.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Yeah that's just not true. Hill can create his own shot about as well as any Illini player I can remember. His ability to size up his man from mid range and get a good look is second to none in the B1G, maybe all of CBB.
That isn't the problem with his game. The issue with his game is really just raw quickness and athleticism. It's what keeps him from being a great defender (lateral quickness to stay in front of people), and what keeps him from blowing past defenders and finishing around the rim.
If he had it, he'd be a first round pick.
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
Hill has a very nice variety of moves and can create his own shot. He's just not explosive to the rim and he's not great defensively. Those are his only major weaknesses. Still, anyone who has a chance to average 20 ppg in the B1G (and I think he very well might this coming season, something we haven't had on the Illini since Brian Cook) should and will get looks from NBA teams.
schnaurt
- Phoenix, AZ
Just going off of memory here but he reminds me of Alando Tucker from Wisky. He could score in variety of ways, had a great midrange game but just could not do much of anything in the NBA once he was up against that level of athleticism and length.
That's a decent comp, though Hill's not quite the athlete Tucker was. The guy I always hoped Hill would become is Deshaun Thomas who might have been a little more interior oriented, but had a similar jack-of-all-trades game and was the Big Ten POY as a senior. He has yet to play a game in the NBA.
Hill is one of the best in the league at creating his own offense. Terrific scorer. The NBA doubts have nothing to do with his overall offensive skill level or ability to score in ISO. If he was 3 inches taller OR more explosive OR had the lateral quickness to be a lockdown wing defender OR shot 10% higher from beyond the arc, he wouldn't be coming back for his senior year. The problem is he would have to be a specialist of some kind at the next level and he doesn't shoot, defend, or run/jump at an elite level.
Thomas left after his Junior year. The big question was why leave early to be the 58th pick? If Hill left after his Junior year I doubt he would even be drafted. Both Hill and Thomas suffer from being below average defenders and terribly inconsistent motors.
The knock on Hill for being a mediocre athlete is fair, and it's possible that could prevent him from having a career in the league.
With that said, Hill has had NBA scouts eyes on him since his sophomore year. Not a ton of attention clearly, but he's been on their radar. If he's in contention for B10 POY and puts up tsrong numbers, I don't think it'd be crazy to see him get picked up in the 2nd round. And of course, if he was an explosive athlete, he'd be a sure-fire 1st round pick... and I think Malcolm, Fletcher and Groce know it too. I've been involved in personal training for years and I've seen the whole spectrum of athletic ability. I can tell you that it is perfectly possible for a kid like Malcolm to improve his lateral mobility, quickness and explosiveness under proper training conditions. Improve in these areas, and that will translate to better defense.
I think he's in good hands with Fletcher. If Malcolm makes some strides there, he's NBA material. I wouldn't write him off just yet from a physical perspective.
With that said, Hill has had NBA scouts eyes on him since his sophomore year. Not a ton of attention clearly, but he's been on their radar. If he's in contention for B10 POY and puts up tsrong numbers, I don't think it'd be crazy to see him get picked up in the 2nd round. And of course, if he was an explosive athlete, he'd be a sure-fire 1st round pick... and I think Malcolm, Fletcher and Groce know it too. I've been involved in personal training for years and I've seen the whole spectrum of athletic ability. I can tell you that it is perfectly possible for a kid like Malcolm to improve his lateral mobility, quickness and explosiveness under proper training conditions. Improve in these areas, and that will translate to better defense.
I think he's in good hands with Fletcher. If Malcolm makes some strides there, he's NBA material. I wouldn't write him off just yet from a physical perspective.
It appears you're right. Memory failing me.
Anyway, I don't know if its a motor issue with Hill, I think he's just kind of a slow-burn player.
And just as an aside, guys like Hill are the reason that college basketball makes such a great compliment to the NBA. Hill's game doesn't fit and wouldn't work at the NBA level of pace and athleticism, but it's a joy to watch all the same. The pros are filled with guys who aren't as clever and creative of basketball players as Hill is, and college gives guys like that a platform to thrive.
May Malcolm Hill still be clowning kids half his age with his herky-jerky game at the YMCA when he's 50.
I think Hill gets a bad rap for motor. He just looked exhausted during games to me
This kids starting to look more and more appealing. Athletic, long, gritty, good motor, scores, seems to have a nose for rebounds, can stroke it from 3 and has a good build...Does this kid have a weakness?
Besides, Hill is a Weber recruit anyways. :thumb:
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
Uh, who is his "source". Obviously must be someone in or close to the Tilmon family. Roux is good.
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