None of that may matter much to Goodwin. Nor, I suspect, being "King of the city" either. Getting to The League may be the driver here. And shifting to PG, as others noted, is the path. A path he isn't going to get at Illinois. Being a great college player, but not making The League, probably doesn't do much for Goodwin. Don't like the decision, if that's what it is, but have to admire the kid's ambition.
That's probably true, but does SLU actually have the facilities, coaching, and competition to turn Goodwin into a NBA caliber pg? I'm not at all familiar with their program. And I feel like Fletch would do a tremendous job at maximizing Goodwin's strength, quickness, explosiveness etc. which would be great for him if he wants to become a pro pg. Also, I would honestly rather see Goodwin fill a Denzel Valentine type role. Technically a sg but capable of playing the point and small forward when needed.
Some more details...
Goodwin was expected to make his move quick and commit (last week). That obviously didn't happen and since has gone dark. Not calling, texting, or responding back in anyway to Illini coaches.
At the same time, Travis Ford is re-tweeting Goodwin, interacting with him (in person) at his games, house, etc. and basically has his ear for now.
Could it just be a delaying tactic? Wait a bit, see what we have to offer, give us a chance, etc...maybe could be
But ppl on the Illini side are perplexed and disturbed at this and are scrambling for plan B, hence securing being on the list of other wings like we saw this past week, trying to re-engage Terrance Lewis, checking in on Nojel Eastern, etc.
It's not good right now.
Goodwin can get to The League from SLU. Larry Hughes made it. Granted, entirely different player. If Goodwin is convinced he must morph into a PG to have a shot at The League, sadly, SLU is the choice.
And, if it's SLU, we need to pivot and land Lewis. Do that and we're good. If he doesn't commit this week to ISU, we have a darn good shot.
Goodwin will be the starter at the off guard at SLU on opening night if he goes to SLU. He will be the starter at the off guard at Illinois on opening night if he goes to Illinois. SLU can try and sell all they want but Jordan is a smart kid. Ford has to win and having an inexperienced PG is not the answer. Jordan can make the NBA as a guard. Kids a winner and that's what GMs are looking for.
So, I guess we know what Goodwin's cryptic comment about making a "selfish decision" was about now, yeah? Pure speculation, but I'm guessing he's torn. And the SLU pitch is coming on strong.
Goodwin will be the starter at the off guard at SLU on opening night if he goes to SLU. He will be the starter at the off guard at Illinois on opening night if he goes to Illinois. SLU can try and sell all they want but Jordan is a smart kid. Ford has to win and having an inexperienced PG is not the answer. Jordan can make the NBA as a guard. Kids a winner and that's what GMs are looking for.
Some more details...
Goodwin was expected to make his move quick and commit (last week). That obviously didn't happen and since has gone dark. Not calling, texting, or responding back in anyway to Illini coaches.
At the same time, Travis Ford is re-tweeting Goodwin, interacting with him (in person) at his games, house, etc. and basically has his ear for now.
Could it just be a delaying tactic? Wait a bit, see what we have to offer, give us a chance, etc...maybe could be
But ppl on the Illini side are perplexed and disturbed at this and are scrambling for plan B, hence securing being on the list of other wings like we saw this past week, trying to re-engage Terrance Lewis, checking in on Nojel Eastern, etc.
It's not good right now.
Someone needs to give him the cold hard truth.... It doesn't matter if it is UI or SLU the chances of him making the NBA are pretty slim. It is the same problem as his ranking/notoriety/offer list now. He doesn't have the handles of a true PG and he doesn't have a mid 40% outside shot. He has no true position and none of that is likely to change enough to be an NBA talent. That being said the kid is 100% a winner and that is good enough for any college program. He will have a long and prosperous career overseas but making it to the NBA is a difficult thing. Ford can tell him whatever he wants but if Jordan believes he will magically transform him into an NBA player then he doesn't have his head on as straight as we all thought.
End of the story is he needs to get in a room with Dee on campus so that he can get refocused on what he, Tilmon, and the rest of the Illinois natives have clearly talked about doing and that is putting UI back on the map in a serious way and competing for B1G titles and tournament runs. Don't get fooled by the used car salesman telling you a Daewoo is a Lexus.
Converting wings to PGs, I have heard that story a few times before.
At least if we don't get jgood we still have jcl djw kipper Jordan Pickett Damonte to play 2/3 in the seasons to come
Not to sound overly mean, but I don't believe any of this. (At least not until it had been verified by some other more public source)
My reasoning is that Goodwin doesn't seem like the kind of kid who would simply stop replying to a coach who has been recruiting him for years and shown him about 8,000 times more attention and love than Travis Ford.
I mean, to not reply to any Illinois coaches after all that effort is insanely disrespectful and that is what your source is insinuating about him. He isn't a disrespectful kid and it showed in his Twitter post when he named his top 7 and then thanked all other coaches for their time and effort in recruiting him. He just doesn't seem to be a disrespectful young man.
Unfortuntely, all of what you say may be true, and if it is, it'd be too bad. But, for now, I don't believe your source at all.
It's always fluid, but at this point in time, the wind is blowing strongly towards SLU. Will that hold up? Not sure (hope not), but my sources are pretty confident in what they are hearing
SLU is a realistic option. Having Tate there helps a ton. I just wonder if Tate is saying Missouri deal like he told Kim Anderson they stood a "great" chance to land him.
Look I know SLU is more of a threat that ppl think. Heck id even say they may lead at this moment, but I'm still inclined to think there is no way he chooses SLU over Illinois.
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