Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (November-December 2016)
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Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
Wait until Spring, there will be about 100-125 de-commits from coach firings, about 600 transfers and about 50-75 fifth year guys, plus some HS guys that blow up. We ought to be able to find 2 guys out of that group.
+1
WRT 5th year guys: going to be a much tougher sell than previously. IOW, temper your expectations.
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Any candidates?
soupy17
- MI
Not really the time to speculate on that...
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
Spot on. We'll be green, but we'll have a ton of positional flexibility. Lots of weapons at coach's disposal. Biggest Q: can we play decent D?
Bigs: agreed
2018 rides: anticipate 2. 3 is a stretch.
We almost always do, so it certainly wouldn't be a surprise. Every team these days has attrition pretty much on a yearly basis.
RichBradIllini
- Peoria
Agreed. This is Groce's dream.
You missed a whale of a game, then. Went to O.T. there was a lot of talent on the floor in that game. In addition to Matthews, Kain Harris was also on that st rita team. Tyler cook was really good in that game too for chaminade. Me and a friend sat with tatum's family. They got there relatively late and the gym was packed. there was still a seat or two open by us, center court, 2 rows off the floor. Grandma and I were pretty tight, too bad I wasn't a better salesman for illinois...
RichBradIllini
- Peoria
DJW has a lot of work to do on the defense end before he starts or is first off the bench.
IF JCL if far enough along in school I could see him going pro, either try the NBA or go over seas. I do think his education is a factor though
Well, 6 seniors are leaving. 3 guys have already used a red shirt season so are unlikely to want to give up another. 4 freshmen coming in, probably not going to leave right away. JCL or Lucas at this point would be a surprise at this point.
That narrows it down quite a bit.
But you never really know. Besides playing time, there are many other reasons someone may end up leaving. Personal issues, family situations, deciding to test the professional waters, etc.
Presumably someone on the wing. I dont wanna say names to jinx anything, and tbh its way to early to tell. Id guess we dont have any transfers this year, but after next year I can see a couple of guys moving on, including the possibility of JCL declaring after his junior year.
The recruitments for the bigs we have already offered don't seem to be trending in our favor. I think Wooten would get a fair amount of PT due to his rebounding and shot blocking and I guess it's still up in the air with Epperson. It's just that both of those guys have high major offers especially Wooten and some of those other schools could offer more than a backup role. I think if we get another big to commit it will either be a 5th year or some guy like a Ben Moore who is flying under the radar but has a good high school season.
BirdDog9048
The Chief Lives
- Chicago, IL
Starting a freshman PG along side a sophomore PG generally isn't the best way to protect the ball.
As opposed to an incoming freshman PG that is already rock solid on defense? I wouldn't worry about DJW's defense. With his athleticism and length, he should be fine on defense going forward. Freshmen always struggle with it.
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RichBradIllini
- Peoria
He's a soph.
All I said was "chance", but if you're at no chance we can leave it at we'll see.
As to Tilmon, do folks feel he projects as a 5 or 4 in the pros at this point? Who would be a good recent comparable to him in the NBA? Vonleh?
Idk if anyone said this yet, but anyone see Malcolm Hills Snapchat story last night? He was at the champaign high school watching Tin Finke at midnight madness and he was throwing down some impressive dunks. It was like he was gliding in the air.
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BirdDog9048
The Chief Lives
- Chicago, IL
I was referring to either DJW's defense last year (which is all we've seen of him) or Frazier's defense next year. Take your pick.
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
This cracks me up. All of the crazy speculation on this board about every tiny little possible thought from every tiny little angle people can come up with in regards to recruiting.....but not this. Ok. lmao
RichBradIllini
- Peoria
FIFY
DJW's defense is what keeps on the bench. Do you have another explanation as to his limited playing time?
All I said was "chance", but if you're at no chance we can leave it at we'll see.
Well yeah, everyone's got "a chance", but maybe wait until he at least suits up in a game before we wonder if he might leave early?
Being behind Malcolm Hill probably has something to do with it too.
It was also on Michael Finke's Twitter. Tim really put on some muscle and is trying to grow his hair out like Michael.
Here's a link for those who are not so technologically advanced. https://twitter.com/finke_michael/status/799472426119675904
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
In terms of immediate playing time, couldn't agree more. But ranking isn't always an indicator of college readiness. I think [Epperson] needs to RS b/c he doesn't appear physically ready, at least for B10 (or power 5). Then again, I'm on a message board
Big men, unless truly elite level big men, need time to develop in a lot of cases. If JFG can convince him that chasing immediate playing time may not be to his long term benefit then I think UI offers him a tremendous opportunity. Of course, convincing a well-ranked kid to not chase immediate playing time is no easy task. Let's see how it plays out - at this point it feels like the program is playing with house money anyways.
And if you're going to sit out a year, why not practice against experienced, and Top 25-level guys? And why not work with a strength coach who has shown to produce monster results with previous big men? Players frequently surprise me by going to schools with logjams and passing on schools with open positions. Good players are confidence they can play with anyone, I hope Epperson is that confident, too. At least we can point to Mav, Thorne and Finke and say, "Look how your body can change in a single year." And we can say, "Come compete against bigger and older guys, and against a guy like Tilmon, and become the best you can be. Playing time will sort itself out."
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