I know it's a common fallacy among fan bases, but man do I feel like some (all?) of our recruits are underrated. Really specific circumstances:
Mark Smith: Didn't really play AAU ball until last summer (and when he did he was coming off an injury); physically matured a lot over the last year (lost baby fat); was regarded as a D1/MLB baseball prospect. Blew up as a senior in such a dramatic way it reminded me of Anthony Davis. Really think he would have been ranked around 35-50 if he'd played AAU and focused on basketball throughout.
Trent Frazier: Played AAU for a small team in Florida through almost his entire high school career - didn't get exposure at big tournaments. Furthermore, he mostly played with his high school team in local summer leagues - even less exposure than a small AAU outfit. When he finally joined a big AAU program last summer, he barely played (kind of like Lovett, Jr behind Brunson on the Fire). That dampened the already limited hype a little. Finally, finally got to start in two big AAU tourneys and BLEW THE DOORS OFF. Averaged something like 30 per game and garnered heavy praise from national pundits (this is when he surged up the rankings very late in the process). Also improved his athleticism a ton over the last year: he's always been quick, but he was very skinny and could barely dunk as a junior. Now he can hammer it (look up the recent all-star game he played in - 2 massive throwdowns). I think he's a legit top 50-75 player.
Da'Monte Williams: Shot up the rankings as a rising junior because scouts saw his NBA-caliber physical profile. A 6'3/6'4 kid with long arms, a muscular build, and high-major athleticism who can also shoot and handle a little is going to set off the alarm bells. Ended up ranked as a borderline 5-star (between 30 and 40 depending on the service). Then, he had an up-and-down junior year, a bad spring on the circuit, and a rough start to his summer. Dropped like a rock. Two reasons: 1) he didn't develop true point guard skills (he's settled in as a wing with above average dribbling and passing ability), and 2) questions about his motor, love of the game, focus, and consistency. Tends to float. Big time athlete with a nice handle, but settles for contested jumpers. Sometimes a game changing defender, but prone to frequent lapses. Guess what, though? He finished the summer with some strong performances and then looked like a different player this high school season. I watched two of his games early in the season and it seemed clear that the switch had flipped. He was dominant and intense. Then he tore his ACL. If he hadn't, he'd have been challenging for Mr. Basketball.
Javon Pickett: What he always had going for him was a good frame, sweet mid-range scoring tools, and tremendous heart/motor. However, he was very skinny, only an average athlete (especially laterally), and an average shooter. Scored a lot, but mostly garbage buckets. He's filled out a little, become a better shooter, and improved his run-jump athleticism. I don't think he's necessarily a top-100 type of player, but he's a good building block. He's a physical, 6'6-ish wing with a nose for the basket and a relentless motor. He'll make the team better even if he's never a rotation player. However, I think he'll be a big contributor as an upperclassman.
Jeremiah Tilmon: Obviously, he's very highly regarded nationally. Still, he might be underrated due to a lack of exposure over the last year. He was hurt almost all the way through AAU last year, so he didn't get to square off against top competition on the summer circuit. Then, he moved back to ESL and out of the national spotlight. If he'd played (and played well) at the big summer tournaments last year and then started all season for #1 ranked La Lumiere, I think he would have maintained his top-20 ranking and made the McDonald's game. He's got some rough edges, but we're talking about a 6'11 kid with an NBA body who can run the floor and play above the rim. He has great hands, a few post moves, and a nice mid-range face up game. Good passer, good timing as a shot blocker. This is a future NBA player. He's athletically similar to Nnanna Egwu, but has way more offensive potential. Not going to be a star as a freshman, but could be an All-American type if he stays three years and will be a game changing presence from day one.
This is an unbelievable group. I hope they all end up in Champaign. If we add Jeffrey Carroll and a 5th year big, I think we'll be a top-25 team next year. I feel the turnaround coming.