How about we move to some future recruits. Who did we have offers out to in in the 2018 /2019/2020 classes?
I'm interested in looking at those guys and seeing if they fit what Underwood wants.
I like it! Let's speculate:
2018 and 2019 are going to be interesting (not even going to touch 2020 yet). Right now we have
two open rides available for this year or next. We're obviously pursuing Smith hard, so he would take one of those spots if he commits. I don't expect us to pursue any other HS kids for the 2017 class, so that leaves one spot open for 2018. However, it seems very likely that we'll have some attrition that will open at least one ride. Given that, I'll guess we have two spots open for 2018.
2018: Here's where things get interesting. The two guys that have been mentioned the most (because they're the two best in-state players in the state) are Ayo Dosunmnu and Tim Finke. However, our 2017 class is chalk full of potential lead guards and wings, especially if Smith commits. Does the new staff continue to pursue those guys, or does the focus shift to bigs?
2019: We'll likey have four or five rides in this class, but this is when the need for bigs becomes immediate. Finke and Black will both graduate, leaving Tilmon as the only big on the roster as things stand. Luckily you've got two good in-state options in this class - E.J. Liddell and Francis Okoro. Liddell likes Illinois, and had a good relationship with the previous staff. He's also a hell of a player, just put up 43 against Pickett's Belleville East this month. Keeping Walker will presumably help with Liddell as well. Okoro is more of a mystery, there hasn't been much news on his recruitment. He's not an Illinois native, so how much pull will we really have? Who knows.