Interested in what people on this board think is our chances of making the tourney next year. If we miss for the 5th year in a row I think that really begins to make recruiting tough. I like the Underwood hire alot but I think he has a ton on his plate to get things turned around quickly. Will be interesting if he can get a couple good recruits or transfers for next year
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April 2017)
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Well I don't think he's going to take them out back, pile them up and burn them.
Be wary of those who would peddle certainty on this, in either direction.
While I'm bearish on this staff's ability to make an instant impact in terms of system installation, I nonetheless remain very bullish on our returning roster, with the caveat of the desperate need for big man depth.
But first years of a new coach are unpredictable even by college basketball standards. We just don't know.
We'll have to see the roster first. All these comments about rolling scholarships to 2018 are way premature. There is no way that nobody else is added to the roster in 2017.
ILFaninFL
- Nature Coast in Florida
PostersLastStand
- Wayne County, IL
If we settle for the recruits behind door number two, it may be like burning the the scholarships. I guess owning a cell phone for years, and being told your minutes rollover, only to find out they don't has conditioned me to say will he rollover scholarships. Twas a silly statement (on my part), of course he will and they do. I'm still smarting from the kick to my non protected area when I logged on. As for the answers to all my questions, we will know this time next year.Well I don't think he's going to take them out back, pile them up and burn them.
Be wary of those who would peddle certainty on this, in either direction.
While I'm bearish on this staff's ability to make an instant impact in terms of system installation, I nonetheless remain very bullish on our returning roster, with the caveat of the desperate need for big man depth.
But first years of a new coach are unpredictable even by college basketball standards. We just don't know.
illini80
- Forgottonia
No reflection on Walker whatsoever. The Dad stepped in and something, we don't know what, happened. It is a very real possibility that Martin may have come after and gotten Tilmon even if JG was still the coach.
He'd have been sitting a year if that were the case.
PostersLastStand
- Wayne County, IL
I think the single biggest thing that needs to happen to improve our chances for in state kids, and yes Chicago and all the suburbs is bring the IHSA basketball tournament back to UI. It was once viewed as Holy Ground to most high school basketball players.
Jkat00
- Champaign, IL
Do you really think that would make recruits want to go to Illinois?
I have a question and please don't jump on me because I read here every day but very seldome post. I always thought Williams ansd Jordan were very well thought of by most on this board as being in Williams case a very athletic player and in Jordans case a very proficient shooter. With superior coaching and direction why can't these two contribute next year as everyonr thought thay might when they were first recruuited by Groce?
PostersLastStand
- Wayne County, IL
It did once upon a time, seriously.
They can definitely improve, especially DJW IMO. But there is a difference between improving and becoming a difference maker. I do not believe the existing talent is enough to compete for B1G.
homesickalien
- Springfield
I just watched Hoop Dreams today and I'd love for it to get back to Champaign. Who knows how much it would help, but it couldn't hurt.
I would not hurt, but I doubt it would become a big selling point until UI became consistently good again.
homesickalien
- Springfield
This is a perfect opportunity for DJW. If he's going to become a piece now is the time. He's a perfect fit for the new system. Just needs to get his head in the game. We'll find out soon enough.
Jordan on the other hand just doesn't have the talent. He'd be better off playing at a lower level, but hey if he enjoys it here more power to him. Seems to carry himself well.
Jkat00
- Champaign, IL
This.
The panic here is premature and reports of the death of this class are greatly exaggerated. I think people should relax and see how this class turns out before we jump off the ledge. I'll also point out that our roster next year is arguably as talented as Underwood's OSU team this year, and he was one hot shooting Michigan 3 missing from being in the Sweet 16
I was rereading some old threads from 2012 and the reaction the last few days is similar to that when KBD committed to tOSU. Things really haven't changed much
Without a big coming in that can play major minutes next year I really don't see Illini in top half of Big or making the tourney. Not a knock on BU and what he may do as a coach just a realistic view of what talent we currently have. There is some ok talent but lets be realistic right now unless someone really surprises I don't think there are any all Big 10 players currently on our roster. Lot can change but I think in the short term we may have to struggle for another year before the arrow begins to go backup. Like I said earlier my big concern is how a 5th straight poor season impacts the ability of Underwood to recruit talent to Illinois
Jkat00
- Champaign, IL
I'm sure Illinois will add another big man to the recruiting class or a 5th year transfer. Patience.
I agree that lack of bigs will hurt, but I would like to see how our players will develop with BU. I would like to see how Finke/Nichols develop and I really think Finke was not utilized properly (one of those Wisconsin types that develop into all Big10 types. I also think Frazier and Williams have the chance down the road to be something!
So....if the staff really ends up consisting of.....
Antigua, Martin and Walker, is Underwood basically saying he will win without Chicago?? Will he try and recruit the city at all? Will he focus on suburbs, downstate and nationally?
And, if he can build a winner, does that bring back the city kids that we used to get in the 80's?
Antigua, Martin and Walker, is Underwood basically saying he will win without Chicago?? Will he try and recruit the city at all? Will he focus on suburbs, downstate and nationally?
And, if he can build a winner, does that bring back the city kids that we used to get in the 80's?
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