Agree....man I would like to see Bradley significant again, even though I grew up not liking them because I was an Illini guy. It is so sad what has happened to the Hilltoppers.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April 2017)
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Agree....man I would like to see Bradley significant again, even though I grew up not liking them because I was an Illini guy. It is so sad what has happened to the Hilltoppers.
There's a few narratives as to why Tilmon hasn' committed anywhere, I choose to believe this one. If he was such a strong Mizzou lean I find it extremely weird he hasn't, at the very least, had an in home with Cuonzo (unless I missed that.)
Although another thought I have is that Mizzou + tilmon are trying to keep things quiet about the connection given how a quick marriage might dredge up some findings that aren't too positive for Miz.
I actually think Tilmon will have a tough time averaging over 20 mins a game next year (if he's at UI), which is still a big chunk of playing time, but his senior year seemed to point towards a similar outcome as Lerons--sparks of greatness, but mostly just fouls on fouls.
Either way, I'd be absolutely shocked if we dont grab a 5th year center. Even if he's only going to play 8ish minutes, we can't have a rotation of Black and Finke at the 5.Although, I guess if we score 100+ pts a game it wont matter if we defend
Groce didn't reach out to levert imo because he didn't think he was a big 10 player
Because the physical aspect and intensity in sports, especially in major sports, has gotten a lot more demanding, taking a toll on an athlete's body and career. While quite a few multi-sports athletes exist in HS, many athletes give up their secondary sports in senior year once they secure a Div. I scholarship. Often at the encouragement of the college offering such scholarship.
Physical punishment, chances of injuries, and lack of concentration are major deterrents in pursuing multi-sports in college. If your aspiration is to make it to the next level, it is often better to have a single focus.
If I had to take a guess, Mark Smith will not play baseball in college, but this is just my guess.
Peoria Illini
- Peoria, IL
There's a few narratives as to why Tilmon hasn' committed anywhere, I choose to believe this one. If he was such a strong Mizzou lean I find it extremely weird he hasn't, at the very least, had an in home with Cuonzo (unless I missed that.)
Although another thought I have is that Mizzou + tilmon are trying to keep things quiet about the connection given how a quick marriage might dredge up some findings that aren't too positive for Miz.
I actually think Tilmon will have a tough time averaging over 20 mins a game next year (if he's at UI), which is still a big chunk of playing time, but his senior year seemed to point towards a similar outcome as Lerons--sparks of greatness, but mostly just fouls on fouls.
Either way, I'd be absolutely shocked if we dont grab a 5th year center. Even if he's only going to play 8ish minutes, we can't have a rotation of Black and Finke at the 5.Although, I guess if we score 100+ pts a game it wont matter if we defend
This article about Mark Smith in the Tribune mentions Mikyle Macintosh from ISU as a possible 5th years senior transfer. Not a true center, but 6-7 and about 240 could help on the boards.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...commits-illinois-spt-0427-20170426-story.html
ILL in IA
- Iowa City
Any reason Groce didn't reach out is a wrong one looking back. If it's like you said, he didn't read the talent properly. And if he did it out of respect to Ohio, sorry, it's big boy sports and you are being paid a lot of money. Make that call and get him to CU. But that's why we have BU now. All works out right?
and gives some fouls as well......I am afraid Finke is going to foul out in 15 minutes of play every game. He can't guard a big 10 center, just isn't his game.
I have seen MiKyle McIntosh mentioned a few times by analysts. He is not a center, he is actually a SF/PF type. If he does transfer, much will depend on PT playing SF/PF (mostly SF) at his next stop to prove to the NBA. Personally, I think he is a PF, but I really like him. He will not come to UI to play C though.
He has already declared for the NBA, so he has clear aspirations. Does he have a chance this year? No. That is why the speculation even exists that he may pull out of the draft and transfer. But having declared for the NBA clearly tells you where his head and focus are. He will not pull out to play out of position or lesser PT elsewhere.
Don't underestimate McIntosh, very good player.
i think he'd fit nicely. Height is overrated. Some of the best rebounders ever were shorter than 6'10". I think that kid from NIU would be an interesting option too.
Can anyone believe what Coach Underwood has accomplished in just 40 DAYS since he was hired by our Fearless Leader Josh Whitman to make Illinois basketball relevant again? Talk about exceeding expectations! How long has it been since those of us who bleed orange and blue have been THIS excited about Illinois basketball??? Maybe not a miracle, but pretty darn close!
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This is what I still think is going on, but I admit Mark's comments about Jeremiah did inspire a bit of Jim Carey "so you're saying there's a chance" feelings in me...
I don't doubt that he has aspirations but at 6'7 unless he was averaging 25 a night at ISU, I would put his NBA chances at slim to none. That doesn't mean we shouldn't look at him, just saying I don't buy the NBA for him....this is his stat line, so I just don't see it.
https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=10179a0787a2da890fb3136992202f6d&oe=598596CE
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The problem with McIntosh is that he does have NBA aspirations regardless of how realistic they may or may not be. Given that, why would he want to come play out of position for Illinois? I've seen him linked to Wisconsin.
Whether you believe McIntosh has good chances for the NBA or not is irrelevant. We are talking about McIntosh in a recruiting context. If you have not seen McInstosh, he is a very good player. He will not pull out of the NBA draft and transfer to play a lesser role and PT and give us some extra fouls.
Jackie Carmichael got drafted out of ISU. Although he is 6'9 and averaged 17 and 9 as a senior in a probably much more competitive Valley (believe Creighton was still in the league then and if memory serves they may have been a 3-4 bid league for a couple of years).
Not saying McIntosh's NBA chances are good, but if he stayed at ISU it wouldn't be crazy for him to jump from 12/6 to 17/9 stat-line, and he's only 2 inches smaller than Carmichael was. Not great (no one's chances are great) but not impossible either.
Not saying McIntosh's NBA chances are good, but if he stayed at ISU it wouldn't be crazy for him to jump from 12/6 to 17/9 stat-line, and he's only 2 inches smaller than Carmichael was. Not great (no one's chances are great) but not impossible either.
I would say most all were just as excited when JT said he was coming, and again as excite when he signed. Heck I would even say there was tons just as excited when Groce was fired lol
Also sad that ISU has had a player get drafted more recently than us. Shows how far we've fallen...
Dean Oliver who is close to McIntosh and was an assistant coach at ISU joined the Wisconsin staff as an assistant, so there is a connection.
Called this one over a year ago.
This was the unspoken turd in the punchbowl of the "keep Groce for the recruiting class" argument.
Tilmon made two transfers in two years, each of which were publicly under the rationale of "improving his grades". This has never been a secret. Discussing the high school grades of a minor struggling to pass the clearinghouse is unseemly and I understand why we try to steer clear of it, but in a world where multi-million dollar decisions are made over these kids, it's unavoidable in some cases.
Guys, Carmichael got invited to the combine but was not drafted, nor did he ever play in the NBA. Again I am not saying that we shouldn't give McIntosh a look or that we should ask him to play out of position, I am just saying that I believe his chances of making the NBA are very low.
Regarding us being desirable to him, I would think that BU's interchangeable parts and high octane offense would be very appealing. JMO
This would be super, super-awkward.
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