TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Yes.
Ubben has really fallen behind in the facilities arm-race. Probably a bottom 5 facility in the B1G now.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April 2018)
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Yes.
Ubben has really fallen behind in the facilities arm-race. Probably a bottom 5 facility in the B1G now.
Maybe true, but some think KU.
https://purdue.rivals.com/news/francis-okoro-may-be-nearing-decision-after-purdue-visit
Don't remember seeing this one.
Interview with Okoro from Purdue site, but seems to be general media, sounds like Piper might have asked a question in the background
...He confirms he got a 32 on ACT
...Comments that distance to Oregon is no big deal, already moved 2000 miles away from family
...Passes on commenting on reclassifying; but say should know in a couple weeks
Don't remember seeing this one.
Interview with Okoro from Purdue site, but seems to be general media, sounds like Piper might have asked a question in the background
...He confirms he got a 32 on ACT
...Comments that distance to Oregon is no big deal, already moved 2000 miles away from family
...Passes on commenting on reclassifying; but say should know in a couple weeks
OK so what hasn't he done?
cazzie
As a high school Counselor for many years and now retired, it has been my experience in 3 school districts that it is not unusual for students to graduate one semester early. At my last school, about 35 students in a class of 540 did just that. Every year there were a handful of students who graduated one full year early but usually they planned ahead by taking summer school and full load of courses. They also might take two years of English in one school year in order to meet the 8 semesters of English, which was required.
If Okoro is graduating ahead of time, he might need summer school credits, specifically in English, but that has to be taken in an accredited high school summer program. Going to a community college to take these courses might meet high school requirements but probably would not match the NCAA core course list.
As a high school Counselor for many years and now retired, it has been my experience in 3 school districts that it is not unusual for students to graduate one semester early. At my last school, about 35 students in a class of 540 did just that. Every year there were a handful of students who graduated one full year early but usually they planned ahead by taking summer school and full load of courses. They also might take two years of English in one school year in order to meet the 8 semesters of English, which was required.
If Okoro is graduating ahead of time, he might need summer school credits, specifically in English, but that has to be taken in an accredited high school summer program. Going to a community college to take these courses might meet high school requirements but probably would not match the NCAA core course list.
That's probably the next thing on the list after the football facility, barring whatever happens with this hockey thing.
But at some point the dividends from actually winning football and men's basketball games need to start supporting this enterprise.
t7nich
- Central IL
:thumb:
Am I the only one that thinks we should make our football/basketball facilities top notch before even beginning to delve into this hockey stuff? :tsk:
Okoro moved far from home but is now with an aunt and uncle and several other relatives. Moving to Oregon would move him away from family. Hopefully, that will be a deciding factor in our favor.
From what I recall reading the hockey facility will not involve athletic dept funds. Evidently several large donors who will only contribute to a hockey program are involved. So it would.not detract from fundraising for the money sports. Something to that effect, not going to go look it up.
ILL in IA
- Iowa City
IF he did score a 32 like I saw posted, its nothing to be embarrassed by. He scored well. And it's not like an ACT score has anything else attached to it. And if an ACT test score finding its way on the internet upset you, the recruiting process in general probably isn't something you would enjoy.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Pretty sure he was the first to post it, then deleted the tweet.
Illiniwek06
- N of I-80
Sounds like Okoro is close to a decision? If that's the case that probably can't be good for Illinois. My money is on Oregon now. Hope we get a big surprise though.....
sacraig
- The desert
Back when I was in high school, my parents were extremely concerned about my ACT score being public because that is just traditionally something you kept private. I didn't really care but I didn't spread it around either because, again, I didn't really care. However, times have changed considerably and, likely due to the influence of the internet and how public everyone's business has become, high schoolers these days have no real problem just throwing scores like that around. It is what it is. It's not like it's likely to do any real harm. Worst case scenario is that it breeds a little resentment among teens.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Sounds like Okoro is close to a decision? If that's the case that probably can't be good for Illinois. My money is on Oregon now. Hope we get a big surprise though.....
Based on Derek Piper's comments on the Jeremy Werner show this morning, I would be cautiously optimistic. Sounds like Purdue's presentation didn't blow him away. They want him to play the 4, likely with Harms at the five. He also doesn't seem as excited about their playing style.
Oregon is also a long way away from his family and already has a log jam in the frontcourt with Bol Bol and others.
Okoro likes our style of play, I think he likes the chance to play a big role early (which he might not at PU, Oregon). Antigua can also sell his development of big time bigs.
IU is trending for Romeo Langford. He announces later this afternoon. Would be nice to see the UI-IU rivalry back to between two top 20 teams again! To be the best we’ll have to beat the best!
Agree with this 100%. It drives me crazy every time somone posts "Well if player X doesn't commit to us I hope ho goes somewhere out of conference."
I'm a big believer that the stronger the league the better it is for all of the members top to bottom in the long run.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
But Okoro just isn't a "spread" type guy. He's pretty limited on the perimeter. IMO, it's hard to see him playing with another rim protector type guy. "Twin towers" just isn't the way the sport is played these days.
Okoro fits our system because he's a great athlete that can set screens, slip to the basket, catch lobs, etc. I hate the term "rim runner", but it fits pretty darn well with Okoro.
Who would be the others that could challenge Okoro for PT? I don't know too much about Oregon's roster.
Great summary for all and pretty spot on...I actually have a more condensed one that I think will come to fruition...
Ayo has had it sold and in the bag along time ago! Okoro = ILLINI!
Obviously, I hope this works out to be the case. Just not sure the timing is right for us.
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