I don't disagree with you at all, but your points got me thinking about some of our past Illini coaches and whether or not they excelled at being a 'closer' on their own merits. Would you categorize Lou Henson as a good closer? Lon Kruger? Bill Self? Bruce Weber? John Gross? Some were probably better than others, but none of them, other than Self, really stand out as that great salesman type closer. Even Bill couldn't close on most of his high targets while at Illinois. I think it was a big part of the reason he went to Kansas. I do think that the level of recruiting success of all of our coaches from Lou to Underwood has had a great deal to do with our assistants and the image of the program during each time period.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (October 2018)
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I don't disagree with you at all, but your points got me thinking about some of our past Illini coaches and whether or not they excelled at being a 'closer' on their own merits. Would you categorize Lou Henson as a good closer? Lon Kruger? Bill Self? Bruce Weber? John Gross? Some were probably better than others, but none of them, other than Self, really stand out as that great salesman type closer. Even Bill couldn't close on most of his high targets while at Illinois. I think it was a big part of the reason he went to Kansas. I do think that the level of recruiting success of all of our coaches from Lou to Underwood has had a great deal to do with our assistants and the image of the program during each time period.
Signing November 14th. Plans to keep list at 5 (Zona, Illinois, A&M, Alabama, Gonzaga).
I think at this point it is still anybody's game with A&M and Gonzaga out front.
I didn't even know there were two star recruits haha
NBB1979
UIUCFAN1
- Springfield, IL
I just want to point out that we have a fringe top 25 class primarily due to quantity. That said, I like the way the C/O 18 worked out and I’m cautiously optimistic for the season
Go Illini
Not sure if that is accurate or not but according to 247Sports, this is what Missouri has recruited since Martin took over.
2 - 5 stars
4 - 4 stars
3 -3 stars
1 - no rank
Now a 4 star and 3 star transferred (Harris and Roberts) but he added a 4 star (Mark Smith).
Saying Martin did more with less talent than Underwood is saying he coached them better and I doubt that is the case.
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NBB1979
UIUCFAN1
- Springfield, IL
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
This is partially true. The lower ranked guys don't really add much value in those rankings. Using the class calculator, we'd be 31st with just Tevian Jones, Ayo, and Alan Griffin, instead of 25th with the entire group.
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Yes, but you also have to adjust the ranking for all other teams on the same basis so it becomes a moving target.
The key to recruiting is: Can you build a main rotation of 7-9 players with an overall talent level (not just rankings) above what we've had the last 12 years AND also not leave any major positional gaps? That is the key IMO.
Our backcourt is fine, I personally think that they will be very good. So we do not want to waste a golden opportunity. We have a recruit left behind by previous staff (Frazier) who is talented and had arguably one of the best freshman seasons since Kiwane Garris. Then, we add a highly ranked recruit with a special relationship with one of our assistants (Ayo-Chin) a relationship/factor that will be hard to replicate. That is a unique and rare combo. We need to take advantage of it and complement them soon, because it will not last long.
Some posters preach waiting and patience for 3+ years for (frontcourt) recruiting to improve. By that time, we not only need to recruit talented frontcourt recruits, but also talented backcourt replacements for Frazier/Ayo. It would be a pity to waste what is IMO the most promising talented backcourt we've had in the last 12 years.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I wonder what Bruce would think of this?
I would expect transfers -- grad, JUCO, or otherwise -- to continue bridging the gap there, and probably to continue coming in if/when high school recruiting improves. And I'm fine with that, honestly.
As far as patience goes, what's the alternative?
Illini_1979
- Oregon
This GIF never gets old.
Rating comes from Verbal Commits. If you go to the conference it gives you the rating for each team.
Is there a limit to the number of in-home visits a school can take for a recruit?
I understand that but how do you hold a coach accountable for recruits before he got there?
Actually looking at that site I question there rating system. Tray Jackson and Harlond Beverly are 2 star prospects?
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There are restrictions for the coaches, but for the athlete not sure. Gonzaga visit today might not be in home but could be at school for open gym.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
How do you value two years against four?
Why should we panic? We have no committed recruits and we are picked to come in 13th in the Big Ten. On the other hand, I am not personally going to panic for at least one more year.
Big difference between panic and concern. Panic is coming from the anxious, hand wringing, doomsayers. I have slight concern but a lot of optimism on far exceeding the 13th place prediction.
IllFanInMi
I
Guest
I believe opinions on recruiting and performance this year and beyond are being erroneously co-mingled.
After all, this is the recruiting thread for 2018/19, and it SO FAR is abysmal and disappointing; how a reasonable fan can view it positively is questionable at best.
One can have a negative sentiment on recruiting. yet remain positive on what the team does on the court this season.
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