Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (August 2019)
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Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Yes! It's not rocket surgery.
WiscIllini
- Madison, WI
Well thank God no one is asking for him to play poorer defense.
Based on Underwood's track record prior to coming to Illinois, it seems like he prefers to have at least three, if not four, guys who can hit the three. His system is based on creating and exploiting space, and I think you can look at the two transfers he's brought in this year as sort of a tell -- he wants wings who can shoot, and also have the length to operate against mismatches close in.
Given that, it's also pretty telling that Williams got so much playing time last year. I'm confident that one of Griffin or Jones can take a step forward this year, but last season they just weren't strong enough with the ball or on the defensive end to warrant more playing time.
I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen once the kids get experienced enough to not make those mistakes. (I'd also like to see Williams develop his offensive game, of course, but time is running short.)
Given that, it's also pretty telling that Williams got so much playing time last year. I'm confident that one of Griffin or Jones can take a step forward this year, but last season they just weren't strong enough with the ball or on the defensive end to warrant more playing time.
I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen once the kids get experienced enough to not make those mistakes. (I'd also like to see Williams develop his offensive game, of course, but time is running short.)
I'm going to keep beating the drum that I'm not worried about this fall class, and I'm not worried about the transfers. If we win this year then I suspect the recruiting will work out.
The top 7-8 guys are going to make a difference in the W/L column ultimately. The back of the bench might be the difference in 1 or 2 games, but the top 7 or 8 will make or break this season.
I also think that if we don't win this year, it will be the beginning of the end of Underwood era. I could see them replacing an assistant with someone who is handcuffed to a 5 star, and try that.
The top 7-8 guys are going to make a difference in the W/L column ultimately. The back of the bench might be the difference in 1 or 2 games, but the top 7 or 8 will make or break this season.
I also think that if we don't win this year, it will be the beginning of the end of Underwood era. I could see them replacing an assistant with someone who is handcuffed to a 5 star, and try that.
So what do we got in terms of prospects?
Miller: 50/50 (where we at here?)
Kalkbrenner: 10% (less? I know recent news is against us)
Kouma round 2: 90%??? He tweeted that he’s still a commit so if he’s eligible next year do we take him?
Robinson: 10% (put us in the top 5 but what’s that mean?)
Karim Mane: 5% (if he doesn’t go NBA is this 33%?)
Russia: 33% (can Walker land him?)
Idk what we do about PG for 2020 or 2021. Robinson AND Miller would be huge. And do we still want Kouma if we have a chance at Miller/Robinson/Russia?
Miller: 50/50 (where we at here?)
Kalkbrenner: 10% (less? I know recent news is against us)
Kouma round 2: 90%??? He tweeted that he’s still a commit so if he’s eligible next year do we take him?
Robinson: 10% (put us in the top 5 but what’s that mean?)
Karim Mane: 5% (if he doesn’t go NBA is this 33%?)
Russia: 33% (can Walker land him?)
Idk what we do about PG for 2020 or 2021. Robinson AND Miller would be huge. And do we still want Kouma if we have a chance at Miller/Robinson/Russia?
Curbelo I believe may indeed end up here as he is considered warm with us 24/7, OA is lead on him (roots-background) and St Johns just got Alexander and Louisville is being highly considered by Caleb Love, who I think will end up there or Kansas which Curbelo has an offer from but doesn't seem to be warm too.
Leaves us with a Miller/Curbelo tandem, although I would rather have Miller and Moore to be honest. Moore is a beast imo, Curbelo may be a better facilitator, but Moore is a superb pentrator and always finishes strong clips against competition.
I'd take that every day and twice on Sundays.
I wouldn't take too much to heart on "authoritative" statements made here, unless there is some believable attribution. The naysayers on Miller and Kalkbrenner have offered nothing to back up the concern. It'll play out; I'll trust the coaches. Most of the people I would trust (and have evaluated those over lots of years here) have yet to weigh in or have suggested the negativity is untrue.
I have not seen anyone with a proven track record who has made a comment of concern. (Hope I didn't miss an real Insider's comment)
Lots of people have been beaten down over the years, some just have that personality. Now, I have no idea, personally, but I like the trend of the program.
In any event, I'm looking forward to this coming season, and yes I think we make a dramatic change. And if not, my family, including the dog, will pay the price. Could be household items. I broke the top of the toilet tank over the officiating of the Maverick - Miami NBA championships. (Do you know those are unique shapes, I didn't (can't just replace the top).
For those that think/feel we're on the wrong path, all I can say is I hope I'm right so you will get to a better place. Should only take a few games until the bandwagon starts to roll. But really no point in debating now.
IllFanInMi
I
Guest
Watching DeMonte on offense frustrates me. You can see the silkiness to his game, plays under control and is calm. All other phases of the game aside, he is VERY tentative on the offensive side, especially if he lays bricks on his first shot or two.
You can add benefit in many ways on the court, which he does, BUT, you have to at least pretend to be a threat to score. A Rec. league guy can kill you if you ignore him, DW is a high level b-ball player with skills, but he is soft offensively. Soooo many times I scream at the TV because DW is passive and misses shot opportunities because he is passive. He’s too good to play this way imo, he’s got to man up and be more aggressive and productive offensively!
Skill development is much better with BU than Groce. BU knows exactly what schemes he wants and what skills are needed to be successful in those schemes. Our players aren't loss in the offense after being there for 4 years.
I can see the difference in Italy even with a reduced roster. Quicker passes, better anticipation, personnel growth of players (Tev, Griff).
I would easily take Miller and Curbelo. We would win a lot of games with Curbelo. He is unselfish facilitator with great fundamentals. Measuables and athleticism aren't great but a perfect college PG.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
No stuff, Sherlock!
Curbelo is better than Watson, IMO. Going to be a tough get, but we have the X factor (Antigua).
No stuff, Sherlock!
Curbelo is better than Watson, IMO. Going to be a tough get, but we have the X factor (Antigua).
Curbelo(#58) with Miller(#31) with Hylton(#82) with Kalkbrenner(#71) would be very nice class....ranking wise one of the best ever I believe!
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Why are you clinging to Kalkbrenner?
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No stuff, Sherlock!
Curbelo is better than Watson, IMO. Going to be a tough get, but we have the X factor (Antigua).
I see a lot of Mike Bibby in Curbelo's game. I think he could have a Fred Van Fleet type of career in college (lots of wins) being a true PG/team player.
He is getting offers from big time programs, I think his passing, solid fundamentals, and tempo are great for BU system. Not going to rule out OA but going to be tough to pull him in.
Not clinging, but until it is final, we won't know and as of now he is still on our radar and should be viewed as a possibility. That said Hawkins has shown some interest for awhile now, and even though he is at prolific, he could be a solid choice as well.
Forget about Kalkbrenner. We're not on his radar any more. Done. Kaput.
Thats fine with me actually, he has been looked at for a long time. I watched his most recent video which shows the defensive side, very lumbersome imo, but most HS bigs can be. Take him out and put in Hawkins I would be fine. Curbelo and Miller are the keys....Hylton and Hawkins would be nice, and if we don't get those, I would be exstatic to get Moore. We are always lamenting a lack of an aggressive drive to the hoop player, he is one.
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