Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (June 2020)

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#302      
I played against Rucks in middle school. We walked into their gym and saw this mountain of a boy at the other end warming up with his team. Seemed like he was twice as tall as our tallest player. Scared the heck out of some of us. But we beat them bad. Ran them and him off the court. No contest.
Since not a lot is going on here's a little bit of trivia to bore you with: Bill's brother Jim played on the U of I football team. I think he was on the specials teams, maybe a punter. He was older than Bill, three or fours years, I think. He was also on the U of I 1972-73 basketball team. He may have been on the high school basketball team, too. The Rucks' father was a coach at Waukegan, and was a big man physically and most of the family members were big people (except for Jim). Bill and Jim's sister was principal at Clark Elementary in Waukegan where Jereme Richmond went for a year or two (not sure if they were there at the same time). You may now resume your regularly scheduled programming.
 
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#303      
In order to contribute to the Bill Rucks discussion: His grave marker in Mt. Pulaski has a giant block I on top of it, probably sticks up 6' tall. You can't miss it. I was there for a funeral and saw the block I, and walked over wondering who would put that on their tombstone. Saw it was Bill Rucks and didn't know that he had passed away. He was well before my time, but I'd seen him at a couple of functions before he was in a wheelchair. Huge guy.
 
#305      
Since not a lot is going on here's a little bit of trivia to bore you with: Bill's brother Jim played on the U of I football team. I think he was on the specials teams, maybe a punter. He was older than Bill, three or fours years, I think. He was also on the U of I 1972-73 basketball team. He may have been on the high school basketball team, too. The Rucks' father was a coach at Waukegan, and was a big man physically and most of the family members were big people (except for Jim). Bill and Jim's sister was principal at Clark Elementary in Waukegan where Jereme Richmond went for a year or two (not sure if they were there at the same time). You may now resume your regularly scheduled programming.
Jim played football for two years at Illinois. Yes, he was a punter but also played some tight end. Caught 6 career passes for 115 yards and one TD. Also went one for one on pass completions for 25 yards. :)He also played both basketball and baseball for Illinois. Both he and his dad are in the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.
 
#306      
Jim played football for two years at Illinois. Yes, he was a punter but also played some tight end. Caught 6 career passes for 115 yards and one TD. Also went one for one on pass completions for 25 yards. :)He also played both basketball and baseball for Illinois. Both he and his dad are in the Illinois High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

Are we recruiting him?
 
#316      
He is a reclass kid. Was gonna go to prep school
He needs time to develop. Watched some film of him and he is thin, can't establish space in the block, and doesn't seem to have a consistently high motor. He benefited greatly from being the tallest on the court during the highlights I saw. But he does have a really nice shot and quick release and some mobility. I think he would be a good back-up center/change of pace center leading to a solid lead option when he is a senior. His game might be similar to that of Nate Reavers from Wisconsin by his Jr/Sr year.
 
#317      
He needs time to develop. Watched some film of him and he is thin, can't establish space in the block, and doesn't seem to have a consistently high motor. He benefited greatly from being the tallest on the court during the highlights I saw. But he does have a really nice shot and quick release and some mobility. I think he would be a good back-up center/change of pace center leading to a solid lead option when he is a senior. His game might be similar to that of Nate Reavers from Wisconsin by his Jr/Sr year.
Sounds like he may be better as a stretch 4? Until he adds strength/weight. Castleton a good comp?
 
#320      
He needs time to develop. Watched some film of him and he is thin, can't establish space in the block, and doesn't seem to have a consistently high motor. He benefited greatly from being the tallest on the court during the highlights I saw. But he does have a really nice shot and quick release and some mobility. I think he would be a good back-up center/change of pace center leading to a solid lead option when he is a senior. His game might be similar to that of Nate Reavers from Wisconsin by his Jr/Sr year.
Thanks!
 
#322      
6-11 205 lbs.
That would have to be the lightest center in the BIG. Might need a couple seasons with Fletch.
Shows nice range on the jumper, could be the tallest 4 in the big...but it isn’t uncommon for tall freshman to be sticks.
 
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