I was thinking a different school. GaTech comes to my mind. But yes, we weren't his first choice.I believe Deron wanted to go to North Carolina, but did not receive an offer so he chose Illinois. I believe I saw that on BTN.
I was thinking a different school. GaTech comes to my mind. But yes, we weren't his first choice.I believe Deron wanted to go to North Carolina, but did not receive an offer so he chose Illinois. I believe I saw that on BTN.
Also see that Akil Watson rose 19 spots up to #40. If #11 JJ Taylor doesn't happen, will be interesting to keep track on this kid. Already visited and looks to have a ton of upside.Latest rivals 2023 rankings Boswell down 16 spots to #25...Ames up to #45....Fears at #49.....
Uh Oh .....that must mean he's a heavy lean towards Illinois.....we'll take itLatest rivals 2023 rankings Boswell down 16 spots to #25...Ames up to #45....Fears at #49.....
Also see that Akil Watson rose 19 spots up to #40. If #11 JJ Taylor doesn't happen, will be interesting to keep track on this kid. Already visited and looks to have a ton of upside.
Georgia Tech was one of his top choices but Jarrett Jack took the offer first.I was thinking a different school. GaTech comes to my mind. But yes, we weren't his first choice.
ShannonShannon or Burnette....?
What's the story on Akil Watson? I haven't heard of him. Did someone say he's already made an official visit? I just looked him up. Apparently, he's planning a second visit to UI. And he comes from Middletown, New York, where my wife and I lived for 7 years!
Akil-iniWhat's the story on Akil Watson? I haven't heard of him. Did someone say he's already made an official visit? I just looked him up. Apparently, he's planning a second visit to UI. And he comes from Middletown, New York, where my wife and I lived for 7 years!
That was right, forgot about Bracey Wright. He was about 6-3, one ofvthe top shooters in the class , decent hops but not overly athletic. He developed back problems, but never had the overall combo guard skills to be a star college player or pro. A better version than Coleman-Lands.IIRC Deron was not the top recruit on his high school in the Colony. Wright who went to IU was the McDonalds All American
Basketball recruiting was different 20 years ago
Not sure he has a better skill set. They are different skill sets. Jake is more like damonte in that you cant move him around the floor on defense. Hawk is like a reed.He is an elder statesman. Coaches always love those. That said Jake has some limitations to his game. He isn't a great defender and he is mostly a spot up 3pt shooter. Don't get me wrong he is a good piece. Hawkins has a better set of skills if he could put it together
Yup. Different skill sets and both have limitations at this time. Jake is a really good shooter, but he is not good as driving and creating his own offense. Both can be good defensively, but only in specific situations.Not sure he has a better skill set. They are different skill sets. Jake is more like damonte in that you cant move him around the floor on defense. Hawk is like a reed.
I don't know, but there is a guard who will be a fifth year player next year with ties. Likely a solid contributor.Haven’t forgot your suggestion or possible guard/wing transfer looking at Illinois.
Even beyond this, as we’ve had our share of flirtations with 5 star players over the years, is I feel like the program is much bigger than 1 player at this point. For a decade plus it felt like we were wandering in the desert, searching for that white knight McDAA who would make Illinois cool again.Recruiting reflection - It is so nice seeing us in real contention for these 4 & 5 start kids, that want to be a part of our team. Because they can be a part of a winning program. Thanks to Whitman, Underwood, and players like Ayo, Kofi, Trent, Demonte, Jacob, Andre, .....
Just a few years ago, I'd be checking this board for the kid that could help get us back to a top 20 team, knowing we'd likely not get him.
Reeves is not a 5th year and may actually have 2 years left due to the Covid year exemption.I don't know, but there is a guard who will be a fifth year player next year with ties. Likely a solid contributor.
Antonio Reeves? Is that the mystery guard we've been talking about? He's having a heck of a season. Any chance this (if it does happen) opens the Simeon pipeline back up?Reeves is not a 5th year and may actually have 2 years left due to the Covid year exemption.
I would say that is an effort thing not a skill thing. I think Hawkins has the physical tools to do anything Jake can do. He can shoot from outside, has decent handles for a bigger guy, has some foot speed to cover the perimeter. His issue is he hasn't put all of those skills together to be a basketball player like Jake.Not sure he has a better skill set. They are different skill sets. Jake is more like damonte in that you cant move him around the floor on defense. Hawk is like a reed.
I am not aware of Reeves. I am not sure I should name my guess. He is finishing his 4th season. Lots of teams would be interested. I can see why he might be interested in Illinois, and the big ten. Just a guess that makes sense to me.Reeves is not a 5th year and may actually have 2 years left due to the Covid year exemption.
I expected more from Hawkins. He hasn't taken that proverbial jump from freshman to sophomore. Actually, it looks like his minutes keep declining, game by game. Probably a lot of them are spread around between Goode and Melendez. But I think we can be assured Underwood knows what he's doing; he's planning carefully. I just wish I could see more of Podz.I would say that is an effort thing not a skill thing. I think Hawkins has the physical tools to do anything Jake can do. He can shoot from outside, has decent handles for a bigger guy, has some foot speed to cover the perimeter. His issue is he hasn't put all of those skills together to be a basketball player like Jake.
Shannon or Reeves would be great. Thinking Shannon forgoes his 5th year for the draft. Reeves has a pretty bullish trajectory. Nearly 40% on 3s, 47% FG, and he's carrying the Redbirds offensive load. Great length. Simeon product. 2 years left? Yes, please.
I can play D. It won't be good. But I can do it, technically.Who among these guys can play D?