Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[21ChampaignSt]

I hate that we're in an era where one bad year means transferring would be "best for both parties". To me, that feels like a disservice to both parties.

Once the news becomes official, the narrative on the board about Curbelo will sour pretty quickly. But make no mistake, this is a big loss. Not saying that his statistical production can't be replaced. But his skill set is so rare and unique that losing him means we as fans are being robbed of all the spectacular did-you-see-that moments that an upperclassmen Belo would have given us. That's the true loss.

Andre Curbelo is Devin Hester. When the ball is in his hands you do not look at your phone, you do not go to the bathroom, you do not run to the fridge to get a beer.

I will miss him. I will root for him. I fully expect him to do great things after he leaves. And I fully expect us to do great things after he leaves. It just may be in a slightly less spectacular fashion.

 

[LouHenson]

Inth

Sorry if I missed this already, but if Miller were to come back, does he have to sit a year?

I think he would get a waiver do to their coach getting fired.

 

[derrick6]

How much money you got?

Name it.

 

[logjam]

Totally agree but don’t you think he is going to get like 15 - 20 min per game next year and he is a point right?

Honestly....it's sounds like its going to be an interesting pre season camp next year, lots of battles...I see Podz as more of an off guard or combo, but if I'm wrong....that would be awesome! He will be teaching the culture for sure and I'm betting that he he hits your points.

 

[derrick6]

Why?

Betting that I understand BU. Belo struggling with confidence. He’ll be fine here. Trent part 2

 

[I-L-L]

When you start paying players and removing transfer requirements, the days of loyalty are over because you've created a "I'm going to get mine" mentality amongst the players. You can come and go as you want to get a better deal.

College basketball is no longer an amateur sport. It's the mini NBA and Illinois is currently in the free agency period. This is what it is, like it or not.

You are correct, and it's sad. We are evolving the wrong way!

 

[jumpingjack]

I hate that we're in an era where one bad year means transferring would be "best for both parties". To me, that feels like a disservice to both parties.

Once the news becomes official, the narrative on the board about Curbelo will sour pretty quickly. But make no mistake, this is a big loss. Not saying that his statistical production can't be replaced. But his skill set is so rare and unique that losing him means we as fans are being robbed of all the spectacular did-you-see-that moments that an upperclassmen Belo would have given us. That's the true loss.

Andre Curbelo is Devin Hester. When the ball is in his hands you do not look at your phone, you do not go to the bathroom, you do not run to the fridge to get a beer.

I will miss him. I will root for him. I fully expect him to do great things after he leaves. And I fully expect us to do great things after he leaves. It just may be in a slightly less spectacular fashion.

Best comp. Ever.

 

[illiniCA]

I hate that we're in an era where one bad year means transferring would be "best for both parties". To me, that feels like a disservice to both parties.

Once the news becomes official, the narrative on the board about Curbelo will sour pretty quickly. But make no mistake, this is a big loss. Not saying that his statistical production can't be replaced. But his skill set is so rare and unique that losing him means we as fans are being robbed of all the spectacular did-you-see-that moments that an upperclassmen Belo would have given us. That's the true loss.

Andre Curbelo is Devin Hester. When the ball is in his hands you do not look at your phone, you do not go to the bathroom, you do not run to the fridge to get a beer.

I will miss him. I will root for him. I fully expect him to do great things after he leaves. And I fully expect us to do great things after he leaves. It just may be in a slightly less spectacular fashion.

The fans have been hard on belo. I’m not sure how much he hears it but I could see wanting to leave and start over base on what I read on game threads and Twitter.

 

[TChief]

Really he was very supportive on the bench when he was out. I think he is suffering from some kind of “mood” issue. If that’s related to the concussion I have no idea, but he just does not seem right in the head so to speak. I love him as an Illini, but why is Brad after Clark all of a sudden if the writing is not on the wall?

Yes, TBIs can have a significant impact on mood, memory, etc. you can be a very different person afterward. Sometimes temprorary, sometimes not. Usually more common with more severe TBIs, but every injury is different.

 

[jmwillini]

Let me see if I have this right. We have between 12 players graduating/transferring and 18 new players as freshman or transfers.

 

[skyIdub]

Name it.

 

[Dbell1981]

I think the fact BU and TA are recruiting Skyy so hard tells you all you need to know unfortunately. Podz is not even talked about but he is a what 6’5” point guard he is going to play some minutes I would assume? Pretty sure we saw Goode and RJ are future players, but I was under the impression Podz was every bit as good as the other two, yet we’re not talking about him at all?

I think he can be just as good. He just didn't have the path to minutes like Goode or RJ. He seems like a solid 4 year player that will get better every season. Him and Goode could pick up the torch that Frazier and Williams are passing down. Culture guys! I think it would be great to see him come back next year and surprise everyone!

 

[CV Illini]

Chester has been in contact

Heard the contact was really really good.

 

[GForce]

Really he was very supportive on the bench when he was out. I think he is suffering from some kind of “mood” issue. If that’s related to the concussion I have no idea, but he just does not seem right in the head so to speak. I love him as an Illini, but why is Brad after Clark all of a sudden if the writing is not on the wall?

Long-term concussion issues can include loss of concentration, irritability, personality changes, depression, anxiety. So if he does have mood issues they could very well be because of the concussion. I don't know what kind of treatment he's been getting, but it can be frustrating for athletes with long-term effects who are expected to bounce back after a week or so of protocols. It's shortened careers.

 

[whatahack]

Name it.

 

[LouHenson]

That’s

Let me see if I have this right. We have between 12 players graduating/transferring and 18 new players as freshman or transfers.

that’s kind of what I am seeing. How do we take Clark, Shannon, Murray, and Miller. We lose DMW and Trent but they don’t count as they are super seniors. We would have to have something like BBV, Payne, Lieb, and Curbello or Hawkins transfer to take all of those players right? Of course Kofi maybe departing also?

 

[Kendall Gill’s Uncle]

Betting that I understand BU. Belo struggling with confidence. He’ll be fine here. Trent part 2

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Heisenbobble]

That’s

that’s kind of what I am seeing. How do we take Clark, Shannon, Murray, and Miller. We lose DMW and Trent but they don’t count as they are super seniors. We would have to have something like BBV, Payne, Lieb, and Curbello or Hawkins transfer to take all of those players right? Of course Kofi maybe departing also?

Sure sounds like a number of players won't be back, so that scenario, while unlikely, could happen. I'd guess Clark, Miller or Murray, TSJ, and a transfer big are more likely.

 

[illini0440]

Betting that I understand BU. Belo struggling with confidence. He’ll be fine here. Trent part 2

He is struggling with a whole lot more than that.

 

[LouHenson]

I

Sure sounds like a number of players won't be back, so that scenario, while unlikely, could happen. I'd guess Clark, Miller or Murray, TSJ, and a transfer big are more likely.

I agree we must be going to have massive turnover to be involved in so many of these transfers.

 

[IanKEvans2]

Ill

Fo
For me I don't want Miller back. There are better transfer gaurds out there and if we don't get any those I am good with what we have and what is coming in. Dont want any players here who don't stay loyal to the program.

Admittedly it feels ironic saying this on a site called "Illinois Loyalty," but loyalty is overrated.

 

[PIT_ILL]

Right now….pretty good

Gotta think the NCAA lets all the LSU players play wherever they want next year no questions asked.

 

[Newmark4thFloor]

He is struggling with a whole lot more than that.

Think he's still in a somewhat dizzy state(and maybe more). He needs rest and some away time probably.
Thanks, @illini0440 for all the LAD updates. Love ya, buddy.

 

[Ghost77]

Ummm not to sound like a a$$ but because I know more about all the stuff going on than most people.

Fair enough. Crazy to me to think how the relationship between Belo and coaching staff has turned so toxic. Perhaps if OA was still here things may have been different? Or perhaps it wouldn’t of mattered. Regardless, Curbleo is definitely a unique player and there is no one else like him in college ball. Sad that it had to end this way.

 

[IllinoisRebel]

We are not trying to evolve the wrong way. What I saw all year were guards who could not penetrate, other than Curbelo who made 3 times more mistakes than good plays when he got in the lane. Trent and Damonte were warriors, but aren’t the type of guards to get to the next level. Underwood wants to win big. He’s looking for length and strength.

I told my friends all year that Melendez needed to play, and we needed to live with his mistakes. We would be a much better team toward the end of the year if he had played more…that was so frustrating to me. Curbelo got a long leash, but RJ and Hawkins did not!

I think we should learn from past tournament teams regarding the recipe for success…length, athleticism, strength…LET’S GO!!!