Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

Status
Not open for further replies.
#1,804      
With Omar announcing, I would guess the other definite would be Lieb. The one that’s contingent, I’m guessing is Podz. If we bring in Clark, Shannon, and Williams, along with Epps and Harris, I don’t see minutes for him.
Why is it so many assume the incoming freshman are gonna come in and jump current players? Podz was a top 100 recruit, has size and was recruited by high major programs. He played behind super seniors. He has been here a year and knows the system and played vs D1 guys. Maybe Sky because he is very highly touted but I wouldn't be so quick to assume every new recruit is somehow automatically better than than one we already have in Podz. With Trent, DMW, AC, Plummer and Jake he really didn't have much of an opportunity to show what he is capable of.
 
Last edited:
#1,807      
transfers....think Jake leaves and Kofi comes back. 2 of the transfers are for sure, one will depend on who we bring in

So Lieb and Hutch leaving. BBV leaves if the staff finds a better backup...that's my guess.

But asking a talented big to come here and sit the bench behind Kofi and maybe Dainja is going to be a tough sell. Almost need to get a guy with multiple years left, who is ok with learning and growing and taking over next year. Wouldn't mind a 6'10+ guy who could hit the 3 ball pretty well and possibly play with Kofi.
 
#1,810      
So Lieb and Hutch leaving. BBV leaves if the staff finds a better backup...that's my guess.

But asking a talented big to come here and sit the bench behind Kofi and maybe Dainja is going to be a tough sell. Almost need to get a guy with multiple years left, who is ok with learning and growing and taking over next year. Wouldn't mind a 6'10+ guy who could hit the 3 ball pretty well and possibly play with Kofi.
Coleman Hawkins, your table is ready.
 
#1,812      
Why is it so many assume the incoming freshman are gonna come in and jump current players? Podz was a top 100 recruit, has size and was recruited by high major programs. He played behind super eeniors. He has been here a year and knows the system and played vs D1 guys. Maybe Sky because he is very highly touted but I wouldn't be so quick to assume every new recruit is somehow automatically better than than one we already have in Podz.
This.^ And also, Podz is our only returning ball handler. I expect him to play a lot next year.
 
#1,813      
My interpretation is that there are two expected transfers that the staff would welcome - guys who figure to be deep bench.

I think the third is one we would like to hang on to. Looking back at our season, there is one freshman whom I would be worried is getting “recruited”, and with all due respect, it ain’t Podz. Hopefully, wherever Curbelo is going has a solid starter at the 3.
 
#1,814      
My interpretation is that there are two expected transfers that the staff would welcome - guys who figure to be deep bench.

I think the third is one we would like to hang on to. Looking back at our season, there is one freshman whom I would be worried is getting “recruited”, and with all due respect, it ain’t Podz. Hopefully, wherever Curbelo is going has a solid starter at the 3.
That player seems very committed for next year. I know he had some connection with Belo, but I think he knows his opportunity is here.

Also, is that technically allowed in todays transfer rules? You can’t actually recruit unless a guy is in the portal, right? Not that rules have ever stopped anyone…
 
#1,815      
Why is it so many assume the incoming freshman are gonna come in and jump current players? Podz was a top 100 recruit, has size and was recruited by high major programs. He played behind super seniors. He has been here a year and knows the system and played vs D1 guys. Maybe Sky because he is very highly touted but I wouldn't be so quick to assume every new recruit is somehow automatically better than than one we already have in Podz. With Trent, DMW, AC, Plummer and Jake he really didn't have much of an opportunity to show what he is capable of.
I thought there was talk of working with him to play PG when we were without Belo and Trent. Don’t know if he is quick enough defensively but with his size, he could be a bully offensively. Some always think the grass is greener but think you can add a star for his year of experience. He can shoot and rebound and didn’t seem reluctant to take it to the basket. Probably the leader for the 2 spot without a transfer.
 
#1,816      
That player seems very committed for next year. I know he had some connection with Belo, but I think he knows his opportunity is here.

Also, is that technically allowed in todays transfer rules? You can’t actually recruit unless a guy is in the portal, right? Not that rules have ever stopped anyone…
Totally hope you’re right… but seems like an obvious potential domino that TSJ could be waiting for that I don’t think has been mentioned (or ruled out by 0440).

I believe you are correct that it is illegal, I just don’t believe that matters in the NCAA.
 
#1,817      

CoalCity

St Paul, MN
That player seems very committed for next year. I know he had some connection with Belo, but I think he knows his opportunity is here.

Also, is that technically allowed in todays transfer rules? You can’t actually recruit unless a guy is in the portal, right? Not that rules have ever stopped anyone…
Recruiting is like an iceberg, 95% of it is hidden especially transfer recruiting.
 
#1,818      
Totally hope you’re right… but seems like an obvious potential domino that TSJ could be waiting for that I don’t think has been mentioned (or ruled out by 0440).

I believe you are correct that it is illegal, I just don’t believe that matters in the NCAA.
Was my concern with 0440's comment as well. Would hate for him to leave. Really like his upside a lot.
 
#1,819      
BBV is the one dependent on the "3rd transfer" if he drops to 4th on the rotation, why wouldn't he look elsewhere?...with that said, I don't see Podz getting much tick even if he stays. If we add Skyy to our 3 incoming doggggs, don't undervalue the strength of this class. This staff is doing things!! Skyy, Epps, and Rodgers could potentially run the point by committee and I wouldn't consider Podz a primary ball handler.
 
#1,821      

jmwillini

Tolono, IL
My brain is addled with all of the possible names. Especially when you have one player that some call Clark, some Skyy, some just post pictures of blue sky.

As such, who is the Williams mentioned? I looked through the Verbal Commits transfer portal page and I only see Justice Williams of LSU or Donovan Williams of OK St.? Don't really remember any talk of either of them.
 
#1,822      
My brain is addled with all of the possible names. Especially when you have one player that some call Clark, some Skyy, some just post pictures of blue sky.

As such, who is the Williams mentioned? I looked through the Verbal Commits transfer portal page and I only see Justice Williams of LSU or Donovan Williams of OK St.? Don't really remember any talk of either of them.
From Temple
 
#1,824      
That player seems very committed for next year. I know he had some connection with Belo, but I think he knows his opportunity is here.

Also, is that technically allowed in todays transfer rules? You can’t actually recruit unless a guy is in the portal, right? Not that rules have ever stopped anyone…
JMO, RJ I believe can be our next star "non Kofi" upperclassmen...he is a natural playmaker. AC, Goode and Podz should be glue guys that shine. Freshmen will prosper in the rotation and get great minutes, if not start.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BWA
#1,825      
Don’t want Podz to leave. If he does I’ll root for him and try to catch his games.

Kids a winner, a hard worker, and a high volume scorer. And I think he can do it at this level.

But I know if he leaves it means we must have a really great player coming in that would limit his playing time. It would have to be a really good one though.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.