Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
- Status
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
chrisRunner7
- San Diego
a) It's not going to happen
b) The coaches already moved on and there's no room anymore, so it's not even really possible
c) The hypothetical just invites Curbelo bashing, which I think we're all hoping to move on from at this point
TheFameProtector
- Champaign
It feels pretty awesome to look at the 2024 recruit rankings on 247 and only see one guy in the top 50 committed to a school...Morez Johnson to the ole Beloved.
Do we know if it was only AC's decision to leave? There is a chance that this was mutual right? I don't remember what the Insiders said about this at the time but I do remember one of them saying he was benched in the tourney for an unfortunate exchange that happened with staff at halftime.
Either way I really don't care. I think we could be so much better next year then this year. Having bigger guards that can get to the rim is gonna make such a huge difference for us. They are young so who knows but 2023 is gonna be a great year if not 2022.
redwingillini11
White and Sixth
- Batavia
I would have to imagine to come back he would have to accept the reality that he wouldn't be the first option on this team and probably wouldn't be guaranteed a starting spot. If he couldn't accept that, then I'd have to imagine the answer is "thanks, but we are good."
I've clearly matured because its obvious to me that with Curbelo we are probably best just moving on.
TheFameProtector
- Champaign
Nobody should be blamed for failing to keep up with threads that need to be wiped clean every day b/c there's so many posts. I mean, you miss one day and you'd need to go find an old thread just to find out what was asked yesterday.
He's pretty clearly finished here. He's got amazing potential, which I hope he fulfills unless he's playing us.
Incoming talent plus NIL money should be tempting. The European leagues aren't going anywhere.
I don't know what Kofi's academic situation is. If he's not close to graduating, how interested is he in taking classes? They don't get easier.
TheFameProtector
- Champaign
He was academic all-big ten this year
Uh, if this means what I think it means, good for Kofi! Also good for our program! If we can get guys that much NIL, I don't think we'll have to wait 20 years to get another 5-star.
Bwalk
- Independence KY
!!!!!!
Who is this guy? I guess we have a “conditional” offer to him? LOL.
Then there are those of us who carefully read ALL of the threads in their entirety, still have no idea what's happening, and then simply post a marginally related gif...
NEIlliniFan
- No longer in New England
See post #44 for answer
Calling it now - Kofi coming back for 2023-2024 season as well. Would be competing for all-time NCAA records at that point, right? Plus, another million reasons to stay.
Did not know that but 1) congrats Kofi!, and 2) wish we would publicize that more
Details!!
Pete Maravich's all-time points record is 3,667 (he averaged 44.2 ppg!!!). Kofi's at 1,546, after 585 this past season. I think Maravich's record is safe. The all-time rebounding record is 2,201. Kofi's at 861. Also not happening.
chrisRunner7
- San Diego
A few months ago, I thought there'd be no way Kofi comes back. I laughed out loud recently when Brad Sturdy said on a podcast that Kofi could easily make $1 million. I just didn't think boosters/Guardians would come up with that kind of money.
But if that's accurate and I'm advising Kofi, the choice is clear. Come back to school, earn that money, get your degree, break some Illinois records, slim up a bit with Fletch if that's the plan, and go out an even bigger Illini legend that he already is.
Just afraid I am going to go into domino withdrawal if I have to wait up to a week for Kofi to make a decision.
But if that's accurate and I'm advising Kofi, the choice is clear. Come back to school, earn that money, get your degree, break some Illinois records, slim up a bit with Fletch if that's the plan, and go out an even bigger Illini legend that he already is.
Just afraid I am going to go into domino withdrawal if I have to wait up to a week for Kofi to make a decision.
Good for Kofi.
Out of curiosity I went and did some quick research. Academic all-big ten requires a cumulative 3.0+ GPA and being on a sports team roster. It looks like nearly 100% of the swimming, diving, gymnastics, and wresting athletes in the conference qualify; ~90% of the hockey players, 60% of the football players, and 40% of the basketball players.
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
Actually, mine did get easier.
Senior year was the easiest of my four on campus. (I guess part of that was having job offers already in-hand in October of the fall semester.)
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
And the amazing thing is this................Kofi still has a chance to outscore Petey on 3-pointers, both in terms of percentage and shots made.
- Status