Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[redwingillini11]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1516039072048988161

That ain’t no boy. That’s a grown-a man!!!!

Welcome ZZ! What a great job by this staff. The momentum is huge! Who is next?!?

 

[DewLou]

 

[BashCtIllini]

Someone needs to photoshop a Clark bar into her hands

 

[Joel Goodson]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1516084996351606788

 

[IlliniInCAN]

A ZZ preview for those interested. Has the traits to be a good sized 2.

 

[Rammer34]

This.


We aren't talking about HS freshmen and sophs here. It's old juniors simply skipping one year of HS.

It's the make up of the kid and the program that decides how it works out...not that he's missing a senior year of HS.

I can see why he might want to reclassify. In my senior year, I only needed my English credit and PE. To say I was a little bit of a problem for my teachers and administrator would be an understatement. We don’t really know his birthdate, physical maturity level or credit situation. I vote for letting BU and the staff help him make the best decision.

 

[IlliniKat91]

I have never heard of a kid having the credits to move on and then somehow becoming ineligible. Pretty much a non issue.

And lots of people with excellent academic credentials have turned down the opportunity to graduate early. The ramp up in emotional maturity at that age is pretty steep in my opinion.

Each case is going to be different.

It's a matter of the academic electives are still counted in the qualifying GPA by the Clearinghouse. If they get straight Ds, they can lower their GPA to the point where they don't qualify to play at a DI school.

 

[illini55]

A ZZ preview for those interested. Has the traits to be a good sized 2.

Nice soft shot with excellent rotation. Go Illini!!

 

[hoopsfan47]

Curious where ZZ would stack up in the 2023 class. Depending on his physical maturity, that extra year can mean a lot for athletic skills. Thinking of 5* Khristian Lander joining the Hoosiers a year early, and he definitely struggled more than I think most expected. The physical maturity seemed to be an issue in the rugged Big 10. Of course, his coach was fired and he struggled the following year too...

Edit: I see this has been well covered...

Speaking from my personal experience many moons ago, the maturing of my body from early jr. year to early senior year was incredible. As a jr., 6' 140. Sr. 6' 2" 185. The level of confidence was also incredible due to being able to do whatever I wanted and practiced on the court. These two factors are unpredictable for the most part, and when combined a big plus increase can grow exponentially. When they don't, usually disappointment. Rich McBride comes to mine for a latter example. My personal preference is to see kids play with their class. However, patience and wisdom is not a virtue of youth.

 

[RoundBalconies]

 

[Ghost77]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1516084996351606788

Here we go again with the Final Four and National Championship talk

Can't win it all if you can't even make it to the Sweet Sixteen

 

[HensonHall71]

A ZZ preview for those interested. Has the traits to be a good sized 2.

I've never seen a highlight reel start with the kid shooting free throws! Regardless - he clearly has size, handles and can shoot. Given his family, he's getting pro-trainers and preparing for college much better than most prospects - Skyy was learning the Kentucky system and offense when he was still in HS and I have no doubt they are both doing the same now - learning our system. Great family and great kids - the future is bright!

 

[HailtotheChief]

So how old is ZZ now, 16? I wonder if he is expected to grown a few more inches? It would seem likely. I wonder how tall Sky was his Sophomore year?

 

[JJE]

Here we go again with the Final Four and National Championship talk

Can't win it all if you can't even make it to the Sweet Sixteen

We are allowed to dream!

 

[Illiniam1984]

Here we go again with the Final Four and National Championship talk

Can't win it all if you can't even make it to the Sweet Sixteen

 

[jumpingjack]

Here we go again with the Final Four and National Championship talk

Can't win it all if you can't even make it to the Sweet Sixteen

Can't win it all if you don't make the tournament. Can't make the tournament if you don't stack talent on talent so you are not in rebuild mode. I like our trajectory.

 

[CogDog]

We officially have a pipeline.

To a family

 

[illini.culture IG]

 

[Mobi]

Sure, there are some cases that have been pointed out....but in this particular case...it seems like it's not really a concern.

As long as ZZ comes to UI, there is really not much concern. Do you rather your high 4/5 star athlete sign the NOI next year or the year after? To me, it is as clear as crystal.

 

[Illin618]

Does ZZ eventually sneak in to the top 75-ish of the 2024 class?

 

[New Creation]

Here we go again with the Final Four and National Championship talk

Can't win it all if you can't even make it to the Sweet Sixteen

This is correct, the 2021 & 2022 teams will not win the national championship.

 

[Manual3for4peat]

What I like about this, besides getting a great player, this really puts the pressure on kids to jump at our offers. Only so many spots.

 

[LvilleILL]

Does ZZ eventually sneak in to the top 75-ish of the 2024 class?

I would be surprised if he does not end up top 50

 

[JJE]

Let me state the obvious right now, Illinois is cool again.

 

[Mobi]

So

So we should beat everyone to the punch and recruit a couple years out, and then have them reclass so they don’t change their mind? Seems a bit paranoid to me.

No. First, for ZZ, I don't think we were necessarily beating everyone to the punch. Second, I am not sure if we are the one who asks for reclass. I thought it's the other way around. So, the short answer is why not when the opportunity presents itself.