Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[IlliniwekKDR]

Curbello had to develop and outside shot, learn to play team offense instead of just dribbling around in circles, and establish himself as good defender.

Last year he regressed. Even before the injury he was not impressive (see Marquette game). He also became a turnover machine.

He played with such joy and flair his freshman year you could not help but like him. Taking the next step was to become a #1 option and team leader. Hopefully it happens for him at St Johns.

Curbelo suffered a concussion on Oct 29. The Marquette game was Nov 15. We never saw a full strength Andre in a game that mattered last season.

 

[nichi]

This is so false lol. He has never even guarded a college player yet and some of you think he is the next Scottie Pippen. He is behind Goode.

More like a Deon Williams Lucas Johnson hybrid.

 

[hoopsfan47]

The staff says things in passing that we overemphasis. Most of the arguments occur when they are taken out of context. Do not believe they know who the starters and/or rotation is at this point. Also believe it could change several times during the season. They surely have an idea but until they see them together in competition it is not solidified. We however, as we don’t get to see practices are not incumbered by facts but free to judge on a video seen here or there.

Ga....having been around this board for awhile, you know that correct thinking and simple observations of fact are not welcome and seldom addressed.

However, I agree with what you state 100%.

 

[Illiniam1984]

 

[sacraig]

Curbello had to develop and outside shot, learn to play team offense instead of just dribbling around in circles, and establish himself as good defender.

Last year he regressed. Even before the injury he was not impressive (see Marquette game). He also became a turnover machine.

He played with such joy and flair his freshman year you could not help but like him. Taking the next step was to become a #1 option and team leader. Hopefully it happens for him at St Johns.

Last year he was injured in the preseason (before the Marquette game). We don't have any idea what would have been if he hadn't been hurt the overwhelming majority of the season.

 

[The Galloping Ghost]

We are doomed to debate Belo till the end of time. And unfortunately, there will forever be a contingent on here that refuses to take into account that he got injured in the pre-season. The early-season games he did play in, including Marquette, he wasn't 100%, hence why he was shut down for 8 weeks and had to see a specialist. Then, when he came back, he got covid. There was a point in February where he practiced for, quite literally, only 8 total days out of 3 months. Expecting anyone to be anywhere close to their potential with all that going on is absurd. Judging him off of last season does a disservice to both the player and our coaching staff. And finally, he is gone. Please, for the love of goodness, move on.

 

[One Man Fast Break]

We'll have a sense of Belo based on what he does for St. John's. The concussion didn't help but it did really exacerbate existing problems in his game. With Curbelo, likely no Skyy, so that'll be an important consideration for all future "debates".

 

[NJJ871]

We are doomed to debate Belo till the end of time. And unfortunately, there will forever be a contingent on here that refuses to take into account that he got injured in the pre-season. The early-season games he did play in, including Marquette, he wasn't 100%, hence why he was shut down for 8 weeks and had to see a specialist. Then, when he came back, he got covid. There was a point in February where he practiced for, quite literally, only 8 total days out of 3 months. Expecting anyone to be anywhere close to their potential with all that going on is absurd. Judging him off of last season does a disservice to both the player and our coaching staff. And finally, he is gone. Please, for the love of goodness, move on.

I don't disagree with anything you say here, nicely done. What nags at me is that the story seems to be that the staff was fine with him moving on. Given every thing you've mentioned above, one would think BU and company would be looking forward to a fully recovered year-3 Belo. Was it just off the court issues or were they unsatisfied with the effort to recover from the challenges he faced and didn't think he would eventually turn the corner?

 

[The Galloping Ghost]

I don't disagree with anything you say here, nicely done. What nags at me is that the story seems to be that the staff was fine with him moving on. Given every thing you've mentioned above, one would think BU and company would be looking forward to a fully recovered year-3 Belo. Was it just off the court issues or were they unsatisfied with the effort to recover from the challenges he faced and didn't think he would eventually turn the corner?

Listening to BU's interviews this spring, while coach doesn't go specifically into details, he does say that when a player comes to him and asks to transfer, he doesn't try to convince him to stay. He simply shakes their hand and wishes them the best. Even as one of the bigger Belo defenders on this board, I appreciate that. Considering what happened in the Houston game, a change was probably best for all parties. It's unlikely we'll ever know the exact reasons he left, but for me, I'm okay with it. Sometimes in life, after a series of disappointing events, it's best to get a new start.

 

[Brosky]

Ratio

In all honesty, folks are going to have to prepare themselves for players getting over recruited. Goode is a solid piece, but I think it will become evident quickly that Ty is ahead of him. Goode could be a transfer candidate if he doesn't like his tick this season.

I sure hope not; I think Goode will be a strong asset. A lot of people on this board are falling over themselves to put all our returning players on the bench. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Calm down.

 

[DB11Headband]

I sure hope not; I think Goode will be a strong asset. A lot of people on this board are falling over themselves to put all our returning players on the bench. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Calm down.

And some people on here are wayyyy too caught up with treating returning players like they’re gold. This freshman class is different, college basketball is different than it was in the past. The best players play, regardless of class. I think Luke will be a great rotational piece for four years, but this year might be tough for him to play a significant role.

 

[Manual3for4peat]

This Bello stuff is so frustrating. When I saw him in Kansas City, it was clear he wasn't ok. He asked out and was essentially crying on the sidelines. We saw glimpses of the old Belo, think Purdue game, and I bet that is the guy we see a lot of this year for St. Johns.

 

[sacraig]

This Bello stuff is so frustrating. When I saw him in Kansas City, it was clear he wasn't ok. He asked out and was essentially crying on the sidelines. We saw glimpses of the old Belo, think Purdue game, and I bet that is the guy we see a lot of this year for St. Johns.

What's even more frustrating than watching him struggle is watching so many people who don't comprehend that he was not healthy and happily throw him under the bus.

 

[Manual3for4peat]

What's even more frustrating than watching him struggle is watching so many people who don't comprehend that he was not healthy and happily throw him under the bus.

Just wait, they'll pop up again when he plays well this year saying this was all on Underwood for not developing him.

 

[hoopsfan47]

And some people on here are wayyyy too caught up with treating returning players like they’re gold. This freshman class is different, college basketball is different than it was in the past. The best players play, regardless of class. I think Luke will be a great rotational piece for four years, but this year might be tough for him to play a significant role.

"Might be" is the defining point with which I disagree on Goode. He also might be the biggest surprise. He may not be the most athletically gifted player on the roster, but from watching his play on the court, he is likely the most mentally gifted to play the Lucas Johnson role on this team which would be a gift. He is able to bang inside and was obviously a talented shooter who will only get better. Glad to have his talents on a talented roster.

But I can understand why some do not see his value. I also see him as likely to lead the team with the fewest mental blunders per min. played. Yet, it is just my two cents and an effort to put a proper light on a pretty talented Illini basketball player.

 

[Big Jack]

The stuff on Curbelo and Hutcherson was likely true. Devastating injuries can change everything.

Come on Combes truth and logic are not allowed on this message board /////S

 

[Bigtex]

I don't disagree with anything you say here, nicely done. What nags at me is that the story seems to be that the staff was fine with him moving on. Given every thing you've mentioned above, one would think BU and company would be looking forward to a fully recovered year-3 Belo. Was it just off the court issues or were they unsatisfied with the effort to recover from the challenges he faced and didn't think he would eventually turn the corner?

None of us know what happened during halftime of Houston game.

It might have been time for a change (for both)

 

[Big Jack]

"Might be" is the defining point with which I disagree on Goode. He also might be the biggest surprise. He may not be the most athletically gifted player on the roster, but from watching his play on the court, he is likely the most mentally gifted to play the Lucas Johnson role on this team which would be a gift. He is able to bang inside and was obviously a talented shooter who will only get better. Glad to have his talents on a talented roster.

But I can understand why some do not see his value. I also see him as likely to lead the team with the fewest mental blunders per min. played. Yet, it is just my two cents and an effort to put a proper light on a pretty talented Illini basketball player.

One only needs to hear Tim Anderson talk about him and you know he will play a key rotational position. TA loves Goode and there is a place on this team for what he offers.

 

[Joel Goodson]

"Might be" is the defining point with which I disagree on Goode. He also might be the biggest surprise. He may not be the most athletically gifted player on the roster, but from watching his play on the court, he is likely the most mentally gifted to play the Lucas Johnson role on this team which would be a gift. He is able to bang inside and was obviously a talented shooter who will only get better. Glad to have his talents on a talented roster.

But I can understand why some do not see his value. I also see him as likely to lead the team with the fewest mental blunders per min. played. Yet, it is just my two cents and an effort to put a proper light on a pretty talented Illini basketball player.

"But I can understand why some do not see his value."

GMAB. What a load of malarkey. We see his value, he's a good player. But others are better. Goode's outside shot is near elite and is a weapon. And his compete level is unquestioned.

 

[RabidDawgClassic]

Except ...

They don't.

 

[Mobi]

And some people on here are wayyyy too caught up with treating returning players like they’re gold. This freshman class is different, college basketball is different than it was in the past. The best players play, regardless of class. I think Luke will be a great rotational piece for four years, but this year might be tough for him to play a significant role.

Familiarity can give us bias. For me, more importantly, was the pattern that BU gave only limited minutes to freshmen last season and we know RJ and Goode are not necessarily less talented than some of the upperclassmen who got more minutes. Who were readier? It’s arguable and we will never know. However, personally I would welcome the best players play philosophy rather than falling behind the seniority line.

 

[The Galloping Ghost]

Familiarity can give us bias. For me, more importantly, was the pattern that BU gave only limited minutes to freshmen last season and we know RJ and Goode are not necessarily less talented than some of the upperclassmen who got more minutes. Who were readier? It’s arguable and we will never know. However, personally I would welcome the best players play philosophy rather than falling behind the seniority line.

Last year was an aberration due to multiple seniors getting an extra covid season. BU has started and played freshmen throughout his tenure here. Our roster this coming season looks nothing like last year's. We don't have 5th-year seniors that were the heart and soul of our program on the roster, so there's nothing to worry about here.

 

[BretMyBeachHouse]

More interested in who finishes game
a) opening day
b) First B1G game
c) NCCA tourney game(s)

Paxton Warden is the name you're looking for.

 

[pruman91]

No insider here, I am just here for the gifs and snarky comments.

How's my driving ??....................................

snarky comments..........why , in our world , do we digress into snarkyness against each other ??........................we are of the same species , regardless of skin pigmentation or ideological differences in an established order of what must or must not be done , to be seen as normalcy in our daily lives.....
I have always given my best at what i have done with my life and maybe snarkyness at an early age in my life could have had a hand in formulating my desires .............

Seems like I need a pondering timeout session and compare this and that and try to curb my snarky attitude towards whatever upsets me and opens the door to let the snark seep in .......

ROAD TRIP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[combes]

Curbello had to develop and outside shot, learn to play team offense instead of just dribbling around in circles, and establish himself as good defender.

Last year he regressed. Even before the injury he was not impressive (see Marquette game). He also became a turnover machine.

He played with such joy and flair his freshman year you could not help but like him. Taking the next step was to become a #1 option and team leader. Hopefully it happens for him at St Johns.

The injury happened in the preseason. I was there and you could hear the thud of his head on the floor from across the arena. He was hurt well before the Marquette game and you could see the effect in that game.