Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

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#201      
bbpeoria
CleverHandle1 said:
It's been a bad week for St. Rita, as their football team also lost a 4th quarter lead against their rival in the semi's. I agree with your assessment; I do think those three will get better as they obviously play together more.

Was EJ Liddel real smooth? I see Morez's game like his--a post player who will be able to shoot the three pointer, but will look "mechanical" as he tries to drive to the hole.
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I like Morez but he is no EJ Liddell. Liddell was much more skilled at same stage. Morez might have an inch or two on him tho. Neither Brown nor Johnson are EJ status imo and setting that bar for them will likely lead to disappointment.
 
#203      
Epsilon
bbpeoria said:
I like Morez but he is no EJ Liddell. Liddell was much more skilled at same stage. Morez might have an inch or two on him tho. Neither Brown nor Johnson are EJ status imo and setting that bar for them will likely lead to disappointment.
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Go Away Surprise Guest GIF by Tokyo Cowboys
 
#208      
hoopsfan47
bbpeoria said:
I like Morez but he is no EJ Liddell. Liddell was much more skilled at same stage. Morez might have an inch or two on him tho. Neither Brown nor Johnson are EJ status imo and setting that bar for them will likely lead to disappointment.
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I have not seen MJ perform in person, but I did see Liddell play 3 games at the Bass Pro Tournament of Champions against elite competition. He impressed with his physical play and willingness to bang with bigger players, but his offensive game was far from impressive. He did take shots, even beyond the arc, but they did not go down often. And yet he became an elite shooter at any range during his collegiate career.

The point is, from what I have read on Morez, is that a comparison of the two in HS is quite similar, Smart, team oriented, high motor, aggressive, and skilled....but not particularly dependable shooters. But I agree that Liddell's almost miraculous improvement as a shooter in college is a very high bar and I would be simply astonished to see from Morez....but would embrace. If he can become as effective within 8 ft. as DD, Illini Nation will be very happy!!!
 
#209      
Epsilon
robjilla said:
Sorry but he is right. lol. Morez is more raw, reminds me of a young Shawn Kemp. Liddell reminded me of Charles Barkley when he was in high school. Unsized but skilled, rebounder, jump shot.
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It’s all in good fun. Can’t take any of this too seriously, right?
 
#210      
joeydirt7
Morez and EJ's offensive games as Jr. arent that different. Where the difference comes is on the defensive end. Even as and undersized big EJ's timing on block shots and ability to avoid fouls was second to none.
 
#211      
jamarvelous31
1- We're comparing a borderline HOF NBA player to a borderline NBA player...to a top 60 high school Jr. Never change Loyalty.
2- EJ really only stepped up his D his final year...his defensive win shares were still less than the human turnstile Drew Timme every year.
3- I'll take a player that compares reasonably with a 2x all B10 Player any day.
4- I think MJj's game is distorted by Rita's lack of polished wings & guards, so what we see today is a work in progress.
 
#212      
BashCtIllini
jamarvelous31 said:
1- We're comparing a borderline HOF NBA player to a borderline NBA player...to a top 60 high school Jr. Never change Loyalty.
2- EJ really only stepped up his D his final year...his defensive win shares were still less than the human turnstile Drew Timme every year.
3- I'll take a player that compares reasonably with a 2x all B10 Player any day.
4- I think MJj's game is distorted by Rita's lack of polished wings & guards, so what we see today is a work in progress.
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I think Morez has an All Big Ten body already, but the fundamentals of an average high school player that will only be able to brag about intramural glory. I have no idea who is coaching him. I think when he learns to use his feet properly and get himself into better position, he'll take off.

He is no Shawn Kemp athletically, but I think he is as athletic as Liddell, probably more athletic. I always felt Liddell did more damage from the perimeter. I don't think Morez will be able to match that, but I think he could be better in the paint. To me the main thing with Liddell was, kid was a warrior. If Morez can match that level of intensity he will be a huge success at Illinois. To what level, who knows? But he will be a force.
 
#213      
phats22
Speaking of forwards, any word on Hansberry? Not sure where things are with HS basketball but excited to see how he develops
 
#214      
The-chiefs-chief88
jamarvelous31 said:
1- We're comparing a borderline HOF NBA player to a borderline NBA player...to a top 60 high school Jr. Never change Loyalty.
2- EJ really only stepped up his D his final year...his defensive win shares were still less than the human turnstile Drew Timme every year.
3- I'll take a player that compares reasonably with a 2x all B10 Player any day.
4- I think MJj's game is distorted by Rita's lack of polished wings & guards, so what we see today is a work in progress.
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I agree- had the pleasure of watching MJJ- and J.B at the Washington tournament of champions last week- they are both very good but not E.J liddell good (yet) MJ has very good instincts and always knows where he is in relation to the hoop. J.B is very good as well- he seemed to be pretty passive and was able to flip the next level switch on when needed.
It almost felt as if he was getting bored in the games.. but then he would flip that switch and play aggressive..
Of the two- MJJ seemed to have more of that "Dog" mentality and plays with a chip on his shoulder..

Both of them were very well spoken and J.B said he is getting closer to a decision but did not give a timeline for it.
 
#215      
ChiTown
The-chiefs-chief88 said:
I agree- had the pleasure of watching MJJ- and J.B at the Washington tournament of champions last week- they are both very good but not E.J liddell good (yet) MJ has very good instincts and always knows where he is in relation to the hoop. J.B is very good as well- he seemed to be pretty passive and was able to flip the next level switch on when needed.
It almost felt as if he was getting bored in the games.. but then he would flip that switch and play aggressive..
Of the two- MJJ seemed to have more of that "Dog" mentality and plays with a chip on his shoulder..

Both of them were very well spoken and J.B said he is getting closer to a decision but did not give a timeline for it.
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J.B didn’t even made the all tournament honors.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1596889349693796352
 
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