Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[Calvin]

I know these are highlights and everyone looks good on their highlight reel…
Does anyone else see this guy as what we hoped/ knew Curbelo could have been? Not quite as fast but much more polished as a shooter and decision maker. Just watch his turnaround middy and passing highlights and think about the last afro-donning PG in the blue and orange

I wouldn't compare him to AC. AC had (has?) serious flaws as a PG. His creativity in the lane is unique.
RayJ seems like a great overall PG --has everything you'd want, except his defense, and maybe top-end athleticism. Looks smooth, doesn't turn it over, veteran decision maker, good shooter. Will really change the character of the team. Fantastic get, assuming everything goes as expected.

 

[illinifan1987]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Filippo's in Monticello and Mahomet. I've tried pizza in almost every state and nothing beats them, IMO. The only pizza I can eat cold

 

[Illin618]

Is the plan to be small at the 5 if Hawkins doesn’t return? Dainja, QG, and Hansberry… physical yes - but not the most imposing statures at the 5 position.

 

[Thompson]

Not that I even want to think about it but any names on back up plans if TJ/Hawkins leave? Really hope they come back I feel like this team could do big things. Maybe Brad could be in early Jay Wright stages or his career. Maybe once we break through to the sweet 16 once we start a streak and for god sakes hopefully get our first title. Lotta hope there lol I won’t hold my breath but I really like this roster and great teams usually have guys that come back for the purpose when they couldve gone pro if they really wanted too

 

[3nDGuy]

Is the plan to be small at the 5 if Hawkins doesn’t return? Dainja, QG, and Hansberry… physical yes - but not the most imposing statures at the 5 position.

A rim protector in the portal would be a top priority if CH doesn’t come back.

 

[EyeoftheIllini]

I would be remiss if I didn’t post my all time favorite improvised blooper ever:

Very funny. I think my favorite is Melissa McCarthy’s from This Is 40. A lot of swearing in it, so not gonna link it, but worth the time to Google it.

 

[Illin618]

Not that I even want to think about it but any names on back up plans if TJ/Hawkins leave? Really hope they come back I feel like this team could do big things. Maybe Brad could be in early Jay Wright stages or his career. Maybe once we break through to the sweet 16 once we start a streak and for god sakes hopefully get our first title. Lotta hope there lol I won’t hold my breath but I really like this roster and great teams usually have guys that come back for the purpose when they couldve gone pro if they really wanted too

Got a good feeling and a little insight about one of the guys… the other guy not so much.

 

[CoachHooleyHoo]

I know these are highlights and everyone looks good on their highlight reel…
Does anyone else see this guy as what we hoped/ knew Curbelo could have been? Not quite as fast but much more polished as a shooter and decision maker. Just watch his turnaround middy and passing highlights and think about the last afro-donning PG in the blue and orange

AC is not a good comparison. RayJ’s not as talented obviously but a poor man’s DWill would be a better comp.

 

[CoachHooleyHoo]

I mean it's Toledo-level competition

 

[The Galloping Ghost]

I mean it's Toledo-level competition

Did you not see Michigan in the highlights? Put up 13 with 8 assists to 1 turnover against them. Would that be something you're interested in? Because as a team, we only had 9 total assists against them.

 

[FightinIllini30]

I mean it's Toledo-level competition

Players have come from schools playing “Toledo level competition” and thrived in P5 schools every year in the portal era

 

[illiniguy24]

Did you not see Michigan in the highlights? Put up 13 with 8 assists to 1 turnover against them. Would that be something you're interested in? Because as a team, we only had 9 total assists against them.

Well, his user name is one man fast break…maybe he doesn’t like assists?

 

[SeattleSlim]

Major Kong

From one Slim to another… Ouch!

 

[LvilleILL]

Is the plan to be small at the 5 if Hawkins doesn’t return? Dainja, QG, and Hansberry… physical yes - but not the most imposing statures at the 5 position.

If Coleman doesn't return, they will add another big

 

[Thompson]

If Coleman doesn't return, they will add another big

Would he be transferring or staying in draft?

 

[illini0440]

The real question is if he could even beat out DGL for the starting PG spot …

 

[Mr. Roberts]

Well, his user name is one man fast break…maybe he doesn’t like assists?

So he is channeling Dee Brown?

 

[Illin618]

Would he be transferring or staying in draft?

He’s either coming back to Champaign or remaining in the draft. Coleman and BU have formed a lifetime relationship.

 

[illini0440]

 

[chibar]

rocket launch?

 

[DAM1298]

…that soon? I figured we’d have to wait a while on RayJ/Coleman/TSJ to all pull out of the draft. Or is this about something else?

 

[Emerson Bigguns]

…that soon? I figured we’d have to wait a while on RayJ/Coleman/TSJ to all pull out of the draft. Or is this about something else?

RayJ is no longer considering entering the draft.

 

[CoachHooleyHoo]

Ehhh, I actually liked the comparison in the way the original poster phrased it. I definitely see a lot of AC in some of his moments and such. I have no idea if he is actually comparable as a player, but I see the comparison in this video in the way he moves, shoots, and does some things.

It’s a terrible comp. Not even remotely close to the same type of player. But whatever.

 

[DAM1298]

RayJ is no longer considering entering the draft.

… As of when? His announcement today said “If I decide not to stay in the NBA Draft I have entered my name into the transfer portal.”

 

[Illin618]

… As of when? His announcement today said “If I decide not to stay in the NBA Draft I have entered my name into the transfer portal.”

AKA “I’m entering the portal here soon and you P5 schools better throw some serious NIL at me or I’m taking my talents to the State Farm Center”