Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

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Dan

Admin
Welcome to the weekend edition Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread :illinois:

2024 Illini Recruiting
Morez Johnson (2024 PF) committed on November 4th, 2021.
 
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First Place GIF by Paramount Network
 
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Dr Copejam

The Rock
Are the Illini recruiting anyone playing in the Adidas AAU event in Rock Hill, SC? If so I may go check it out.
 
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I am unable to respond directly to the posts since they're in the previous (now closed) recruiting thread, but I wanted to comment on this narrative that Illinois is elite with our NIL. Seems it is being thrown around that we should basically have our pick of the lot with recruits and transfers due to our huge NIL budget.

However, I do recall it was one or more of Indy/0440/LVille that essentially said Zyon Pullin was "far too expensive for us"? If a player like Zyon Pullin is too expensive, then it would seem we're actually more behind the eight ball with NIL than it is an advantage for us. I'm not really saying anything here other than I wish the NIL numbers were all completely public and being tracked so that I would have some idea of where we sit.
 
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I am unable to respond directly to the posts since they're in the previous (now closed) recruiting thread, but I wanted to comment on this narrative that Illinois is elite with our NIL. Seems it is being thrown around that we should basically have our pick of the lot with recruits and transfers due to our huge NIL budget.

However, I do recall it was one or more of Indy/0440/LVille that essentially said Zyon Pullin was "far too expensive for us"? If a player like Zyon Pullin is too expensive, then it would seem we're actually more behind the eight ball with NIL than it is an advantage for us. I'm not really saying anything here other than I wish the NIL numbers were all completely public and being tracked so that I would have some idea of where we sit.
I don't know that they said he was too expensive for us, I think they said he was asking for far more than he was worth.

I mean rumors were we offered Kofi $2 million his Sr year, but he was a 2 time AA. Zyon Pullin is a star player at a low major. If he was truly asking $500k, I'd say nice try kid too.
 
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I don't know that they said he was too expensive for us, I think they said he was asking for far more than he was worth.

I mean rumors were we offered Kofi $2 million his Sr year, but he was a 2 time AA. Zyon Pullin is a star player at a low major. If he was truly asking $500k, I'd say nice try kid too.

Florida needed a PG and they paid for him. We needed a PG and said nope, thats too expensive. He was good enough for Florida.

My main point was just that I'd really like to have all of the numbers be totally transparent to everyone, that way we know what we're dealing with.
 
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Florida needed a PG and they paid for him. We needed a PG and said nope, thats too expensive. He was good enough for Florida.

My main point was just that I'd really like to have all of the numbers be totally transparent to everyone, that way we know what we're dealing with.
well that's a different question, you would never pay $10 for a bottle of water. But if you just come stumbling out of the desert after a couple of days, you'd gladly pay $100.

For Florida specifically, I loved Walter Clayton Jr, he was perhaps my top PG choice (though he'd probably be better as a SG). I think Florida is awfully thirsty right now given they haven't had a 20 win season since 2018-19. Underwood apparently thinks he's just fine at PG. He's likely betting his job on that thought.

The numbers are transparent to the people that need to know them. Sadly, we are not those people. When talking about Zyon Pullin specifically, and I'm completely making these numbers up, but if Pullin asks for $500k and someone like Jalen Cook asks for $300k, is there even a question on who to take? Now we don't have a salary cap here, so theoretically you could give everyone 7 digits, but to the people who have to foot these bills, they surely want some value for their money. I have to imagine these conversations are going on. That's why schools are starting to hire what is essentially a GM for college sports teams.
 
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well that's a different question, you would never pay $10 for a bottle of water. But if you just come stumbling out of the desert after a couple of days, you'd gladly pay $100.

For Florida specifically, I loved Walter Clayton Jr, he was perhaps my top PG choice (though he'd probably be better as a SG). I think Florida is awfully thirsty right now given they haven't had a 20 win season since 2018-19. Underwood apparently thinks he's just fine at PG. He's likely betting his job on that thought.

The numbers are transparent to the people that need to know them. Sadly, we are not those people. When talking about Zyon Pullin specifically, and I'm completely making these numbers up, but if Pullin asks for $500k and someone like Jalen Cook asks for $300k, is there even a question on who to take? Now we don't have a salary cap here, so theoretically you could give everyone 7 digits, but to the people who have to foot these bills, they surely want some value for their money. I have to imagine these conversations are going on. That's why schools are starting to hire what is essentially a GM for college sports teams.

Well... we had just stumbled out of the RayJ desert so it would've been a good time to overpay for a serviceable PG by that reasoning. Especially if we're "elite" in NIL and have the money to throw around, why wasn't it done?

I get that the people that need to know the numbers know them. I want to know them too.
 
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Well... we had just stumbled out of the RayJ desert so it would've been a good time to overpay for a serviceable PG by that reasoning. Especially if we're "elite" in NIL and have the money to throw around, why wasn't it done?

I get that the people that need to know the numbers know them. I want to know them too.
One of the problems with overpaying is that it potentially changes your whole salary structure. The lack of transparency mitigates that but still an issue.
 
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How late did graduate transfers occur last season? Also, I will be curious to hear how Harmon is playing and if Ty is even attempting and converting some midrange shots. How is DGL playing now or will he compete in Europe? DGL and Harmon will be vital in close games. I was fine passing on Joe T because I am not confident he is a upgrade over Ty or DGL if they can get some time to improve prior to B10 play. I do hope DGL or Harmon can step up down the stretch in games because I'm scared of others at the line. While our defense and rebounding with Ty at point will be outstanding but after last season the lack of shooting at PG is scary. I hope Ty is getting up a ton of shots this off season. I get the feeling we are done but who knows if a clear, quality upgrade graduate transfer becomes available. However, I kind if doubt one will. I feel Ty will be ok I just feel we will have so much riding on DGL or Harmon to be solid too. I know Indy mentioned a grad guy could still come available. I just wonder how long we will consider adding one or if a quality upgrade will come available and who that may be? The trip to Europe could show us a lot more about how to feel about the PG position. After last season's talk of PG and shooting is wild to be in this position. I know we did add a couple shooters so hopefully that can help Ty out.
 
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Rez looking good early, first two points of the game was a slam. He is up against a monster of a big this game, guy is huge!
 
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Rez looking good early, first two points of the game was a slam. He is up against a monster of a big this game, guy is huge!

Harper on the other team is #1 in nation for 2024 …

Brother of Ron Harper Jr … Steve hasn’t missed a single one of that kids games in years … I really really hope he goes to Rutgers … Steve has out worked everyone on that recruitment …
 
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