Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

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#52      
What are the prospects for Morez adding more offensive options to his game? Always a role for rebounds and put-backs, but a legit shot and better freethrow shooting makes him a real problem.
 
#53      
What are the prospects for Morez adding more offensive options to his game? Always a role for rebounds and put-backs, but a legit shot and better freethrow shooting makes him a real problem.
My thoughts exactly and I have said as much!!
 
#54      
This is where the complication comes in for DGL though. Can you convince him to play the same type of role as a 6th/7th man with 20 minutes a night? They will go big game hunting for a lead guard in the offseason.
Seems like a player that could get offered a ton to player a bigger role elsewhere, albeit on an inferior team, and we get in a position where we want him back but the price tag wouldn't make sense on our end.
 
#55      
Depends who the transfer guard is for me … Not sure I like that small backcourt of DGL/Kylan … Both guys also better as secondary ball handlers …
In that lineup, wouldn’t Will Riley be the primary PG? Then WR guards the 3 and DGL and Kylan would guard the opposing 1 and 2. I get the height concerns but DGL and Bam can pressure the rim and guard.

I really like Will as PG. I’ve rewatched the 2nd half of the OSU game 3 times.
 
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#56      
This is where the complication comes in for DGL though. Can you convince him to play the same type of role as a 6th/7th man with 20 minutes a night? They will go big game hunting for a lead guard in the offseason.
If we hit on another lead guard, Boswell is the guy I’d try to convince as a 6th man, but I also love DGL energy off the bench. It’s gonna be tough to swallow either way I suppose.

DGL sets a tone right off the bat. I guess it depends on what the portal dictates. It may be Boswells team to run if you get a premium 2. Then DGL has to decide.

Is there any possibility Ty becomes a viable back up PG?
 
#57      
For next year, who would be happy with:
Kylan Boswell
DGL
Will Riley
Morez Johnson
Tomislav Ivisic

Dame Sarr
Transfer guard
Transfer/euro wing
Transfer 4 man
Jake Davis

We are really baking on Riley becoming a 1st round pick after his sophomore year.
 
#58      
For next year, who would be happy with:
Kylan Boswell
DGL
Will Riley
Morez Johnson
Tomislav Ivisic

Dame Sarr
Transfer guard
Transfer/euro wing
Transfer 4 man
Jake Davis
So you are saying Ty is sadly transfering.. I was holding out a slim bit of hope that he might stay.. What about Jakstys, I know he was a project but was hoping he might be able to maybe see a few minutes next year..
 
#59      
(MaxPreps) Morez was a pretty good scorer in high school. For his 17.2 PPG, he shot 52% from 2, and 34% on 3s, making 17 of 50. He was just 66% on FTs, so that might be a concern, although he should be able to improve that somewhat. His role for this year might be limiting him showing his entire offensive arsenal.
 
#61      
No thanks on Jeremy

Jeremiah will be playing professionally next year.
Would have said the same thing at the beginning of the year but Fears is a much more efficient scorer (43% to 39%, and 41% to 24% on threes) and a way way way better facilitator (6.2 to 3.5 assists, and 3:1 assist/TO ratio to 1.5).

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Unlike Boswell, he’s a freshman and a true point guard on what right now is the best team in the B1G. Still hoping we have the higher ceiling and go farther in the NCAA’s, but there is no question that at this point that JF Jr. is a better point guard and more effective player.

Having said all that, I do recognize that:
1. Boswell is a great defender and I don’t know enough about Fears to judge that part of his game, and
2. It’s unlikely Fears will want to transfer.

Seems likely that Brad whiffed on the Fears, although for multiple reasons (including the effect it could have on European recruiting) I’ll take KJ over either of them any day of the week. But KJ is a one-year player, Boswell is two years and JF Jr. is at least three years and probably four.
 
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#62      
I would ideally want kb and dgl and a primary ball handler and two of three start but that is super unlikely, I feel like since dgl has two more years of eligbility he might be a better bet but kb is also elite
 
#64      
but there is no question that at this point that JF Jr. is a better point guard and more effective player.

Fears is a 2nd year player, medical redshirt, so technically still a FR.

Despite the struggles this season in a new environment, Boswell shot 38% from 3 on plenty of volume his first 2 years and is a superb defender. Fears is strictly a game manager PG. The 3 pt shot is not a strength, don't be fooled by his percentage on only 17 attempts the entire season. He doesn't shoot them for a reason.

Jeremy is actually a very good defender, so we know I'm giving my honest thoughts here I can concede he isn't extremely far behind in that aspect.

The comparison is murky as they are not very similar players despite both being 6-2, Boswell is much stronger and a bit better defensively and can play both G positions while Fears is strictly a PG. If we need a PG, then put out feelers, but I wouldn't trade the two straight up.
 
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#65      
JMO - current PGs

KJ has most potential - 6'6" PG good handles, can drive to hoop, rebound, excellent step back 3. Easy to see why NBA loves him.
Needs to get stronger, tighten handles play better defense. Also run the fast break better - never takes ball end to end like Ayo or TSJ.
Has had a run of poor games since injury and Indiana game. KJ shooting 19-50 last 5 games including 4-27 fom 3. Has to get his shooting touch back for us to make a run in NCAA tourney

KB - tough defense, drives to hoop. 24% 3 point shooting much worse than AZ career 38%/39%. 2nd best ball handler on team but offense does not run as well with him. Does not make entry pass to post or feed others off drive. He is same as he was in AZ, nice complementary player but not all star PG.

WR - Great size 6'8", good handles, can drive to hoop. Has a beautiful shot but it has not translated yet - only 33%. Does not feed others that much.
Needs to get stronger, play better defense (he does make effort) and regain his 3 pt shot. You can see why NBA loves him.

Honestly both KJ and WR need another year in college to get stronger or they run the risk of being sent to G-league.
 
#67      
Would have said the same thing at the beginning of the year but Fears is a much more efficient scorer (43% to 39%, and 41% to 24% on threes) and a way way way better facilitator (6.2 to 3.5 assists, and 3:1 assist/TO ratio to 1.5).

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Unlike Boswell, he’s a freshman and a true point guard on what right now is the best team in the B1G. Still hoping we have the higher ceiling and go farther in the NCAA’s, but there is no question that at this point that JF Jr. is a better point guard and more effective player.

Having said all that, I do recognize that:
1. Boswell is a great defender and I don’t know enough about Fears to judge that part of his game, and
2. It’s unlikely Fears will want to transfer.

Seems likely that Brad whiffed on the Fears, although for multiple reasons (including the effect it could have on European recruiting) I’ll take KJ over either of them any day of the week. But KJ is a one-year player, Boswell is two years and JF Jr. is at least three years and probably four.

whiffed is an interesting way to look at it
 
#68      
I was pleased to see Morez taking quite a few perimeter shots in the shootaround before Sunday's game. And I thought he looked reasonably comfortable in doing so.
He was lights out from 3 during individual shooting drills before Nebraska. If he gets to demonstrate that in a game situation, I will be thrilled. But right now, not many reasons for it.
 
#69      
So you are saying Ty is sadly transfering.. I was holding out a slim bit of hope that he might stay.. What about Jakstys, I know he was a project but was hoping he might be able to maybe see a few minutes next year..

I’m guessing Jakstys is still a year or two away from cracking the rotation if he sticks that long. He looks skinnier than Ty right now.
 
#70      
I’m guessing Jakstys is still a year or two away from cracking the rotation if he sticks that long. He looks skinnier than Ty right now.

no clue on his hoops development, but his physical development has been good. yeah, he's still pretty skinny, but the HS version was a stick man (boy)
 
#71      
He was lights out from 3 during individual shooting drills before Nebraska. If he gets to demonstrate that in a game situation, I will be thrilled. But right now, not many reasons for it.
34% would be near the team leaders
 
#72      
For next year, who would be happy with:
Kylan Boswell
DGL
Will Riley
Morez Johnson
Tomislav Ivisic

Dame Sarr
Transfer guard
Transfer/euro wing
Transfer 4 man
Jake Davis
Love this... So is the likelihood of White going for a 4th school very likely now?
 
#73      
Love this... So is the likelihood of White going for a 4th school very likely now?
What am I missing here? The same team strugling to stay in the top 25 minus our best player? Sure they will be a year old but that's no guarentee. Boswell has regressed from last year - at least statistically.
 
#74      
Yes, I think that has been going our way for a while. I think TA leaving gave people some pause but he loves the school and is really happy here
I think it may have been a humbling experience for Morez while Tomi was out. He seems to really understand now that he is better with a true 7 footer next to him...a great passing and stretch 5 at that!

There aren't many 4's who can guard Morez physically and keep him from getting position for rebounds. If he has people who understand that in his camp I think he'll stay.

But goddamnit are bags gonna be flung his way to make him rethink it.
 
#75      
This is where the complication comes in for DGL though. Can you convince him to play the same type of role as a 6th/7th man with 20 minutes a night? They will go big game hunting for a lead guard in the offseason.
This is the biggest question of them all to me.

DGL has done everything you have asked, and had EARNED a starting gig in the backcourt. Athletic as hell and has dedicated himself on the defensive end...

If he was 6'4 we don't even bring it up...but do you want 2 guards under 6'2 in the backcourt?

And do you see another level in DGL...even past what you're seeing now? Is he a 14-16 ppg guard?

Toughest thing they'll have to sort out...because DGL will have opportunities to get minutes in alot of places.
 
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