Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

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#579      
Good to have Jake back. Quality 9th guy. The next piece of news will likely be the brothers, then all focus goes to the portal/Europe. Curious what this means for Ben as well.
Again, I know less than nothing, and this is just one idiot’s opinion, but to me this depends on whether or not you think Ben can improve in the booty ball game. He has the size, but he isn’t strong enough and couldn’t move his man at all. To make matters worse, it seemed like he couldn’t drill that 10-12 foot turnaround. The whole operation when he tried it just looked awkward. Can this become an aspect of his game with increased muscle?

If the answer to that question is no, Ben and Jake are redundant, IMHO.
 
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#580      
I'd be very happy (who wouldn't?) if the Illini could add these 4 transfers: Reed Bailey (Davidson), Kennard Davis Jr (SIU-C), Sam Lewis (Toledo), and Xaivian Lee (Princeton). [And of course, Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas).] These 5 transfers, plus Tomi, Jakstys, Davis, Rodgers, Boswell, Wagler, and Lee, would be a very solid 12-man roster for the Illini. And then hope that Dame Sarr will eventually commit to Illinois also. (Bringing roster to 13 players.)

I'd personally hope to begin next season with T Ivisic at Center, R Bailey at PF, K Davis at SF, X Lee at SG, and K Boswell at PG as the starters. Big Z, Sarr (fingers crossed), T Rodgers, S Lewis, and J Davis off the bench. Just like Riley this past season, I'd expect Sarr could move into the starting lineup as the season progresses. I could also see Rodgers being a starter instead of Kennard Davis Jr to begin the season.
 
#581      
Dix … Everyone was told Creighton before he even entered the portal … Then it was down to Creighton and Illinois … Then IU makes a late push … Then radio silence …

At the end of the day, I think the kid wanted to go somewhere and the people closest to him wanted him somewhere else and he felt guilty about being farther from home …

The price tag was high and I’ve said all along I wasn’t a giant fan of the price and think we can do better for that kind of money and now we’re gonna see if that holds true …
 
#582      
You know who Jake reminds me a bit of? Player Tyler Underwood. Granted, Jake is a far better player, bigger, got more PT, different positions, etc. But it seems to me that both got thrown into games, over more talented teammates, in moments where it seemed like Brad was thinking “dammit, will someone just stick to the script and just play their role?” Glad Jake’s back. Jury’s still out on Coach Tyler.
He reminds me of Lucas Johnson. Not particularly athletic, but a fan favorite for playing hard, rebounding and hitting occasional 3 pointers. Jake might be a better shooter. Lucas was a little bigger.
 
#583      
Everyone said before the portal season that the Illini wanted to get tougher (Sellers) and shooting (Dix). Now that they are off the board is that still the plan? Last years team lacked dawgs.
 
#585      
He reminds me of Lucas Johnson. Not particularly athletic, but a fan favorite for playing hard, rebounding and hitting occasional 3 pointers. Jake might be a better shooter. Lucas was a little bigger.
Man, what I wouldn't give for a Lucas Johnson clone... I want players who came to Illinois to mix it up and win, and not worry about stepping on toes because they know players on other teams.
 
#588      
I think the term misled infers
Intent to deceive. I am not sure who feels misled but clearly based on the 40+ likes there are people who agree. I just don’t see it that way. I take the information for what it is and always know that it is hearsay and may not be 100% accurate and can change quickly. I mean sharing information and opinions are what most people are here for. I enjoy the sharing but never take it as gospel.
Some fans are just overly-optimistic. I have been applying the 40% rule. When posters claimed we'd get KB, MJ, TI, TW, and DGL back, I wondered which 2 of the 5 were realistic. When posters penciled in Dix, Sarr, Yaxel, Sellers, and Ivicic, I wondered which 2 of the 5 were realistic.
 
#589      
Dix … Everyone was told Creighton before he even entered the portal … Then it was down to Creighton and Illinois … Then IU makes a late push … Then radio silence …

At the end of the day, I think the kid wanted to go somewhere and the people closest to him wanted him somewhere else and he felt guilty about being farther from home …

The price tag was high and I’ve said all along I wasn’t a giant fan of the price and think we can do better for that kind of money and now we’re gonna see if that holds true …
Creighton is 10 minutes from his house and his mom was sick...assuming that played a role. We had the highest offer...
 
#593      
In theory, sure, but Tomi stayed and played another whole season as a pro in the Balkans.

The NCAA ruling that he was eligible, but as a sophomore, was unprecedented as far as I know.

And it begs the question, uh.... is it open season on just buying any European pro with less than four years experience?
Best question yet? They come in at that magical number of “just below” what a first round NBA draft choice makes. I am with you find more of these types of players if you can.
 
#595      
Sellers is going to Providence …

There’s a lot to that one … Probably best for both parties …

Providence also really overpaid IMO … But they’ve got crazy NIL this year …

Basketball Cooking GIF by Providence Friars
 
#596      
Should that be surprising or concerning?

NCAA basketball is a much bigger draw, and much bigger revenue generator, than any European basketball league. Even the Euroleague, which very few of these young Euros play in.
Just interesting that one is considered “pro” and players are penalized for participating in that league compared to another NCAA school.
 
#597      
Someone asked about Elyjah Freeman and I can’t find the post … Word on that one is Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee …

Someone also said would Aidan Mahaney be an option … I’ve heard he’s heading back to the West Coast …

And for those that were wondering where Tre White might end up … I’m hearing Kansas is the clear favorite at this point …
 
#598      
The Princeton guy Lee is gonna command major $ If Dix was rumored at $2m, Lee will go north of that. I believe he has a do not contact tag. I know it doesn’t mean anything other than contact my agent. But I’d imagine he knows where he’s going. Gonna get a big bag
 
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