If a "big fish" was to become available, Illinois could "probably" get the money, but it would take some "begging" by Brad. Who would you consider a possible "big fish" in that scenario? Jamir Watkins? Dame Sarr? Luka Bogavac? Someone else you can name?
What if a "small fish" was to become available? Does Illinois have enough money left to sign the smaller fish? What required dollar amount would make that potential signee a small fish? Could/Should Brad do just a bit of begging for some lesser amount of funds to sign a non-superstar?
In your opinion, how much would it cost to sign one of Elon Jr Guard TK Simpkins, UC San Diego Sr Guard Tyler McGhie, SIU Sr Guard Ali Dibba, and/or UT San Antonio Sr Guard Damari Monsanto? I can see valid (and different) reasons for the Illini to add one of these players, but I have no idea what the "asking price" would be for each. [I personally think that the Illini need one more SG to fill out their roster for 25-26. More so than a PG, a SF, a PF, or a Center.]
Last question: If you add up the dollars that Illinois "spent" to retain Tomi, Boswell, Rodgers, Humrichous, Davis, and Jakstys, PLUS the money paid to incoming freshmen Mirkovic, Lee, and Wagler, PLUS the money paid to transfers Big Z, Petrovic, and Stojakovic, what would that TOTAL dollar amount be? (Ballpark figure perhaps?) It would be interesting to me to know how much Illinois has spent for that 12-man roster. Thanks in advance for your best guess on that sum. And thanks for your opinions on Simpkins/McGhie/Dibba/Monsanto.