Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

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#51      
thefalcon5
ImGonnaBeILL said:
Defensively (presuming no changes in scheme)
Tomi = Tomi
Ty > Tre
Andrej > Will
Boswell = Boswell
Petrovic << KJ (Petro's quickness will be fun to watch offensively but think he'll get lit up like a Christmas tree on the other end. Ty gives you another multi-positional defender to hide Petrovic on that end)

Anyone outside Ty starts at the 4, I'd think it's a downgrade from Tre defensively. And a large one playing alongside Tomi. Frankly I think it could be disastrous.

I don't think anyone doubts the Illini will score points whomever is starting at the 4. Bigger question is will they stop/outscore anyone if Ty's not starting there
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Interesting, admittedly I haven’t seen much about Petrovic defensively and I know Piper said on a pod recently he wasn’t defending the other PG (who was someone apparently very gifted) so I don’t doubt he won’t be a plus plus defender, but I think his quickness is a major asset on both ends of the court.

I also didn’t think KJ was some kind of world beater on the defensive end. I’ll give the edge to KJ if only because he’s a known product.

Although I absolutely loved Morez, I think big Z will be more impactful on defense. I think Mirkovic also gives us something we didn’t have last year physicality wise.
 
#52      
ptgrd23
AI is still garbage in garbage out. Typical Google META summary full of errors - merging dates from one article, participants from another, and location from another.

Eyeball test on Illinois defense was very clear last year
- KJ could not stay in front of his man
- Ben was not strong enough to stop 4's from dominating the lane
- Tre put in medium effort, had reasonable athleticism but too small to play 4
- Tomas lacked strength to stop good 5's from scoring in lane
- Morez was human foul machine
- Will was not strong enough to guard 4's and not quick enough to guard 3's.
- DGL made effort but was too small
- Jake needs strength and quickness at 6'6"

2025 Eyeball test
- KB works hard on defense - denying ball and staying in front of his man. Heck we had him guarding Cooper Flagg.
- Ty is a 110% effort player on defense. Is strong and quick enough. Not big enough to play 4 but he will fight all day like Roger Powell.
- Andrej has good size 6'7" and hops. Averaged 1 block and 1 steal per game. Since he will not have to carry the team on offense he should have more energy for defense.
- Mirkovic should solid defense fundamentals at Nike Hoop Summit. He has good size 6'9 250 and strength. Not a shot blocker but should be able to hold his own in post.
- Tomas will be stronger and Big Z will add shot blocking and 5 more fouls. Together they make an all big 10 center!
- Petrovic is 22 years old, 6'3" 190 lbs. Grown man. Should be able to muscle opposing guards just like KB.

I see a much more physical team. We will not be winning any slam dunk contests, but we are capable of playing physcial b10 defense. Last year KY, MD and MSU treated us like rag dolls.
 
#53      
Frank
New Creation said:
Critical Perspective: The establishment narrative often highlights Illinois’ physicality and paint presence, but KenPom data reveals a troubling trend of late-season defensive collapses

2021-22 Season

  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: Specific KenPom rankings for this season aren’t directly referenced, but Illinois had a strong defensive reputation under Brad Underwood. In 2019-20, they ranked 35th in KenPom defensive efficiency, and their 2021-22 roster included defensive stalwarts like Trent Frazier and Kofi Cockburn, suggesting they likely maintained a top-50 ranking, possibly around 30th-40th.
  • Steals and Blocks: Exact numbers aren’t available, but players like Da’Monte Williams contributed to a gritty defensive style, likely averaging around 6-7 steals and 3-4 blocks per game based on their defensive approach.
  • Rebounding: Illinois was known for strong rebounding, a key defensive component to limit second-chance points. They likely averaged around 35-37 rebounds per game, with a focus on defensive boards, though exact stats aren’t provided.

2022-23 Season​


  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: Early in the season, Illinois ranked highly in defensive metrics, with posts noting they were No. 1 in effective field goal percentage (eFG%) defense and No. 1 in 2-point defense (allowing 36.3%) through seven games. While a season-long KenPom ranking isn’t available, this suggests a top-20 defensive efficiency ranking early on, possibly slipping to top-30 by season’s end due to inconsistency.
  • Steals and Blocks: Illinois recorded 162 blocks by February 23, 2023, averaging 5.8 blocks per game, leading the Big Ten and ranking third nationally. Steals per game aren’t specified but likely hovered around 6-7 based on their defensive style.
  • Rebounding: They ranked No. 19 in defensive rebound rate early in the season, indicating strength in securing misses, likely averaging around 36-38 rebounds per game.

2023-24 Season​


  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: Illinois had a season-long defensive efficiency of 98.4, which is strong (lower is better), ranking them among the top 30-40 nationally. However, in their last three games (against Iowa, Penn State, and Maryland), their defensive efficiency dropped to 113.5, equivalent to a 355th national ranking if sustained. Their overall KenPom ranking fell to 68th, the lowest since 2018-19, reflecting late-season defensive struggles.
  • Steals and Blocks: Specific numbers aren’t available, but players like Coleman Hawkins and Ty Rodgers contributed defensively. Steals and blocks likely dropped late in the season, possibly averaging 5-6 steals and 3-4 blocks per game.
  • Rebounding: Defensive rebounding stats aren’t detailed, but Illinois’ physical style suggests they maintained a solid defensive rebounding rate, likely around 35-37 rebounds per game.

2024-25 Season​


  • Adjusted Defensive Efficiency: Illinois started strong, ranking 10th in defensive efficiency on January 17, 2025, with an overall KenPom ranking of 8th. By February 25, 2025, after blowout losses to Wisconsin and Duke, their defensive efficiency fell to 34th, with an overall ranking of 22nd. Over the past 30 days (as of February 19, 2025), they ranked No. 112 in adjusted defensive efficiency, showing a significant decline.
  • Steals and Blocks: The team averages 4.4 steals per game (Kylan Boswell at 1.1 steals per game) and 4.2 blocks per game (Morez Johnson at 1.2 blocks per game), per ESPN and FOX Sports stats.
  • Rebounding: Illinois averages 39.6 rebounds per game (1st overall), with a rebounding differential of 9.4. They allow opponents to shoot 46.1% from two-point range (No. 19 nationally), showing strength inside, but their perimeter defense struggles (No. 336 in 3-point percentage defense).

Trends and Critical Analysis​


  • Defensive Efficiency: Illinois’ defensive efficiency has been inconsistent. They peaked early in 2024-25 (10th on January 17) but fell to 34th by February 25 and No. 112 over the last 30 days as of February 19, 2025. The 2023-24 season showed a similar late collapse (113.5 over the final three games). This pattern suggests issues with defensive consistency, possibly due to roster turnover, coaching adjustments, or fatigue. KenPom’s historical criteria for national champions (top-31 defense) indicate Illinois met this threshold in 2024-25 (as of March 9, 2025), but their late-season struggles cast doubt on their reliability.
  • Steals and Blocks: Illinois has been stronger in blocks (5.8 per game in 2022-23, 4.2 in 2024-25) than steals (4.4 in 2024-25), reflecting a focus on interior defense over perimeter pressure. Their steal numbers are underwhelming, suggesting they don’t force many turnovers through guard play.
  • Rebounding: A consistent strength, with 39.6 rebounds per game in 2024-25 (1st overall) and a high defensive rebound rate in 2022-23 (No. 19). This helps limit second-chance points, a key defensive metric, though it hasn’t fully offset perimeter defensive weaknesses.
  • Two-Point Defense: Illinois has been solid inside, allowing just 46.1% from two-point range in 2024-25 (No. 19 nationally), likely due to players like Morez Johnson and Tomislav Ivisic dominating the paint. However, their perimeter defense has been a weakness, especially in 2024-25, where they rank No. 336 in 3-point percentage defense.
  • Critical Perspective: The establishment narrative often highlights Illinois’ physicality and paint presence, but KenPom data reveals a troubling trend of late-season defensive collapses. Their perimeter defense, particularly in 2024-25 (No. 336 in 3-point defense), is a glaring weakness that undermines their interior strength. While players like Morez Johnson and Tomislav Ivisic bolster the paint, the lack of consistent perimeter defenders (e.g., after losing players like Shannon Jr.) has hurt their overall defensive profile. Brad Underwood’s shift toward an offensive focus (top-20 offensive efficiency in 2024-25) may be compromising their defensive identity, a risky trade-off for a team with NCAA title aspirations.

Trends and Analysis​


  • Defensive Efficiency Decline: Illinois’ defense has been inconsistent over the last 3-4 years. They started strong in 2022-23, ranking No. 1 in eFG% defense early on, but by 2023-24, their defensive efficiency fell dramatically late in the season (113.5 over the last three games). This trend continued into 2024-25, with a defensive efficiency ranking of No. 112 over the past 30 days as of February 2025. This suggests a pattern of late-season defensive struggles under Brad Underwood, a departure from their earlier reputation for grit and toughness.
  • Blocks and Steals: Illinois has maintained a strong shot-blocking presence, particularly in 2022-23 (5.8 blocks per game) and 2024-25 (4.2 blocks per game). Their steals have been less impressive, with only 4.4 per game in 2024-25, indicating they don’t force many turnovers through aggressive perimeter defense.
  • Rebounding Strength: Rebounding, especially defensive rebounding, has been a consistent strength. Their 2024-25 ranking of 1st overall in rebounds per game (39.6) and a high defensive rebound rate in 2022-23 (No. 19) show they effectively limit second-chance opportunities, a key defensive asset.
  • Two-Point Defense: Illinois has been solid inside, allowing just 46.1% from two-point range in 2024-25 (No. 19 nationally), likely due to players like Morez Johnson and Tomislav Ivisic dominating the paint. However, their perimeter defense has been a weakness, especially in 2024-25, where they rank No. 336 in 3-point percentage defense.
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It was only a matter of time before AI analysis made its way to this board.
 
#57      
Scoregasm
foby said:
living on the edge GIF
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No way that dude is still alive...
 
#61      
RockfordIllini
I was excited about the prospect of bringing Ace back, but I’d rather have Petrovic. I know folks have hyped him up, but he still feels to me like a low key huge pickup for this team, not only in skill but just fit with roster.

I love Kylan, and I’m optimistic we will get February/March Kylan next year more games than not. But I’m not sure I trust Kylan to be primary PG 100% of the time, nor do I think he has the burst to consistently beat his man off the dribble. I think Petrovic has a burst and ability to get by his man that we otherwise don’t have. And just the way our roster is constructed with all of our stretch bigs he should feast in the lane. And I also think he will help us play with more pace.

If (and this is a big if) we can get him cleared in a timely fashion by the NCAA, he may wind up being one of our 3 most important players.
 
#64      
ptgrd23
Get OLD stay OLD - mission accomplished -- KB, Andrej, Big Z, Ty, Tomas, Ben, Jake, Petrovic all upperclassmen
Get POSITIONAL SIZE, Stay BIG - Done - Tomas, Big Z, Mircovic, Andrej, Ty
Get STRONG, Stay STRONG - Big Z, Tomas, Mircovic
Get SHOOTING, Keep SHOOTING - Big Z, Tomas, Ben, Jake
Bring back BOOTY BALL Diversift offense beyond 3 pointers - Andrej

This is a balanced, well put together roster.

Could we use some NBA athleticism? Sure - we went after Sarr but $4M for a freshman is beyond our budget.

I like our chances over anybody else in B10 except Purdue and MSU

Look at our opposition

IU - 10 players from mid majors, zero retention
Iowa - zero retention
Michigan - Wolf gone, Golden gone, Davis gone - yes they had great portal but they are essentially all new team
Rutgers - 2 stars to lottery, nothing to show for it
 
#65      
pruman91
ptgrd23 said:
Get OLD stay OLD - mission accomplished -- KB, Andrej, Big Z, Ty, Tomas, Ben, Jake, Petrovic all upperclassmen
Get POSITIONAL SIZE, Stay BIG - Done - Tomas, Big Z, Mircovic, Andrej, Ty
Get STRONG, Stay STRONG - Big Z, Tomas, Mircovic
Get SHOOTING, Keep SHOOTING - Big Z, Tomas, Ben, Jake
Bring back BOOTY BALL Diversift offense beyond 3 pointers - Andrej

This is a balanced, well put together roster.

Could we use some NBA athleticism? Sure - we went after Sarr but $4M for a freshman is beyond our budget.

I like our chances over anybody else in B10 except Purdue and MSU

Look at our opposition

IU - 10 players from mid majors, zero retention
Iowa - zero retention
Michigan - Wolf gone, Golden gone, Davis gone - yes they had great portal but they are essentially all new team
Rutgers - 2 stars to lottery, nothing to show for it
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I'm still amazed Piekiell is still employed by ru after the terrible job he did with the roster they had this last season.......overrated coach with meager results since he has been there regardless of their record before he got the job..........JMHO.......
 
#66      
PepeSilvia
ptgrd23 said:
Get STRONG, Stay STRONG - Big Z, Tomas, Mircovic
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Do Big Z and Tomi count as strong? Big Z is incredibly skinny and being weak is arguably his biggest flaw.

Maybe it was because of Mono and he lost weight but Tomi played a pretty finesse game and wasn't very physical imo.

Tomi definitely has the frame to add weight but he needs to get a lot stronger imo.
 
#70      
NarrowJ
Anyone else ever try a red wine marinade? I hadn't ever tried it, but did some 10oz filets over the weekend soaked in red wine mix for about 90 minutes (the red wine is potent, don't want to marinate long; mixed in some olive oil and seasonings) and it was different but very good

Sorry, recruiting sumpin' sumpin', recruiting sumpin' sumpin' (trying to stay on topic here)
 
#71      
PizzaHutParkingLot
illinifan1987 said:
Just a measly 3 pages? We need a new topic, now that the cheese discussion is over. How about favorite steak/doneness? Medium-rare Ribeye here...
Happy Lunch GIF by Chingolo Deli

How long will it take before the first well done shows up? o_O
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Gordon Ramsay GIF

+1 on Medium Rare Ribeye

I’ve never been, but I have sweet dreams about:

Gallaghers
Delmonico’s
Keens
Bavette’s
Beef Wellington from HK
 
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#72      
hoopsfan47
I live in Missouri now, so you gotta show me. What I have seen is highlights of Petrovic driving the lane while stationery defenders wave a hand at him. Sure, I hope he can do that against B1G defenders, but there is no way to discern his speed and handle against top athletes until we see it happen. A lot depends on his ability to drive and finish or dish, but there is no way to tell as all we have seen is some success against defenders who are, if you watch closely, slow and uninterested. But I am not wrong as I have no categorical opinion one way or the other...he will prove what he can and cannot do on the court next season....and I hope that the results are excellent. Not saying the staff has not done their vetting, but the proof is in the pudding.
 
#73      
illinifan1987
NarrowJ said:
Anyone else ever try a red wine marinade? I hadn't ever tried it, but did some 10oz filets over the weekend soaked in red wine mix for about 90 minutes (the red wine is potent, don't want to marinate long; mixed in some olive oil and seasonings) and it was different but very good

Sorry, recruiting sumpin' sumpin', recruiting sumpin' sumpin' (trying to stay on topic here)
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I've never tried wine as a marinade...maybe on a tougher cut of meat? If you want to try a marinade that will give incredible flavor, use Worcestershire sauce!
Season 2 Worcestershire GIF by The Roku Channel
 
#75      
logjam
NarrowJ said:
Anyone else ever try a red wine marinade? I hadn't ever tried it, but did some 10oz filets over the weekend soaked in red wine mix for about 90 minutes (the red wine is potent, don't want to marinate long; mixed in some olive oil and seasonings) and it was different but very good

Sorry, recruiting sumpin' sumpin', recruiting sumpin' sumpin' (trying to stay on topic here)
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I have and chefs kiss...unless cooked terribly...
 
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