Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

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#851      
Now let’s do the list of mid majors who didn’t work out
There is a big difference to top tier mid majors that are not first team all conference and several power 5s are after and those that are not. Fla was the defending champ and added an ivy league guard. Im not taking about everyone.
 
#852      
Now let’s do the list of mid majors who didn’t work out
This would need much more thorough research than I'm prepared to do, but just spitballing it seems like *controlling for NIL "value"* players moving up from mid-majors have been bigger successes and less disappointing than guys leaving high-majors.

Anyway, this problem solves itself. Everyone knew Yaxel and Toppin were big time players for instance, no one would complain about them as "mid-majors".

But you and Indy will oversell our NIL power as you do every year, and we will be fine anyway.
 
#854      
More athletic … Need a backup big that is a different piece than Tomi and Z … Kind of like a Dainja type guy where we can put him in and it’s just a different piece …

Also need another sniper … Ideally a 4 man who can flat out shoot it and guard …
We got some donors ready to pony up some cash?
 
#856      
It's kinda fascinating the way the work of our insiders causes this board to UNDER-estimate how good our team is every year.

The roster WILL be a huge disappointment versus the Cult of Denzel expectations, and then lo and behold, they're really good and beating so many of the players that we "missed" on.
No Spoilers!
 
#857      
If the only reason -- or even the primary reason -- someone wants to be an Illini is $$$$, that just doesn't fit Brad's narrative of the type of player the staff wants in the locker room. He's seen how that worked out (spoiler alert: not well) in a couple of cases. I trust that Brad and the basketball administration know how to count not only the number of players, but also how those players fit into the budget. I also trust that if a very special situation presents itself, there are people who are able and willing to step up if necessary because they are confident that their investment will be used wisely. Then again, I have trouble balancing my checkbook, so there's that.
 
#858      
There will be lots of player movement over the next month. And IL won't be exempt. Hopefully we have the NIL to keep Tomi/Mirk/Andrej. Add a stud portal/balkan PG. Coleman and Morillo arrive. Z could likely make as much NIL and starter minutes elsewhere, depends on how much he values playing with Tomislav. Jake could be a 3 pt assassin on the right team, but opportunities elsewhere for more $$ and PT might be limited. I will be surprised if either Lee or Petrovic are back. Minutes generally go about 8 players deep, maybe 9 so if Jake/Z/Morillo/Ty are there then attracting a mid major role player type might be difficult.
 
#859      
It's kinda fascinating the way the work of our insiders causes this board to UNDER-estimate how good our team is every year.

The roster WILL be a huge disappointment versus the Cult of Denzel expectations, and then lo and behold, they're really good and beating so many of the players that we "missed" on.
For all of my griping about in-game coaching stuff (which got a lot better this year!), one thing this staff seems to have consistently nailed is talent evaluation and fit.
 
#860      
If you don't think a final four run doesn't significantly boost an NIL budget for a program and fanbase as hungry as Illinois, not sure what to tell you.
And I don’t recall anyone over selling any NIL power last offseason….we spent about 10 million for the roster which was WAY up from the previous year and will increase even more next year. Hard to argue with the guy who thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room though.
 
#861      
I won't judge Keaton one way or the other. What an incredible freshman for our Illini! Truly enjoyed watching him and this team. But I do judge all the comments about money. Our world has become all about money versus so many other things that are more important. Don't get me wrong, making money to provide for your family, security, etc. is important; however, if we're talking millions of dollars no matter what, I have to say, I miss the days of culture, hard work, loyalty, companionship, life long relationships, etc. Screw this world of throwing millions at kids (26 years old is when the brain is fully developed). Memories surrounded by good people is better than all of it. Going to miss Keaton! Very proud of this team and looking forward to the next team under this leadership! ILL
I can totally understand how you're feeling. Outside of the players/their families, I think that everyone feels the same way. We fall in love with our team and it gets torn apart.

That said, the situation is reality. To compete for Final Fours, Big Ten Championships, etc....we have to roll with it and live in the reality. It is what it is. The toothpaste is out of the tube, no putting it back.

If ANY coaches want to fight the system, their fans had better be ok finishing in the middle of bottom half of the pack with their season peaking as a 7 seed. We'll never see the Final Four again. Arizona's thought process is very similar to ours and look what happened.

The Michigan's of the world is the future. They have what, one player on the roster they recruited? Maybe 2? The beatings that they're delivering is due to the system in place. Again, it's not going away.

If you do it your way, you(not specifically you) have absolutely no business complaining about being on the same level as Minnesota year over year. We'll be really nice guys though.
 
#862      
already got one. expectation is one and done with QC
If that’s the case, 40+ kids expect to be one and done next year and less than 10 will be. Those aren’t expectations those are hopes.

If we are going to be great next year QC needs to be a rotational piece with an upside not depended on be be a 1st rounder one and done or we have a hole in our team.

I’ve seen him play in person. He’s nice. If NBA first rounder next year are the expectations, next year is set up to be a disappointment.
 
#863      
I would prefer not to bet the success of being a top tier program of an inproven freshman. If we have the cash i dont think the staff plans to either.
Coleman will start:
already got one. expectation is one and done with QC
And Quentin will start. Regardless, next year's roster will be loaded.
…..
I think the top programs and recruiters replace guys like Bozwell and Keaton as a pair often. I expect Bama, Duke. Houston and Ark along others to do exactly that.
Definitely not by your criteria.

Sure you could look Boozer and Flagg as a one for one. Duke also lost Malauch as their C and replaced him with Ngomba — who was still on the roster and the backup to Maluach. They also lost Proctor as their PG and replaced him with Foster — who was still on their roster and coming off the bench.

Houston started 3 guards last year: Cryer, Sharp, Uzan. They “replaced” Cryer with Flemings — who’s a freshman.

UH also lost Roberts and replaced him with Cenac — who’s a freshman.

Bama’s starting backcourt last year: Sears and Philon. Starting backcourt this year: Philon and Holloway. Who did they “replace” Sears with? Philon wasn’t near as good as he is this year, and Holloway started exactly zero games.

Alabama also lost Omoruyi as their starting C and replaced him with Sherrell who played 8min per game last year. They also lost Grant Nelson and brought in Bol Bowen — significant downgrade.

You can’t just “replace” everybody as a one for one — especially when they’re of the caliber of Keaton; and to an extent Kylan. Coleman starting does not immediately equal “downgrade” for the whole team.
Plus people just writing off Morillo to be behind Coleman is a bit much. Is Coleman playing on team USA in the World Summit like Morrillo will, Mirk did, the Boozers, Sarr
Is it not SIGNIFICANTLY harder to get on team USA than Team World?
 
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#864      
As weird as this would have sounded a year ago, I am going to miss having a Ben Humrichous coming off the bench for us. Hopefully we can find a versatile bench player that is as good a defender as Ben was this season. Still feels weird to say.
I believe we have that person inTy. Ben hit some threes but I believe Ty would get the at least as many points as Ben from put backs. Ty is also an every day guy.
 
#865      
Gonna cost a lot of money to bring back all the juniors who are looking at the last big and/or biggest paydays they're likely to see the rest of their lives. Don't forget that. I definitely expect some turnover even if it'd be great to bring everyone back. No one faulted Coleman for chasing it a couple years ago.....JMO it's gonna happen with at least one of our current guys as well.

The priority guy to bring back is the non-junior who is going to cost a ton
We had the second largest NCAA Men's basketball revenue this year (prior to the tourney). @ $29.7mm.

So paying all of these guys is not going to be an issue.

I am reading all of the "this is what we should do...."

(1) Don't be surprised of David Mirkovic plays some point guard next year.
(2) If Ty Rodgers is fully healthy next year 160 of the 200 playing minutes are already spoken for (Z, Tomi, Mirk, Andej, Jake, Ty) and we will enter the season most likely a 5 ranked team
(3) I don't expect next year to be any different from this year... unless one of the coaches or players leaves. Which means? The player who is playing best against his match up - will play the most in any given game.
(4) The difference between this year's team and any of the past 5 teams - was the preparation - and then the ability to exploit mismatches. That is where we will miss BAM and Keaton most.

I keep thinking about our home game against MSU in 2023 when Brad had to jump off the bench to get Jayden Epps to run the same play offensively 4 times in a row for Matt Meyer. There was a lot of press about that after that game. 2 things became apparent: First, was that team had no idea what Brad and his staff were trying to teach. Second, was Jayden Epps wasn't going to be returning for 2023 - 24.

Neither Brad nor Tyler would have needed to do anything this year. All 5 players would have picked up the mismatch right away.

One other thing. Do not underestimate Ty Rodgers' basketball IQ. He is simply one of the smartest basketball players I have ever watched.
 
#866      
Coleman will start:


…..

Definitely not by your criteria.

Sure you could look Boozer and Flagg as a one for one. Duke also lost Malauch as their C and replaced him with Ngomba — who was still on the roster and the backup to Maluach. They also lost Proctor as their PG and replaced him with Foster — who was still on their roster and coming off the bench.

Houston started 3 guards last year: Cryer, Sharp, Uzan. They “replaced” Cryer with Flemings — who’s a freshman.

UH also lost Roberts and replaced him with Cenac — who’s a freshman.

Bama’s starting backcourt last year: Sears and Philon. Starting backcourt this year: Philon and Holloway. Who did they “replace” Sears with? Philon wasn’t near as good as he is this year, and Holloway started exactly zero games.

Alabama also lost Omoruyi as their starting C and replaced him with Sherrell who played 8min per game last year. They also lost Grant Nelson and brought in Bol Bowen — significant downgrade.

You can’t just “replace” everybody as a one for one — especially when they’re of the caliber of Keaton; and to an extent Kylan. Coleman starting does not immediately equal “downgrade” for the whole team.

Is it not SIGNIFICANTLY harder to get on team USA than Team World?
His points are completely irrelevant. If the staff was so unsettled on Coleman, then why did they get into a bidding war against Texas Tech to land him in the first place?
 
#867      
just checking in to see how the beginning of the offseason is goi…….

i tried GIF
 
#868      
Now is the time.for.our rich folks.and boosters to turn our football and basketball program into a new blue blood. Now is the time to strike, as we don't know if we'll be in this position program wise again. (If we revert back)
 
#869      
Those saying Coleman will start, I'm not sure they will give those guarantees. Seen too many players where the game doesn't translate immediately or ever. Kentucky appears to have a couple this year

Keaton was an anomaly this year, his length, smarts, and coolness are rare traits. Hope your right. Will still want Jalen Cox, seems like a pass first guard that can score and defend. Need his level speed/quickness.
 
#870      
And I don’t recall anyone over selling any NIL power last offseason….we spent about 10 million for the roster which was WAY up from the previous year and will increase even more next year. Hard to argue with the guy who thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room though.
If you don't think a final four run doesn't significantly boost an NIL budget for a program and fanbase as hungry as Illinois, not sure what to tell you.
I’m usually a Debbie downer and even I feel optimistic. Idk how people are still so upset about making a final four. Plus a real chance at a top 5 team next year depending on this offseason.
 
#871      
We just gotta be realistic. One superstar transfer, one good transfer and one ok trasnsfer while retaining everyone we want back is a significant win and would have Illinois preseason top five imo.

Only so many minutes to go around. You basically have six guys, two key guys behind and then guys that are buried. So you project and slot out accordingly.
 
#874      
Will see what happens, but I really hope the Ivisics see the value here and come back.

I don’t think the NBA is out of the question for either of them. Tomi I just think needs a year being fully healthy to develop more. Hopefully having his tonsils out helps. And Z was an nba player the first half of the year with his block rate, rebound rate and shooting upper 30s from 3. But Z Faded down the stretch as he did his prior 2 years. That tells me he needs physical development above all else and there’s no better place than here. Let Fletch put another 15-20 pounds on him and see if he can hold up for a whole season.

Plus it’s the opportunity to play with your brother which you will be unlikely to get at the professional level. So long as our money is competitive everything else is a perfect fit.
 
#875      
If you don't think a final four run doesn't significantly boost an NIL budget for a program and fanbase as hungry as Illinois, not sure what to tell you.
I have no doubt that it does. However, the problem seems to be the market.
The market is inflating exponentially each season. Didn't football found that out? It appeared we'd be in a position to compete for top talent only to find the market grew more than expected in relation to the good increase of donations.
When the 5 million number is being tossed around for elite talent, the next tier may become what elite tier cost this past season. There will still only be a small handful of programs that can consistently play that game. Are we one of them?
 
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