Billic was only signed as a favor to his agent, IIRC
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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A few weeks ago, there were some posts that the Tomi and Big Z may have had their fill of college basketball and may not return to any NCAA team, including Illinois? Was that speculation based on how they felt during a down-period or slump? Is there more optimism that they'll stay?
I know people had been down on them, but I really hope they stay.
I thought I read a post earlier that said if Dre has 5-6 game run it would make a certain person look like an ???? Dre coming back would be huge. He was our second best player down the stretch
Joel Goodson
- it's all ball bearings, nowadays
I was addressing your big role argument. my point is that there are exceptions. gotta lock it down
Don’t sleep on Lucas Morillo. I think he’s going to come in and play some serious minutes. Give him a summer with some lifting and practice. He’s 6’7” and could be great with Coleman
Also, would anyone be completely distraught over Jake leaving? I’m in for retention but if you are telling me he is the key cog for 26/27…idk about that one.
If another team comes over the top with an offer trying to snatch a veteran shooter with F4 experience? Pivot…Ethan Brown can play (seems like he’s the overlooked recruit) not to mention what you can bring in out of the portal.
Think we may end up with some TOUGH decisions…and I’m ready for it.
Teams in all sports tend to overvalue players off a deep post season run. Should we overpay for Jake, Andrej, Tomi, or Z because they were here last year? When you can get a guy as talented or better for less? When the emotions wear off…the offers they receive will change the landscape of how these guys feel about playing for a hometown discount.
David is the one dude who I would match dollar for dollar (within reason). Hope the other guys mentioned can come back but there are some phenomenal pieces to pivot to, if needed.
Yes but Adam Miller never wanted to leave. It’s not really a good comparison
Cox is a poor 3 pt shooter.
Well from what I read about Mirks comments about never really being taught how to play defense I figure defense is not a big priority in most European pro leagues. Maybe if Petro adapts and resets his mindset he could become the player we were expecting. If he is not willing to do those things then we should move on.
Need more than that to have a chance at another FF.
LouHenson
- Naples Florida
I met him in Greenville and asked if he would be back? He gave the obligatory “no idea” response. Saw him again in Houston, he was very involved with the team. He is really interesting, he must have some talent to have been that good in the Adriatic league? He for sure got caught behind the greatest recruiting find ever? I don’t know? I am like 90% certain he is not coming back, but it will be interesting to see if he try’s to play college basketball elsewhere?
He shot 36.5% from 3 this year and was 85% from the line. I wouldnt say thats poor but he didnt take a lot of 3s. He is a good ft shooter. He played pretty well vs us when i saw him.play.
Cox shot 36% from 3 this year
The good news is, brads track record shows far more value hits than misses.
FightinIllini30
Future insider
Do tell please
Facts are silly though
Shot 39% as a freshman lol
Truth is probably somewhere in between though. 36% is fine, but 1.7 attempts indicates he’s certainly not overly comfortable with it.
For the record, I’d love him here
I'm anxious but this time around for good reasons
I can definitely agree with what you're saying understanding this is the reality, but I think too often we just accept it and live with it (anything in life) versus trying to change it for the better. Our attitude is, well, I can't do anything to change it or it's an impossible task to change it. And yes, maybe one or two people can't change it, but if people fight for the right things and the good things it might be surprising what could be accomplished.
There was also a time when all-star Andre Dawson gave the Cubs a blank contract and said sign me for what you want to sign me for. He was an MVP. My point is the star college athletes are already making huge money. I completely understand their dreams of going to the League (which by the way I rarely watch any longer and college is headed that direction - and is partially there) and don't blame them for leaving, just like Keaton, I'd never blame him, it's his decision and I respect that and really like Keaton no matter what decision he makes (I know he's going to the NBA).
I was just pointing out that we've made this world all about making the most money possible the number 1 priority. Again, I'm cool with making good money, but I've met so many people in my line of work that have a lot of money and there number one regret was not spending more time with family and friends. Look at how many athletes, actors, music artists end up going down very dark paths or losing their lives. The money just ends up taking top priority for many and it's crazy when we're talking about millions. If you gave me $5M (I'm 44 by the way), I could make that last the rest of my life and live quite comfortably. I often wonder what the difference is between $100M and $500M. I just prefer the good old days (which to your point would be tough to get back to), when it wasn't about collecting the largest pay check when we're talking about millions of dollars. It does make me sad. I loved watching these college teams grow from freshmen through junior or senior year and watching 5-6 of them stay together for 2-3 years. So many of those teams stay in touch with one another and the fan bases absolutely love that! Again, your point is also well taken and today's reality. It's just sad. But I'm happy with our coaching staff and the quality and character of young men they are putting on the court. ILL
TheDukeUIUC
- Twin Cities, MN
If Jake leaves, its to Eastern Europe to live with the new wife that Tomi and Z find for him
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
Last year we lost Johnson, chased after Dix and now we’re longing for Cox. This board has — ahem — issues.I think you might have a hard time convincing the team to play with Cox on the bench.
FightinIllini30
Future insider
It sucks for people like you and I, Joel, who do know everything
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