Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

Status
Not open for further replies.
#1,026      
Navy_illini
The Illini basketball program was reported to have had an $18 million net profit for the 2024-25 season. That profit was generated primarily by the players. The coaches and administrators already were being well paid (in a free market) before NIL.
I’m glad the players are finally getting their share of the pie.
I also understand that NIL helped level the playing field for schools like the U of I.
Click to expand...
Having that much money is a positive. This years team gel very well. Players accepted their role and played together. Coaching staff has shown a track record of identifying talent and developing players. Losing our starting guards in Boswell and Wagler will be a huge hole to fill. Hope we can return a core and fill gaps
 
#1,027      
IlliniwekKDR
mysterio2525 said:
can we poach someone from Michigan? I'd love to get trey mckenney. we have money, let's try it. really angers me that morez went to Michigan. makes us look small, which we aren't. (doubt he goes in the portal but that's not the point)

Let's start swinging our weight around... and show Dusty may that he's not the only one who will take what they want if they see something worth spending on. we have been pretty great at talent evaluation.... now is the time to spend! obviously someone like Blackwell would work as well. it's open season... the menu is everyone
Click to expand...
We can always just tamper like Michigan did with Morez
 
#1,028      
I Bomb
There is always the excitement of getting a veteran player to commit. It immediately eases the discomfort of the unknown. But then the analysis begins of what he can and can't do and it all subsides back to wanting more.

Like most, I will look almost hourly for recruiting news, show high interest in finding out more about them, and then sit on my thumbs all summer awaiting the opportunity to see them all play and function together. My biggest interest will be to see what Ty can bring to the table. My biggest comfort is trusting BU to put a roster together that can compete for a B1G title and another shot at the FF.

Meanwhile, I hope BU and staff can be convinced to intitiate an offense that shows as much player motion and screens as UConn plays. That said, I fully understand that a team with positional size cannot chase around guys defensively or run such an offense for an entire game without paying a price of fatigue, which UConn eventually did. We obviously did not have that ability at any point in the season, but there is no rule that the you need to run a single offense all season long...or 3 or 4 for that matter as the situation demands. But high motion and off ball screens can have a big effect for periods of time.
Click to expand...
I mean yeah I agree but also - wiener jokes
 
#1,030      
rtbritt
BrownTown said:
You beat me to it…

Cox shooting split was 52/36/85…at volume. Elite.
Click to expand...
But to be fair….its not at volume, according to ESPN stats. Very low volume, IMO.

I mean, Boswell shot and made more 3s and I considered him a fairly low volume 3 pt shooter.

And I don’t think that low of volume, the percentage is very translatable.
 
#1,032      
Noblesville Illini
In addition to replacing guards, right now I see us needing another big to replace Ben. My thought is a Tarris Reed clone. We will have enough offense. We’re gonna miss the defense more. Rebounder and the ability to stop booty ball!

Even if Ty stays!
 
#1,033      
bavanga3
can we poach someone from Michigan? I'd love to get trey mckenney. we have money, let's try it. really angers me that morez went to Michigan. makes us look small, which we aren't. (doubt he goes in the portal but that's not the point)

Let's start swinging our weight around... and show Dusty may that he's not the only one who will take what they want if they see something worth spending on. we have been pretty great at talent evaluation.... now is the time to spend! obviously someone like Blackwell would work as well. it's open season... the menu is everyone
Click to expand...
If Morez doesn't stay in the draft, which i wouldn't be surprised because..... I don't think he's 1st round worthy right now. 6'9" and still not a very good shooter so I think he'd drop into round 2, I think he'd be dumb to leave Michigan. He'd be the clear #1 big at Michigan with an absolute killer backcourt to work with to platform his ability.
 
#1,034      
LvilleILL1
Okay, here we go. Things are going to heat up very quickly here. The expected budget has varied from what information I have, my most informed guess is in the 14-15 million range (4-5 more than last year).

Let's start with the returners that are possible-staff meetings start tomorrow and should be done soon:
1) David Mirkovic: This one is pretty simple. I could see an outside chance that he goes through the draft process, but it would be pretty shocking if he ends up anywhere but in Champaign. Will be a pillar of the team next year.
2) Tomislav and Zvonomir: Both these guys have decisions to make, but the staff will push to retain both. I think we can.
3) Jake Davis: I expect him back. Won't cost too much and is a good role player.
4) Andrej Stojakovic: This one is interesting. It's tough, because a month ago he would have been gone most likely. This closing stretch has helped a lot, and I probably lean towards him being back next year. Will have more information in the coming days, my best guess is he's back. If not, they have a couple of guys in mind, but the staff will push for him being back.

Brandon Lee, M Petrovic, Bilcic, Ty, and JJ: I expect at least three of those guys to be heading out. Out of this list, Ty and JJ would be my guess as to who stays, but could go any way.

Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo are going to be factors next year. Coleman is one of the most talented high school recruits that Underwood has signed, he will be a major factor next year. Morillo is going to be a fan favorite as well.

I expect us to add at least one European player. Working on names.

Portal adds:
1) Big time guard, likely in the three million range. Will be a main priority.
2) Ben Humrichous replacement. They will pay up, just need to find the right piece for the role.
3) I expect them to possibly add a backup guard. This is where a mid major add would make sense.

That is 3-4 adds. Andrej is the swing piece, they will spend for a starting level three if he goes, but if he's back will just be the focuses above.

Specific names for the portal adds will start to go public soon.

Lots to play out in the next 14 or so days. Buckle up.
 
#1,036      
NashvILLe05
STLini25 said:
My want is two starters: 1) all BT point guard and 2) athletic 6 foot 6 wing who can defend and hit the corner 3. Then Dre, Mirk and Tomi.
Click to expand...
I tend to agree though I’d like an athletic 4 in the 6’8” range similar to Quincy Guerier to bring more athleticism, who can shoot the 3, pump fake and drive to the rim, and really defend/rebound. Hopefully more consistent than QG too…might be a unicorn…a more athletic Ben replacement.
 
Last edited:
#1,038      
EmeraldCityIllini
LvilleILL1 said:
Okay, here we go. Things are going to heat up very quickly here. The expected budget has varied from what information I have, my most informed guess is in the 14-15 million range (4-5 more than last year).

Let's start with the returners that are possible-staff meetings start tomorrow and should be done soon:
1) David Mirkovic: This one is pretty simple. I could see an outside chance that he goes through the draft process, but it would be pretty shocking if he ends up anywhere but in Champaign. Will be a pillar of the team next year.
2) Tomislav and Zvonomir: Both these guys have decisions to make, but the staff will push to retain both. I think we can.
3) Jake Davis: I expect him back. Won't cost too much and is a good role player.
4) Andrej Stojakovic: This one is interesting. It's tough, because a month ago he would have been gone most likely. This closing stretch has helped a lot, and I probably lean towards him being back next year. Will have more information in the coming days, my best guess is he's back. If not, they have a couple of guys in mind, but the staff will push for him being back.

Brandon Lee, M Petrovic, Bilcic, Ty, and JJ: I expect at least three of those guys to be heading out. Out of this list, Ty and JJ would be my guess as to who stays, but could go any way.

Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo are going to be factors next year. Coleman is one of the most talented high school recruits that Underwood has signed, he will be a major factor next year. Morillo is going to be a fan favorite as well.

I expect us to add at least one European player. Working on names.

Portal adds:
1) Big time guard, likely in the three million range. Will be a main priority.
2) Ben Humrichous replacement. They will pay up, just need to find the right piece for the role.
3) I expect them to possibly add a backup guard. This is where a mid major add would make sense.

That is 3-4 adds. Andrej is the swing piece, they will spend for a starting level three if he goes, but if he's back will just be the focuses above.

Specific names for the portal adds will start to go public soon.

Lots to play out in the next 14 or so days. Buckle up.
Click to expand...

You da man, Lville.

1) Really hope Andrej is back. Tough spot for him too. Would really have to be a good situation to bounce, because 4 schools in 4 years, and you state you want to leave for winning, you get winning, and then leave, i dont know. Sure seems like he has a great role on a really good team next year.

2) Your first point... Big time "guard". What are we thinking here? Will this be true point guard? Or will this be a bigger positional size guard who we matchup hunt with - kind of like "P4 Domask"?

3) The backup point guard from a true mid-major makes a ton of sense to me.

4) If Bilic transfers out, I really don't understand what the point from his side even was. Some free gear i guess.

5) I have to ask. He's my guy. Odds of Lee returning seem low, is that correct?
 
#1,040      
IllinoisssssssVarsity
Obviously you’ll never get a value like Wagler again. On the flip side we had a lot of dead money tied up for Petro
Click to expand...
I was really busy this year and not able to be on the board as much.

Was Petro an eval miss or did the summer delay + injury just set him back so far it never really got started?
 
#1,041      
LouHenson
Okay, here we go. Things are going to heat up very quickly here. The expected budget has varied from what information I have, my most informed guess is in the 14-15 million range (4-5 more than last year).

Let's start with the returners that are possible-staff meetings start tomorrow and should be done soon:
1) David Mirkovic: This one is pretty simple. I could see an outside chance that he goes through the draft process, but it would be pretty shocking if he ends up anywhere but in Champaign. Will be a pillar of the team next year.
2) Tomislav and Zvonomir: Both these guys have decisions to make, but the staff will push to retain both. I think we can.
3) Jake Davis: I expect him back. Won't cost too much and is a good role player.
4) Andrej Stojakovic: This one is interesting. It's tough, because a month ago he would have been gone most likely. This closing stretch has helped a lot, and I probably lean towards him being back next year. Will have more information in the coming days, my best guess is he's back. If not, they have a couple of guys in mind, but the staff will push for him being back.

Brandon Lee, M Petrovic, Bilcic, Ty, and JJ: I expect at least three of those guys to be heading out. Out of this list, Ty and JJ would be my guess as to who stays, but could go any way.

Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo are going to be factors next year. Coleman is one of the most talented high school recruits that Underwood has signed, he will be a major factor next year. Morillo is going to be a fan favorite as well.

I expect us to add at least one European player. Working on names.

Portal adds:
1) Big time guard, likely in the three million range. Will be a main priority.
2) Ben Humrichous replacement. They will pay up, just need to find the right piece for the role.
3) I expect them to possibly add a backup guard. This is where a mid major add would make sense.

That is 3-4 adds. Andrej is the swing piece, they will spend for a starting level three if he goes, but if he's back will just be the focuses above.

Specific names for the portal adds will start to go public soon.

Lots to play out in the next 14 or so days. Buckle up.
Click to expand...
Hope we can keep Andrej, and that Luther Head and his dad make him play every day without allowing him to ever penetrate. Remember when people on tv said “Ty was a jumper away from the NBA”? AS is sort of the the same thing, in today’s game they would never want it, but a pull up game would also be just a “hammer” for his overall game. Lots of reasons to want to see if that can come out in his last year?
 
#1,043      
illinidday89
LvilleILL1 said:
Okay, here we go. Things are going to heat up very quickly here. The expected budget has varied from what information I have, my most informed guess is in the 14-15 million range (4-5 more than last year).

Let's start with the returners that are possible-staff meetings start tomorrow and should be done soon:
1) David Mirkovic: This one is pretty simple. I could see an outside chance that he goes through the draft process, but it would be pretty shocking if he ends up anywhere but in Champaign. Will be a pillar of the team next year.
2) Tomislav and Zvonomir: Both these guys have decisions to make, but the staff will push to retain both. I think we can.
3) Jake Davis: I expect him back. Won't cost too much and is a good role player.
4) Andrej Stojakovic: This one is interesting. It's tough, because a month ago he would have been gone most likely. This closing stretch has helped a lot, and I probably lean towards him being back next year. Will have more information in the coming days, my best guess is he's back. If not, they have a couple of guys in mind, but the staff will push for him being back.

Brandon Lee, M Petrovic, Bilcic, Ty, and JJ: I expect at least three of those guys to be heading out. Out of this list, Ty and JJ would be my guess as to who stays, but could go any way.

Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo are going to be factors next year. Coleman is one of the most talented high school recruits that Underwood has signed, he will be a major factor next year. Morillo is going to be a fan favorite as well.

I expect us to add at least one European player. Working on names.

Portal adds:
1) Big time guard, likely in the three million range. Will be a main priority.
2) Ben Humrichous replacement. They will pay up, just need to find the right piece for the role.
3) I expect them to possibly add a backup guard. This is where a mid major add would make sense.

That is 3-4 adds. Andrej is the swing piece, they will spend for a starting level three if he goes, but if he's back will just be the focuses above.

Specific names for the portal adds will start to go public soon.

Lots to play out in the next 14 or so days. Buckle up.
Click to expand...

This will make for a fun, fun year. If by some miracle we bring back Mirk, the brothers, Jake, and Dre, heck through Ty in there as well that would make me extremely happy. It would almost be like the "old days" of the 80's and 90's when you knew who was coming back and really felt attached to them. It just so happens they'd be a bunch of guys from a Final Four team. Through in the idea of adding a couple more big pieces and the Freshman who will obviously play and I assume play well and who couldn't be excited about this possibility?
 
#1,044      
RichardKeenesCousin
LvilleILL1 said:
Okay, here we go. Things are going to heat up very quickly here. The expected budget has varied from what information I have, my most informed guess is in the 14-15 million range (4-5 more than last year).

Let's start with the returners that are possible-staff meetings start tomorrow and should be done soon:
1) David Mirkovic: This one is pretty simple. I could see an outside chance that he goes through the draft process, but it would be pretty shocking if he ends up anywhere but in Champaign. Will be a pillar of the team next year.
2) Tomislav and Zvonomir: Both these guys have decisions to make, but the staff will push to retain both. I think we can.
3) Jake Davis: I expect him back. Won't cost too much and is a good role player.
4) Andrej Stojakovic: This one is interesting. It's tough, because a month ago he would have been gone most likely. This closing stretch has helped a lot, and I probably lean towards him being back next year. Will have more information in the coming days, my best guess is he's back. If not, they have a couple of guys in mind, but the staff will push for him being back.

Brandon Lee, M Petrovic, Bilcic, Ty, and JJ: I expect at least three of those guys to be heading out. Out of this list, Ty and JJ would be my guess as to who stays, but could go any way.

Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo are going to be factors next year. Coleman is one of the most talented high school recruits that Underwood has signed, he will be a major factor next year. Morillo is going to be a fan favorite as well.

I expect us to add at least one European player. Working on names.

Portal adds:
1) Big time guard, likely in the three million range. Will be a main priority.
2) Ben Humrichous replacement. They will pay up, just need to find the right piece for the role.
3) I expect them to possibly add a backup guard. This is where a mid major add would make sense.

That is 3-4 adds. Andrej is the swing piece, they will spend for a starting level three if he goes, but if he's back will just be the focuses above.

Specific names for the portal adds will start to go public soon.

Lots to play out in the next 14 or so days. Buckle up.
Click to expand...
I love the plan. I just find it hard to believe that we get everything that we want the way we want it. I'm trying to mentally prepare for that scenario. Sorry in advance.
 
#1,048      
Illinifan533
LvilleILL1 said:
Brandon Lee, M Petrovic, Bilcic, Ty, and JJ: I expect at least three of those guys to be heading out. Out of this list, Ty and JJ would be my guess as to who stays, but could go any way
Click to expand...
I didn't follow much outside the fact that he was joining the team this year when Bilic committed, but why would he leave? I thought the point of him sitting was for "strength training and development." Why bring him over if the staff didn't think he had a shot at the rotation next year, Final Four or not?
 
#1,049      
Trueblue777
LvilleILL1 said:
Okay, here we go. Things are going to heat up very quickly here. The expected budget has varied from what information I have, my most informed guess is in the 14-15 million range (4-5 more than last year).

Let's start with the returners that are possible-staff meetings start tomorrow and should be done soon:
1) David Mirkovic: This one is pretty simple. I could see an outside chance that he goes through the draft process, but it would be pretty shocking if he ends up anywhere but in Champaign. Will be a pillar of the team next year.
2) Tomislav and Zvonomir: Both these guys have decisions to make, but the staff will push to retain both. I think we can.
3) Jake Davis: I expect him back. Won't cost too much and is a good role player.
4) Andrej Stojakovic: This one is interesting. It's tough, because a month ago he would have been gone most likely. This closing stretch has helped a lot, and I probably lean towards him being back next year. Will have more information in the coming days, my best guess is he's back. If not, they have a couple of guys in mind, but the staff will push for him being back.

Brandon Lee, M Petrovic, Bilcic, Ty, and JJ: I expect at least three of those guys to be heading out. Out of this list, Ty and JJ would be my guess as to who stays, but could go any way.

Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo are going to be factors next year. Coleman is one of the most talented high school recruits that Underwood has signed, he will be a major factor next year. Morillo is going to be a fan favorite as well.

I expect us to add at least one European player. Working on names.

Portal adds:
1) Big time guard, likely in the three million range. Will be a main priority.
2) Ben Humrichous replacement. They will pay up, just need to find the right piece for the role.
3) I expect them to possibly add a backup guard. This is where a mid major add would make sense.

That is 3-4 adds. Andrej is the swing piece, they will spend for a starting level three if he goes, but if he's back will just be the focuses above.

Specific names for the portal adds will start to go public soon.

Lots to play out in the next 14 or so days. Buckle up.
Click to expand...
You didn’t mention the other 2 HS recruits Davis, Brown
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back