Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[xcatcher]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2043111503159562746

 

[CrazedUIFan]

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXAoxYuDRk8/?igsh=bHZybWcwN212eHd5

 

[thefalcon5]

Glad Keaton declared now, we don’t have to have the delusionals say he might come back anymore.

 

[Joel Goodson]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2043111503159562746

go be great, kid!

 

[LvilleILL1]

Not a goodbye, but see you later. Will go down as an Illinois legend.

 

[Zorak]

So happy for Keaton. I hope he represents Illinois well in the league

 

[joeybcrazy13]

Welp that is that... ILL

 

[WeWillWhen]

Developing guys into lottery picks is a very, very good thing for this program.

 

[CrazedUIFan]

Wagler is a special player. What a whirlwind this past year has been for him and his family. I’m excited for him to represent the Illini at the next level. Well deserved.

 

[Illinisnake]

So happy for him, so awesome! Another first round draft pick for the Illini!

 

[GrapplingIllini]

League him

 

[spillini]

What a great declaration message. Go get it KW

 

[blife]

KW thank you for all your hard work, accomplishments and a truly Elite 25-26 for the Beloved. Go make the Illini Nation proud at the next level.

 

[zentrails]

He won't count for a roster spot.

On the BB side

 

[Rebounding Dog]

Fantastic year! Great player and terrific kid! On the the place kids dream of!

 

[Thaillini22]

I didn't think I'd actually feel sadness when KW announced. I think what I love about him most is how he carries himself and his poise. What a player!

 

[SescIllini]

Seems very methodical with these announcements. No surprises so far and great timing

 

[JJE]

Wagler might go down as the most unassuming legend in Illini history.

 

[The Galloping Ghost]

As mature a game as you'll ever find from a freshman. A truly incredible season. An Illini legend. Thank you for everything, Keaton.

 

[kyillinifan]

Great year and good luck in the NBA.

 

[skyIdub]

Glad Keaton declared now, we don’t have to have the delusionals say he might come back anymore.

I don't think a single person here was delusional.

All of the posts were wistful pining and fun to bat around while we had nothing else to talk about.

 

[WxIllini]

One of the greatest stories in Illini history… what a pleasure to watch him rock the orange and blue. Will forever root for him! Go be great 2-3!

 

[Todd99]

They should hold a jersey ceremony in Memorial Stadium. SFC doesn’t have enough room for everyone who will want salute this kid.

 

[80'sIllini]

I also assume that Wagler will leave for the Draft, and I'm thinking like you that Ty will enter the transfer portal. Good list, (fellow) Grandpa!

It would seem that we are missing a PF to back up Mirk, or even to play alongside Mirk. Here's a player that I see in the portal that I hope the Illini would look into. It's 6'8", 230-pound sophomore DeSean Goode of Robert Morris. He averaged 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists this past season, while shooting 62.9% on FGs, including 57.1% on 3-pointers, and 76.3% on FTs.

Some folks on this site also think that Big Z might go to the NBA Draft, or maybe transfer to a school where he could start next season. IF Zvonimir leaves, I'm intrigued by a certain center in the transfer portal. It's 7'1", 230-pound sophomore center Massamba Diop of Arizona State. Diop averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists this past season, and shot 56.9% on FGs (30.8% [only 8 for 26] on 3-pointers) and 71.5% on FTs. The only potentially daunting issue is that his former assistant coach at ASU... Nick Irvin... might now be Diop's handler relative to his transfer.

Diop has monster potential and is already quite good. Will command major $ wherever he ends up.

 

[rmlsr]

As of now, which freshman might see consistent playing time?

Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo