Dr Copejam
- The Rock
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Plenty of options IF needed for sure …
I really like Jaylen Cox from Colgate. He is very fast and athletic, which is something that we have been missing since TJ.
The legend chimes in. Give us something when someone's about to committ. We have Indy's "Booms."
I think you mean the 1988-1989 team???
If I recall correctly, with respect too the 1988-1989 team, Illinois was pre-season ranked either 2 or 3. Lou Hensen doing his best Coaching psychology attempting to downplay the preseason expectations saying to the media how the team lost center Jen Kujawa and guard Glen Backwell and the preseason ranking was way too high...This got back to Dick Vitale who said in response that if he had known that information, he would have ranked Illinois #1....LOL..
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You HAVE to have a bunch of contingency plans for when, inevitably, something doesn’t go your way. There’s close to a 0% chance you are going to get everyone you want.
This staff is great at dealing with whatever happens. The good news is options b, c, d, e, f, and g are all really, really good players.
Even without Blackwell this team seems very potent if we retain our eligible players.
Tomi/Z
Mirk/Z
Dre/Jake
Coleman/Morillo
Vaaks/Morillo
Possibles on the bench in Ty, JJ, Lee, and frosh
Get second year TSJ like improvement from Dre, post improvement from Tomi, Mirk 2nd year, and defensive system experience. Certainly looks better than last year at this time.
Tomi/Z
Mirk/Z
Dre/Jake
Coleman/Morillo
Vaaks/Morillo
Possibles on the bench in Ty, JJ, Lee, and frosh
Get second year TSJ like improvement from Dre, post improvement from Tomi, Mirk 2nd year, and defensive system experience. Certainly looks better than last year at this time.
Went back and checked you are correct #2 in 1984-85
Chuck Nuggets
Dip your nuggets in my staff source sauce.
I always wonder how OK State fans are feeling right now.
Blackwell on this team would actually be insane.
But, if we do miss, hopefully we have a good consolation prize ready.
Illinicpa14
- Chicago
Assuming the core retention comes through - I don’t think they’re gonna have an issue finding a strong guard to be a missing piece on a preseason top 5 team.
If Blackwell ends up wanting to be on another 4 seed at Louisville, so be it.
Hopefully, Vaaks' commitment becomes the icing on the cake for John even more along with what was already pitched to him from the Illini coaching staff. Blackwell was part of one of the best backcourt in the country playing alongside Nick Boyd. There's a chance it could be like that again for Blackwell playing alongside Vaaks if Blackwell picks Illinois.
2X2L
- Metaluna
Wiki says Basketball Times ranked Illinois pre-season #1 for 84-85. That's wiki, but I do remember buying some magazine with Efrem Winters on the cover and team rated #1. My memory could be faulty, though. Very possible.
Cam Crocker is going to have his work cut out for him next season. 
Retention is my focus. I want everyone back. Finding a big time guard, as you said, will not be a problem.
Yes and yes.
But, to most posters here, Blackwell is a part of the Illini family and a perfect fit. I am certain that Illinois will offer him a financial package commensurate with his status in college hoops. But there is always some crazy our there that will offer more. By leaving Wisconsin, he has already shown to be as mercenary as most young collegiate basketball players (but of course that does not mean he won't or can't return). So the question remains. Will John Blackwell choose greed and commit to a program where he will be unfamiliar with anything or anyone, or will he choose a lesser $ offer and join one where he knows his fit, the family, and if he performs, become a legend? There used to be a day where that was pretty predictable, but as college hoops has evolved and human nature has given in yet again, we really cannot predict what will happen.
But for certain, most of us would prefer a legacy with whom we have a great deal of familiarity. Especially if we have to pivot to the unknown. Hope the Blackwells become fixtures at the Assembly Hall soon.
madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
hope im not jinxing it, but i feel more confidently in Blackwell committing than any other transfer or toss up recruitment of a prep player pretty much ever.
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