I would be okay with some of these kinds of step backs from Stef Vaaks.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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I'm surprised so many here want Blackwell. He is not a character fit.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Well, Marcus Domask couldn't guard anybody and was still All B1G first team on a great team, albeit one that didn't defend, and the same tradeoff happened in 2025 as Will Riley emerged.
Wagler sneakily got better as the year went along but was mostly a guy we had to work hard to hide too.
There are two ends to a basketball floor. Vaaks is a big step toward remaining elite on offense.
Hey, the track record of literally every single solitary player for whom we got this "oh, you guys, we're in solid shape but you'd better believe we've got GREAT backup plans" routine going elsewhere has to end sometime right? Right??
(We actually DID have backup plans that were not just good but in fact better than the guy we were lusting after in most of those cases)
Can definitely see KJ. A little bit of Petro’s P&R and ball handling as well…6-7 is better than 6-1 doing it.
Who’s replacing Humrichous?
madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
Yeah I mean what you’re saying is true, I’m just saying that I think Blackwell will be on the Illini next year lol. Of course there’s gonna be other teams involved and some haggling about money, but we have the means and I think he truly wants to be an Illini.
Look at how they got Ben to play defense this year.
CrazedUIFan
UI Fan in QC Land
Early submission for his nickname…Stef Eury
Ignorant
Spent a little while working the phones after Vaaks commitment …
Here’s what I know …
Louisville is going to try and make a push for Blackwell … As of now, they ain’t got the money but apparently they’re going to try and go get it … The Louisville people claiming it’s a package deal for Flory, Shelstad and Blackwell … That’s not true at all …
Duke is not putting all their eggs in the Blackwell basket … They’re looking into multiple options …
Illinois views Blackwell as the final piece to the puzzle that would take an already elite team to arguably the best team in CBB … The staff is prepared if he goes elsewhere … But it is pedal to the floor for Blackwell right now …
And there’s rumors that potentially a top 5 transfer that’s not even in the portal yet may enter and that may shift how Duke and Louisville view Blackwell …
Here’s what I know …
Louisville is going to try and make a push for Blackwell … As of now, they ain’t got the money but apparently they’re going to try and go get it … The Louisville people claiming it’s a package deal for Flory, Shelstad and Blackwell … That’s not true at all …
Duke is not putting all their eggs in the Blackwell basket … They’re looking into multiple options …
Illinois views Blackwell as the final piece to the puzzle that would take an already elite team to arguably the best team in CBB … The staff is prepared if he goes elsewhere … But it is pedal to the floor for Blackwell right now …
And there’s rumors that potentially a top 5 transfer that’s not even in the portal yet may enter and that may shift how Duke and Louisville view Blackwell …
Zens Tuesday
No and they won't be this year either, we with Blackwell. Michigan will be the pre-season number 1...guaranteed
Our program has turned into a bluebood type before our very eyes. We need all hands on deck to get Blackwell here, boosters/donors.......
Is Cox a player they would go after if we don’t get Blackwell
Still one more piece after Blackwell (lead guard) at the 4?
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