Do we add to the 2017 Class?
I think the poll should be how many do we add. I think we end up adding two more, MA being one of them. No way we roll over that many scholarships
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
I still think we nab a big somehow, some way. Seems like it might be 50/50 on Alstork.
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It seems highly unlikely we find a 2017 freshman at this point, but I think the staff would take a swing at a lower level big if they thought he had a fair chance to develop into something useful.
I think we will find a 5th yr big or stretch 4 somewhere, surely there is a grad transfer that we can sell on potential playing time in the B1G; the question in my mind is how far do we have to reach if we miss on both Agua and McIntosh.
If we miss on Alstork, I think we still look for a 5th yr wing, particularly a tall wing, but think we are less likely to reach to get one.
I think the over/under is 2 grad transfers.
I think we will find a 5th yr big or stretch 4 somewhere, surely there is a grad transfer that we can sell on potential playing time in the B1G; the question in my mind is how far do we have to reach if we miss on both Agua and McIntosh.
If we miss on Alstork, I think we still look for a 5th yr wing, particularly a tall wing, but think we are less likely to reach to get one.
I think the over/under is 2 grad transfers.
I've said it before but I really feel like reaching on grad transfers is consequence free. At the least you have practice players who've played D1. Maybe you get lucky and one is better than anticipated.
I agree on grad transfers take 4 if you can find them. This recruiting discussion almost comes down to 2 or 3 separate discussions 2017 Freshman, Grad transfers, and/or transfers in general as they have different goals and risks.
The problem with Grad transfers is most want to play & there is a limit on how many you can play & can be convince that there is a good opportunity for them at Illinois. We would take a grad transfer big at any level in a heartbeat, but at some point/level they are just back up plans/warm bodies for practice. We have a need for 1 big to play a lot & could probably fit 2 into the rotation, if we get a relatively high level wing or one that gives us another option to cover a 4 or 5 we can find time for him as well. So by the third grad transfer the sell becomes much harder.
If that grad transfer has an early season, season-ending injury, you are sort of obligated to offer him another year, like we did with Thorne. That could be a problem next year, where we might have more plausible targets than we have rides.
That said, I'd still take any grad transfer who has something to offer.
I thought of having: No, 1, 2, 2+, but adding a lot of guys this late just seemed too far-fetched. Looks like the board is more optimistic than I am, though.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Yes, we'll add at least one grad transfer, probably two. A HS recruit is looking less and less likely though. Underwood doesn't want to lower standards just to take a HS kid, which is probably smart.
ILFaninFL
- Nature Coast in Florida
No, not a 4 year player, would be my guess. I would think they will pick up 2 grad transfers giving them 4 slots for 2018. There just aren't any P5 bigs left that can help next year in the current class.
The only exception would be something out of left field like an overseas player.
The only exception would be something out of left field like an overseas player.
IlliniDent
- Chicago, IL
Agau and Alstork would be absolutely crucial to filling out this roster. If we can convince both to come, they would easily both get significant minutes and make this team a Tournament team. After those two, really doubt we add anyone unless a good opportunity comes up. Really doubt we take a project this late in the game when it would be better to add to next year's class with a talented player.
That's certainly the core to begin the year, but I could see one of AJ and DMW being solid enough to be the 8th piece. Or both could collectively cover it, depending on who had the better week of practice or better recent performances. The cupboard is not as bare as you depict there, but it is one injury away from being a major issue.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I said no, since I believe no freshman. I do expect 2 transfers, not speculating who.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
In addition to DJW or are you including him?
I voted no, but since I voted things have changed. Securing both known transfers, was a good possibility but now not so sure. Gonna need at least 3 rides for '18 , maybe more, but for now, say 3 . Leaving you the one full ride to give. MA is 1 , which clears end of year, so he joins, not an issue. Agau joins , that's different deal, he has request for 2nd year of play request in to NCAA. Limbo there. So ATM still say we have 1, things change quickly, we might have a good player we want and should not pass on. I said B4 long time till August. We get MA and AA, I say we are good. Except grad transfers only after that.
I will say yes, we can be always dreaming, if we're not upset, but we can't be on a cloud computing all the time, either. :thumb:
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