Walker should be fine and not have to worry, plus BU is visiting Tilmon and mom on Friday, so life is good.
Illini Coaching Staff
Walker should be fine and not have to worry, plus BU is visiting Tilmon and mom on Friday, so life is good.
illiniCA
- DC Area
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Commentators asked if Walker had a chance to stay on and BU's response started with "Ohh yeah...."
This does not inspire optimism. Maybe that's how Underwood rolls, though. Dunno.
Deleted member 8213
D
Guest
Yeah I thought it was pretty noncommittal... "we're still talking."
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
I guess you'd need to hear it yourself. He said it in an optimistic way.
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
That's what I thought as well. It felt like he realized he slipped and he kind of walked it back a little bit with the rest of his statement.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Yes, that's exactly what I thought. It sounded like he was going to say "Oh yeah, he's going to stay." But only got out "Oh yeah" before realizing he can't say that yet.
Ok. Season's over, when are they going to announce that Walker is staying..
This most certainly inspires optimism. Thanks for the elaboration! :thumb:
Since Underwood is meeting with Tilmon on Friday, I'm guessing we will here something before then. It would be a lot easier for Tilmon to connect with BU if he knows Walker is staying. And if Walker isn't staying then I would hope that BU has a sales pitch in place to keep Tilmon without Walker.
So tomorrow afternoon? Either way we need an answer quickly to secure the recruits. For my money, I bet they announce he is staying tomorrow afternoon.
Walker/Smith/Tilmon/Pickett/Williams commitments to UI. Pronto!
Illiniwek06
- N of I-80
Yeah, I felt optimistic when I first heard it but wasn't sure if it was just kool aid.
To recap, Dakich asked about the possibility of Walker staying on staff, to which Underwood replied "Ohhh yeah." He then said they had not had serious discussions, but he's impressed with how Walker had the team focused and playing.
And another important part is BU said he has known Walker for a long time.
GortTheRobot
- North Bethesda, Maryland
I would be very surprised if BU was not able to ask Tilmon on Friday, "so are you still on board with me and coach Walker?"
Even if Cuonzo is a great recruiter, Mizzou is a bigger mess than we are, not his state school, and is not viewed as a peer to the Illinois program...despite out lengthy drought. And if Walker is staying...no real threat.
Tilmon seems to have been pretty transparent about his loyalty to Walker, so if Walker is still here...Tilmon will be too.
Even if Cuonzo is a great recruiter, Mizzou is a bigger mess than we are, not his state school, and is not viewed as a peer to the Illinois program...despite out lengthy drought. And if Walker is staying...no real threat.
Tilmon seems to have been pretty transparent about his loyalty to Walker, so if Walker is still here...Tilmon will be too.
Illiniwek06
- N of I-80
+1. Forgot about that part. Said he's known him since Walker was in HS.
It's awkward.
why? He needs to stay. Too many good players involved and he can coach
Who's doing the disrespecting?
Tilmon hasn't said anything. We fired his coach so he's evaluating his options. Seems like he's handling the situation well.
Walker has just been focusing on coaching the team. I'm super impressed with how he's handled the situation. If anything his stock has risen.
Illiniwek06
- N of I-80
It seems like it's Underwood's call as to whether Walker will be retained, so not sure where the disrespect is coming from. And Tilmon is highly regarded by many, not just Walker.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Meeting in home with Tilmon on Friday. It'd be more powerful with Walker beside him.
I don't get why people are annoyed with Tilmon. He's been patient and is giving Underwood a chance.
Go ahead and be annoyed at the recruiting gurus who are flipping crystal balls, but Tilmon has been a class act through this coaching transition.
And to those who are casting doubt on Tilmon's value...that's just ridiculous. He's a future pro, and a difference maker. Losing him would hurt really bad for a couple years.
Let's all just take a page out of Tilmon's book and be patient let Underwood actually meet with the Tilmons before jumping to conclusions.
Go ahead and be annoyed at the recruiting gurus who are flipping crystal balls, but Tilmon has been a class act through this coaching transition.
And to those who are casting doubt on Tilmon's value...that's just ridiculous. He's a future pro, and a difference maker. Losing him would hurt really bad for a couple years.
Let's all just take a page out of Tilmon's book and be patient let Underwood actually meet with the Tilmons before jumping to conclusions.
KrushCow31
Former Krush Cow
- Chicago, IL
Seconded on the Tilmon comments. What do you guys expect him to do? This is his entire future. His college coach will have a huge impact on where he ends up in life. I want him to be comfortable and trusting of our new coach. If that takes him a meeting or two then good for him. Our recruits deserve to know the coach they would be playing under. It's so ridiculous people are expecting him to hard commit again when the coaching staff isn't even lined up and he only just talked to Underwood.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag