And probably not just Tilmon. Tilmon and his mom/fam too
Illini Coaching Staff
And probably not just Tilmon. Tilmon and his mom/fam too
SampsonRelpenk
- Edwardsville, IL
And I don't blame them one bit. There's no "Common Sense Book of Baby and Child and 5-star Athlete Care" Dr. Spock guide. Personal relationships and trust are all you have to go on. Hopefully things fall our way.
ILLINI IN NE
- Omaha,Ne.
In the world of behind the scenes negotiating and conversations, its hard to believe that Jamal hasn't been approached about staying on via Whitman or more importantly BU. Indirect and direct back channel discussions are why BU is now our head coach. Why would that stop now??
There is a way to handle things formally and informally. We are now entering the formal part of the process. I am sure BU has a plan and he is about to execute it. I think Jamal is in listen-mode now and he will weigh his options and make a decision, if he hasn't already. My question is what is BUs plan. Is he ok with the potential make up of the team with or without Walker aboard. Because there is a strong probability that we can be looking at 2 vastly different teams next year based on this decision. Does BU want a ready-made winning team with Groces guys or a work in progress, mix and match team that he can build with his own recruits in 2018.
Also, how can you fault a kid who committed his basketball playing future to Groce vs. a vastly different coach in personality and playing style? The same goes for Walker! I think we all agree BU has a better system and chance to help players get to the NBA better than Groce but not everybody fits in his system. Personally I think every player and coach should be clamoring to play BU ball if college success and playing at the next level is their ultimate goal!! They should see this as an incredibly fortunate opportunity in very unfortunate circumstances!
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There is a way to handle things formally and informally. We are now entering the formal part of the process. I am sure BU has a plan and he is about to execute it. I think Jamal is in listen-mode now and he will weigh his options and make a decision, if he hasn't already. My question is what is BUs plan. Is he ok with the potential make up of the team with or without Walker aboard. Because there is a strong probability that we can be looking at 2 vastly different teams next year based on this decision. Does BU want a ready-made winning team with Groces guys or a work in progress, mix and match team that he can build with his own recruits in 2018.
Also, how can you fault a kid who committed his basketball playing future to Groce vs. a vastly different coach in personality and playing style? The same goes for Walker! I think we all agree BU has a better system and chance to help players get to the NBA better than Groce but not everybody fits in his system. Personally I think every player and coach should be clamoring to play BU ball if college success and playing at the next level is their ultimate goal!! They should see this as an incredibly fortunate opportunity in very unfortunate circumstances!
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In Combes we trust
Please, don't. Lol. That can backfire in a hurry.
Captain Bubbles
- Fairfield, IL
We had Robert (ALionEye) on one of our shows today. He feels that Jamall will go elsewhere.
bredhartmann
- Centralia, IL
I'm a big fan of Robert, but it's not like he has an inside source. Wouldn't read much into that.
If Underwood is going to see Tilmon tomorrow it would make sense that Jamall would be with him. Thats just my take on it though.
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It would make sense that he knows if Walker is staying or going before meeting with Tilmon. What the decision is could really go either way. I just think that it would be best if the situation is clarified and Underwood can give a clear sales pitch to Tilmon.
Hey, I am a long-time poster going back to the old BTFF and Brumby days and you have been there through most of it if I recall correctly and usually a voice of reason. My post was only a little tongue in cheek.
I think most acknowledge that Tilmon (and the others) should and will do what is right for them. They don't need our permission for anything.
But I have great faith in a major culture change that is happening in Champaign. I truly believe that the days of the Illini hoping and praying for 4's and 5's to consider our program are over. This is being replaced by the so-called Blue Bloods attitude of, "Hey, we've got a great program and we'd love you to come here but both you and our program will be fine if you don't. Best of luck to you." I think the Illini will now attract sufficient top recruits that the old compromised belief system is a thing of the past.
I sure hope so. I think it is critical we keep Walker. Underwood is an excellent coach and with Tilmon, Smith and the other recruits and what we have coming back we are ready to roll
I think I'm to the point where I'd be more surprised if Walker stays than if he goes but it's probably close to 50/50. I remember there was a lot of support for keeping Jerrance when Groce was hired. That went nowhere. In basketball, you only get 3 assistants. In this instance, we are talking about a drastic change in style of play and personality. Underwood will want assistants that are familiar and open to his style. He needs full control over his staff, but he's also been around long enough to know he needs people with good Illinois/Chicago/St. Louis connections. I'm fine with whatever BU decides.
Also, he's going to visit with Tilmon regardless of if Walker is on his staff or not. Tilmon is still the highest rated signed recruit with Illinois. If Walker goes elsewhere, Underwood is still going to give Tilmon his pitch.
Also, he's going to visit with Tilmon regardless of if Walker is on his staff or not. Tilmon is still the highest rated signed recruit with Illinois. If Walker goes elsewhere, Underwood is still going to give Tilmon his pitch.
This feels an awful lot like the Snacks episode when Groce was hired. It's a sensitive issue the new HC has to tiptoe around, but in a situation like this where the previous HC was fired, you want to start fresh with your own staff to better establish that culture all coaches like to talk about. Walker might be a great asst, but like all assts his fortunes are tied to the HC, and when that HC fails it taints the assts.
Regardless, Underwood doesn't seem like the type of coach to hire an asst for the short-term gain of getting a player, even someone as good as Tilmon. So I wouldn't be surprised if Walker goes elsewhere.
Regardless, Underwood doesn't seem like the type of coach to hire an asst for the short-term gain of getting a player, even someone as good as Tilmon. So I wouldn't be surprised if Walker goes elsewhere.
EfremWinters84
- S. Carolina
Agree we'll likely know Jamal's role with the 2017-18 Illini by the time BU sits down with Tilmon. I just get worried when I hear Jamal mention Groce and the prior regime in 50% of his interview responses. I get the impression the Groce coaching staff was really tight.
I also think Mizzou and Cuonzo have closer recruiting ties to the St. Louis metro area than BU/Illinois. Naturally, those close ties play into Jamal's area of expertise.
I also think Mizzou and Cuonzo have closer recruiting ties to the St. Louis metro area than BU/Illinois. Naturally, those close ties play into Jamal's area of expertise.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
No two situations are the same. At the end of the Weber era our guys all looked like they were in a proof-of-life video. That's not as much the case now.
Walker staying. Piper tweeted
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
Really really happy Walker worked out!