Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April 2017)

[dbeverly26]

I appreciate that. I also am not blind to precisely what it is about Bruninga that makes people refer to him as a "Wisconsin type of player".

This probably belongs in the Bulls thread, but did you know that they would have won the 2011 ECF if Thibs woulda let Scalabrine off the bench?

 

[rockillini]

Hooz Got Next‏
@HoozGotNext

2017 forward Francesco Badocchi (@frankiejones23 ) tells me he'll visit Virginia next week, tentatively set for Wed 4/19.

 

[Illiniwek06]

Care to summarize?

When asked about what he’s looking for most in a college basketball team, Illinois Mr. Basketball Mark Smith told reporters this week that a coach’s track record of developing players would be a major priority.

A couple of minutes before that, Smith had this to say about UK Coach John Calipari, who came to his house last week to extend a Wildcats scholarship offer.

“Coach Calipari, his history of developing great basketball players and putting them in the NBA. That’s my dream — to go to the NBA,” Smith said.

“And just to win and go to the NCAA Tournament. … That’s always a dream of mine, to play on the big stage.”

 

[mattcoldagelli]

When asked about what he’s looking for most in a college basketball team, Illinois Mr. Basketball Mark Smith told reporters this week that a coach’s track record of developing players would be a major priority.

A couple of minutes before that, Smith had this to say about UK Coach John Calipari, who came to his house last week to extend a Wildcats scholarship offer.

“Coach Calipari, his history of developing great basketball players and putting them in the NBA. That’s my dream — to go to the NBA,” Smith said.

“And just to win and go to the NCAA Tournament. … That’s always a dream of mine, to play on the big stage.”

 

[sacraig]

When asked about what he’s looking for most in a college basketball team, Illinois Mr. Basketball Mark Smith told reporters this week that a coach’s track record of developing players would be a major priority.

A couple of minutes before that, Smith had this to say about UK Coach John Calipari, who came to his house last week to extend a Wildcats scholarship offer.

“Coach Calipari, his history of developing great basketball players and putting them in the NBA. That’s my dream — to go to the NBA,” Smith said.

“And just to win and go to the NCAA Tournament. … That’s always a dream of mine, to play on the big stage.”

Well, turds.

 

[Illini4life75]

Never said bruninga was good.just wondering how everyone on here knows how good he really is or isnt.says not impressed with him.like they have followed him.gonzaga does have players in thr past like that.all im saying.probably is a flop.who knows.

 

[RichBradIllini]

Today on Loyalty I learned that we should be recruiting Taylor Bruninga over Charlie Moore.

Literally, no one has said that.

The Bruninga comments were raised by the quote from the Peoria JS. That is, "Illinois also has expressed interest in Bruninga, according to his AAU coach Gavin Sullivan, who says the coaching staff wants the player to take an unofficial visit."

But, of course, anyone wanting to have any discussions related to him you quickly shoot down. He may or may not belong with a P5 team but I guess that's for you to decide. I'll let BU know you're not interested.

Today on Loyalty I learned that post counts mean squat.

 

[mattcoldagelli]

gonzaga does have players in thr past like that.

The rarely used "secret verse" of the Wisconsin Player Code.

 

[dweebs19]

well, looks like Kentucky might be in the lead. Has BU sent any kids to the NBA?

 

[Illini B-Ball Fan]

Never said bruninga was good.just wondering how everyone on here knows how good he really is or isnt.says not impressed with him.like they have followed him.gonzaga does have players in thr past like that.all im saying.probably is a flop.who knows.

So, after 4 posts, your responses have pretty much vascillated for and against Bruninga, which is it?

 

[ILLINIFAN2]

The bromance that certain posters here have with Bruninga is baffling. Just look at his offer list. Tells you all you need to know.

Guess you don't remember Mark Smith's offer list before ILL offered him...

 

[Trakis]

I told you guys we weren't getting Smith.

 

[Illiniwek06]

Guess you don't remember Mark Smith's offer list before ILL offered him...

Guess I don't remember Bruninga having committed to a school for a different sport, but comparing apples to oranges is fun.

 

[Adnarel]

Has BU sent any kids to the NBA?

Evans, if you want to count that.

 

[Calvin]

Seems smitten every time Kentucky is brought up..

Yeah, but he was chill --didn't tip his hand at all. Think he'll be a good floor leader.

 

[IlliniFin86]

Guess I don't remember Bruninga having committed to a school for a different sport, but comparing apples to oranges is fun.

I've seen Bruninga play and I'm not advocating for taking him with this post but you are actually closer to the truth than you realize.


He didn't commit to anyone for baseball but he wanted to play baseball in college. He might actually have more of a future as a pitcher than a basketball player. Early on he was looking for a school that would allow him to play both sports.


Just like Smith, Bruninga didn't commit to basketball full time like most high level basketball players.

 

[Illiniwek06]

I've seen Bruninga play and I'm not advocating for taking him with this post but you are actually closer to the truth than you realize.


He didn't commit to anyone for baseball but he wanted to play baseball in college. He might actually have more of a future as a pitcher than a basketball player. Early on he was looking for a school that would allow him to play both sports.


Just like Smith, Bruninga didn't commit to basketball full time like most high level basketball players.

Thanks for the info. TIL, which seems to be the theme for today.

 

[ILLINIFAN2]

Correct IlliniFin86, Bruninga has only concentrated on basketball for 1 year which gives him a lot of upside moving forward.

 

[combes]

I told you guys we weren't getting Smith.

What if you're wrong?

 

[troym22]

I think Illinois fans are just hesitant when it comes to small school stars like Bruninga that haven't been tested against good competition. They can look dominant, but with it being against less than elite talent, its easy to be hesitant because of past examples, e.g. Rich Beyers.

 

[SescIllini]

We can always offer a preferred walkon for those players that might be ready in 1-2 years.

 

[Peoria Pipeline]

I told you guys we weren't getting Smith.

Well i guess it's over than if you say so.

 

[foby]

I told you guys we weren't getting Smith.

I don't hear any singing.

 

[troym22]

I told you guys we weren't getting Smith.

Oh how I love absolutes.

 

[Orangetool]

We have some touchy posters on this thread today.


Take it easy, we have a new coach, a good one.


All is well.