Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April 2017)

[Calvin]

I don't think people are as upset about the fact that he has asked out of his NLI, but more so because he is doing so after retweeting his commitment on Monday. Would love Kiir and a fifth year transfer like Ahmed Hamdy (loved watching him play as a guy who can get you 5-7 pts and 5 reb a game off the bench).

Meh, he's a high schooler --he's entitled to make this decision any way he's comfortable with. I agree btw, that it looks bad, but he probably gets a lot of pressure to say something.

Not saying this about you, but I really dislike it when you see sour grapes posting, and implications of wrong-doing. Anyone who's been around college basketball knows recruiting has a lot of factors, not all of which make a lot of sense.

I will remain hopeful that we get someone who wants to grab the insane amount of PT we'll have at Center. It's about as good a recruiting pitch as you could want --YOU'RE GONNA PLAY!

 

[scsaints23]

Having never seen either kid in person, I wonder if Kiir would be a better fit in Coach Underwood's system than Tilmon? Living in SC, I have had a front row seat to Frank Martin's transformation of his program. Lots of transfers out during his first few years, as he is extremely demanding. But, his team's athleticism grew by leaps and bounds. I assume Coach Underwood wants guys that can get up and down the court, pressure the ball, etc. I'm not sure who fits the bill better in that regard, Tilmon or Kiir. Kiir would be a nice consolation prize.... But, I'm afraid he may follow Coach Wade to LSU.

 

[Peoria Pipeline]

Not saying this just because he decommitted ( i would still take him in a heartbeat) but i think Tilmon has always been a little overrated. His ranking is based on potential, and dont get me wrong, there is a lot of potential. I still think it will take him a while to adapt to the college game. I left wanting more each time i saw him play. I see him as a minimum three year player unless he wants to go undrafted. All that being said we need a big man desperately so it will hurt losing him. Kiir would make this sting a lot less.

 

[Kazanski]

Not going to spin this or sugarcoat it. Tilmon doing this is going to set us back years. Similar situation to Cliff.

In hindsight, maybe we should have taken Cuonzo. We would all be thrilled with his incoming class. Say what you will about his coaching ability, but 90% of college hoops is recruiting. Cuonzo seems ready and willing to play in the grey area. Watch out when he lands Mark Smith...

I'm hopeful for Kirr and Smith and that will get us on the right track. Do I expect it? No.

 

[sdfidaho]

I see that there are several uncommitted top talent for 2017 left in Texas.
With BU's recruiting history in Texas and now the hiring of Antigua as an assistant, any chance we could scoop in and get even better talent than Tilmon?
I still hope Smith commits to the UI.

 

[Sizzler22]

Braggin rights game is going to be fun this year.

 

[OldGreg]

I see that there are several uncommitted top talent for 2017 left in Texas.
With BU's recruiting history in Texas and now the hiring of Antigua as an assistant, any chance we could scoop in and get even better talent than Tilmon?
I still hope Smith commits to the UI.

There's maybe not 5 more talented kids out there in 2017 than Tilmon and we have no shot with any of them. Those who think we have a shot with Bowen are crazy

 

[dmac279]

What the H...tillmon got against Illinois....? Even if he falls back and ops for Illinois...it would be his last choice. Whew....enough already.

Must f been a better offer

 

[RichardKeenesHair]

Well, this is too bad, but the handwriting was on the wall the minute Zo and Porter landed in Columbia. And this would have happened regardless of whether Groce stayed. I actually think the change to Underwood increased our chances to keep JT even if only temporarily. As others have said, I would take Tilmon in a heartbeat, but this isn't losing Eric Gordon or someone of that caliber. Tilmon wasn't going to be ready for the physical play in the BIG next year anyway. Get a transfer and/or a hidden gem of a big guy and we'll be fine. Also, doubt this has much of any impact on Smith at all

 

[FrankNitty]

LaPhonso Ellis

That is the name of the real intermediary that was used on Tilmon. On ESPN, before we had hired Underwood, and after Clownzo was named at Missouri... Ellis was gushing over Tilmon going to Mizzwho.

One of the greatest recruits out of ESL (Ellis) , advocating for one of the other great recruits out of ESL( Martin) is a good sell. Probably selling the family more so than Jeremiah.

Seriously, someday we will find out that LaPhonso had his hand in this.

 

[illinitiger]

This confirms, in my mind, my opinion that Martin is a cheat. It may have been through Porter, Jr, but still. IMO something does not smell quite right.

Yeah,...hate to be a conspiracy theorist, but almost think that the JT tweet the other day may have been "cover" to avoid anyone's suspicions of interaction over the last month.

 

[Ubermensch]

Holy cow, I just read a few of the IG comments. Wish I hadn't.

Nothing makes me feel more accomplished and right with my place in the world than talking down to a high school kid because he won't play basketball where I want him to. It's like therapy and meditation at the same time.

 

[cfletch]

Not saying this just because he decommitted ( i would still take him in a heartbeat) but i think Tilmon has always been a little overrated. His ranking is based on potential, and dont get me wrong, there is a lot of potential. I still think it will take him a while to adapt to the college game. I left wanting more each time i saw him play. I see him as a minimum three year player unless he wants to go undrafted. All that being said we need a big man desperately so it will hurt losing him. Kiir would make this sting a lot less.

I agree with this, I saw him play live (granted only once) but he got in foul trouble and then picked up another dumb foul. That and with all his recruiting drama is making me think he could be head case. He was also in the middle of an on court scuffle against EHS this year too. He has the potential but I did not see him being an immediate factor at the B1G level. Definitely still hurts due to the lack of bigs on out there and on our roster.

 

[skyIdub]

Make no mistake about it, BU's style and intensity will bring the type of players to Illinois that really WANT to play for him. We will love these players. If Tilmon isn't one of these players, we should all be just fine with that. Best of luck to him and his decision.
Bring on BU's players and let's get it on!

 

[Kathy]

Holy cow, I just read a few of the IG comments. Wish I hadn't.

My mind is blank. Who is IG? Sorry.

 

[TownieMatt]

My mind is blank. Who is IG? Sorry.

Instah Graham. Potential replacement for Tilmon in 2017.

 

[Kathy]

Instah Graham. Potential replacement for Tilmon in 2017.

Hahaha

 

[TxChief]

Read between the lines. BU is done chasing Tilmon. Probably would let him re-up, would make sense that JWalk will talk to him, but BL, wish him all luck, but not that important to the overall plans. Talented, yes. Critical, no. Tilmon, I'm sure is being promoted that he is 1-done, but never has shown it against competition that's going to the Big Show. Easy to sway 17-18 year olds. Just like BU, wish him luck and success, but will be on his own with coaches who have no real track record, college or pro.

 

[Noday]

If JT was from Chicago his coaches would be blasted. His family would have been accused of who knows what. Happy to see he is not getting that treatment. But no kid should, even kids from Chicago.

 

[skyIdub]

I am convinced after these last couple of announcements (Kiir/Tilmon) then hiring Antigua that there is some curious stuff going on. Maybe BU likes Kiir better. Maybe Kiir brings more/better intensity?
Antigua hire > Tilmon tweet

 

[Ubermensch]

I am convinced after these last couple of announcements (Kiir/Tilmon) then hiring Antigua that there is some curious stuff going on. Maybe BU likes Kiir better. Maybe Kiir brings more/better intensity?
Antigua hire > Tilmon tweet

I don't know, but I feel pretty sure the timing of these two things today is no accident.

 

[TxChief]

My mind is blank. Who is IG? Sorry.

"IG" - "Instagram", in this case Tilmon's instragram, and telling a kid to F-Off, among others, is wrong, even for the younger crowd on this board (I hope no one, of any age, would post that in response to Tilmon's decision).

BTW, saw on the home page TFraizer tweet post in response to the Tilmon request; everyone should look at it. This kid only gets better and better.

 

[LJ22]

Bummed about Tilmon.

Something I don't understand, though - Tilmon can (and should be able to, in my opinion) get out of his NLI due to a coaching change. But our current players committed to the same coach, so theoretically their "contract" changed without their consent, too. I know they're committed to the school, not the coach, but why should it be a different set of rules for a recruit versus an enrolled player who find themselves in the same situation - without the coach they wanted to play for?

*I know NCAA regulations are the reason, but what is the reason for the regulations in the first place.

 

[FinalFour88]

"IG" - "Instagram", in this case Tilmon's instragram, and telling a kid to F-Off, among others, is wrong, even for the younger crowd on this board (I hope no one, of any age, would post that in response to Tilmon's decision).

BTW, saw on the home page TFraizer tweet post in response to the Tilmon request; everyone should look at it. This kid only gets better and better.

Totally agree. Inexcusable behavior, regardless of your age.

 

[PlayAZ]

http://247sports.com/PlayerInstitut...ory-Rock-Prep-144738/CurrentExpertPredictions

Interesting

Maybe Tilmon ONLY wants the attention the guarantee of 1 and done (he is NOT that player), and no direct competition from day one (Kiir, would qualify here-if landing at Illinois)....if all this or some of this is accurate, then Tilmon is not the player that is advertised (always thought he was good-not GREAT).

If Kiir wants to come here, GREAT, if Tilmon wants to or go elsewhere GREAT, neither are program saviors!!!