Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April 2017)

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#2,402      

Deleted member 8213

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Deleted member 8213
IlliniElite said:
All im saying is we have StLouis Post releasing a huge article about Illini Fans bashing Tilmon that didnt make us look good. JW had the ball in his court and turned it over. We had a bunch of $$$ for a new coach and we failed to land that elite recruiter thats what u need in college basketball...
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Whats this "we" !!!!, aren't you a Mizzou fan?
 
#2,404      

Bluegrass8

B
Bluegrass8
I've been following the Mark Smith saga for a couple months and Think I can shed some light on this situation. As an Illinois alum that received a Masters from Kentucky I have valid interest in both programs. In short, this thing has gotten out of control.

I worked with some close to situatio at UK and can tell you that Smiths name is new to the agenda here. I have credible info that he is indeed a security blanket here and an insurance policy to the one and done prospects they have already landed. The plan for him is to secure him to the roster as a player that will be here's for a few years as UK circulates through one and dones and he is not rated as a one ad done by the UK staff but yet a player they feel like they can land simply by the blue blood appeal to the Smith camp.

This is two fold. They can get a good prospect and at the same time , keep one away from the Michigan States of the world who will enter the season as a top 10 team since Bridges is returning. MSU type team with veteran personnel are the only thing that has kept U.K. In check in recent times so it makes perfect sense to take a kid that may not play much net year here simply to keep him away from A program like Izzo has built.

The truth is , Smiths recruitment is extremely odd. His camp evidentially wants him to be a premier player and "the guy" at the school he chooses but those options are very slim. Of the schools rumored to have a serious mutual interest, only Illinois and Butler truly provide that opportunity.

They are being advised by someone close to family that used to coach , but this seems to be adding to the confusion. Michigan State, Nothwestern, and Missouri have top guards that would seemingly be the guy at those schools. Kentucky has 4 guys that could be the guy on basically any other t am on his list which makes this confusing.

What's crazy, is Mark has a golden opportunity at Illinois that they are completely overlooking. Underwood has made it to the NCAA tourney in every year he has bee a head coach, and has rolled out the red carpet for Smith to be their next Deron Williams. Why they are passing on this is crazy.

Underwood runs a guard friendly offense where guards in particular are the face of his open style offensive teams. It gives you the feeling that's fit doesn't mean a thing and his camp wants him at the biggest name school possible. It's a crazy way of thinking. There are less than 10 top 100 players signed or committed at this point.

Smith is the only one in top 100 that doesn't, have a released list at all of the finalists. I am a U.K. Fan but this young man should have already been signed sealed and delivered to Illinois for the opportunity to be a star in his own state school. Something that rarely happens. this guy could be an Illini legend that could name his job in the state if The NBA don't work out. Or he could be like many of the Illinois kid shows that tried to find greener pastures that didn't work out and are nameless in the state.

Michigan State has an All American back, Mizzou has a class that he would just be a part of, Kentucky has so many guys that will come before him I the pecking order as I have heard them say myself, and other schools are just now entering the phase. He could be THE GUY at Illinois now and start a trend of talented Illinois kids styling home. If Mr. Basketball 2017 starts that trend, he will hold historical value In that state that will live on for many years to come. No other place offers anything close.
 
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#2,405      

Illinois13

I
Illinois13
Bluegrass8 said:
I've been following the Mark Smith saga for a couple months and Think I can shed some light on this situation. As an Illinois alum that received a Masters from Kentucky I have valid interest in both programs. In short, this thing has gotten out of control. I worked with some close to situatio at UK and can tell you that Smiths name is new to the agenda here. I have credible info that he is indeed a security blanket here and an insurance policy to the one and done prospects they have already landed. The plan for him is to secure him to the roster as a player that will be here's for a few years as UK circulates through one ad donegal he is not rated as a one ad done by the UK staff but yet a player they feel like they ca land simply by the blue blood appeal to the Smith camp. This is two fold. They can get a good prospect and at the same time , keep one away from the Michigan States of th world who will enter the season as a top 10 team since Bridges is returning. MSU type team with veteran personnel are the only thing that has kept U.K. In check in recent times so it makes perfect sense to take a kid that may not play much net year here simply to keep him away from At program like Izzo has built. the truth is , Smiths recruitment is extremely odd. His camp evidentially wats him to be a premier player and "the guy" at the school he chooses but those options are very slim. Of the schools rumored to have a serious mutual interest, only Illinois and Butler truly provide that opportunity. They are being advised by someone close to family that used to coach , but this seems to be adding to the confusion. Michigan State, Nothwestern, and Missouri have top guards that would seemingly be the guy at those schools. Kentucky has 4 guys that could be the guy on basically any other t am on his list which makes this confusing. What's crazy, is Mark has a golden opportunity at Illinois that they are completely overlooking. Underwood has made it to the NCAA tourney in every year he has bee a head coach, and has rolled out the red carpet for Smith to be their next Deron Williams. Why they are passing on this is crazy. Underwood runs a guar friendly offense where guards in particular are the face of his open style offensive teams. It gives you the feeling that's fit doesn't mean a thing and his camp wants him at the biggest name school possible. It's a crazy way of thinking. There are less than 10 top 100 players signed or committed at this point. Smith is the only one in top 100 that doesn't,
Have a released list at all of the finalists. I am a U.K. Fan but this young man should have already been signed sealed and delivered to Illinois for the opportunity to be a star in his own state school. Something that rarely happens. this guy could be an Illini legend that could name his job in the state if The NBA don't work out. Or he could be like many of the Illinois kid shows that tried to find greener pastures that didn't work out and are nameless in the state. Michigan State has an All American back, Mizzou has a class that he would just be a part of, Kentucky has so many guys that will come before him I the pecking order as I have heard them say myself, and other schools are just now entering the phase. He could be THE GUY at Illinois now and start a trend of talented Illinois kids styling home. If Mr. Basketball 2017 starts that trend, he will hold historical value In that state that will live on for many years to come. No other place offers anything close.
Click to expand...

I had to scroll down to quote something I'll never read. Nice one.
 
#2,407      

Deleted member 8213

D
Guest
Deleted member 8213
Bluegrass8 said:
I've been following the Mark Smith saga for a couple months and Think I can shed some light on this situation. As an Illinois alum that received a Masters from Kentucky I have valid interest in both programs. In short, this thing has gotten out of control. I worked with some close to situatio at UK and can tell you that Smiths name is new to the agenda here. I have credible info that he is indeed a security blanket here and an insurance policy to the one and done prospects they have already landed. The plan for him is to secure him to the roster as a player that will be here's for a few years as UK circulates through one and dones and he is not rated as a one ad done by the UK staff but yet a player they feel like they can land simply by the blue blood appeal to the Smith camp. This is two fold. They can get a good prospect and at the same time , keep one away from the Michigan States of the world who will enter the season as a top 10 team since Bridges is returning. MSU type team with veteran personnel are the only thing that has kept U.K. In check in recent times so it makes perfect sense to take a kid that may not play much net year here simply to keep him away from A program like Izzo has built. the truth is , Smiths recruitment is extremely odd. His camp evidentially wants him to be a premier player and "the guy" at the school he chooses but those options are very slim. Of the schools rumored to have a serious mutual interest, only Illinois and Butler truly provide that opportunity. They are being advised by someone close to family that used to coach , but this seems to be adding to the confusion. Michigan State, Nothwestern, and Missouri have top guards that would seemingly be the guy at those schools. Kentucky has 4 guys that could be the guy on basically any other t am on his list which makes this confusing. What's crazy, is Mark has a golden opportunity at Illinois that they are completely overlooking. Underwood has made it to the NCAA tourney in every year he has bee a head coach, and has rolled out the red carpet for Smith to be their next Deron Williams. Why they are passing on this is crazy. Underwood runs a guard friendly offense where guards in particular are the face of his open style offensive teams. It gives you the feeling that's fit doesn't mean a thing and his camp wants him at the biggest name school possible. It's a crazy way of thinking. There are less than 10 top 100 players signed or committed at this point. Smith is the only one in top 100 that doesn't,
Have a released list at all of the finalists. I am a U.K. Fan but this young man should have already been signed sealed and delivered to Illinois for the opportunity to be a star in his own state school. Something that rarely happens. this guy could be an Illini legend that could name his job in the state if The NBA don't work out. Or he could be like many of the Illinois kid shows that tried to find greener pastures that didn't work out and are nameless in the state. Michigan State has an All American back, Mizzou has a class that he would just be a part of, Kentucky has so many guys that will come before him I the pecking order as I have heard them say myself, and other schools are just now entering the phase. He could be THE GUY at Illinois now and start a trend of talented Illinois kids styling home. If Mr. Basketball 2017 starts that trend, he will hold historical value In that state that will live on for many years to come. No other place offers anything close.
Click to expand...

Well then.... how about that? :noidea:
 
#2,409      

Whitman2020

W
Whitman2020
IlliniElite said:
All im saying is we have StLouis Post releasing a huge article about Illini Fans bashing Tilmon that didnt make us look good. JW had the ball in his court and turned it over. We had a bunch of $$$ for a new coach and we failed to land that elite recruiter thats what u need in college basketball...
Click to expand...

Haha come on. I care less about the talk of STL than I do Chicago.
 
#2,410      

timmytao

T
timmytao
Bluegrass8 said:
I've been following the Mark Smith saga for a couple months and Think I can shed some light on this situation. As an Illinois alum that received a Masters from Kentucky I have valid interest in both programs. In short, this thing has gotten out of control. I worked with some close to situatio at UK and can tell you that Smiths name is new to the agenda here. I have credible info that he is indeed a security blanket here and an insurance policy to the one and done prospects they have already landed. The plan for him is to secure him to the roster as a player that will be here's for a few years as UK circulates through one and dones and he is not rated as a one ad done by the UK staff but yet a player they feel like they can land simply by the blue blood appeal to the Smith camp. This is two fold. They can get a good prospect and at the same time , keep one away from the Michigan States of the world who will enter the season as a top 10 team since Bridges is returning. MSU type team with veteran personnel are the only thing that has kept U.K. In check in recent times so it makes perfect sense to take a kid that may not play much net year here simply to keep him away from A program like Izzo has built. the truth is , Smiths recruitment is extremely odd. His camp evidentially wants him to be a premier player and "the guy" at the school he chooses but those options are very slim. Of the schools rumored to have a serious mutual interest, only Illinois and Butler truly provide that opportunity. They are being advised by someone close to family that used to coach , but this seems to be adding to the confusion. Michigan State, Nothwestern, and Missouri have top guards that would seemingly be the guy at those schools. Kentucky has 4 guys that could be the guy on basically any other t am on his list which makes this confusing. What's crazy, is Mark has a golden opportunity at Illinois that they are completely overlooking. Underwood has made it to the NCAA tourney in every year he has bee a head coach, and has rolled out the red carpet for Smith to be their next Deron Williams. Why they are passing on this is crazy. Underwood runs a guard friendly offense where guards in particular are the face of his open style offensive teams. It gives you the feeling that's fit doesn't mean a thing and his camp wants him at the biggest name school possible. It's a crazy way of thinking. There are less than 10 top 100 players signed or committed at this point. Smith is the only one in top 100 that doesn't,
Have a released list at all of the finalists. I am a U.K. Fan but this young man should have already been signed sealed and delivered to Illinois for the opportunity to be a star in his own state school. Something that rarely happens. this guy could be an Illini legend that could name his job in the state if The NBA don't work out. Or he could be like many of the Illinois kid shows that tried to find greener pastures that didn't work out and are nameless in the state. Michigan State has an All American back, Mizzou has a class that he would just be a part of, Kentucky has so many guys that will come before him I the pecking order as I have heard them say myself, and other schools are just now entering the phase. He could be THE GUY at Illinois now and start a trend of talented Illinois kids styling home. If Mr. Basketball 2017 starts that trend, he will hold historical value In that state that will live on for many years to come. No other place offers anything close.
Click to expand...

That's great stuff, thank you. Couldn't help but think you should have gone with the handle "orange&bluegrass8" if you were REALLY a fan! I kid I kid i kid :D
 
#2,412      

Elgin7680

E
Elgin7680
Just wondering, on the picture that Whitman posted, we are missing Black, Finke, DJ. I wonder what that is all about?
 
#2,413      

CAHALL15

C
Central Illinois
CAHALL15
IlliniElite said:
Its going to play out the same way it did with Groce u cant sit and say well hes new we will give him a year then see how he does the following year you cant do that in College hoops this isnt the nba where there is a draft and you can rebuild....If you fire a Coach in college u better hope whoever u hire is a homerun JW is a football guy he went out and snagged up a stud Coach in Lovie he mad a huge mistake hiring BU mark my words Illini Basketball going to be rough to watch for years to come and i love the Orange and Blue
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It's hard to compare Groce and BU so I'll stick to facts rather than opinion despite your post being in the wrong thread as you didn't really mention any recruiting.

At Ohio, Groce never finished higher than 3rd in the conference and compiled a 34-30 conference record with 2 tournament appearances in 4 years. At Illinois he had one tournament appearance in five years with a 37-53 conference record and never finished higher than 7th in the conference.

BU at SFA compiled a 35-1 conference record, won the league 3/3 years, tied Brad Stevens with the most overall wins in his first 3 years and beat Shaka Smart, Bob Huggins, and were 1.5 seconds away from beating D-Jack and ND despite not having a single 3, 4, or 5 star on the team. At OSU, BU again made the tournament and took a sweet 16 Michigan team down to the final possessions. He took a 12-20 team and had a 20-13 team with a 5th place conference finish.
 
#2,414      

ballislife17

ballislife17
ballislife17
Elgin7680 said:
Just wondering, on the picture that Whitman posted, we are missing Black, Finke, DJ. I wonder what that is all about?
Click to expand...

That picture wasn't showing everyone at practice. Kipper wasn't in the picture either, and I know for a fact he was there.
 
#2,417      

PlayAZ

P
PlayAZ
Bluegrass8 said:
I've been following the Mark Smith saga for a couple months and Think I can shed some light on this situation. As an Illinois alum that received a Masters from Kentucky I have valid interest in both programs. In short, this thing has gotten out of control.

I worked with some close to situatio at UK and can tell you that Smiths name is new to the agenda here. I have credible info that he is indeed a security blanket here and an insurance policy to the one and done prospects they have already landed. The plan for him is to secure him to the roster as a player that will be here's for a few years as UK circulates through one and dones and he is not rated as a one ad done by the UK staff but yet a player they feel like they can land simply by the blue blood appeal to the Smith camp.

This is two fold. They can get a good prospect and at the same time , keep one away from the Michigan States of the world who will enter the season as a top 10 team since Bridges is returning. MSU type team with veteran personnel are the only thing that has kept U.K. In check in recent times so it makes perfect sense to take a kid that may not play much net year here simply to keep him away from A program like Izzo has built.

The truth is , Smiths recruitment is extremely odd. His camp evidentially wants him to be a premier player and "the guy" at the school he chooses but those options are very slim. Of the schools rumored to have a serious mutual interest, only Illinois and Butler truly provide that opportunity.

They are being advised by someone close to family that used to coach , but this seems to be adding to the confusion. Michigan State, Nothwestern, and Missouri have top guards that would seemingly be the guy at those schools. Kentucky has 4 guys that could be the guy on basically any other t am on his list which makes this confusing.

What's crazy, is Mark has a golden opportunity at Illinois that they are completely overlooking. Underwood has made it to the NCAA tourney in every year he has bee a head coach, and has rolled out the red carpet for Smith to be their next Deron Williams. Why they are passing on this is crazy.

Underwood runs a guard friendly offense where guards in particular are the face of his open style offensive teams. It gives you the feeling that's fit doesn't mean a thing and his camp wants him at the biggest name school possible. It's a crazy way of thinking. There are less than 10 top 100 players signed or committed at this point.

Smith is the only one in top 100 that doesn't, have a released list at all of the finalists. I am a U.K. Fan but this young man should have already been signed sealed and delivered to Illinois for the opportunity to be a star in his own state school. Something that rarely happens. this guy could be an Illini legend that could name his job in the state if The NBA don't work out. Or he could be like many of the Illinois kid shows that tried to find greener pastures that didn't work out and are nameless in the state.

Michigan State has an All American back, Mizzou has a class that he would just be a part of, Kentucky has so many guys that will come before him I the pecking order as I have heard them say myself, and other schools are just now entering the phase. He could be THE GUY at Illinois now and start a trend of talented Illinois kids styling home. If Mr. Basketball 2017 starts that trend, he will hold historical value In that state that will live on for many years to come. No other place offers anything close.
Click to expand...

So your saying that another place not here offers something different?
 
#2,418      

helppitch

H
helppitch
Peoria Pipeline said:
I was really young at the time so i don't remember but did Damir Krupalija play HS ball in USA??
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I looked up Damir. He had quite a career overseas. When on the floor, he always had a nose for the ball. Average rebounds per minute for us were really good.
 
#2,419      

JIllini

J
JIllini
So I haven't been following this thread much in the last week or so. Is the conensus that Smith is pretty much a lost cause now?
 
#2,420      

ratdawg

R
ratdawg
Harrisburg Ilinois
ratdawg
Bluegrass8 said:
I've been following the Mark Smith saga for a couple months and Think I can shed some light on this situation. As an Illinois alum that received a Masters from Kentucky I have valid interest in both programs. In short, this thing has gotten out of control.

I worked with some close to situatio at UK and can tell you that Smiths name is new to the agenda here. I have credible info that he is indeed a security blanket here and an insurance policy to the one and done prospects they have already landed. The plan for him is to secure him to the roster as a player that will be here's for a few years as UK circulates through one and dones and he is not rated as a one ad done by the UK staff but yet a player they feel like they can land simply by the blue blood appeal to the Smith camp.

This is two fold. They can get a good prospect and at the same time , keep one away from the Michigan States of the world who will enter the season as a top 10 team since Bridges is returning. MSU type team with veteran personnel are the only thing that has kept U.K. In check in recent times so it makes perfect sense to take a kid that may not play much net year here simply to keep him away from A program like Izzo has built.

The truth is , Smiths recruitment is extremely odd. His camp evidentially wants him to be a premier player and "the guy" at the school he chooses but those options are very slim. Of the schools rumored to have a serious mutual interest, only Illinois and Butler truly provide that opportunity.

They are being advised by someone close to family that used to coach , but this seems to be adding to the confusion. Michigan State, Nothwestern, and Missouri have top guards that would seemingly be the guy at those schools. Kentucky has 4 guys that could be the guy on basically any other t am on his list which makes this confusing.

What's crazy, is Mark has a golden opportunity at Illinois that they are completely overlooking. Underwood has made it to the NCAA tourney in every year he has bee a head coach, and has rolled out the red carpet for Smith to be their next Deron Williams. Why they are passing on this is crazy.

Underwood runs a guard friendly offense where guards in particular are the face of his open style offensive teams. It gives you the feeling that's fit doesn't mean a thing and his camp wants him at the biggest name school possible. It's a crazy way of thinking. There are less than 10 top 100 players signed or committed at this point.

Smith is the only one in top 100 that doesn't, have a released list at all of the finalists. I am a U.K. Fan but this young man should have already been signed sealed and delivered to Illinois for the opportunity to be a star in his own state school. Something that rarely happens. this guy could be an Illini legend that could name his job in the state if The NBA don't work out. Or he could be like many of the Illinois kid shows that tried to find greener pastures that didn't work out and are nameless in the state.

Michigan State has an All American back, Mizzou has a class that he would just be a part of, Kentucky has so many guys that will come before him I the pecking order as I have heard them say myself, and other schools are just now entering the phase. He could be THE GUY at Illinois now and start a trend of talented Illinois kids styling home. If Mr. Basketball 2017 starts that trend, he will hold historical value In that state that will live on for many years to come. No other place offers anything close.
Click to expand...

To be general here. I've never understood why kids >
1. Have no allegiance to their home school. (Illinois being the poster child for this)
2. If you want to be the man ,why are you considering places you wont be?
3.If you want to make a name for yourself. , why do you go to schools like ky,Duke,NC ? Where there is so much history and famous names? You're just a another player there. Hard to erase a name like Jordan or even Laetner
 
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#2,422      

sacraig

sacraig
The desert
sacraig
JIllini said:
So I haven't been following this thread much in the last week or so. Is the conensus that Smith is pretty much a lost cause now?
Click to expand...

That depends on whether you think anyone on here actually knows anything or not.
 
#2,423      

ratdawg

R
ratdawg
Harrisburg Ilinois
ratdawg
in other words. Make a name for yourself.:illinois:
 
#2,424      

KansasIllinifan

K
KansasIllinifan
ratdawg said:
To be general here. I've never understood why kids >
1. Have no allegiance to their home school. (Illinois being the poster child for this)
2. If you want to be the man ,why are you considering places you wont be?
3.If you want to make a name for yourself. , why do you go to schools like ky,Duke,NC ? Where there is so much history and famous names? You're just a another player there. Hard to erase a name like Jordan or even Laetner
Click to expand...
If you have NBA aspirations you go with bluebloods if they offer.I've been a diehard Illini fan all my life (58) but if I had a son or grandson with elite talent there's no way I would try to steer him away from Cal or K.They get kids to the league.You don't risk your future to possibly be the home state hero.
 
#2,425      

ratdawg

R
ratdawg
Harrisburg Ilinois
ratdawg
KansasIllinifan said:
If you have NBA aspirations you go with bluebloods if they offer.I've been a diehard Illini fan all my life (58) but if I had a son or grandson with elite talent there's no way I would try to steer him away from Cal or K.They get kids to the league.You don't risk your future to possibly be the home state hero.
Click to expand...

ok. I think a whole lot more lies in the player than the coach. If yoou have NBA talent in you. most will see that success on their own. Cal gets kids to league ... meh. he gets kids that are NBA leve;l.. has them 1 single season. They probably would be there anyway
 
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