Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April 2018)

[Monte Carlo]

I don't. Not by conference play anyway.

Jordan will have a role. I highly doubt he is completely squeezed our next year. He will be the most experienced guy on the team and with upgraded passing he will benefit. Kipper will still see time at the four because we are asking way too much for Ebo, Matic and two freshmen to be our 4-5 rotation. Ain't happening! With the wings we have, Kipper will be our main four and Jordan will fit into a rotation at the three with Tevian and probably Griffin. We have lots of parts that can play multiple positions, so Kipper may be at the three in some cases, but I see a more Villanova-like stye of play with smaller guys at four positions and one true big in most cases. Just look at the title game Monday, and each team played four guards/wings and one in the middle, and Michigan truly didn't play with a center as part of its starting group with Mo as a skilled 4.

 

[Monte Carlo]

Ben Wilson would have been in the Class of 1985 with Lowell Hamilton. Also, he was not going to publicly commit to anyone until spring per Bob Hambric's rules. Lou Henson only had two open scholarships for the fall (one was committed to Hamilton), so he slowplayed Ed Horton, and Horton signed with Iowa. As it turned out, there were more rides available in the spring, since Tom Shafer and Scott Haffner transferred. Curtis Taylor joined Lowell in the 1985 class.

The loaded Class of 1986 included Nick Anderson, Larry Smith, Kendall Gill, Steve Bardo, Jeff Finke, Ervin Small, and Phil Kunz. Plus NIU transfer Kenny Battle.

1982: Efrem Winters, Bruce Douglas, Doug Altenberger, Scott Meents, and Reggie Woodward. They also signed Ken Colliers-Norman, but he spent one year playing for Mark Coombes at Wabash Valley JuCo.

The 1969 class led by top 5 recruit Nick Weatherspoon was rated #1 in the country. Others: Alvin O'Neal, Jim DeDecker, Jed Foster, Nick Conner, and Larry Cohen.

Not to get off topic, but saw Jed Foster's sons play in high school in Southern Illinois, and his oldest, Brian, was an outstanding player at Fairfield High School in the early 1990s.

 

[HTime]

I am super excited about the Ramey visit. Get him and watch out!!!

 

[NBB1979]

Not really. THT doesn't have a clear position which hurts his potential after college. Best bet is that neither will be NBA players but Tevian has the protypical frame and athleticism for a wing. The point is more that having these kind of athletes gives us a better chance of having a possible NBA guy compared to Morgan and Hill level athletes.

I hope this was meant only to state that they didn't make the league. Hill is one of the best players ever to don the O&B and Morgan developed into a very good player before he eventually left.

Go Illini

 

[illinibballfan]

Dee, Deron, and Augie class? Or were you just talking about comparing this class with '86? This class is nice, but at this time not one of our top classes, although in hindsight let's hope it moves up. '86 moved up because Gill outplayed his ranking by a mile.

Agreed on that front. It'd be nice if one of the wings could develop into an all big ten 3rd team player (or higher) and one of the bigs develop into an all big honorable mention type player or all defensive team player for Samba. Both should be realistic goals for all of them. Notice I said goals and not projections.

 

[Tevo]

But you think five-star Chicago PG and you're picturing a more explosive leaper and a more spectacular dime-dropper than what I've seen from Ayo, that's where my comment comes from.

I have yet to see tape of Ayo really distributing the ball. That's why I think they are going for Ramey and Feliz -- both those guys are much better distributors and set up their teammates more often and better than Ayo and Trent. I love both Ayo and Trent, but there is plenty of room for a pass-first PG on our roster, especially one who can hit the shot when left open.

 

[Tevo]

Like everyone, he's just repeating what he hears. Sometimes its right. Sometimes its wrong. Sometimes things just change. (THT)

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes... it rains.

 

[Peoria Pipeline]

I have yet to see tape of Ayo really distributing the ball. That's why I think they are going for Ramey and Feliz -- both those guys are much better distributors and set up their teammates more often and better than Ayo and Trent. I love both Ayo and Trent, but there is plenty of room for a pass-first PG on our roster, especially one who can hit the shot when left open.

Ayo is a really good passer. His drive and kick game is really good. His vision is really good. I haven't watched enough on Ramey or Feliz but if their much better distributors, they must be amazing.

 

[clusterbuster75]

Not to get off topic, but saw Jed Foster's sons play in high school in Southern Illinois, and his oldest, Brian, was an outstanding player at Fairfield High School in the early 1990s.

i used to play against fairfield in the early nineties. But if i remember their best player's name it was Gwantley or something similiar. I graduated h.s the same year I joined orange krush.. 93.

 

[drewillini89]

With Jones committing a week ahead of his planned commitment date, I think it's pretty clear that it's all hands on deck (including Ayo, TJ, AG, GB, and SK) to get Ramey on to campus and to commit. Griffin has been touting a visit this weekend, maybe Griffin knows Ramey might also come on over for the weekend. It's an extra selling point for Ramey to know that he'll have some superior scorers and athletic bigs that he'll be playing with...

 

[IllFanInMi]

Is it just me, or does Tevian really look like Will Gates in some photos

 

[illiniguy24]

With Jones committing a week ahead of his planned commitment date, I think it's pretty clear that it's all hands on deck (including Ayo, TJ, AG, GB, and SK) to get Ramey on to campus and to commit. Griffin has been touting a visit this weekend, maybe Griffin knows Ramey might also come on over for the weekend. It's an extra selling point for Ramey to know that he'll have some superior scorers and athletic bigs that he'll be playing with...

I don’t think Tevian announcing yesterday was planned, but now that it happened, definitely all in on Ramey.


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[IlliniFandom]

Did anyone listen to the Jwerner show yesterday? The news hadn't broken yet on jones, so they were talking in code, but something that I think Austin mentioned, made my ears perk up in a bad way. I think hey implied that with Griffin and his recent accolades, there are other programs sniffing around his recruitment. I know he was positive on yesterday's announcement, but don't know if any of you know any more to this? I like the pieces he is putting together. Very much like a Villanova team...long, athletic, and can shoot. I would hate to lose a great piece to the puzzle already...

 

[Newman]

Did anyone listen to the Jwerner show yesterday? The news hadn't broken yet on jones, so they were talking in code, but something that I think Austin mentioned, made my ears perk up in a bad way. I think hey implied that with Griffin and his recent accolades, there are other programs sniffing around his recruitment. I know he was positive on yesterday's announcement, but don't know if any of you know any more to this? I like the pieces he is putting together. Very much like a Villanova team...long, athletic, and can shoot. I would hate to lose a great piece to the puzzle already...

I wouldn't be surprised. Griffin's decision seemed pretty rushed and now there's even less of an opportunity for playing time to satisfy every wing. I like the competition for playing time though but I see why Illinois could seem less attractive now with Jones committing. I'm still not sure how I feel about Griffin, but I would never want to turn down a shooter with that size. Jones is a much better athlete though.

 

[Deleted member 11241]

i used to play against fairfield in the early nineties. But if i remember their best player's name it was Gwantley or something similiar. I graduated h.s the same year I joined orange krush.. 93.

I played against Fairfield in the early to mid 90s as well (class of 95). I remember Foster, but he had graduated before I made it to the varsity level. You're thinking of Kip Gwantley, I think he was class of 95 as well. He was very good and a good quarterback too. They also had a player that was really good named Rich Reid if I remember correctly. Who did you play for?

 

[Deleted member 29907]

Did anyone listen to the Jwerner show yesterday? The news hadn't broken yet on jones, so they were talking in code, but something that I think Austin mentioned, made my ears perk up in a bad way. I think hey implied that with Griffin and his recent accolades, there are other programs sniffing around his recruitment. I know he was positive on yesterday's announcement, but don't know if any of you know any more to this? I like the pieces he is putting together. Very much like a Villanova team...long, athletic, and can shoot. I would hate to lose a great piece to the puzzle already...

I think it was discussed earlier that SU was sniffing around - in the guise of looking at his younger brother?

 

[haasi]

I think it was discussed earlier that SU was sniffing around - in the guise of looking at his younger brother?

SU coincidentally has an assistant Allen Griffin, who is presumably deeply biased in favor of Alan/Allan/Allen Griffins


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[LBZ]

Sure looks like he is out the door to me. :tsk:

Alan Griffin
@alangriffin_
Let’s get it!! Welcome bro���� https://twitter.com/thereal_tjones/status/981195951032291328 …

12:58 PM - Apr 3, 2018

 

[Poe's Law]

I played against Fairfield in the early to mid 90s as well (class of 95). I remember Foster, but he had graduated before I made it to the varsity level. You're thinking of Kip Gwantley, I think he was class of 95 as well. He was very good and a good quarterback too. They also had a player that was really good named Rich Reid if I remember correctly. Who did you play for?

You're mixing up two players. Kip Walters was class of 95 and very solid performer. Think he was MVP of Carmi tournament.

Kylee Gwaltney (spelling) was all state and lead their 92(ish?) team to the Elite 8.

Jed had two boys. Brian was a stud 2,000 pt scorer. Had some offers at the mid-major level. His younger boy Scott was a better athlete, but not near the scorer. Think he may have been on the '92 team.

Paging Captn Bubbles for some answers (not sure any of this belongs in the 'crutin thread).

Excited we got Jones though!

 

[Andy Kaufman]

Looks like BU's plan is falling into place.

 

[foby]

Ramey = Liddell + Okoro

My recruiting math.

 

[Deleted member 11241]

You're mixing up two players. Kip Walters was class of 95 and very solid performer. Think he was MVP of Carmi tournament.

Kylee Gwaltney (spelling) was all state and lead their 92(ish?) team to the Elite 8.

Jed had two boys. Brian was a stud 2,000 pt scorer. Had some offers at the mid-major level. His younger boy Scott was a better athlete, but not near the scorer. Think he may have been on the '92 team.

Paging Captn Bubbles for some answers (not sure any of this belongs in the 'crutin thread).

Excited we got Jones though!

Ahhh, yes you are correct. Kylie gwaltney. I knew it started with a K, lol. Yes, Kip Walters was the one in my class. That was back in the old North Egypt Conference days. Always hated that conference broke apart. There were some really solid teams then and it was a very competitive conference

 

[youlikeroses]

I honestly am most excited for Griffin. He's a winner, leading a team in NY, much like another freshman who was not expected (Or Loyalty predicted) to make an impact versus other incoming freshmen, last year...

 

[WhiteRhino]

Ramey = Liddell + Okoro

My recruiting math.

It certainly wouldn't hurt. It would be hard for any team to match our backcourt if we get Ramey and I would think that would make Illinois more attractive to big men.

 

[foby]

I honestly am most excited for Griffin. He's a winner, leading a team in NY, much like another freshman who was not expected (Or Loyalty predicted) to make an impact versus other incoming freshmen, last year...

Most likely our most underrated recruit since Mike Davis.