Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April 2018)

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#101      
Would anyone like to comment on the 2-year plan?
“They showed me a two-year plan that they had for me,” Jones said.

It's a better approach than the 1-year plan they had showed Mark Smith.
 
#102      

haasi

New York
now that we have 5(!!) incoming freshmen (Ayo, Griffin, Tevian, giorgi, Kane), I’d love to see us add some upperclassmen. We’ve got two spots left, three if matic leaves. Would love to add Feliz and a JUCO or fifth year big.


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#103      
IMO one of the best we have had. Will we add another point guard to this class?

Not trying to be too down, but as far as preseason recruiting classes in Illini history go, this might not even be top 10. 02, 03, 10, 11,13, and heck even 15 looked stacked (might be off by one on some of these). They were all very highly regarded before the seasons started (and im sure some of the 80s and 90s classes were similar, I just dont have recall of when I wasn't born ;))

Of course, some of these classes left a lot to be desired. Too early to tell who will and wont pan out. Lets see if this class can play above their rankings. If we weren't to get anyone else, I'd rate this class a C+. Add Ramey and it can be labelled as one of the best. Hinson/5th year big/Experienced PG would also move the needle that direction. Jones fills a hole and will get instant minutes, not trying to diminish his impact, just trying to frame this class.
 
#104      
I know it seems like a long shot, but I'm still hoping for Ramey. That kid is a winner and he deserves better than Miznoz.
 
#105      
Not trying to be too down, but as far as preseason recruiting classes in Illini history go, this might not even be top 10. 02, 03, 10, 11,13, and heck even 15 looked stacked (might be off by one on some of these). They were all very highly regarded before the seasons started (and im sure some of the 80s and 90s classes were similar, I just dont have recall of when I wasn't born ;))

Of course, some of these classes left a lot to be desired. Too early to tell who will and wont pan out. Lets see if this class can play above their rankings. If we weren't to get anyone else, I'd rate this class a C+. Add Ramey and it can be labelled as one of the best. Hinson/5th year big/Experienced PG would also move the needle that direction. Jones fills a hole and will get instant minutes, not trying to diminish his impact, just trying to frame this class.

Right now we have the 28th ranked class in the country. I'd say that grades better than a C+. I'd go solid B if not B+. I like this class. Tons of athletes and potential!!
 
#106      

haasi

New York
Agreed. Class balance is still important. Landing Feliz checks the PG box, and a 5th-year big desperately helps Illinois' front-court issues for next year while freeing up a scholarship for a '19 big.



Yup. Right now we are at 1 senior, 1 junior, 4 Soph, and 5 frosh for next year. I would seriously prefer to avoid next year being another ugly rebuilding year. Win now!!!


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#107      
Right now we have the 28th ranked class in the country. I'd say that grades better than a C+. I'd go solid B if not B+. I like this class. Tons of athletes and potential!!

First off, that ranking is mainly due to having 5 guys committed. Guess I'm just not sold on how well everyone sans Ayo will perform year one and I'm all for developing players, but given how much attrition we've had over the past two years, we need instant impact to some extent. Agreed this class has potential and I really like Kane, and I'll admit recency bias with how Ebo/Vesel has played out, but watching Giorgi's highlights doesn't impress me.

I believe in this staff, and I really believe we snag a 5th year big. Regardless of if he plays 10 or 30 minutes a game, it's a crucial piece we haven't added yet. Once we do, I'll happily label this class a B+. There's still a lot of recruiting left for this class.
 
#108      
Jones is a great get, very excited about him putting on the Illini Jersey, major upgrade in talent.
 
#110      
At 117 on the 247 composite, Tevian should be just a little better than Donte Divincenzo, who was 124. I'll take it! ;)

Welcome Tevian!
 
#111      
This dude is workin out pretty good eh?

Needs a little bit of... fashion help, but seems good at his job,

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#113      

breadman

Herndon, VA
Welcome to the O&B Mr. Jones!!!
Now let's take a walk down the hall and I'll introduce you to your newest best friend, a Mr. Fletch. You will really like him!!
 
#115      
We will win Tuesday?

Wait. That doesn’t sound right...


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#116      

haasi

New York
Awesome, glad to have Jones on board.

We realllllllly really need to reign in expectations though. One of the best Illinois classes ever? Come on now it's not even a top 25 class. It's not even close. Were going to burn the freshmen at the stake this year if/when they dont pan out.



Thank you.

This is not an excellent class on paper. There are some great players, some projects, some needs filled, and some players who will need to develop a lot in order to fill needs. Let’s recognize that there is some potential and give the staff a reasonable opportunity (1-2 years) with these recruits before we anoint anyone.


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#117      

KrushCow31

Former Krush Cow
Chicago, IL
Awesome, glad to have Jones on board.

We realllllllly really need to reign in expectations though. One of the best Illinois classes ever? Come on now it's not even a top 25 class. It's not even close. Were going to burn the freshmen at the stake this year if/when they dont pan out.

Seriously. We do this literally every year. We never learn. We should call it the Mark Smith rule.
 
#118      
Awesome, glad to have Jones on board.

We realllllllly really need to reign in expectations though. One of the best Illinois classes ever? Come on now it's not even a top 25 class. It's not even close. Were going to burn the freshmen at the stake this year if/when they dont pan out.

Exactly right. Illinois has had A LOT of top-10 recruiting classes in their storied history. So this is NOT one of the best classes ever, but it's pretty darned good and near top-25 level. With the way things have been the last 10 years, I'll take it!! :thumb:
 
#119      
What does Ramey bring to the table over Feliz? Feliz at this point may be the better player immediately?
 
#121      
Welcome to the Illini Family Tevian! This is the one recruit I was really hoping would suit up for the O & B! Go ILLINI!
 
#122      
Welcome Tevian!

How big of a class is this going to be? 7-man class?! We still have room for Ramey and Hinson if they want to come play...

Even though we're "positionless", it's nice to see Underwood got himself a complete 1-5 class so far with Ayo, Alan, Tevian, Giorgi, and Samba.
 
#123      
Perfect - welcome and congratulations, Tevian, the team and fans are looking forward to watching you play and learn at Illinois!!! :congrats:
 
#124      
First off, that ranking is mainly due to having 5 guys committed. Guess I'm just not sold on how well everyone sans Ayo will perform year one and I'm all for developing players, but given how much attrition we've had over the past two years, we need instant impact to some extent. Agreed this class has potential and I really like Kane, and I'll admit recency bias with how Ebo/Vesel has played out, but watching Giorgi's highlights doesn't impress me.

I believe in this staff, and I really believe we snag a 5th year big. Regardless of if he plays 10 or 30 minutes a game, it's a crucial piece we haven't added yet. Once we do, I'll happily label this class a B+. There's still a lot of recruiting left for this class.

The ranking isn't based on having 5 commits at all. 247 doesn't count unranked players toward the total class ranking, so Alan Griffin and Giorgi B. are not even counted toward the overall class score. I agree with the sentiment that this isn't "one of the best" classes we've ever had, though.

Edit: I am thrilled with today's commitment, and I think this is going to be a good class for the team. Hoping we've found some hidden gems in Griffin and Giorgi.
 
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