Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (April 2018)
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Looks like Bryce Golden is visiting Syracuse this weekend. We'll see if he makes it out uncommitted.
https://twitter.com/power_illini/status/984506164665901056
https://twitter.com/power_illini/status/984506164665901056
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Nolley and Jones have a lot of similarities. They're about the same size, about 6'6"/6'7" and good athletes. Nolley is a better shooter at this point, and is probably stronger.
In terms of other guys we pursued, THT is a little smaller at about 6'5" (although he's got a long wingspan), but has a really advanced skillset. His ability to handle the ball and pass are ahead of Nolley or Jones IMO. That being said, he probably isn't quite as good of an athlete, although THT is no slouch in that dept. His athleticism is underrated because he doesn't quite look the part yet (college weight training will do wonders for him).
Our other swing and miss was Zion Griffin. I'd rather have Jones. Griffin was an undersized big before developing more of a perimeter game this past year. Once he did, his stock rose. He's an athletic kid and early developer physically. Jones and Griffin are about the same height, but Jones is longer and a better shooter.
Thanks for the summary. Jones is such a high flyer, I'm looking forward to watching him in the future. And I'm trying to think of past Illini he resembles. Bertrand maybe, but Jones has a couple inches on him.
Up until a few months ago, Blake Hinson was listed almost universally on the internet as 6'5" and a SG. He also looks very much 6'5". The 6'7" that's now being pushed everywhere is ... surely due to a recent growth spurt?
Free Okoro article.
Weird quote.
https://247sports.com/college/oregon/Bolt/Francis-Okoro-Oregon-basketball-recruiting-117202471
"Now back at home, Okoro said Illinois and Purdue are trying to make in-home visits with him. "It is kind of just what it is. They asked to come and make an in-home visit. It'll be good, but it's just that, I guess. Nothing too big."
Weird quote.
https://247sports.com/college/oregon/Bolt/Francis-Okoro-Oregon-basketball-recruiting-117202471
"Now back at home, Okoro said Illinois and Purdue are trying to make in-home visits with him. "It is kind of just what it is. They asked to come and make an in-home visit. It'll be good, but it's just that, I guess. Nothing too big."
ChazzReinhold
Mom! The Meatloaf!
Sounds like a compilation of answers from 3 different questions, which would not surprise me as I have been misquoted in a newspaper before.
I can see why Underwood likes Bryce and is pushing hard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3OBW1mszbo
Syracuse is considered the heavy favorite here. If he does leave without committing, I really like our chances.
NCAA doesnt have height measurement specifications that I am aware of. Platform shoes and afros can easily add 4". I think TF is actually closer to 6'5" with flexible measuring methodology applied.
To put a fine point on it: has there ever been any genuine reason for optimism on Okoro besides where he lives?
I like him. He's a bull. But he seems to play below the rim mostly. Calloo is much longer and I think plays (or at least shows the ability to play) above the rim more than Hinson. I'd really like to see them standing next to each other to observe the height difference.
And I agree with everyone that Golden and Okoro are much better options than either Calloo and Hinson.
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
...compared to what Tevian shows, with a nice quick release, kind of like Trent. Tevian doesn't have a high release, but if he elevates and is quick, the lower release is okay. If you're lower, slower, and don't elevate on your jumper, things don't go well.
I still like Hinson better than Golden. I know we're ostensibly looking for a 4, and Hinson is more perimeter oriented, but when you're piling a million freshmen onto the team, just go get the best players.
Boeheim is 73, two years removed from NCAA sanctions and the school already announced a 2018 retirement date that was pulled back.
If Golden is going to commit there prior to visiting Illinois, then so be it -- but you gotta wonder what the thought process would be there?
If Golden is going to commit there prior to visiting Illinois, then so be it -- but you gotta wonder what the thought process would be there?
NBB1979
UIUCFAN1
- Springfield, IL
What about 5. Pursue Okoro in hopes of a reclassification to 18 and snag the commit? I'll take that one
I vote for this #5...Okoro or #4 carry over as 2d choice.
Or a 5th year guy is always an option.
Step one is the in-home with Okoro tomorrow to see where we stand and what his plans are.
1. Geography (easier for parents to see him play)
2. He has said he wants to play in the ACC
At Syracuse he would come off the bench for Brissett and Dolezaj, according to their basketball beat writer.
From the Illini perspective, I know Underwood and the other coaches really like this kid, and have made a strong push to get him to visit. They got Ayo on him, and even Underwood's daughter followed him on Twitter.
We'll see if we get a visit.
NCAA Tournament Wins Since 2009:
Syracuse - 19
Illinois - 1
Who are we kidding?
What we have to sell Golden is early playing time and a very, very different system that you could argue fits him better than what Syracuse does.
And an opportunity to play against Maryland.
We also still have an offer out to Frankie Policelli, who is 6'8.
Yeah, true. Maryland and Penn State appear to both be closer to his hometown than anywhere in the ACC.
He's from Western Maryland, so both Pitt and Virginia are closer than Rutgers according to my eyeballing it. But even Ohio State is closer than Syracuse.
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