Antigua is very strong recruiting Caribbean players.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (February 2021)
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Wondering what people’s evaluation of Jermaine at this point. Seems to me the coaching staff would know by now if he has any future playing time. Seems like a very good athletic in what little we have seen him and assume he is getting practice time against Kofi. If he can play defense, would think he would get some time next year if Kofi leaves. With shooters like Hawk and BBV, offensive dunks would be enough on offensive if he can protect the rim. With Lieb on a development path (and some offensive talent) it would seem like decision time for him.
It is Centralia...my old stompin grounds
Joel Goodson
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Well, he's got an island named after him.
Hamlin is a guy that everyone will try and talk themselves into IF we don't recruit a better player.
We'll continue to point out how he is athletic, big, developed while playing against Kofi, and we'll point out how all we need out of the 5 spot is defense and rebounding.
The truth is, maybe we'll be fine if he has to be a starter for us, but we really need/want a better player at that spot. There was a reason he was rated where he was, recruited the way he was, and available at that time. And then again, if he has to play for us, there is a reason we took him and developed him.
Deleted member 747903
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Every program needs scout team players and good "team" guys. Hamlin is one of those.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
That’s kinda where I was going. It’s seems to me that he has a future here or he moves on with everyone’s blessings. Seems like a good guy and want him to have success here but hope if not here, somewhere.
That is a pretty top-shelf flex.
This year will be the wild west in the transfer market. With no penalty guys can transfer for the smallest of reasons.
You could see instances where a guy transfers because someone else transfers in and takes their spot. You could see freshmen transfer because someone stayed a 5th year where they committed thinking playing time would be available.
I don't think we have enough in the post. Giorgi is a good 5, not much of a 4. I expect nothing from hamlin, lieb, or BBV, Hawkins isn't ready to be a starter.
So I expect us to hit the transfer market to address the post.
You could see instances where a guy transfers because someone else transfers in and takes their spot. You could see freshmen transfer because someone stayed a 5th year where they committed thinking playing time would be available.
I don't think we have enough in the post. Giorgi is a good 5, not much of a 4. I expect nothing from hamlin, lieb, or BBV, Hawkins isn't ready to be a starter.
So I expect us to hit the transfer market to address the post.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
As well as a beautiful little town in Guatemala! Where for a few American dollars you can hike up an active volcano and play with lava.
'Cause that's what American tourists do in a city full of ancient ruins.
Tour guide: "Today we will see the ruins of seven beautiful churches as we walk thro..'
American tourist: "WHEN DO WE GET TO PLAY WITH MOLTEN LAVA!!!!???"
We won’t necessarily need Hawkins to start. We’ll start Curbelo, Miller, Grandison and Giorgi. Grandison can easily slot in at the 4 and we’ll see how the rest shakes out. But I’d be comfortable with Hawkins starting regardless with his shooting and passing ability and a full offseason to work on his body and game.
The Illini will not be good with Giorgi at the 5 and Grandison at the four. There would be zero interior defense. Giorgi needs a tall 4 with him at the five.
I disagree. Giorgi was really really good against Garza. Better than Kofi was. Garza will be gone. We ran Ayo, Miller, Trent, DaMonte and Giorgi against Wisconsin and it worked well.
Kofi, Jackson-Davis and Dickinson might be too. There will be quality bigs in the league but I think they could handle it.
But to your last sentence, fine then get Hawkins in there. He can block shots and space the floor. He’ll be ready in my opinion
Deleted member 4333
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Have a friend who had to go to a business meeting in Antigua, Guatemala. Ended up on the island. His directions from the airport to the meeting didn't work.
Would we say his game is similar to Coleman Hawkins? Quicker feet? Less skilled overall?
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
What a tease! lol
I disagree, Giorgi has played very good D lately, and if he gets a chance to be the starter again, he will take it to heart. Is he undersized? Yes. Has he digressed? No, we are just seeing him in a different role. I may not have thought the same way 2 weeks ago, but watching the video of him working out and watching his effort the last 2 games, I see it starting to come around.
Are you prepared for the Loyalty wrath if this doesn't happen? We haven't heard from the last few that made big/bold predictions that didn't come to fruition lately. Have they disappeared, changed names, or staying away for mental sake?
In addition to Melendez? Burnett? Holmgren? Badiako? Cardet? Hardy?
That would be a team right there!!
One thing to keep in mind is how analytics have changed the game offensively, and how defenses can counter. You have to have a 100% Grade A dude like Kofi or Garza to efficiently run your offense through the post. As you can tell from Kofi and Garza, having these dudes is rare. Nowadays it’s easier to find a big with a more well rounded perimeter skill set than one with a go to post game.
To counter and guard on the perimeter, a lot of teams can get away with 6’10ish centers who can guard outside, and are just big enough to make it difficult for non traditional bigs (basically today’s big man) to score efficiently in the paint.
As long as we keep the more conservative defensive philosophy, which emphasizes positioning over pressure, we should still be able to guard and rebound well enough to play that lineup in long stretches. Could we use more skilled height and length? Sure, but it’s basketball, so who couldn’t?
Think about the teams we’ve played this year, besides Garza, what big have we seen that could just go to town in the post? Even if they do, analytics would show you should make them work for a difficult 2, as opposed to giving up a decent look at a 3.
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