This plus a few media types that had access to practices confirmed such.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (February 2021)
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This plus a few media types that had access to practices confirmed such.
Pretty simple--Nimari
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Just like Alex Legion.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
sacraig
- The desert
Now, now... let's not say anything we can't take back. If he's going to earn that comparison, let him earn it. He hasn't even suited up in a game yet.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Ugh. Why?
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
If you were really paying attention, the Alex Legion Experience was a graduate-level seminar in the way college sports works. Both competitively and media-wise.
The key phrase being "recruited over them". They are here in the first place because we missed on more valued recruits. At this point in the season pickings are pretty lean though there are likely still some decent players that will become available.
TheFameProtector
- Champaign
Might not have the same meaning to the program given Ayo got the ball rolling, but I don't think this is at all crazy to say. Has some on-ball skills from his background playing PG, high-level shooter, great defender, highly touted yet hard worker -- kind of guy worth betting on. I don't think he'll ever have the at-rim finishing ability of Ayo -- few do -- but he has the potential to make up for that from deep. I'll be interested to see how much he improves his handle over the offseason. That seems, to me, to be the determinant of how much more workload he'll be able to handle. But he's had a great opportunity to see what parts of his game are holding him back at the next level without having to let those flaws prevent him from seeing the floor. Really the perfect situation for a freshman.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Miller can become a star, he has loads of talent, but there is legitimate National Player of the Year talk about Ayo. I don't care if a guy is the #1 recruit in the country, you don't blithely project that. Not fair to Miller or Ayo.
And Miller has a ways to go at both ends of the floor. He's still piecing it together. Ayo was too at the same age, but he arrived more fully-formed in terms of what his game was I think.
GrayGhost77
- Centennial, CO
Well put. Not having to be "the guy" right away was really the best chance for him to adjust to the college game without all the pressure. Defensively he's been a surprise as a frosh. Really can't wait to see how he develops as he gets more minutes and figures out how to effectively drive in college and expand his offensive repertoire.
Hamlin & Lieb are projects, who may be able to contribute off the bench as upper classmen. BBV has had guys in front of him that were more ready than him, plus injuries set him back bigtime. Hutch's only issue is his back, otherwise he'd be in the rotation. I don't think they deserve to be labeled as washouts just yet.
TheFameProtector
- Champaign
Saying somebody can reach a certain level is not the same as projecting they become that.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
None of the above are anything you can reasonably count on for 2021-22, I think that's probably the best way to put it.
If we're penciling any of them in for big minutes, we've got a potential problem. That's where the no Ayo/Kofi/DMW/Trent scenario gets scary.
Curbelo, Miller, Grandison, Hawkins, Giorgi is a patchwork of question marks, and then your entire bench are these guys who haven't shown anything and a couple of very skinny freshmen. A stud HS recruit big would answer a lot of questions, but there doesn't seem to be one on our board at the moment. Without Kofi we are a VERY small basketball team.
Not if they remember Lucas Johnson LOL
back to recruiting, welcome Mr. M, great choice to come here.
I hope not. The numbers for that scheme were terrible. IMO it is a gambling system that you play when you know you are hopelessly outmatched. An team of unusual speed, length and experience may be able to succeed with it.
iLL 89ers
- Dallas,TX , Born and raised in Alton,Illinois
Battle was a "full of heart" player never giving up for loose balls and rebounds ,,, he didn`t care if you was 7` or 6`..one of best defenders coach Henson could ask for and would dunk on you ever attempt he caught the rock in the paint (played way bigger then his size)if Melendez is even half what Battle brought to the table that is a very good thing....looking forward to watching him continue his career as a Illini` and glad he wants to be a Fighting Illini`...
DocMorgan with the most prescient post in a long time.
TheFameProtector
- Champaign
Even though it would be ideal to have a big in this class, I like that the two recruits we did get are 6'7" guys with length and frames that can really fill out. Good complementary pieces to the guys we already have on board.
The essence of Intensity and Illini!!!!
Ha! Thanks. Have to admit I needed a dictionary!
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Well now, pardon me. How dare I come on a fan message board and make some "wild and crazy" projection!! The nerve!
Oh...Miller is already a better shooter. Like a more athletic Larry Bird.
Nappy I_L_L
- Northern Indiana
Let's just be honest and say NB has got to come here to be a substitute "Loco Dos" in the program. Ik we have a chance without him, but NB and Miller need each other if they are going to be what we know they have the potential to become
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