Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (January-March 2016)

[jrichisamazing]

I know I am a couple pages late, but we have had 1,000's of posts about we need a PG and now some say TJL should redshirt?!?!?

I think I'm the one who started this conversation so I will also finish it. Nobody ever said TJL should redshirt, and I certainly don't want him to. But IMO there's a decent possibility that it happens. I'd say around 40% chance and that's because I'm optimistic TA will return to full strength.

Now how many days until Tilmon commitment watch starts?

 

[illinibb76]

We do not have upperclassmen on our roster that will make it to the NBA. Or for that matter a starting line up in the Euroleague. Not sure what all this talk is about. I doubt MT would even make a Euroleague roster. If people leave early they'll end up in the DLeague or a Eurocup or lower team.

 

[TCTORNADO]

No matter what happens for illinois, there will be a pessimistic illini fan to swoop in and say something that sends you in a panic. Malcolm Hill won't touch a lottery pick. If there's one thing ESPN gets right it's NBA Draft stuff. With Buddy Hield, Dunn, Simmons, Paige, Brice Johnson, Denzel Valentine, Trimble and a lot more.

Malcolm Hill disappeared in the Notre Dame and Michigan games. He has a career game and everyone thinks he's a top 14 player in the country.

Hill's first 3 B1G games this year, where he averaged less than 12 PPG and shot less than 30% did not go unnoticed by those same "NBA Scouts." Let's hope we get the Purdue Malcolm the rest of the season, but history says probably not.

 

[BuddyJ]

I think I'm the one who started this conversation so I will also finish it. Nobody ever said TJL should redshirt, and I certainly don't want him to. But IMO there's a decent possibility that it happens. I'd say around 40% chance and that's because I'm optimistic TA will return to full strength.

Now how many days until Tilmon commitment watch starts?

Achilles ruptures aren't like ACL tears, they are completely different animals. Its much less likely to recover from them completely. Luckily he has youth and time on his side to prepare for next season.

Check out this article written about the injury after Kobe ruptured his achilles, gives some more info about it.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/fantas...095586/history-not-kind-for-ruptured-achilles

 

[Obelix]

He keeps playing the way he did against Purdue and he will be a lottery pick this year.

As much as a like Malcolm as a college player, he has no realistic chance of becoming a lottery pick. He does not have the required athleticism, speed, quickness or 1-on-1 ability. To his credit, realizing these deficiencies, he has worked on developing a series of "step-back" moves that he needs to create some space. Effective, although sometimes he gets called for the push-off as he steps back (e.g., MSU game). Unfortunately, these deficiencies are physical limitations, not something that can be taught (e.g., athleticism, speed, quickness) that late in his college career.

The one game that really exposed some of his weaknesses against a similar player was when we played Michigan, against LeVert. LeVert was visibly quicker, with better speed, athleticism and 1-on-1 ability. Yet, even LeVert is not a lottery pick.

 

[Joel Goodson]

Don't know why we're debating Malcolm's NBA prospects in this thread. Nevertheless, I find the idea of him entering the draft this year to be borderline laughable. It would be very ill-advised.

As to Tilmon, if he commits, my goodness, that's a game changer tsunami. The floodgates will open and Illini basketball will be back. Please, please, pretty please!

 

[chiefinillini7]

Hill's first 3 B1G games this year, where he averaged less than 12 PPG and shot less than 30% did not go unnoticed by those same "NBA Scouts." Let's hope we get the Purdue Malcolm the rest of the season, but history says probably not.

Talent overrides numbers any day when it comes to these types of situations with these kids, and thats what the Scouts are looking for. And they have been around long enough to know Malcom has been waddling thru weak line-up after week line-up, having to bear the brunt of the load and be the main focus of opposing defenses do to the massive amount of injuries to impact players on this team. Literally he has been playing with 2-3 players on the court with him who can not shoot or even as some would say (not me, of course) are not ready for big ten play or should even be in this league at all. These Scouts know that and take all of it into consideration. Which makes what he did versus Purdue and what he's about to do, all that more impressive.

Am I making people mad with this stuff or should I just shut up? Somebody knock me off my high horse, if it's even possible for me to come down. Because when your around this team and you see the perseverance and the comradery amongst these brothers that just eats sleeps and breathes positivity, you cant help but get excited! Maybe I'm just one of the lucky ones. But one thing I know for sure is that none of these guys are going to back down, and they especially aren't going to listen to what any of the haters or naysayers say about any of them. Each and every one of those guys know what they're made of, and what they're capable of. Including a select few with NBA aspirations (not be confused with NBA dreansy, because every last one of us had or still has those, lol)

 

[chiefinillini7]

As much as a like Malcolm as a college player, he has no realistic chance of becoming a lottery pick. He does not have the required athleticism, speed, quickness or 1-on-1 ability. To his credit, realizing these deficiencies, he has worked on developing a series of "step-back" moves that he needs to create some space. Effective, although sometimes he gets called for the push-off as he steps back (e.g., MSU game). Unfortunately, these deficiencies are physical limitations, not something that can be taught (e.g., athleticism, speed, quickness) that late in his college career.

The one game that really exposed some of his weaknesses against a similar player was when we played Michigan, against LeVert. LeVert was visibly quicker, with better speed, athleticism and 1-on-1 ability. Yet, even LeVert is not a lottery pick.

How do you bold, because your first sentence sticks out and should be something everyone should understand. I never said lottery pick and that's not what Malcolm is banking on. But I bet you a million dollars that if he is guaranteed to go in the 1st round (which is never a sure fire guarantee) that 9 times out of 10 he will jump!

My orange colored kool-aid glasses must be blinding all ya'll from realizing that I am a realistic person over here, my goodness.

 

[chiefinillini7]

Hill is a fine college player. He may spend time in the league but he won't be a top level NBA player. It woouldn't make sense for him to leave early. The NBA is for freakish athletes. Hill doesn't fit that bill.

Outside of Obelix, and with all do respect to every other poster... At least somebody has finally responded making some good sense!

 

[chiefinillini7]

There is no such thing in today's world.

Bobby Portis, Tony Snell, & Jimmy Butler ring a bell?? And thats just for starters within lines of our local market!

Smh come on guys, have a little foresight & have a little faith! Don't forget he's one of our own

 

[CAHALL15]

Bahahahahahhaaaaa!! Not laughing at you because you are entirely entitled to your own opinion, but come on man, do you watch the NBA first off, and second have you seen Malcolm Hill??

I'm just saying guys, I appreciate everyone's tempered responses trying to level expectations.. but I just can not, and I mean absolutely can not wait to come back in about 6 weeks and tell you all.. I told ya so!

Everyone is so down on this program even the good guys get no love! Its all good tho. The best is yet to come!

I think the NBA still values athleticism/potential more than anything, but skill is also being valued more as well. Steph Curry is not athletic, but he is a phenomenal shooter, passer, and ball handler. The same could be said about a lot of guys on the Warriors. This gives guys an opportunity even if they aren't athletes.

Back to recruiting. I feel like the more I hear and read about DaMonte, the more I value him. He could end having the same sort of impact as Tilmon.

 

[Butkuser]

You get Tilmon and Williams, and everything else is gravy. Two positions of absolute need, and two studs. If JFG can pull that off, I will get hammered on orange kool-aid.

If he can demonstrate an upswing this season, despite all the injuries, I think he will have something to sell, aside from immediate playing time. He can genuinely say that the program is moving up, and all we need is a star.

And believe me, being a star with our fan base is a life long proposition, born out by our love of Lou and Dee, just to name two.

 

[WesterveltVictoryCigar]

Am I making people mad with this stuff or should I just shut up?

I'm not mad, but impressed with your ability to type while guzzling kool-aid! Or maybe you're just taking it intravenously? :thumb:

 

[rtbritt]

I think I'm the one who started this conversation so I will also finish it. Nobody ever said TJL should redshirt, and I certainly don't want him to. But IMO there's a decent possibility that it happens. I'd say around 40% chance and that's because I'm optimistic TA will return to full strength.

Now how many days until Tilmon commitment watch starts?

So if TJL redshirted, we would have 1 year of Abrams and Tate as seniors, right? Then the following year, we will only have TJL as a redshirt freshman, until someone else commits or magically becomes a point guard.

I for one, would rather have TJL with game experience if he is going to be our main/only PG his 2nd year in the program.

 

[indianapolisillini]

TJL IS NOT going to redshirt (unless injured). No sober person in their right mind would red shirt him. Lewis graduates leaving only a injury ridden - 2 year absent Abrams to play the point. TJL will be ahead of Tate by the 2nd week of the season. And I think the chances are good that Demonte joins the frey in 2017. There is zero chance of a non-medical redshirt - unless we pickup some stud we've not heard of yet. Zero chance...

So if TJL redshirted, we would have 1 year of Abrams and Tate as seniors, right? Then the following year, we will only have TJL as a redshirt freshman, until someone else commits or magically becomes a point guard.

I for one, would rather have TJL with game experience if he is going to be our main/only PG his 2nd year in the program.

 

[TCTORNADO]

I'm not mad, but impressed with your ability to type while guzzling kool-aid! Or maybe you're just taking it intravenously? :thumb:

Haha, @ 9:00 a.m., well just maybe.

 

[On2Long]

Chiefinillini7, I really like Hill as a college player and a UofI player. He is obviously our best player and the leader of our team and does a lot of good things. The problem with what you are saying is that friends and family and agents and hanger-ons get in these kids ear and make them think that they are better than they are. They declare for the draft and then don't make it. You really need to be drafted in the first round because it is rare that second rounders even make it. You threw out 3 example. I have only heard of Butler and it really proves everyone's point. Butler is very athletic; Hill is not. You should look at the list of college players that come out every year and how many actually make it. If people are encouraging Hill to come out early, I think that they be doing him a disservice; they should be encouraging him to stay in school. JMO

 

[westcoastillini]

Damonte

I just saw that video of damonte. Wow.

We absolutely have to land this kid

 

[WesterveltVictoryCigar]

@KedPrince4

#illini Bball fans, your future PG Te'Jon Lucas won't quit, last night: Beat Bay View 102-75, 31pts, 6rebs, 9asst. 2stls & 3rd in the state.

 

[othawhitemeat]

Bobby Portis, Tony Snell, & Jimmy Butler ring a bell?? And thats just for starters within lines of our local market!

Smh come on guys, have a little foresight & have a little faith! Don't forget he's one of our own

I really like Malcolm and I definitely appreciate what you are saying. I am not saying he can't play in the league (I think he can with the right team). I also feel bad that he has some limited teams with limited point guard play around him.

Stating this, Jimmy Butler and Bobby Portis are different examples. Tony Snell was picked too high but is a smooth athlete that can play defense. Jimmy Butler was the last pick of the first round while being a much better athlete and picked for his defense (Anything else is gravy). Bobby Portis does not have the vertical but is a very good athlete, has a great motor, can rebound, has a body, and can shoot for a big man.

Totally different examples. Malcolm is a very skilled player that can do many things well, but will it translate to the NBA? He is not a great athlete, but can be serviceable at the next level. He is a good shooter, but not a 3 point sniper (like Steph Curry, McBuckets, etc...). He is savvy and can get to the rack in dosages but not enough consistently. He can post right now, but will he be able to against stronger and more athletic NBA Players?

I think for Malcolm to make it to the NBA he is going to have find his niche as a 3 point sniper that can do other things.

Some scouts might tell him he is a late first round pick, but honestly many scouts say that until a guy that a team wants slides down to him. I think with hard work and showing more with a more well-rounded team next year, he might be able to do that. For example, Valentine for MSU is about the same type of player as Hill, but is more consistent, rebounds, shoots better right now, and gets more assists (although for a better team). With our team next year, can Malcolm take the Bull by the horns and be Valentine? Valentine is a senior though.

I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I have been fortunate to have been around scouts in the past and see how they operate. He could be picked late first this year with a good showing to end the year, but it would be a big risk as of right now (I think Malcolm could star in Europe right now). The player with the most hope of making it to the bigs on our team is Finke and I would imagine his junior year, we will be having those talks.

Appreciate your info.

 

[FeelYourPaign]

With our team next year, can Malcolm take the Bull by the horns and be Valentine? Valentine is a senior though.

I see what you did there

 

[othawhitemeat]

I see what you did there

LOL, yes!

 

[TCTORNADO]

Did KP tweet anything about TCL RS'ing.

 

[IllinoisFan733]

@KedPrince4

#illini Bball fans, your future PG Te'Jon Lucas won't quit, last night: Beat Bay View 102-75, 31pts, 6rebs, 9asst. 2stls & 3rd in the state.

Lucas having a great senior year. Think he's going to rise in the rankings, not that rankings really mean anything.

Really excited what he can do for the the next 4 years. 5 years if he red-shirts.

 

[Illinilosch]

You get Tilmon and Williams, and everything else is gravy. Two positions of absolute need, and two studs. If JFG can pull that off, I will get hammered on orange kool-aid.

1,000,000% agree!!!!!

Throw in Goodwin too and I'll bump my percentage up to what the Powerball lottery is now. Somewhere around 1.5 billion I think?