BillyBob1
- Champaign
Read a comment from him saying just because his sister goes to SMU, doesn't mean he is.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (January-March 2016)
- Status
Read a comment from him saying just because his sister goes to SMU, doesn't mean he is.
What else would he say while actively talking to other schools?
Read an article about Mullins recently that said St. Johns is in lead for Froling. Wishful thinking? Who knows, but if we have a chance we should be going after him. From what I have seen, Aussies are generally team players and they have cool accents, so why wouldn't we want him.
Due Diligence. Just wanting to make sure. Backup plan in case something goes wrong at SMU. Could be lots of reasons, this happens all the time in recruiting.
Not saying it's a foregone conclusion; I have no idea. Just saying that statement has no meaning either way. It's PR.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
For fans, it's a case of out of sight, out of mind for Froling. With Rako being in Chicago, it's easier for HS hoops fans (like myself) to see him play and talk about him on the board.
The few clips I've seen of Froling look very promising. He also has offers from very good programs, which is a far better indicator of talent than any website star rating.
I'm optimistic anytime Groce gets a kid on campus, but the odds probably aren't in our favor for this one. That being said, Groce has a solid pitch. He can offer immediate playing time on a young B1G team that should improve in the coming years.
Negron has visited Iowa, Wisconsin, DePaul and Butler but not Illinois. That tells you all you need to know about his interest.
midastouch11
- New York, New York
Or ours.
Te'Jon Lucus vs Jordan Poole
GAME OF THE WEEK
MILWAUKEE KING AT MILWAUKEE WASHINGTON – TUESDAY
The Generals visit the Purgolders tonight in a game that’s important to both clubs. Beyond the obvious City Conference clash and all that goes with it, both teams need this game as a bit of a litmus test for their clubs. Milwaukee Washington has senior guard Te’Jon Lucas and a strong freshman group but the Purgolders have been up and down this year and this game will give them an early indication where they truly stand. For the Generals, a 6-0 early mark has been replaced by a subpar effort during the holiday season and rumblings of a lack of focus amongst other things. Jim Gosz and Milwaukee King have been extremely dominant in the City Conference obviously and tonight’s game could bring a fresh start to the new year and a reboot so to speak on the season for the Generals as well as an opportunity to serve notice that once again they are the team to beat in the City Conference. The outcome of this game will be very interesting in determining the direction of each program this season.
http://www.ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3283
GAME OF THE WEEK
MILWAUKEE KING AT MILWAUKEE WASHINGTON – TUESDAY
The Generals visit the Purgolders tonight in a game that’s important to both clubs. Beyond the obvious City Conference clash and all that goes with it, both teams need this game as a bit of a litmus test for their clubs. Milwaukee Washington has senior guard Te’Jon Lucas and a strong freshman group but the Purgolders have been up and down this year and this game will give them an early indication where they truly stand. For the Generals, a 6-0 early mark has been replaced by a subpar effort during the holiday season and rumblings of a lack of focus amongst other things. Jim Gosz and Milwaukee King have been extremely dominant in the City Conference obviously and tonight’s game could bring a fresh start to the new year and a reboot so to speak on the season for the Generals as well as an opportunity to serve notice that once again they are the team to beat in the City Conference. The outcome of this game will be very interesting in determining the direction of each program this season.
http://www.ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3283
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I can claim ignorance (do this a lot). I am now officially excited! It would be a good statement, even if he would only turn out to be depth and we get Tilmon!
Landing him would go a long way to pacifying me and others as he would have landed help where it is desperately needed and it would be H.S. kids. I can give him Kudo's for that, but, it has to happen first.
2017 Recruiting Overview
I thought I'd try to post some info and reasonably well-informed opinions on the 2017 class. I'm only including guys I think we have a legitimate shot with. I'll do guards/wings now and bigs a little later. Please chime in if you have additional thoughts or info (or, of course, if you disagree with anything).
Guards
Name: Da'Monte Williams
Position: Combo Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 30-50
Strengths: length, athleticism, outside shot, scoring ability, passing ability
Weaknesses: consistency, motor, settles for contested jump shots, not really a PG at this stage
Likelihood of Committing: 50% (I feel like it will come down to us and KU)
My Impressions: I watched 2 full AAU games over the summer and came away with mixed feelings. Williams is a specimen and has a silky outside shot, but he tended to float an awful lot. When he turned it on, he was explosive going to the basket, disruptive defensively, and a gifted playmaker. This high school season, he seems to have found the switch and is playing with intensity every night. If he keeps that up, he's a potential star. He is a terrific prospect and has the potential to be an all-conference player in college.
Name: Jordan Goodwin
Position: Wing
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-125
Strengths: elite motor, feel for the game, passing ability, rebounding, intangibles
Weaknesses: jump shot, ball handling, average athlete
Likelihood of Committing: 75%
My Impressions: I have a feeling that Goodwin will be an Illini, which is a great thing. He's the kind of kid you want on your team. He will be a glue guy in college. People talk about Rayvonte Rice sometimes when they mention Goodwin, but I think he's more like Sergio McClain. He's probably not going to be a Rice-level scorer, shooter, or ball handler. He will rebound well for his position, be a garbage man around the basket, make highlight reel passes, play solid defense, and keep the opposing defense honest with his face-up game. I see him as a deluxe version of Sergio - possibly a 9-10 ppg, 5+ rpg, 2+ ast type of guy as an upperclassman.
Name: Alonzo Verge
Position: Combo Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-150
Strengths: aggressive slasher, attacks in transition, good length, high energy level
Weaknesses: prone to mistakes (turns the ball over, loses focus), good but not great athlete, funky shot mechanics, significant off-court issues
Likelihood of Committing: 10%
My Impressions: I've seen 3 full games and a handful of highlights from Verge. He's a talented kid, but he plays out of control and makes too many mistakes. He has stretches where he chucks up a lot of bad shots. That said, he's extremely fun to watch. If he ever gets his head on straight, tightens up his handle, and fixes his shot (he's not a terrible shooter, but his form is goofy and he's streaky - regardless of aesthetics, he needs to improve the consistency of his release and fix his lower body mechanics), he could be pretty special. As it is, I think he'll end up as a borderline top-100 kid and my gut says we won't make his final 5.
Name: Nojel Eastern
Position: Combo Guard/Wing
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 30-60
Strengths: feel for the game, passing, skill set, ball handling, mid-range game, intangibles
Weaknesses: outside shot (not a huge weakness), explosiveness, killer instinct
Likelihood of Committing: 25%
My Impressions: I think that Eastern is an outstanding prospect - all-conference potential in college. He's still growing and will probably top out at 6'7 or so. I don't think he'll end up playing PG at the next level, but he'll be an elite passer from the wing. He seems to have recovered from his gruesome leg injury. Eastern would be a huge get for Illinois. Unfortunately, I think he's going to end up at either a blue blood or MSU.
Name: Paul Scruggs
Position: Combo Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 15-40
Strengths: athleticism, ball handling, scoring, motor
Weaknesses: outside shot
Likelihood of Committing: 10%
My Impressions: I've only seen Scruggs in 1 AAU game, but he has a lot of highlights and write-ups online, so you can form a decent picture of his game. He's kind of like a John Wall Lite. He's very talented - likely McDAA. Almost certainly not coming here. He mentions IU, Kansas, Michigan and MSU when talking about schools lately. Side note: IU has a good chance of landing Scruggs and Kris Wilkes (#26 in the 247 composite). Yuck.
Name: C.J. Roberts
Position: Point Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-100
Strengths: athleticism, ball handling, scoring ability
Weaknesses: size, streaky shooter
Likelihood of Committing: 25%
My Impressions: I haven't seen much of Roberts, but I watched everything I could find on YouTube and read several blurbs. First thing: the kid will dunk on you. He's 6'0, but he can get up. Sort of a similar prospect to Alterique Gilbert, but maybe a notch below as an athlete and player. Hovering in the 75-125 range in the rankings, but looks like he'll end up in the top 100 when all is said and done. I think the general feeling is that SMU and Baylor are in the lead, but Illinois has been on him for quite awhile, so you never know.
Name: McKinley Wright
Position: PG
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-125
Strengths: basketball IQ, fundamentals, quickness, outside shot
Weaknesses: size, strength
Likelihood of Committing: 25%
My Impressions: McKinley Wright is good at basketball. He's a plus shooter, always seems to make the right pass, and plays with heart and hustle. He's got a great feel for the game. He has a nice little floater in the lane, can pull up from mid-range, and can hit the three. The problem is, he's about 5'11 and 150 pounds with narrow shoulders and a slight frame. He also isn't an exceptional athlete (though he does possess B1G level quickness - just isn't a blur in the open court, has no strength, and isn't a great leaper). He's so skilled and cerebral that he's ranked on the top-100 border right now. Will he be physically overwhelmed at the B1G level? This isn't really a Ulis situation - Wright is not as talented or athletic. We were his first offer and are in a good position with him. Reasonable chance he dons the O&B.
Name: Trent Frazier
Position: Combo Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 50-75
Strengths: outside shot, scoring ability, athleticism
Weaknesses: size, not a true PG
Likelihood of Committing: 25%
My Impressions: I love this kid's jump shot. He came out of nowhere over the summer and is now ranked between 75 and 100 (#83 in the 247 composite). Big time scorer with decent length and athleticism. He seems to play with a lot of swagger. He actually reminds me of a smaller JCL in terms of strengths and weaknesses: he seems to be a good passer and ball handler, but not a natural PG; he's got solid but not elite athleticism; and he's an absolutely deadly shooter. He's 6'2, 170. Sounds like Florida and Baylor are heavily involved.
Name: Javon Pickett
Position: Wing
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-125
Strengths: athleticism, scoring ability, shooting, exciting raw tools
Weaknesses: polish, consistency
Likelihood of Committing: >50%
My Impressions: Pickett is putting it all together this year. He's been dominant so far this high school season. I have a feeling he'll be a nice college player. He really has all the tools you look for. His body and game still have some maturing to do, but he's become a legit high major prospect. I think there's a strong chance he'll be an Illini.
Summary: This class of guards and wings looked extremely promising 9-12 months ago, but it's looking dicier at this point. I don't think we have a shot with Paul Scruggs, Kris Wilkes, or Viktor Bailey (hopefully I'm wrong). Alonzo Verge doesn't look likely to come here and probably won't end up being a top talent anyway. Nojel Eastern looks like a top-50 guy, but I don't have a good feeling about that recruitment (he seems like an increasingly heavy MSU lean). Jordan Goodwin is a fine player, but he'll probably end up as a borderline top-100 kid (despite his high school numbers, he's been more of a background player against elite AAU comp; still definitely want him).
One big positive development is the emergence of Pickett. He's local and a late bloomer - pretty good chance we get him if we want him. Hopefully we're able to snag Da'Monte Williams. That's looking crucial to me at this point. If he chooses Kansas, we need to grab one of the other point/combo guards (order of preference: Frazier, Roberts, Wright).
Prediction: We end up with Da'Monte Williams (top-50), Jordan Goodwin (top-100), and Javon Pickett (ranked 100-ish). Then we just need to add some frontcourt firepower and we're looking good.
I thought I'd try to post some info and reasonably well-informed opinions on the 2017 class. I'm only including guys I think we have a legitimate shot with. I'll do guards/wings now and bigs a little later. Please chime in if you have additional thoughts or info (or, of course, if you disagree with anything).
Guards
Name: Da'Monte Williams
Position: Combo Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 30-50
Strengths: length, athleticism, outside shot, scoring ability, passing ability
Weaknesses: consistency, motor, settles for contested jump shots, not really a PG at this stage
Likelihood of Committing: 50% (I feel like it will come down to us and KU)
My Impressions: I watched 2 full AAU games over the summer and came away with mixed feelings. Williams is a specimen and has a silky outside shot, but he tended to float an awful lot. When he turned it on, he was explosive going to the basket, disruptive defensively, and a gifted playmaker. This high school season, he seems to have found the switch and is playing with intensity every night. If he keeps that up, he's a potential star. He is a terrific prospect and has the potential to be an all-conference player in college.
Name: Jordan Goodwin
Position: Wing
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-125
Strengths: elite motor, feel for the game, passing ability, rebounding, intangibles
Weaknesses: jump shot, ball handling, average athlete
Likelihood of Committing: 75%
My Impressions: I have a feeling that Goodwin will be an Illini, which is a great thing. He's the kind of kid you want on your team. He will be a glue guy in college. People talk about Rayvonte Rice sometimes when they mention Goodwin, but I think he's more like Sergio McClain. He's probably not going to be a Rice-level scorer, shooter, or ball handler. He will rebound well for his position, be a garbage man around the basket, make highlight reel passes, play solid defense, and keep the opposing defense honest with his face-up game. I see him as a deluxe version of Sergio - possibly a 9-10 ppg, 5+ rpg, 2+ ast type of guy as an upperclassman.
Name: Alonzo Verge
Position: Combo Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-150
Strengths: aggressive slasher, attacks in transition, good length, high energy level
Weaknesses: prone to mistakes (turns the ball over, loses focus), good but not great athlete, funky shot mechanics, significant off-court issues
Likelihood of Committing: 10%
My Impressions: I've seen 3 full games and a handful of highlights from Verge. He's a talented kid, but he plays out of control and makes too many mistakes. He has stretches where he chucks up a lot of bad shots. That said, he's extremely fun to watch. If he ever gets his head on straight, tightens up his handle, and fixes his shot (he's not a terrible shooter, but his form is goofy and he's streaky - regardless of aesthetics, he needs to improve the consistency of his release and fix his lower body mechanics), he could be pretty special. As it is, I think he'll end up as a borderline top-100 kid and my gut says we won't make his final 5.
Name: Nojel Eastern
Position: Combo Guard/Wing
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 30-60
Strengths: feel for the game, passing, skill set, ball handling, mid-range game, intangibles
Weaknesses: outside shot (not a huge weakness), explosiveness, killer instinct
Likelihood of Committing: 25%
My Impressions: I think that Eastern is an outstanding prospect - all-conference potential in college. He's still growing and will probably top out at 6'7 or so. I don't think he'll end up playing PG at the next level, but he'll be an elite passer from the wing. He seems to have recovered from his gruesome leg injury. Eastern would be a huge get for Illinois. Unfortunately, I think he's going to end up at either a blue blood or MSU.
Name: Paul Scruggs
Position: Combo Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 15-40
Strengths: athleticism, ball handling, scoring, motor
Weaknesses: outside shot
Likelihood of Committing: 10%
My Impressions: I've only seen Scruggs in 1 AAU game, but he has a lot of highlights and write-ups online, so you can form a decent picture of his game. He's kind of like a John Wall Lite. He's very talented - likely McDAA. Almost certainly not coming here. He mentions IU, Kansas, Michigan and MSU when talking about schools lately. Side note: IU has a good chance of landing Scruggs and Kris Wilkes (#26 in the 247 composite). Yuck.
Name: C.J. Roberts
Position: Point Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-100
Strengths: athleticism, ball handling, scoring ability
Weaknesses: size, streaky shooter
Likelihood of Committing: 25%
My Impressions: I haven't seen much of Roberts, but I watched everything I could find on YouTube and read several blurbs. First thing: the kid will dunk on you. He's 6'0, but he can get up. Sort of a similar prospect to Alterique Gilbert, but maybe a notch below as an athlete and player. Hovering in the 75-125 range in the rankings, but looks like he'll end up in the top 100 when all is said and done. I think the general feeling is that SMU and Baylor are in the lead, but Illinois has been on him for quite awhile, so you never know.
Name: McKinley Wright
Position: PG
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-125
Strengths: basketball IQ, fundamentals, quickness, outside shot
Weaknesses: size, strength
Likelihood of Committing: 25%
My Impressions: McKinley Wright is good at basketball. He's a plus shooter, always seems to make the right pass, and plays with heart and hustle. He's got a great feel for the game. He has a nice little floater in the lane, can pull up from mid-range, and can hit the three. The problem is, he's about 5'11 and 150 pounds with narrow shoulders and a slight frame. He also isn't an exceptional athlete (though he does possess B1G level quickness - just isn't a blur in the open court, has no strength, and isn't a great leaper). He's so skilled and cerebral that he's ranked on the top-100 border right now. Will he be physically overwhelmed at the B1G level? This isn't really a Ulis situation - Wright is not as talented or athletic. We were his first offer and are in a good position with him. Reasonable chance he dons the O&B.
Name: Trent Frazier
Position: Combo Guard
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 50-75
Strengths: outside shot, scoring ability, athleticism
Weaknesses: size, not a true PG
Likelihood of Committing: 25%
My Impressions: I love this kid's jump shot. He came out of nowhere over the summer and is now ranked between 75 and 100 (#83 in the 247 composite). Big time scorer with decent length and athleticism. He seems to play with a lot of swagger. He actually reminds me of a smaller JCL in terms of strengths and weaknesses: he seems to be a good passer and ball handler, but not a natural PG; he's got solid but not elite athleticism; and he's an absolutely deadly shooter. He's 6'2, 170. Sounds like Florida and Baylor are heavily involved.
Name: Javon Pickett
Position: Wing
Estimated Final RSCI Range: 75-125
Strengths: athleticism, scoring ability, shooting, exciting raw tools
Weaknesses: polish, consistency
Likelihood of Committing: >50%
My Impressions: Pickett is putting it all together this year. He's been dominant so far this high school season. I have a feeling he'll be a nice college player. He really has all the tools you look for. His body and game still have some maturing to do, but he's become a legit high major prospect. I think there's a strong chance he'll be an Illini.
Summary: This class of guards and wings looked extremely promising 9-12 months ago, but it's looking dicier at this point. I don't think we have a shot with Paul Scruggs, Kris Wilkes, or Viktor Bailey (hopefully I'm wrong). Alonzo Verge doesn't look likely to come here and probably won't end up being a top talent anyway. Nojel Eastern looks like a top-50 guy, but I don't have a good feeling about that recruitment (he seems like an increasingly heavy MSU lean). Jordan Goodwin is a fine player, but he'll probably end up as a borderline top-100 kid (despite his high school numbers, he's been more of a background player against elite AAU comp; still definitely want him).
One big positive development is the emergence of Pickett. He's local and a late bloomer - pretty good chance we get him if we want him. Hopefully we're able to snag Da'Monte Williams. That's looking crucial to me at this point. If he chooses Kansas, we need to grab one of the other point/combo guards (order of preference: Frazier, Roberts, Wright).
Prediction: We end up with Da'Monte Williams (top-50), Jordan Goodwin (top-100), and Javon Pickett (ranked 100-ish). Then we just need to add some frontcourt firepower and we're looking good.
Feel more confident about Tilmon coming here than i ever felt with Cliff, Brunson, Evans. I realize that we will have to beat out a lot of good programs to get him. Things can change obviously but if he had to pick a school at the moment i feel really confident it would be Illinois. Kansas in on all the big men Ayton, Carter, Preston, Richards all ranked ahead of Tilmon will help us.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Fat Greg: excellent post, thanks.
I concur excellent post FatGreg!
Wish I was as positive as you are about DaMonte Williams though. If he continues his upward trend and turns into a 5 star recruit, then I'm afraid the blue bloods will come a'knocking (Kansas). Hope and pray he's in the O&B in the end....He's a must get! I'm more positive than you about Jordan Goodwin, who while not being a 5 star is still a must get IMO. I feel good about him committing to us.
Wish I was as positive as you are about DaMonte Williams though. If he continues his upward trend and turns into a 5 star recruit, then I'm afraid the blue bloods will come a'knocking (Kansas). Hope and pray he's in the O&B in the end....He's a must get! I'm more positive than you about Jordan Goodwin, who while not being a 5 star is still a must get IMO. I feel good about him committing to us.
Is Trent Frazier Luther's other half brother?
I've seen Goodwin a few times this year and he's a monster. He might be the best playmaker in the state. If he grabs a defensive rebound it's basically two points as he is off to the races and either finds a teammate or goes coast to coast. They put him at the high post when teams zone Althoff. With his vision and driving ability they always get a wide open shot or layup. I would also make one correction to FatGreg's assessment of strengths and weaknesses. Pickett is not a very good athlete. Goodwin is actually a better athlete than Pickett.
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
Great post, FatGreg. Please post more!
I agree I see DaMonte as a crucial get. It would help a lot if we could snag a solid commit like Goodwin first. I like the development of the young guys this season and think we have a good core for the next few years. Now, if we could just have some luck turn our way for once...
I agree I see DaMonte as a crucial get. It would help a lot if we could snag a solid commit like Goodwin first. I like the development of the young guys this season and think we have a good core for the next few years. Now, if we could just have some luck turn our way for once...
If we don't get DaMonte, Goodwin and Pickett then we are and will be in bad shape for a while. Its the first time in a long time where the majority of the basketball talent in the state is right in UI's pocket and not in Chicago. This has to be a Lon Kruger - Peoria Manual type moment for Groce and staff.
illinitrav
- NW Suburbs
Negron has made lots of visits but you are mistaken. He has publicly stated he is an Illinois Basketball FAN and is regularly seen sporting Illini gear. I believe the staff knows he is ours if we want him and that, combined with the fact that he really hasn't impressed much, is why the staff is holding off on pushing for a commitment.
I saw Negron play in person in Batavia. Hope we don't sign him. Think he'd be better off at a quality mid-major. Not a great offensive player. We can do a lot better than him.
Checked out Williams tonight play Peoria Notre Dame. Despite Notre Dame being absolute garbage, the comfort level of him with the ball in his hands (passing, natural handles) left me with a great feeling that he could be a college point guard. Also showed solid defense. Above average awareness of when to come over and play help D. Showed off tremendous athleticism with a powerful jam off an in traffic cut.
On another note, his teammate, Romon Douglas Watkins (Irish AAU player and Bradley is after him) had one of the nastiest high school dunks I've ever seen. One of the Manual players left a last second floater short on the rim and Watkins finished it home in the knick of time with a disgusting two handed reverse slam.
On another note, his teammate, Romon Douglas Watkins (Irish AAU player and Bradley is after him) had one of the nastiest high school dunks I've ever seen. One of the Manual players left a last second floater short on the rim and Watkins finished it home in the knick of time with a disgusting two handed reverse slam.
- Status