If you have a point and a post, stack up on long/athletic wings and you'll be pretty darn good... close on all of 'em 
Oh and get that '16 center from OKSU.... kthanksbye
Oh and get that '16 center from OKSU.... kthanksbye
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (January-March 2016)
- Status
I almost posted the same thing. We haven't seen an athletic wing with a high motor playing the 4 yet.
IlliniDent
- Chicago, IL
O I agree but point being most likely one player will redshirt for their own good or it will be a burned year. So if you are red shirting a wing, either Pickett or Lewis would be perfect.
Yes...and that's a problem I would love to have.
IlliniDent
- Chicago, IL
Agreed. Redshirting players that would only get minimal playing time is a huge way to maximize a player's potential.
Does anyone know if Nichols, TJL or anyone new to the court for next year's Illini play adequate defense or can rebound? I realize this is more of a question related to '16-'17 Illini, but the relevance to a recruiting thread is they should be exploring the market for needs that they don't have on their current roster.
The Pontiff
- Chicago, IL
If you have a point and a post, stack up on long/athletic wings and you'll be pretty darn good... close on all of 'em
Overall, agree on the first part, though as we all know, Groce has not gotten close to getting the impact point and post part right, whether due to bad luck (Thorne injury) or bad recruiting/roster decisions.
As for the '16 former OkSU commit, I just don't see Groce gambling on a 2016 HS big with him being in such a precarious "win or else" situation next season. I don't think he can afford to wait on such a kid to develop, as I assume in this particular instance, given the kid's ranking, he's not an immediate impact type of player.
Based on last season and the roster coming back, it would seem obvious that Groce needs to find improvement in the rebounding, defense and playmaking areas, with I think rebounding being the most pressing need. Now, a healthy/still-on-the-team Black would seem to be a plus here, but without Thorne, with Mav/Finke lacking in this area, and Nichols being an unknown, Groce has a big gap to fill here for next year. And if Black isn't here, then that's really a problem.
So I have no doubt he passes on 2016 HS bigs and instead uses his current open scholarship(s) on guys that he thinks could be immediate impact players, especially ones that appear to be skilled at rebounding and playing defense.
Go
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
No sightings of Mr. Lewis yet today?
Rejoice!
For the bad luck that Illinois basketball has grown accustomed to will soon come to an end
ILL
For the bad luck that Illinois basketball has grown accustomed to will soon come to an end
ILL
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
The problems defensively were more a cause of playing 4 freshmen. Our defense got better towards the end of the season and it will be better next season. Kendrick Nunn was the best defender on a very good Simeon team and he was terrible his freshman season.
Plus, defense is pretty hard to evaluate at the high school level. Most of the players recruits are defending are obviously way below D1 level. And there really isn't any defense in AAU. Having said that, the biggest indication of a good player is length and athleticism. And we appear to be improving in both categories.
But every great defense has a shot blocking C. That's what we're missing.
The problems defensively were more a cause of playing 4 freshmen. Our defense got better towards the end of the season and it will be better next season. Kendrick Nunn was the best defender on a very good Simeon team and he was terrible his freshman season.
Plus, defense is pretty hard to evaluate at the high school level. Most of the players recruits are defending are obviously way below D1 level. And there really isn't any defense in AAU. Having said that, the biggest indication of a good player is length and athleticism. And we appear to be improving in both categories.
But every great defense has a shot blocking C. That's what we're missing.
Our insiders have gone celestial. Metaphysical, even.
ILL in IA
- Iowa City
Is IT happening?
We have an I-L-L sighting! I repeat, we have an I-L-L sighting! All stations on high alert!
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
You found and killed the guy who had the voodoo doll?
Or the Chief is coming back???
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Works for me. Care to spill?
ILL in IA
- Iowa City
Pass on the Chief. I want recruits.
When can I start rejoicing?
You've hurt me before, VictoryIllinois77..... I don't think this is going to work out. I hope we can still be friends.
Not necessarily. Wisconsin's played great D under Ryan and now Gard. They typically do not even attempt to block shots as it can take your bigs out of position for rebounds.
I remember a time, not long ago, when a post like that would have about 14 pages of GIF's and excitement.
We've been broken ... I hope 77 is correct and we can begin to mend.
We've been broken ... I hope 77 is correct and we can begin to mend.
I hope this isn't simply referring to Lewis. While a good player, he is not a program-transforming recruit.
I would be ecstatic if Groce locked up Lewis on his first visit...
I know everyone wants Tilmon and Goodwin. So do I. They're both 5 star talents. But let's accept where we are. Racking up four stars is pretty cool too.
The only thing I could think of with that strong of language would be if Tilmon committed on television tomorrow during his game. I doubt that though
- Status