Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (January-March 2017)

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#601      
t7nich
Tilmon likely visiting on Saturday as well, for those who didn't read the article.
 
#606      
rtbritt
Indy Illini Fan said:
Courtney Ramey set to announce decision after school today. Looks like Louisville has this one locked up.
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That stinks. Did he ever have a finalists list? Seemed like we had a chance before the season started.
 
#610      
mdonsbach
Holy cow this Mark Smith blow up is a thing of legends. And all this without a growth spurt like Unibrow.
 
#615      
Deleted member 10676
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/high...n_8bcfd2f0-ea90-11e6-99f0-47f573a7d6d4.html#7

that couldn't possibly be Snacks in the left background of that photo, could it? Probably not, not repping KU colors and he didn't look that big last time I saw him on the sidelines.
But sounds like the game got pretty rowdy. Tilmon ended up with 14 pts and 9 rbs and was in foul trouble most of the game.

Derek Piper ‏@DPiperScout 2h2 hours ago
Cops on the floor... Players getting into it. Edwardsville up 76-59 with 1:45 left.
 
#616      
Deleted member 556108
Smith's meteoric rise really is the stuff of recruiting folklore. Quite a story too with the change of focus from baseball to basketball so late.
 
#617      
poor dirt farmer
I went and saw Tillmon and smith last night I've watched both their matchups this year Tillmon has all the tools but he is not very assertive I've came away from both games a little let down he's not as good as I thought he'd be Smith is very good he's strong he finishes he's made for big ten play he's smart and he sees the floor great he's not quick for a point guard that's the only knock I see I'd like Illini to get him but I think he's getting overhyped. I think it'll be interesting to see who's a better college player between him and Goodwin. The best player I've seen this year is Trent Jr. and his teammate Paul Scruggs wasn't far behind. I'd like to know what everyone else thinks
 
#618      
illini8507
poor dirt farmer said:
I went and saw Tillmon and smith last night I've watched both their matchups this year Tillmon has all the tools but he is not very assertive I've came away from both games a little let down he's not as good as I thought he'd be Smith is very good he's strong he finishes he's made for big ten play he's smart and he sees the floor great he's not quick for a point guard that's the only knock I see I'd like Illini to get him but I think he's getting overhyped. I think it'll be interesting to see who's a better college player between him and Goodwin. The best player I've seen this year is Trent Jr. and his teammate Paul Scruggs wasn't far behind. I'd like to know what everyone else thinks
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I don't disagree on tilmon, but I'd like to see him on a team with a supporting cast before making a judgment there. It's got to be tough on him getting double and triple teamed all night every night and having no one who can shoot to kick it out to. The guard play on estl is terrible. You can definitely see glimpses of his tools though
 
#619      
Hooping34
poor dirt farmer said:
I went and saw Tillmon and smith last night I've watched both their matchups this year Tillmon has all the tools but he is not very assertive I've came away from both games a little let down he's not as good as I thought he'd be Smith is very good he's strong he finishes he's made for big ten play he's smart and he sees the floor great he's not quick for a point guard that's the only knock I see I'd like Illini to get him but I think he's getting overhyped. I think it'll be interesting to see who's a better college player between him and Goodwin. The best player I've seen this year is Trent Jr. and his teammate Paul Scruggs wasn't far behind. I'd like to know what everyone else thinks
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I concur on the Tilmon deal .... I think he'll be a ton better when you put him with quality guards/players that understand the game, recognize his worth, players that are not selfish & work to provide him quality touches/opportunities...

As far as Smith goes...I don't know how you can say Smith is over hyped or overrated (but everyone is entitled to their opinion & they are like cars....everyone has one just a different kind) as I am giving mine....

Here are some the facts:
#1 ranked Goodwin verses Smith 0-2 Smith had 37 & 35
#2 ranked Tilmon versus Smith 0-2 Smith 26 & 19
Smiths team is 20-1....
Smith's speed for college or any level is fine from my perspective but in case you haven't notice Goodwin is not an Usain Bolt by no means could be slower than Smith but both are Smart player & understand angles because you don't have to have blazing speed to be effective but you do have to have a high basketball IQ

You may not be a "Smith" fan ... he doesn't have any major ranking like Tilmon & Goodwin but let's say this you may get your wish to see Trent Fr. because outside of Illinois smith may end up at Northwestern, Ohio State or Indiana then you get to see not only how quick & overrated Smith is but you & the Illini faithful will get to watch Trent try to guard him....smh
 
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#620      
poor dirt farmer
thanks for the response you make good points I like smith a lot I just get the feeling he's a little overhyped. Gary Trent jr. was who I was referring to when I said trent jr hes going to duke. You have to admit as far as Althoff and Senior goes aside from Goodwin and Tillmon those teams are pretty lackluster
 
#621      
Hooping34
poor dirt farmer said:
thanks for the response you make good points I like smith a lot I just get the feeling he's a little overhyped. Gary Trent jr. was who I was referring to when I said trent jr hes going to duke. You have to admit as far as Althoff and Senior goes aside from Goodwin and Tillmon those teams are pretty lackluster
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I don't know much about how players are ranked but Smith played (3 wks) this summer on the AAU circuit & has achieved a great deal...he's a hard worker in the gym & the classroom (qualifier)..

Smith went from no offers to NIU, SIUE & Wright State to having some high major...after him....you figure many of these school recruit on talent & potential ... if you really watch Smith his feel for the game & decision making is what sets him apart..as much as the coaches like his already built college frame it's his IQ to make the best play possible for his team is what is impressive..I believe he has a bright future wherever he might land..
 
#622      
t7nich
So you're saying a top 10 recruit (MCDAA) in the country is better than Smith. Ok, don't think you'll get much argument on that one. But don't get it twisted, Illinois could use Smith badly. And he's not being overhyped imo. He's making a case for best player in the state, and getting looks/calls from blue bloods.
 
#623      
Hooping34
I truly don't know what state you go to were you will find 6-8 high school teams in the same Regional that are candidates to win state...in different areas there are maybe 2-3 teams per region & class unless a player or person is watching Prep School hoops where there is top ranked competition night in & night out..
 
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#624      
Hooping34
t7nich said:
So you're saying a top 10 recruit (MCDAA) in the country is better than Smith. Ok, don't think you'll get much argument on that one. But don't get it twisted, Illinois could use Smith badly. And he's not being overhyped imo. He's making a case for best player in the state, and getting looks/calls from blue bloods.
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My point exactly ... I don't think you tear a player down for playing hard, winning games & potentially beating (2) very good & highly ranked state players..
 
#625      
Wittsdream
Articles on last night's game:

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/high-school/boys-basketball/edwardsville-knocks-off-east-st-louis-takes-control-of-swc/article_281f0faa-ea90-11e6-9e5c-ef3ee5a598a3.html

http://www.bnd.com/sports/high-school/prep-basketball/article130741119.html

Sounds like Smith played composed and allowed the game to come to him, even though the atmosphere was supercharged and loads of high major coaches were in attendance (apparently fights broke out in the stands towards the end and police had to be called in).

The ESL HC Gilbert didn't sound too pleased at what he thought was a whistle happy officiating crew that stifled Tilmon's aggressive athleticism. I have to agree with coach to some degree regarding the way rule changes have drastically altered the flow and entertainment level of modern basketball. It makes some games completely unwatchable.

That said, and with how tight the game of basketball is being called these days, on pretty much every level, it's critical to have playmaking guards with court vision like Frazier and Smith who also have the skills to create their own 3-pt shot off the dribble, and ability to put the ball on the deck and attack the basket at will. A defense cannot hedge and leave them any space, resulting in a lot of hand checking fouls to put those guys on the FT line. That's a winning combination we just haven't had in Champaign since D-Mac left the program.

Smith finished with 19 pts/6 reb/9 ast/2 stl
Tilmon finished with 14 pts/13 reb in limited 2nd half PT
 
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