Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (July-August 2016)

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#677      
I have no idea how it would shake out, but if Eastern wants to join the party, you pretty much have to take him.

That's my thought, as well. I watched him at least part of every game at the Peach Jam and his athleticism and passing are top-notch. A little raw otherwise, but too much potential to pass up. I felt like he was the second most talented player on Meanstreets, but Gilyard and Verge are the main ball handlers and they're both drive and score/dish players; Eastern just kind of deferred and waited for kickouts or rebounding opportunities. He'd do some nice things, but when you pass the ball on that team you're not getting it back unless you crash hard to the rim and hope for a dump off.
 
#678      

BillyBob1

Champaign
Henrickson doesn't sound incredibly optimistic about our chances with Finke and Ayo right now. Sounds like they will be a long shot...

I mentioned this before, but with whom Ayo is affiliated with, I wouldn't hold your breath.
 
#679      
I'm probably on the outside on this, but if Goodwin comes to Illinois I just don't see the fit for Eastern. Between Picket/Goodwin/Kipper/Jordan/DJW I just don't think it'd be smart to take another wing (and have 3 in one class).

To me, we need a high floor/good upside wing and that's Lewis/Goodwin/Eastern. You have your future 6 man already in Pickett.

Then you need an athletic defender at PF/C.

And a pure PG to round it all out.

That class brings great balance and is a program changer.
 
#680      
If your rim-protector and your ball handler slots are both filled, take as many high-level wing players as you can get. Can't get enough of 'em in a Groce style playbook.

We need a point guard in this class. Williams is a classic combo.
 
#682      

IlliniDent

Chicago, IL
We need a point guard in this class. Williams is a classic combo.

Yea, Williams will be great at the CG and PG spot potentially as an upper classman but we need a true PG to go with this class. After that and a theoretical Goodwin, we have to go for either a PF or best possible player.
 
#684      

illini80

Forgottonia
Great interview. Given Tilmon's reaction to the Goodwin question - I would be shocked if he doesn't follow. Exciting stuff.
From what I have heard, which means nothing, Goodwin is not a slam dunk just yet, but this greatly improved our odds. Without Tilmon, Goodwin was a long shot. We certainly are in a great place right now.
 
#686      
That was a great interview, candidness wise. Couldn't contain Tilmon's smile at the mention of Goodwin. If we get him, the other 2 in that class are gravy. Eastern, Scruggs, whomever.
 
#689      
And for future reference, Trent Frazier is the other true PG to go with this team.

Speaking of Trent Frazier, he and his Florida Elite teammates will be playing in the Best of The South Nike tourney in Suwanee, GA. Their first game is this Thursday.
:)
 
#690      
TJL is not chopped liver.

Combes isn't saying that. He is just saying we need a PG another PG cause TJL will be the only true PG on the team after next year.

To me, you need to get a PG every year. It's like QB in football, you need to recruit one every single year cause you can never have enough ball handlers.
 
#691      

Captain Bubbles

Fairfield, IL
The way Tilmon did his announcement, was like JCL's somewhat. No t-shirt or hat ceremonies, he just went about his business doing it in a quiet fashion (though there were the rumblings before his official). I like that.

Three open spots left. Could go the route of getting a PG, big, and a SF. Or get a PG and a big, and if the last scholarship isn't filled, it can be used for the 2018 class. There are so many options and directions you can go with this. Nonetheless, a big domino has fallen, and more are likely to follow suit. At least we know Goodwin and Frazier think of Illinois highly. The seed has been planted. It just has to grow.
 
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#692      
And for future reference, Trent Frazier is the other true PG to go with this team.

the point i was trying to make is that if Goodwin hops on, and the next guy that wants in is Eastern, you take him. You don't stall because you want a PG.
You have TJL, and plenty of great PG prospects in 18.
 
#693      

Captain Bubbles

Fairfield, IL
SIU-Carbondale had a player years ago whose last name was Frazier, and he turned out great.

Time for Illinois to land a Frazier. And this one we're talking about...he's killer.
 
#694      

robertgoulet

IL Board Resident Crooner
Austin, TX
the point i was trying to make is that if Goodwin hops on, and the next guy that wants in is Eastern, you take him. You don't stall because you want a PG.
You have TJL, and plenty of great PG prospects in 18.



Wasn't Eastern initially considered a PG when he first started making noise a couple of years ago?


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#695      
Wasn't Eastern initially considered a PG when he first started making noise a couple of years ago?


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He has that skillset imo, but i don't think many coaches are recruiting him to play the point. His versatility is huge though.
 
#697      
the point i was trying to make is that if Goodwin hops on, and the next guy that wants in is Eastern, you take him. You don't stall because you want a PG.
You have TJL, and plenty of great PG prospects in 18.

Right, but Eastern probably wouldn't want to come here if he doesn't get much attention from Groce. We'll see where Groce goes the next few weeks, but my guess is he'll be paying a lot of attention to Frazier, Scruggs, and the PF's.
 
#698      

Captain Bubbles

Fairfield, IL
Wasn't Eastern initially considered a PG when he first started making noise a couple of years ago?


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He's grown to 6-5, 6-6 since then. Solid height for a wing, yet I think he still has PG characteristics and traits that he possesses.
 
#699      
Right, but Eastern probably wouldn't want to come here if he doesn't get much attention from Groce. We'll see where Groce goes the next few weeks, but my guess is he'll be paying a lot of attention to Frazier, Scruggs, and the PF's.

I agree, it'll most likely never be an issue. Just the talk of possibly taking too many talented wing players in this class ludicrous to me.
 
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