Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (July-August 2016)

[Connor]

Frazier kind of sounds similar to Caris LeVert based on the things said on twitter and on this board. Anyone that has seen him play think that is fair?

Also I think fans can be optimistic about Frazier even without knowing a thing about him...just look at the scholarship scenario. He doesn't need to take a PG no matter what like he had to take Tate or Starks. With Lucas and Damonte already committed, Groce can be much more selective. And he could easily roll the 6th scholly to '18 if he wanted too. IMO this shows Groce is recruiting Frazier because he has the tools to be a stud.

They are completely different players. If you mean flying under the radar then I agree.

 

[blackdog]

UIHoopsRecruits retweeted

2h2 hours ago
Evan Daniels ‏@EvanDaniels
NY2LA: Ayo Dosunmu eval + he talks game, Illinois & N'western visits & recruiting | Link: http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1686505-ny2la-1-1-ayo-dosunmu …

I like that he talks about Illinois as the home town school. Seems like he enjoyed his visit and thinks highly of the Illini right now.

 

[Tevo]

If Goodwin is just waiting to improve his rankings I don't think that is a sufficient reason to gamble away the opportunity to play at his number one school. If he is trying to get to a blue blood school, then I say we don't wait for him. We take best from the group of Eastern, Lewis, Justin Smith. The only other reason to improve ranking is to get an invite to MCAA game or other national all-star game.

We still have August, but by that month players really have to start declaring.

If he waiting for Self to offer so that he can then pick Illinois over Kansas, I can fully support that.

 

[WesterveltVictoryCigar]

If Goodwin is just waiting to improve his rankings I don't think that is a sufficient reason to gamble away the opportunity to play at his number one school. If he is trying to get to a blue blood school, then I say we don't wait for him. We take best from the group of Eastern, Lewis, Justin Smith.

Well, there's a problem with that plan, we're not the first choice of any of those guys. Goodwin wants to go through the process, have to be patient.

 

[WesterveltVictoryCigar]

@jeffborzello
Spending the morning at @hoopseen's Best of the South. Four-star guard Trent Frazier the main attraction in the early game.

@jeffborzello
John Groce here for four-star guard Trent Frazier. Illinois has been in consistent pursuit. #BOTS

 

[Obelix]

Frazier kind of sounds similar to Caris LeVert based on the things said on twitter and on this board. Anyone that has seen him play think that is fair?

I have not watched him personally, but I know one coach who I trust his opinion and he had very positive things to say about him. That was about 3-4 weeks ago, way before his performance this week. He made some favorable comparisons (nothing to do with LeVert or rankings) vis-a-vis some other PGs (I do not want to mention the players name because it will lead to controversial discussion).

I think adding another PG in this class would be great. Scruggs is obviously a more known commodity and higher ranked, but Frazier would make a good addition IMO at a position of need. New names always emerge but it may be hard to get on the recruitment of other PGs more highly regarded than Frazier at this point (other than Scuggs).

 

[Joel Goodson]

I have not watched him personally, but I know one coach who I trust his opinion and he had very positive things to say about him. That was about 3-4 weeks ago, way before his performance this week. He made some favorable comparisons (nothing to do with LeVert or rankings) vis-a-vis some other PGs (I do not want to mention the players name because it will lead to controversial discussion).

FWLIW, comparisons suck, so thank you. Good to hear your coach friend's opinion.

I think adding another PG in this class would be great. Scruggs is obviously a more known commodity and higher ranked, but Frazier would make a good addition IMO at a position of need. New names always emerge but it may be hard to get on the recruitment of other PGs more highly regarded than Frazier at this point (other than Scuggs).

Agreed. If Groce can't land Scruggs, Frazier is a very, very good consolation prize.

 

[IlliniBrave75]

Corey Evans ‏@coreyevans_10 42m42 minutes ago Suwanee, GA
John Groce & Illinois set their eyes on its top PG prospect + Tyler Polley brings in heavy watchers to the #BOTS http://www.hoopseen.com/news/event/201607/best-south-thursday-notebook-trent-frazier-feels-home …



TRENT FRAZIER LEADS BY EXAMPLE

A lefty with an elite burst on the downhill drive to the basket, Frazier uses the change of speeds dribbles along with a lower center of gravity in getting wherever he wants with the basketball in his hands. While he failed to show off much of an outside jumper, the Florida Elite guard did show composure and good body control in traffic near the lane. Still more of a scorer from off the deck, Frazier did showcase a few nice dump off and kick out passes follow the limited dribble attack showcasing solid play making skills.

http://www.hoopseen.com/news/event/201607/best-south-thursday-notebook-trent-frazier-feels-home

 

[wILL-INI]

Agreed. If Groce can't land Scruggs, Frazier is a very, very good consolation prize.

Forgive me if its mentioned already, but what are our chances with Scruggs. I keep hearing "no chance" and "were in there". I was just reading an espn insider article about IU's recruits.

Scruggs recently trimmed his list down to Indiana, Xavier, Louisville, Washington, Michigan State, Ohio State and Kansas -- but he’s still open to other schools entering the mix. Connecticut recently began contacting him.

While Scruggs won’t publicly admit it and still plans to take official visits in August, it seems Xavier has emerged as the favorite to land the strong combo guard.

 

[Illiniguy13]

Forgive me if its mentioned already, but what are our chances with Scruggs. I keep hearing "no chance" and "were in there". I was just reading an espn insider article about IU's recruits.

Our chances are low, but crazier things have happened. It's sounding like Groce is really trying to lock up Frazier.

 

[Joel Goodson]

Forgive me if its mentioned already, but what are our chances with Scruggs. I keep hearing "no chance" and "were in there". I was just reading an espn insider article about IU's recruits.

So, basically the same deal as JCL, right? Plus, we just landed a 5 star center.

 

[BillyBob1]

Jeff Borzello wrote this this morning.

Scruggs recently trimmed his list down to Indiana, Xavier, Louisville, Washington, Michigan State, Ohio State and Kansas -- but he’s still open to other schools entering the mix. Connecticut recently began contacting him.

 

[FatGreg]

Jeff Borzello wrote this this morning.

Scruggs recently trimmed his list down to Indiana, Xavier, Louisville, Washington, Michigan State, Ohio State and Kansas -- but he’s still open to other schools entering the mix. Connecticut recently began contacting him.

Didn't he just put out a top 8 with those schools plus Illinois? Did he eliminate us, or is the reporter mistaken?

Edit: Just looked it up and he listed a top 8 of Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan State, Illinois, Louisville, Kansas, Kentucky, and Xavier on 5/23. I guess he's apparently dropped us and Kentucky while adding Washington. If true, that's a bummer.

 

[Chipatsj23h]

Anyone know the "downfall" on Frazier? I see he doesnt have too many "big" offers.... Not that it matters to me, I like his game a lot. Its something about a lefty point guard that really get me jacked up. We all know what Groce did with the last lefty point guard that he had!

 

[millineum]

I would say if Frazier is wanting to commit just take it and don't look back. We can make room later if Scruggs wants to come. Don't want to get left holding the bag again and Frazier seems good!

 

[TCTORNADO]

Anyone know the "downfall" on Frazier? I see he doesnt have too many "big" offers.... Not that it matters to me, I like his game a lot. Its something about a lefty point guard that really get me jacked up. We all know what Groce did with the last lefty point guard that he had!

MLV,jr was a lefty and we ultimately learned that grades were his downfall. For a player of MLV's stature, his offer list was very very weak. Does anybody know if Frazier's grades are in order??

 

[Firet92]

I know this isn't going out on a limb but just for the thread I would love to fill the class with Frazier, Goodwin and Eastern/Smith. That just gets me really excited about the future

 

[Gorilla Gorilla]

I'd be very happy with Frazier. I like the way he attacks the basket. He's a finisher as well, but has will also pass in the paint.

 

[Deleted member 10676]

Florida Elite won this morning's game 76-53. They play Southern Stampede, a Nike EYBL team, this afternoon at 1:20 CT.

 

[JaxIllini1]

Jeff Borzello wrote this this morning.

Scruggs recently trimmed his list down to Indiana, Xavier, Louisville, Washington, Michigan State, Ohio State and Kansas -- but he’s still open to other schools entering the mix. Connecticut recently began contacting him.

Link?

 

[WesterveltVictoryCigar]

Link?

ESPN

 

[TownieMatt]

Corey Evans ‏@coreyevans_10 42m42 minutes ago Suwanee, GA
John Groce & Illinois set their eyes on its top PG prospect + Tyler Polley brings in heavy watchers to the #BOTS http://www.hoopseen.com/news/event/201607/best-south-thursday-notebook-trent-frazier-feels-home …



TRENT FRAZIER LEADS BY EXAMPLE

A lefty with an elite burst on the downhill drive to the basket, Frazier uses the change of speeds dribbles along with a lower center of gravity in getting wherever he wants with the basketball in his hands. While he failed to show off much of an outside jumper, the Florida Elite guard did show composure and good body control in traffic near the lane. Still more of a scorer from off the deck, Frazier did showcase a few nice dump off and kick out passes follow the limited dribble attack showcasing solid play making skills.

http://www.hoopseen.com/news/event/201607/best-south-thursday-notebook-trent-frazier-feels-home

Seems like we have a really good shot at grabbing Frazier on an official in August. I'm surprised that bigger names aren't in for Frazier:

"The Illinois head coach was in attendance for Frazier’s game on Thursday along with assistants from UCF, USF, and Rhode Island, among others. Frazier did mention further interest from Stetson, Cincinnati, Maryland, and Old Dominion, but it seems as if Illinois is the one to beat."

Other than Cincinnati and Maryland (who I don't believe have offered), we're the big fish. Maybe it's his outside shooting that's kept other P5 teams away?

 

[TCTORNADO]

ESPN

This shocks me if true. Hopefully just an oversight.

 

[FatGreg]

Seems like we have a really good shot at grabbing Frazier on an official in August. I'm surprised that bigger names aren't in for Frazier:

"The Illinois head coach was in attendance for Frazier’s game on Thursday along with assistants from UCF, USF, and Rhode Island, among others. Frazier did mention further interest from Stetson, Cincinnati, Maryland, and Old Dominion, but it seems as if Illinois is the one to beat."

Other than Cincinnati and Maryland (who I don't believe have offered), we're the big fish. Maybe it's his outside shooting that's kept other P5 teams away?

He's generally regarded as a solid outside shooter. Sounds streaky but dangerous.

 

[Deleted member 10676]

NY2LA Thursday recap. Top Performer write-ups on Dosunmu and Smith.

http://ny2lasports.com/article_one.aspx?articleid=3550