Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (July-August 2016)

[Joel Goodson]

For what it is worth, I see it the same way...just saying there is maybe more of an incentive this year than in the normal year, so you aim higher & the bar for the plan B you take this year might be a bit higher.

Again, the idea that we might pass on some one with the upside of Lewis, Smith, or even Goodwin is crazy, in an amazingly good sort of way. Sort of like the will Brunson/Evans be able to play together sort of argument, which is why if we have the chance to sign 2 of those 3 & give up on the big or a shot at Frazier (who is still 1 of 7) I could see it happening. Bird in the hand philosophy.

We do need to raise the bar. I fully believe Groce has raised it. I think Kiir, Epperson and U meet the higher standard. John? Maybe.

Yes, the idea of passing on Lewis (or Smith) is nuts. But we're going to have to bite the bullet, I'm afraid. Hypothetical: say Lewis wants to commit. Quick call to Goodwin and he says not ready. What to do? I'd take Lewis in a heartbeat.

 

[Greensboro]

We do need to raise the bar. I fully believe Groce has raised it. I think Kiir, Epperson and U meet the higher standard. John? Maybe.

I think you take John today if he wants to accept at schollie #4, at schollie #6 still needing a big, probably, but you start thinking about opportunity costs and who is left on the board and chances with those still in play...but the bar is higher for #6.

Yes, the idea of passing on Lewis (or Smith) is nuts. But we're going to have to bite the bullet, I'm afraid. Hypothetical: say Lewis wants to commit. Quick call to Goodwin and he says not ready. What to do? I'd take Lewis in a heartbeat.

I agree take Lewis or Smith today, sort out who gets #5/6 when you get there between PG (Frazier)/Big/Goodwin or carry it over if you miss. Not quite convinced yet that we have to bite the bullet & pass on Lewis/Smith, still playing against the field on Frazier and the bigs.

 

[TCTORNADO]

imo, Lewis is better than Smith.

Not based on the amount of time staff watched Smith vs. Lewis. Plus head to head at Top 100 said it's Smith. More versatile and much better defender. IMO

 

[Joel Goodson]

Not based on the amount of time staff watched Smith vs. Lewis. Plus head to head at Top 100 said it's Smith. More versatile and much better defender. IMO

Maybe so. Certainly, Smith is ranked higher and has a better physique for defending bigs. OTOH, I sense we're not Smith's leader or even in his top 2. Could be wrong though.

 

[TCTORNADO]

Maybe so. Certainly, Smith is ranked higher and has a better physique for defending bigs. OTOH, I sense we're not Smith's leader or even in his top 2. Could be wrong though.

Just comparing Smith to Lewis. IMO, it's still John, followed by maybe Smith. Staff has invested a tremendous amount of time in both. Uaeylumno, Kiir, and Epperson are reaches.

 

[StateFarmCenter]

We're 2nd on Kiir's list. Hardly a reach.

 

[WesterveltVictoryCigar]

Culver to WV (no relation) as expected.

 

[t7nich]

Culver to WV (no relation) as expected.

I read this as, he won't be playing in the Big 10. :thumb:

 

[combes]

Not based on the amount of time staff watched Smith vs. Lewis. Plus head to head at Top 100 said it's Smith. More versatile and much better defender. IMO

Granted, I've only seen video of Lewis, but I like him better. Doesn't make me right. Or wrong. Time will tell.

 

[TCTORNADO]

Culver to WV (no relation) as expected.

Culver's have good concrete mixers.

 

[First2Ten]

We're 2nd on Kiir's list. Hardly a reach.

And probably more of a head to head battle with someone like NC State at this point - Louisville sitting pretty with Malik Williams right now and they know they can't get both

 

[Illiniguy13]

Maybe I'm just too mesmerized by his multiple mix tapes but Kiir looks criminally underrated. He's got a frame to fill out but otherwise he looks like a future pro to me. Too much a stretch?

 

[Paigncake]

Not based on the amount of time staff watched Smith vs. Lewis. Plus head to head at Top 100 said it's Smith. More versatile and much better defender. IMO

Smith isn't more versatile. "May" be a better defender but he's a lot of unrealized potential at this point in a good frame with good athleticism. He's not as polished as Lewis.

Staff is very very high on Lewis and are a lot of gurus who have seen his game elevate to another level the 6-12 months.

Also the amount of time a staff has spent on player X does not mean that much if player Y or Z emerges later to the scene they aren't the larger priority. Lots of guys didn't spend more time on Anthony Davis for the large majority of his h.s. recruitment. Lots of those people spent a good amount of time on Mike Shaw. I'd venture to say almost every program in America would have taken Anthony Davis over Mike Shaw after Anthony Davis exploded onto the scene.

They may play different positions but it's a fairly easy example to cite that time spent on a player does not concretely state that player is always considered the highest priority as others rise/fall.

 

[SummerofGeorge]

Maybe I'm just too mesmerized by his multiple mix tapes but Kiir looks criminally underrated. He's got a frame to fill out but otherwise he looks like a future pro to me. Too much a stretch?

I thought exactly the same thing. I really hate assessing players on mix tapes but since that is all I had to go on then color me impressed. Reminds me a lot of Kevin Durant although maybe that was his #35 jersey. I am NOT saying he could be a Kevin Durant but body and style of play are similar, especially when Durant was a kid. We do not currently have a player on our roster with his size and skill set.

 

[IAmChrisFarley]

Maybe I'm just too mesmerized by his multiple mix tapes but Kiir looks criminally underrated. He's got a frame to fill out but otherwise he looks like a future pro to me. Too much a stretch?

He's probably underrated because he spent a lot of time in Australia. He's criminally underrated, and gonna be a steal for anyone


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[Joel Goodson]

He's probably underrated because he spent a lot of time in Australia. He's criminally underrated, and gonna be a steal for anyone

Same with Epperson. Either of these kids are absolute no-brainers, IMO. Uyaelunmo too, for that matter. We need another (real) big in this class.

 

[TCTORNADO]

Same with Epperson. Either of these kids are absolute no-brainers, IMO. Uyaelunmo too, for that matter. We need another (real) big in this class.

I agree..would you settle for Theo John??

 

[IAmChrisFarley]

Same with Epperson. Either of these kids are absolute no-brainers, IMO. Uyaelunmo too, for that matter. We need another (real) big in this class.

Epperson and Kiir are my favorite bigs. Who I like better depends on the day.


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[Joel Goodson]

I agree..would you settle for Theo John??

Conditionally. If the other 3 are off the board, I'd very strongly consider it. Just don't see him as the slam dunk the others are. I think John's ceiling is akin to Gavin Schilling.

Thing is, if a guy like Lewis (or Eastern) is available, I could easily see Groce opting for him over John. Love John's physique, question his hoops skills.

 

[SescIllini]

We need another true big, I don't like the undersized stretch 4 look. It leaves us vulnerable in the inside and provides weak rebounding. Looking forward to seeing Mav/Finke and Black/Throne combos. Going with two bigs in the line-up was successful last year.

 

[IllinoisFanAtFSU]

Conditionally. If the other 3 are off the board, I'd very strongly consider it. Just don't see him as the slam dunk the others are. I think John's ceiling is akin to Gavin Schilling.

Thing is, if a guy like Lewis (or Eastern) is available, I could easily see Groce opting for him over John. Love John's physique, question his hoops skills.

I agree with Smith/Lewis over John if he is the only big we can get...but if John wants to commit today, tomorrow, or any time before them, I would absolutely take him. He is a MAN, and we do not have many players with the toughness and rebounding potential that he has. Leron Black MAYBE, and John doesn't seem like that sort of headcase (here's to hoping Leron has smartened up about his anger).

 

[Combo]

I agree..would you settle for Theo John??

I don't think John would be "settling." Sure Kiir looks better, but John would be a great addition.

I want one of the PF/Cs we're after -- Kiir/John/Epperson/U/etc.;
One of the wings (Goodwin/Smith/Lewis/Wilkes) and one of the PGs (Frazier/Scruggs). Do that and IMO this class is as good as anyone could reasonably expect.

 

[jrichisamazing]

Think that's the big one. If he actually makes it to CU, think we're in this thing. As in, really in this thang.

And Scruggs actually making it to CU is still extremely unlikely IMO. Mainly because his visit is after Frazier's. If Frazier doesn't commit on his visit and Scruggs is still uncommitted, then I will become more optimistic. That could potentially mean Groce is slow playing Frazier because we have a really good shot a Scruggs.

 

[Combo]

We need another true big, I don't like the undersized stretch 4 look. It leaves us vulnerable in the inside and provides weak rebounding. Looking forward to seeing Mav/Finke and Black/Throne combos. Going with two bigs in the line-up was successful last year.

I don't mind the stretch 4 look that's ubiquitous in college ball these days (and even in the NBA). However, I still think we need another Big. Guys Tillman's size don't play 40 min/game. And what if he gets hurt? Or is in early foul trouble. You need another big. Also if Tillman has a great FR year and goes pro, you want another PF/C ready to step in.

It makes eminent sense to get another Big. The only way I could see taking two more wings is if one of them is someone like Wilkes. That is, a SF who is tall (6'8) and elite (top 20). And I don't think our chances with Wilkes are too great (though I have no inside info).

PG
Wing
PF/C

 

[Combo]

And Scruggs actually making it to CU is still extremely unlikely IMO. Mainly because his visit is after Frazier's. If Frazier doesn't commit on his visit and Scruggs is still uncommitted, then I will become more optimistic. That could potentially mean Groce is slow playing Frazier because we have a really good shot a Scruggs.

I doubt he would slow play a talent like Frazier. If Frazier wants to commit, you take him and thank your lucky stars. I know Scruggs is rated higher, but Frazier IMO is a fantastic fit for how Groce wants to play.