Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (July-August 2016)

[ILLGOLF11]

Seriously? That's what most college teams do these days, including the one that just won a NC. Heck, sometimes Nova just goes with 3 Gs, one wing, and one Big.

That said, I'm all for adding another PF/C. Kiir would be perfect. Tillman is great, but no player his size is going to play close to 40 mpg.

Stay on course here. Talking about our team. Meaning our players and our coaches. Nova has different players and a coach that has his own system. He recruits to that system. If you're going to run his offense, and have Kris Jenkins rather than DJW or KN, then absolutely give me that. I would also love to do what Golden State does, but again, players and system.

For the players and coaches we have, that doesn't give us our best chance. Case and point was two years ago. Us being a better team with Ray out had nothing to do with an idea of him being selfish or the team having bad chemistry. It allowed Leron to play, meaning Hill went to the 3. The team just flows a lot better when guys are in their natural positions. It also gives us a much better chance on the glass, which I think we can all agree after last year, is much needed.

Also, this isn't in regards to anything you said. But I believe the original post was about rather having 6'8" or 6'9" leapers rather than flat footed 7 footers. I would absolutely take that as a PF option. That seems much closer to what Kiir is. But there was a suggestion that it could be DJW or KN and to me the only part of that description that they fill is the leaper. Don't have the height of that description now do they have enough strength. I think it leaves us exposed down there like we have been so many times before.

 

[Second and Chalmers]

I mean the obvious answer is yes and then you still take Scruggs if he wants to come...pretty simple.

Well, this too.

 

[Combo]

Stay on course here. Talking about our team. Meaning our players and our coaches. Nova has different players and a coach that has his own system. He recruits to that system. If you're going to run his offense, and have Kris Jenkins rather than DJW or KN, then absolutely give me that. I would also love to do what Golden State does, but again, players and system.

For the players and coaches we have, that doesn't give us our best chance. Case and point was two years ago. Us being a better team with Ray out had nothing to do with an idea of him being selfish or the team having bad chemistry. It allowed Leron to play, meaning Hill went to the 3. The team just flows a lot better when guys are in their natural positions. It also gives us a much better chance on the glass, which I think we can all agree after last year, is much needed.

Also, this isn't in regards to anything you said. But I believe the original post was about rather having 6'8" or 6'9" leapers rather than flat footed 7 footers. I would absolutely take that as a PF option. That seems much closer to what Kiir is. But there was a suggestion that it could be DJW or KN and to me the only part of that description that they fill is the leaper. Don't have the height of that description now do they have enough strength. I think it leaves us exposed down there like we have been so many times before.

I don't know what era you're observing or if you're trying to superimpose NBA heights on college ball. Of course I'd rather have 6'8 or 6'9 leapers at PF. Hell, I'd rather have a 6'8 or 6'9 leaper at Center.

Again if you don't think DJW or KN has the height to play PF, you haven't watched a lot of college ball. Lots of top teams have 6'6 or 6'7 PFs. Our two best teams of the last 30 years have had 6'6 PFs. And since 2005, the game has only gone more towards favoring quickness/athleticism/skill over height.

We'd all love to have an athletic, skilled 6'9 guy at PF. However, those guys are few and far between in college ball. The top ones generally go to KY/Duke/UNC/Kansas for a year then onto the NBA.

I do think SF is the ideal position for both DJW and KN. And, absent injuries, that's where they will play most of their time at IL. And I would absolutely like to add another PF/C to the '17 class.

Our problems the last couple years have related way more to the complete and utter lack of competent PG play than they have to a SF playing the 4 position.

 

[FiveStar]

I mean the obvious answer is yes and then you still take Scruggs if he wants to come...pretty simple.

I've read that Damonte is a combo. I personally think he leans more toward the 1 because he doesn't shoot well enough for a 2, but others see his athleticism making him a tremendous wing slasher. For Frazier and Scruggs, are they more pure with their PG skills? Are they combos? Does one lean more to the 1 or the 2?

 

[MrOizo]

I've read that Damonte is a combo. I personally think he leans more toward the 1 because he doesn't shoot well enough for a 2, but others see his athleticism making him a tremendous wing slasher. For Frazier and Scruggs, are they more pure with their PG skills? Are they combos? Does one lean more to the 1 or the 2?

Seems clear that Frazier is the most obvious PG since he handles the most, pushes tempo, and is known for solid passing and vision. I don't know enough about Scruggs but have heard he's the best scorer of the three (by far) and has shown enough PG skills that you just hand him the ball and let him initiate the offense.

Demonte is forced to play off guard and thus we don't know how he might be as PG. If he shot it better and was known for having a high motor he would be ranked pretty high. As it is, we will have to find out what we have in him once he arrives i believe as he'll keep playing out of position...

That's my best shot from videos and limited testimonials.

 

[Jeffcobrad]

Guys ,Guys ,Guys why do you do this all the time. I will gladly come back and eat crow but Scruggs/Wilkes are not coming. Its like the one boy in school that every time a good looking girl looked his way he thought she had the hots for him. Go ahead if you must but Frazier and Kiir is where the focus needs to be. Wait a minute! did Michael Porter Jr just look this way, I kid ....

 

[AnticipatedSerendipity]

All we need is for either Wilkes or Scruggs to commit to team up with Tilmon, then add Frazier and Kiir. We are in both their top 5's... More like when a girl gives you their number not gives you a look

 

[CAHALL15]

Guys ,Guys ,Guys why do you do this all the time. I will gladly come back and eat crow but Scruggs/Wilkes are not coming. Its like the one boy in school that every time a good looking girl looked his way he thought she had the hots for him. Go ahead if you must but Frazier and Kiir is where the focus needs to be. Wait a minute! did Michael Porter Jr just look this way, I kid ....

I'll play.

If it's me, I'm planning a date on Friday day night one week with one of the cute looking girls and then doing the same on another Friday for the other. However, I'm talking to the head cheerleader as much as I can. I'll show her that I'll treat her right and hopefully she falls in love with my personality and sees that I'm due for a growth spurt. Plus, one of her friends can vouch for me (Tilmon).

 

[Jeffcobrad]

All we need is for either Wilkes or Scruggs to commit to team up with Tilmon, then add Frazier and Kiir. We are in both their top 5's... More like when a girl gives you their number not gives you a look

How many 5* players have we made their final 5. It is a pretty long list and how many have we gotten...1. Have to win first to land these guys and we haven't done that yet. I'm tired of just making the final cut. I am not getting sucked in anymore.

 

[SescIllini]

I like the way the 2001 Illini team was built. We had a true PG in Frank Williams and Cory Bradford a combo guard as his back-up. You had Cory Bradford as the SG, with a dead shooter in Harrington as his back up. At SF you had McClain with Lucas as his back up. At PF you had Cook with Damir K as his back up. At Center you had Griffin with Archibald as his back up.

The weakest spot on the team was the lack of athleticism at the SG and especially the WF position. We could outplay 98% of the teams but the Dukes, MSU, and Arizona had a clear advantage at that position.

Looking at our current make up going foreward we need to improve at the PG and PF/C position. We have several good candidates for the 2nd and WF positions, Tilmon is solid at Center but needs help. Tejon, Damonte, and possibly Frazier can lock down that position.

With the final 3 spots It would be awesome to land Kiir, Frazier, and Epperson. Hopefully the La Lamunieir contacts can help us with Epperson. If not him possibly a solid 5th year transfer.

 

[RyanK]

How many 5* players have we made their final 5. It is a pretty long list and how many have we gotten...1. Have to win first to land these guys and we haven't done that yet. I'm tired of just making the final cut. I am not getting sucked in anymore.

Yeah don't waste your time following these two. No chance.

 

[BackDancing]

I like the way the 2001 Illini team was built. We had a true PG in Frank Williams and Cory Bradford a combo guard as his back-up. You had Cory Bradford as the SG, with a dead shooter in Harrington as his back up. At SF you had McClain with Lucas as his back up. At PF you had Cook with Damir K as his back up. At Center you had Griffin with Archibald as his back up.

The weakest spot on the team was the lack of athleticism at the SG and especially the WF position. We could outplay 98% of the teams but the Dukes, MSU, and Arizona had a clear advantage at that position.

Looking at our current make up going foreward we need to improve at the PG and PF/C position. We have several good candidates for the 2nd and WF positions, Tilmon is solid at Center but needs help. Tejon, Damonte, and possibly Frazier can lock down that position.

With the final 3 spots It would be awesome to land Kiir, Frazier, and Epperson. Hopefully the La Lamunieir contacts can help us with Epperson. If not him possibly a solid 5th year transfer.

That was a fantastic team. But you aren't going to have a legendary PG very often. We also had what I consider one of our better coaches in Lon Kruger.

 

[Goldtop]

I'll play.

If it's me, I'm planning a date on Friday day night one week with one of the cute looking girls and then doing the same on another Friday for the other. However, I'm talking to the head cheerleader as much as I can. I'll show her that I'll treat her right and hopefully she falls in love with my personality and sees that I'm due for a growth spurt. Plus, one of her friends can vouch for me (Tilmon).

Well played.:thumb:

 

[IllGuardU]

To quote Carl Spackler of Caddyshack..."So we've got that going for us." :thumb:

" I have a pool and a pond. Pond would be good for you". Lol.

 

[carlspackler]

To quote Carl Spackler of Caddyshack..."So we've got that going for us." :thumb:

Glad to see I'm still being quoted

 

[Tevo]

I'll play.

If it's me, I'm planning a date on Friday day night one week with one of the cute looking girls and then doing the same on another Friday for the other. However, I'm talking to the head cheerleader as much as I can. I'll show her that I'll treat her right and hopefully she falls in love with my personality and sees that I'm due for a growth spurt. Plus, one of her friends can vouch for me (Tilmon).

Are you saying you hooked up with Tilmon?

 

[justsomedude]

I like the way the 2001 Illini team was built. We had a true PG in Frank Williams and Cory Bradford a combo guard as his back-up. You had Cory Bradford as the SG, with a dead shooter in Harrington as his back up. At SF you had McClain with Lucas as his back up. At PF you had Cook with Damir K as his back up. At Center you had Griffin with Archibald as his back up.

The weakest spot on the team was the lack of athleticism at the SG and especially the WF position. We could outplay 98% of the teams but the Dukes, MSU, and Arizona had a clear advantage at that position.

Looking at our current make up going foreward we need to improve at the PG and PF/C position. We have several good candidates for the 2nd and WF positions, Tilmon is solid at Center but needs help. Tejon, Damonte, and possibly Frazier can lock down that position.

With the final 3 spots It would be awesome to land Kiir, Frazier, and Epperson. Hopefully the La Lamunieir contacts can help us with Epperson. If not him possibly a solid 5th year transfer.

I agree, We'd be better off with 3 or 4 McD AA players and skilled depth.

 

[CAHALL15]

Are you saying you hooked up with Tilmon?

Is "hooking up" the same thing as going study together?

 

[IlliniFan17]

Just looking around on Twitter and happened to notice Scruggs follows most of the Xavier basketball team and staff. I would say that's a decent sign as to what school he's leaning towards.

 

[Combo]

Just looking around on Twitter and happened to notice Scruggs follows most of the Xavier basketball team and staff. I would say that's a decent sign as to what school he's leaning towards.

They've been the favorite for a while now.

 

[UofIChE06]

They've been the favorite for a while now.

True but most didn't think he would leave campus without committing. They are the presumed landing spot but it is dragging out more than expected so could go a different direction

 

[IlliniRock]

Yeah don't waste your time following these two. No chance.

This is what is somewhat frustrating. If you (Wilkes & Scruggs) aren't really considering playing for Groce why string him along??? Just cut your lists to XU, IU and whoever else and decide. SMH.....makes no sense!

 

[Big Al]

Just looking around on Twitter and happened to notice Scruggs follows most of the Xavier basketball team and staff. I would say that's a decent sign as to what school he's leaning towards.

It's always been a really solid indicator in the past...except for guys like Demetrius Jackson, Cliff Alexander, Jaquan Lyle, Elijah Thomas, and Charles Matthews, just to name a few.

 

[ILLGOLF11]

I don't know what era you're observing or if you're trying to superimpose NBA heights on college ball. Of course I'd rather have 6'8 or 6'9 leapers at PF. Hell, I'd rather have a 6'8 or 6'9 leaper at Center.

Again if you don't think DJW or KN has the height to play PF, you haven't watched a lot of college ball. Lots of top teams have 6'6 or 6'7 PFs. Our two best teams of the last 30 years have had 6'6 PFs. And since 2005, the game has only gone more towards favoring quickness/athleticism/skill over height.

We'd all love to have an athletic, skilled 6'9 guy at PF. However, those guys are few and far between in college ball. The top ones generally go to KY/Duke/UNC/Kansas for a year then onto the NBA.

I do think SF is the ideal position for both DJW and KN. And, absent injuries, that's where they will play most of their time at IL. And I would absolutely like to add another PF/C to the '17 class.

Our problems the last couple years have related way more to the complete and utter lack of competent PG play than they have to a SF playing the 4 position.

Again, you're missing the point. They need an actual PF, and that doesn't all depend on height. But it does mean someone who is strong, can hold his own down low on defense and help clean up the glass. Leron fits that. As did Roger Powell. As did Branden Dawson, to look at another team. All are 6'6" or 6'7", but they can hold their own down there. I'd gladly take that.

However, the experiments the last few years throwing Bertrand, Henry, Hill and now DJW down there - guys that are true wings - I'll pass.

The PG play has been awful, don't get me wrong. That position has had the same problem, trying to put players there that aren't natural PGs. Or in a couple cases, guys that are PGs but have no business playing in the Big Ten.

When you fill a roster with wings, you get incompetent PG and post play. So get some guys out there that have a knack for that position, regardless of height. Just someone that prevents us from finishing 2nd to last in rebounding and scoring defense in the conference.

 

[ILLGOLF11]

This is what is somewhat frustrating. If you (Wilkes & Scruggs) aren't really considering playing for Groce why string him along??? Just cut your lists to XU, IU and whoever else and decide. SMH.....makes no sense!

You're right, it doesn't, that's also on the coach to be able to sense your realistic chances and when you are being strung along and allocate your time and resources accordingly. You see veteran coaches basically take themselves out of the race when they know the chances aren't realistic.