Someone should give Mark Smith a copy of the first round tourney game to watch Thomas Walkup. That could be Smith in this offense. Side note, Smith reminds me physically and athletically of Josh Hart from Villanova.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (March 2017)
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Someone should give Mark Smith a copy of the first round tourney game to watch Thomas Walkup. That could be Smith in this offense. Side note, Smith reminds me physically and athletically of Josh Hart from Villanova.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
BU making all the right moves so far. Even if they're pretty obvious moves. Love our chances with Smith.
I checked into Jeffrey Carroll a little bit. He could be a great 5th year option if he decides to follow Coach Underwood to Champaign. He's a high-scoring 6'6 wing who's also known as a lockdown defender and good rebounder. Not uber athletic, but no slouch in that department (think Leron/Kipper level). Second team All-B12 this year. Pretty much averaged exactly what Malcolm did across the board, but with fewer assists and a higher shooting percentage.
This class could turn out to be:
CG - Trent Frazier
CG - Mark Smith
CG - Da'Monte Williams
Wing - Javon Pickett
Wing - Jeffrey Carroll (all-conference 5th year transfer)
C/F - Jeremiah Tilmon
It's at least somewhat likely that at least one player will leave the program (average standard attrition, plus coaching change). In that case, I assume we'd look for another big (likely a 5th year or JUCO). That looks like a tournament caliber roster.
This class could turn out to be:
CG - Trent Frazier
CG - Mark Smith
CG - Da'Monte Williams
Wing - Javon Pickett
Wing - Jeffrey Carroll (all-conference 5th year transfer)
C/F - Jeremiah Tilmon
It's at least somewhat likely that at least one player will leave the program (average standard attrition, plus coaching change). In that case, I assume we'd look for another big (likely a 5th year or JUCO). That looks like a tournament caliber roster.
Instead of 5th year big transfer, I want a raw frosh C/PF. I am worried if Tilmon and Black are all gone in 2 years, then we have a glaring hole in frontcourt when our backcourt studs are upperclassmen and ready to shine.
Mav level talent is acceptable. If we coach him better he can be qualified starter after around 2 years.
Mav level talent is acceptable. If we coach him better he can be qualified starter after around 2 years.
Does anyone know if Carroll is graduating this spring many athletes take 5 years to finish their degree? If he is graduating and decides to go the 5th year route he would be one of the elite players available and would be a big time get if he came to Illinois. Also I believe OSU could stop him from transferring to Illinois and would probably do that.
Totally agree. We are short on big men. Injury to Tilman or Finke would kill us. Best back-up is probably DJ and if info on thread on lack of effort with JG is true he has no chance with BU. Tough to figure starters as there are good athletes here now and more coming. Can't tell quickness and believe it will be critical for defense. Tend to judge recruits on offense and TJL was most impressive to me on defense. Reason we beat NW twice IMO.
We need those '18 Scholarships for a point guard and Finke, thats why a 5th year is important too. Plus the fact that Carroll already knows the offense, he would be huge
Carroll would be massive. Dude can play. Would be a huge get and really improve our team next year.
I actually don't think the school can prevent a 5th year guy from transferring wherever he wants. I'm pretty sure those prohibitory lists don't apply to grad transfers. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think so (Max Bielfeldt and Spike Albrecht come to mind).
The questions are: 1) is Carroll on track to graduate? 2) Does he want to play anywhere else, or is he content staying at OKST? 3) Would he consider Illinois (he's a Texas kid, so maybe he wants to stay in that region)?
Some variables: he really blossomed under Brad Underwood. He was a role player early in his career and this past season transformed him into an NBA prospect. There's an easy assumption that he might feel playing for Underwood gives him the best chance of reaching his potential. However, there's a fair possibility that he's ticked at Underwood for bailing after a year and/or didn't like playing for him despite having success.
I think there's a decent chance he comes. Probably less than 50/50, but significant enough to contemplate. I'll be surprised if Mark Smith doesn't commit within 10 days.
The questions are: 1) is Carroll on track to graduate? 2) Does he want to play anywhere else, or is he content staying at OKST? 3) Would he consider Illinois (he's a Texas kid, so maybe he wants to stay in that region)?
Some variables: he really blossomed under Brad Underwood. He was a role player early in his career and this past season transformed him into an NBA prospect. There's an easy assumption that he might feel playing for Underwood gives him the best chance of reaching his potential. However, there's a fair possibility that he's ticked at Underwood for bailing after a year and/or didn't like playing for him despite having success.
I think there's a decent chance he comes. Probably less than 50/50, but significant enough to contemplate. I'll be surprised if Mark Smith doesn't commit within 10 days.
Yeah, I love Kipper and think that DJW (if he stays) has potential, but replacing Malcolm Hill with a guy who averaged 17.5 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 44% from three (with 59 made) would be perfect. Add Carroll into next year's lineup and I think we're a surefire tournament team.
Can they block a grad transfer who goes to UI for a grad program not offered at osu (assumes he's graduating in May)
So glad the Illini got a coach that GETS it. He gets the tradition of Illinois ball and the fabulous talent pool in the Land of Lincoln. And such riches again in Chicago. IHSA Tourneys are over, and it was almost a clean sweep:
2A TItle - Chicago Orr
3A Title - Chicago Morgan Park
4A Title - Chicago Whitney Young
And then there's Simeon who just missed that list.
Once our new leader gets a toe-hold in ChiTown and Downstate, the State of Illinois can quit being a farm team for the nation. WE got next.
Good detailed explanation. Smith is way more skilled than TJL. As i said before he has a college ready body right now.
Illinidreamin
- Paris, IL.
Skilled in some areas maybe. Running team from point?.. Don't think he is any more skilled then TJL. Seeing floor?... Don't think there are too many better then TJL. Passing?.... Dude... Doubtful at best.
Defense?... We would have to wait and see. but proof today.. TJL
Now if your talking skill at finishing at the rim?...Smith.
Skill at 3 point line?.... Smith
Skill at the eye test without watching game?...Smith
JMO but its all open for discussion.
TJL also gets chemistry points. But personally I'm all in on Frazier as the best of bunch from the beginning.
Here's what I'm thinking (caveat: have only watched four complete Frazier games and numerous highlights; have only watched one complete Smith game, one additional half, and assorted highlights; I've read everything).
Controlling tempo: 1. Lucas, 2. Smith, 3. Frazier
Ball handling: 1. Smith, 2. Lucas, 3. Frazier
Passing/vision: 1. Lucas, 2. Smith, 3. Frazier
Outside shooting: 1. Smith, 2. Frazier, 3. Lucas
Getting to the rim: 1. Frazier (elite), 2. Smith, 3. Lucas
Finishing in traffic: 1. Smith, 2. Frazier, 3. Lucas
Overall scoring: 1. Frazier, 2. Smith, 3. Lucas
Man defense: 1. Lucas, 2. Frazier, 3. Smith
Generating steals: 1. Frazier (elite), 2. Lucas, 3. Smith
Rebounding: 1. Smith, 2. Frazier, 3. Lucas
Speed: 1. Frazier (elite), 2. Smith, 3. Lucas
Leaping ability: 1. Smith, 2. Frazier, 3. Lucas
Short area quickness: 1. Frazier, 2. Lucas, 3. Smith
Motor: All extremely high motors! Super competitors.
I think that Smith is probably the best all around basketball player, Lucas is the best "pure" point guard, and Frazier is the only one with certain truly special abilities. Lucas is a terrific passer, game manager, and 1-on-1 defender. Smith is a big, athletic, skilled player who can handle, pass, and shoot. Frazier is violently explosive going north-south - he's got Jawun Evans speed and quickness. Frazier also has awesome reaction time - in a pressure scheme he could average over 2 steals per game.
All three of our point guards (if Smith commits) could have all-conference potential at some point in their careers. If I had to guess, Frazier will start, Lucas will back him up, and Smith will end up on the wing. I wouldn't be surprised at all with a different outcome. However it works out, I think we'll have a top flight PG.
I am family friends with one of the 5th year transfers mentioned. The transfer isn't automatic and Okie State can make it tough. There is work to be done to make it work but Max laid out the blueprint that was then followed by his good friend Spike.
Edit: After checking what had to be done, I must correct my post. The work done had to do with transferring within the Big Ten. Not the same for Carroll.
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79illinois
- Winnetka, IL
Da'Monte Williams just tweeted: "Can't confirm anything".
https://twitter.com/DAWilliams14/status/843539515918733313
https://twitter.com/DAWilliams14/status/843539515918733313
I know he was hurt, but it seems like Da'Monte gets lost in the shuffle quite a bit when talking about this incoming class. From what I've seen his potential is through the roof, he compliments the other players beautifully and I hope he stays. He could do big things here.
UncleBob
- San Clemente, CA
Sounds like Illini material to me.
This isn't surprising to see, and it isn't necessarily bad news. I don't expect our recruits to say anything one way or another until they at least meet Underwood. Frazier's tweet, while welcome and exciting, was somewhat surprising to see. Just goes to show you how high he is on Illinois (which is great!).
sdfidaho
- Boise, Idaho
I'm not up on all of the 5th year transfer rules, but I thought:
A) OSU couldn't have a program for the post-graduate degree he would want to get.
Ad/Or
B) He was transferring closer to home.
I may be getting other transfer rules mixed in with this.
Can someone clarify?
SalukiIllini
- Evansville, IN
It's funny to see Missouri fans on that tweet talking about him going there when we'd probably block that school anyway. It's like they just became fans or something
soupy17
- MI
For 5th year transfers I'm pretty sure A is the only criteria. Transferring closer to home would be something like the Ahmad Starks situation from a few years ago where you haven't completed your degree but are looking for a waiver to transfer without a sit year.
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