The future is open to any on this team, freshman or not. Kick butt in practice, impress the coaches, be a team player, stay out of trouble, and keep a good attitude are all attributes (along with other things that other posters will bring up) that will determine who will play over who.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (March 2018)
- Status
I'd rather have Tevian than Ramey. I agree, he's the athletic 3 we really need. Very psyched that he's visiting next week. I hope the staff can close the deal with him then.
It’s not either or. We would gladly take both.
I certainly agree that Jones looks much more likely.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
No but with the propensity that Kipper has shown, foul trouble, lack of effort, in the doghouse and just some poor play, then he would definitely steal some minutes for sure.
Can't disagree with you more. Kipper was the 3rd leading scorer and one of the leading rebounds. There are only 3 players we have to match higher level talent, Kipper, Trent, and Black. Believe Damonte, Smith, Ebo, Tejon will get there. Kipper played out of position most of this year. He is not a PF, wasn't that in high school so why put him there now. Just like the rest of the team he had his bad moments. But he improved year over year.
Kipper played 20 min per game. I predict next year he will play at least 20 if not more. So those minutes for Jones or new players may come from Alstork, Finke, or AJ. I don't see Finke getting 25 minutes next year.
I just hope we get to find out. That would mean Jones commits and Kipper is still on the team. Neither are sure things, but both would be good developments. I think both are more likely than not.
If Jones plays within the offense and defense schemes properly, he will get all the minutes he can handle. They won't really come from Kip because he only averaged 19 mpg.
I think Jones is on commit watch while on his visit, no sources just a hunch.
Ramsey's a PG and we already have multiple good PGs now (nice to say after the Groce years of no PG until Lucas) and need an athletic 3 more.
It's not sour grapes because that's for something you wanted but couldn't get. We never wanted Cuonzo, but I get your point. I agree with rest of your post. More dislike for how the Tilmon stuff went down, Mr. I'm just stopping by E St Louis to see my sister and all.
Larry Bird ran a sub34 minute 5 mile race two days before dropping 60 on a team. One of his teammates claims the last mile was around 5 flat.
That is incredibly athletic for a 6' 9" guy.
Deleted member 654622
D
Guest
This is just a serious case of different opinions of what "athletic" means to people. Much like the argument of whether NASCAR is a "sport".
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Ayo, Griffin, Jones, Kane and Cunningham/Caroline/Trice. That class fills a lot of gaps.
I would feel much better about the future, depending on which 2 players left in order to get that 5 man class.
My biggest concern is him being an AZ/CA kid. SW/SoCal different lifestyle/culture than midwest. Much easier to sell to midwest, Florida, eastern players. I hope this happens love his game, would succeed in BU offense. But still give the western schools the edge, some who might not be players (Cal, Ucla, AzSt,Unlv) yet.
DB11Headband
- Chicago Burbs
Sign me up for this. Not far-fetched, either.
Gill was among my favorite all time Illini, and I was a huge fan of Luther. Both played within themselves even as they made mistakes. There have been a number of lessor players I've really liked because of the effort and pride they brought. Loved Lucas Johnson, for example. Not the most skilled or elegant player, but he brought EVERYTHING night after night. The game was more physical then, so he's kind of an outlier, but we've had other players like Roger Powell, Chester Frazier, and many others who've done everything they've been asked and more.
I generally don't like picking on individuals, and I'm especially hesitant to do so with freshman for the obvious reasons, but this is a message board, and I think it's fair to voice opinions based on the merits, especially if you can point to your evidence and have a civil discussion.
That said, I'm not in a position to make the call on whether they've 'brought it', have the attention to detail to project up to BIG level play, and are on board. I won't have a problem if Underwood evaluates his players, challenges them, and if the fits not there, forces the issue. I guess I would put it on par with an academic scholarship where you're required to make a certain GPA to maintain it.
I will say that Smith is an interesting case. Hasn't played the sport long. High ceiling by almost anyone's estimate. Very physically advanced, but was inefficient on the court and made his share of mistakes, even for a freshman.
The question I think Underwood has to ask himself is whether each of his young guys is on board and moving in the right direction. If they're not on a path to success with the team he's envisioned, then the offseason's the time to have that discussion or make changes. No idea how that will shake out, but I think Werner said something along the lines that BU is going to recruit like he has more scholarships.
Like his game. Instant impact, imo. Made all his dunks, too!
Like the first four picks. Saw Cunningham play yesterday, not sure he would fit BU fast play style. He is a big body but would not be the shot blocker we need. Think BIG centers/PF would give him trouble. Trice would take a scholly for 2019. Caroline might be the best fit but would be an undersized PF, similiar to what Black and Kipper have been. Starting to think the transfer window might reveal a name that hasn't been mentioned yet (Mike Daum SDST).
Starting to feel Finke staying and adding another veteran big (will need a upperclassmen transfer) best option to improve frontcourt. The pursuit of Tev/Ramey, hs big, and Grad big looks like we are losing two players.
ChazzReinhold
Mom! The Meatloaf!
I remember Cunningham in high school as lean, explosive, and energetic. I don’t know if he has had injury issues but now he’s a big guy with old man game. A totally different player than I remember.
Except Miznoz just got 20 wins yesterday.
Morgan park plays st lawrence at st lawrence in the sectional semifinalsTuesday at 6. If they win that game the next game will be friday night I believe. It's possible he could be there Saturday for Jones' visit but I'm sure coach Nick will have them practicing that weekend to hear up for the following tuesday.
I think you might have a different opinion than what is probably the norm for athleticism. Generally, people who are called really athletic accelerate quickly, run fast and jump high and/or long. A great miler doesn't necessarily fit that description and neither does a pitcher who happens to throw 90+ mph. They certainly have athletic ability, but think you are comparing apples to oranges. I think most people would say Bird was not very athletic as he was not fast nor did he jump high. No doubt he was a great athlete because he was one of the best at his sport all-time and being a great athlete involves more than just physical athleticism, which he did not have.
- Status