I agree but, in the long run getting a player of Ayo’s caliber from Chicago may be something gets the ball rolling for years to come. Transcending even his playing years at Illinois. Hopefully we can look back at his commitment as the start of a positive relationship with Chicago players for a long time.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (March 2018)
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I agree but, in the long run getting a player of Ayo’s caliber from Chicago may be something gets the ball rolling for years to come. Transcending even his playing years at Illinois. Hopefully we can look back at his commitment as the start of a positive relationship with Chicago players for a long time.
Oldtoysrock
- Sarasota, Florida
They seem to think Cuonzo can pay, er I mean sign anyone.
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Our game with them not withstanding, they’ve had a pretty good year. Especially considering the way it started with Porter’s injury.
I don’t really mind if Miznoz has success as long as we are there with them or preferably better. Having the border war game be a top 25 matchup year in/year out would be great.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Today's 5 star is yesterday's news in a very short time. Plus, elite kids are rarely history majors. I think having a very good relationship with the MIF will pay more dividends than landing Ayo (not a diss to him, in any way).
Oldtoysrock
- Sarasota, Florida
It seems alot of recruiting involves playing as close to the line of what the ncaa deems acceptable with recruits without going over (or getting caught), I just wonder if Antigua’s most recent experience at South Florida has him ultra cautious in recruiting players? With both he and Underwood while they were not implicated, they had those close to them that were in Antigua’s brother and Evans at OSU.
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This is just my opinion.......but the ideal situation is that Illinois becomes a great team year in and year out, and Mizzou finishes 0-31 every single year.
But I'm a reasonable guy. So, I'd tolerate Mizzou getting a few wins each year.
Oldtoysrock
- Sarasota, Florida
I think part of Bird being such a great player was his high basketball IQ, which I would presume the son of the former NBA player and current coach would have. I’m excited for Alan Joining the O & B, and with all do respect to the negatives on this board; I respect the talent evaluation from BU more than any of you. Just sayin’.
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Why would you say that? We have a lot of people on this board who THINK they have all the answers. Perhaps, they missed their calling.
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Ayo has been really quiet on a Twitter last couple weeks. What’s up with that?
Anybody see on Twitter that Jordan Brangers was asked if he was going to commit to the Illini or what and he responded with "Haha, I wish"? Interesting to see that. Anybody have any info on if the staff has cooled off on him or something? Seems like he'd add another shooter.
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It's not Antigua, it's called late in the 18 signing period and there is not a lot of bigs left. Your expecting a lot of a coaching staff recruiting wise that hasn't even been here a full year!
Kramer116
- Chicago
I don't think he has ever been very realistic at least this early. I guess we may have reached out initially, he has been committed to like 3-4 different schools, did not make it into WKU iirc, I think he went the GED route to get eligible for JUCO.
Other kids took prioritization, and I do not believe the interest is mutual. Kid can play, but has had some other issues that probably did not help his case with staff.
Another take on an exceptional "non athletic" athlete. Birds first step...
https://www.quora.com/Would-you-consider-James-Harden-athletic-by-NBA-standards
I've grown weary of this debate so here's a link to help you decide. BTW, this old man saw him play a lot from 79 until the end of his pro career. He was a much better athlete than he's given credit for. Now, GET OFF MY LAWN!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX8ipponmSc
BTW, the reverse dunk vs the Piston early in the clip should tell you all you need to know. and, KEEP YOUR DAMN MUSIC DOWN!
When Bird said he wasn't athletic he was joking. Throughout his career he was used as the prime example of the can't jump, can't run white guy who somehow was one of the best players of all time. It became a joke after a few years and Bird would say it about himself sarcastically.
Come to the Big Ten...better basketball, bigger crowds, and people actually get to watch you play, instead of being asleep when many of your games are played. Plus you're going to a top flight academic school, which never hurts after your playing days are over.
He’s off living life and not concerning himself with soothing fans by providing a stream of positive and reassuring posts? Just a guess...
Loved watching Bird play saw him at Indiana State in 79 live and watched him a ton in the pros before he got hurt. Another old guy here to tell you he was a heck of a player and a lot better athlete than most people realize especially before he injured his back
Illiniwek06
- N of I-80
Me reading the recruiting thread finding old guys arguing about Larry Bird's athleticism.
GortTheRobot
- North Bethesda, Maryland
Is Ayo the new Levi Cobb? In terms of importance to the program's recruiting that is.
If we got Mike Daum we would be a tourney team for sure. Dude has All Big Ten Team talent and has shown out against big teams several times in the tournament (16/6 against Maryland; 17/7 against Gonzaga).
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