I really hope I am right but I think this kid is going to push Kipper hard.
There is at Louisville.
Great interview with Tevian Jones on the front page. I love that they said he is a full 6’7’’.
I really hope I am right but I think this kid is going to push Kipper hard.
Liddell is an NBA player and the real deal. Okoro is the best match of our style of play and our needs. Okoro comes in and starts this season and makes a difference immediately.
Okoro is a huge need since we've been missing a guy with this strengths for a while, but with BU, I would argue that Liddell is a better fit. He really does everything that BU is looking for in a big. Okoro is skilled as well but he's more raw than Liddell. Liddell has the biggest ceiling too.
Okoro is a huge need since we've been missing a guy with this strengths for a while, but with BU, I would argue that Liddell is a better fit. He really does everything that BU is looking for in a big. Okoro is skilled as well but he's more raw than Liddell. Liddell has the biggest ceiling too.
A few years back I would probably agree with you but the playing style in the NBA now gives Liddell the best chance as a 4. Okoro would be more challenged as undersized 5 than Liddell as an undersized 4. Both would immediately change the perception of our program though.Maybe, but I'm not so sure. As far as ceiling goes Liddell is a real talent and undoubtedly has upside, but the boy's a tweener. He's an undersized PF at the next level and probably can't play the 3 in terms of projecting as a pro. Okoro has only played the game for a few years and is bigger, longer, and might even be more athletic. He has the tools to be a pro PF.
Liddell is the better player and should be the priority
Sold our souls? GMAB. We were given an ultimatum and we chose correctly.
I'm not sure how I feel about BU is recruiting. On one end, he is recruiting 2019 as if we will have to Crean at least 2 players to open up spots for Khalil or EJ and possibly a 3rd. This is great because we want to get better. However, I hope the right expectations were set-up with those potentially at risk like Georgi, Greg, or Samba that they may have to seek elsewhere if they don't pan out. This is assuming a final scholly is taken up by Okoro and that BU recruits a 5th year grad transfer for the final scholarship.
I'm not sure how I feel about BU is recruiting. On one end, he is recruiting 2019 as if we will have to Crean at least 2 players to open up spots for Khalil or EJ and possibly a 3rd. This is great because we want to get better. However, I hope the right expectations were set-up with those potentially at risk like Georgi, Greg, or Samba that they may have to seek elsewhere if they don't pan out. This is assuming a final scholly is taken up by Okoro and that BU recruits a 5th year grad transfer for the final scholarship.
It's a longer play, the MIF is the best showcase program in the state, but we will not be getting all of their top players. There is absolutely no way, and not in their best interest. I know the first big name MIF player who gets away people will view it as a failed strategy, but it was actually a great move.
It's a longer play, the MIF is the best showcase program in the state, but we will not be getting all of their top players. There is absolutely no way, and not in their best interest. I know the first big name MIF player who gets away people will view it as a failed strategy, but it was actually a great move.
It's a longer play, the MIF is the best showcase program in the state, but we will not be getting all of their top players. There is absolutely no way, and not in their best interest. I know the first big name MIF player who gets away people will view it as a failed strategy, but it was actually a great move.
We made a choice. Hopefully it ends up being correct, but I am very glad we are also recruiting DJ Steward. If it comes down to Miller choosing a different school and MIF telling us not to pick DJ Steward as well, that would be a narrative changing event. I don't see that happening though and I don't see why that would happen.
What? The idea that MIF is calling our shots (recruiting wise), is flat out wrong.
The question is whether we still have any access to non-MIF players in Chicago, or worse, Chicagoland. And whether any such issues last beyond the Underwood administration.
A lot is unknown at this point.
But I would say, as good as MIF is, as a Power Five school, Illinois is only interested in their very best handful of players. Which is one reason getting deeply tied to a specific AAU program is generally more of a mid or low major thing.
I agree. The THT-Ayo thing was an incredibly unique situation
Exclusive ties? No way Underwood would agree to that. 'Course evidence helps and there isn't any thus far.
We were given an ultimatum and we chose correctly.
The real question is, did we burn a bridge at Simeon because of this. Pretty much our only pipeline thats lasted more than a few years, and produced some of our best players, not to mention tradition. Would severely hope we did not.