We're losing Thorne and Morgan, so it really makes me wonder what we'll do at center. My first thought is that he'll get all the minutes he can handle, somewhere in the low to mid 20s. While I normally wouldn't expect significant productivity out of a freshman, he has a pretty good feel for the post, and should do ok.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (November-December 2016)
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We're losing Thorne and Morgan, so it really makes me wonder what we'll do at center. My first thought is that he'll get all the minutes he can handle, somewhere in the low to mid 20s. While I normally wouldn't expect significant productivity out of a freshman, he has a pretty good feel for the post, and should do ok.
I'm sure we'll be in the market for a 5th year big to help. Otherwise it probably means some time at the 5 for Finke (and maybe Black) with Black and Nichols at the 4.
"Athletic" 7 footers are generally 5 star guys. Epperson is a bit longer than Froling and seemed to move better so I'd definitely take him. Getting the former Nevada commit, Ken something (his name escapes me), would be a home run, in my opinion, but it sounds like he wants to stay closer to home.
I think everyone here would take Epperson.
I understand the sentiment that playing behind JT will be a deterrent. However, I believe JT might be capable to play both 4/5 positions. In my mind, that basically means 80 minutes to split a game amongst Black, JT, Epperson, and Finke. Even then thats just the first two years, he'd solidly have the 5 spot for 2 years. Thats not uncommon for bigs. His freshman and sophmore years, his minutes average could easily be 20. Freshman I would assume closer to 10 but I could easily see him playing 15. Finke has been so underwhelming defensively I think Epperson could easily come to the conclusion that PT wont be an issue, ever. The first couple years at 90% of power 5 schools are gonna limit his PT. Heck, even if he wanted too, like someone mentioned early, frosh bigs wont play more than 20 mins a game and his skill level isnt probably there.
This said, I still dont think he comes in, even knowing the odds JT stays more than 2 yeras are slim. We dont have an ideal situation for him, but in terms of PT and potential teammates, I'd give us a grade of B. Factor in our recent run at LaLu guys and this doesn't seem too crazy. Being an international player, I think at least making the tourney this year, would go a lot farther with him, than other domestic products.
Personally, I'd take my chances with Tilmon and Epperson down low and grab a 5th year PG. If Groce is serious about playing decent minutes with two PG's, we are gonna need a third, and JCL/Demonte aren't that.
Tilmon could play the 4 but he won't with Black and Finke at those spots. Our primary need is at the 5 and that's where he'll play exclusively. His playing time will depend on how many fouls he accumulates. Sure, he could sell the idea that Tilmon could play the 4 but we would need a master salesman to get people to buy into that idea.
chief78
- Florida
Trent is by far the best player on his team and gets doubled every time out. While some of his competition is not the best, it is not due to inferior athletes. South Florida is loaded with great athletes (who can guard ok, but not so great offensively), while less are good basketball players. He is a talented shooter and it would not surprise me to see him shoot better in college from 3 when the attention is not so much on him.
Agreed. I'd say that many good college shooters were around 30% from 3 in HS.
ivwilsoniv
- Aurora, IL
Is there a consensus that Illinois should go out and pick up a 5th year big man again like we've done consistently in the past? A true center, I mean. I know we have Finke, but need another big body. Would help with Tilmon's minutes...
what ever our Centers avg combined I would expect Tilmon to be a little above those numbers maybe 4 points and 2 or 3 more rebounds, I believe he's quickness over both Mav and Thorne is why
Their average combined would be 15 points and 8 rebounds. Prepare to be disappointed.
I could see Tilmon averaging something like 19 and 10...as a redshirt senior. I expect something like this:
FR: 8 pts, 5 reb, 1 ast, 1.3 blk, 0.5 stl
SO: 11.5 pts, 8 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.7 blk, 0.7 stl
Declares for draft; late first/early second round pick. If he were to stay for a third year, I don't think 15 and 9 with 2 blocks would be out of line, which would put him in the 1st team all-conference discussion. As soon as he proves to NBA decision makers that he has the requisite combination of athleticism, feel for the game, and general coachability, I assume he'll bounce. Probably two years. 6'11 kids with his frame, athleticism, and coordination are extremely rare even at the P5 level.
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
Everyone knows we need another center. A serviceable 5th year would be great. However, unlike previous years, we don't offer a compelling case for a good 5th year player to sign on. A 15-18 mpg ceiling is going to make a good 5th year a tough get.
We'll probably look hard at guys who played for smaller schools who find playing for a big school appealing. The pool of 5th years who can play center is pretty tiny. Exacerbated by very high demand. If we land a 5th year, he's likely to be a bit of a reach.
Not by much. Last few years top 30 Freshman Centers have averaged a little over 10 points and roughly 6 rebounds.
That sounds imminently reasonable for Tilmon
Serious Late
- Peoria via Denver via Ann Arbor via Albuquerque vi
I hope that a late first round/early second round projection following his Sophomore year would convince him to go back to school for another year. That FEELS like a risky proposition for a kid multiple years out of high school, but certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility.
Stay in school unless you are a lottery pick, kid. Worst case scenario, you end up with a degree to fall back on.
I went back and looked all the way to the 2012 class and looked at only listed centers listed in the top 32 according to Rivals and not power forwards such as Cliff, Labissiere, and Diallo. The numbers below are based on freshman years only.
Guys who averaged less than 10ppg: 16/28.
Guys who averaged less than 6rpg: 15/28.
Averaging 15ppg was virtually unheard of with only Jahlil Okafor reaching this.
I don't think Tilmon will average 15 ppg. However given the heavy minutes he will likely play if you gave me an over under of 9pts and 4rbds per game. I'm taking the over every time
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
While I'm waiting for the next FB recruiting domino to fall, I see Tilmon at 12 ppg and 7 rpg next season. Obviously, a WAG, but am optimistic.
Mike
C-U Townie
Think Tilmon will have at least one 20+ point / 10+ rebound game, but because he's a frosh will also have crap games as well.
Guessing he will still be here his sophomore year and will be a force.
Except the post Newman responded to said it would be 4 pts/2 rbs better than that average, so more like 19/10, which is most likely not happening.
19 and 10, 15 and 8. Neither one is likely, but I have seen more temper your expectation posts than overly optimistic ones.
With our lack of alternative post options and likelihood that Tilmon will get as many minutes as he can handle, he will have to be highly ineffective to not get 10 and 5.
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
Yeah, that's about where I am, as well.
Maybe Tilmon will be able to play a little defense,( it would be almost impossible to be worse than Morgan at that end). If Tilmon averaged 11 & 7 that would be very good for a freshman7
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illinifan31
Former Krush Cow
- South Bend, IN
Meyers averaged 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds a game his Freshman year and 8.2 rpg and 13.6 ppg his Sophomore year before declaring, just for comparison sake. Obviously different since Tisdale was around his Freshman year but still.
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