Getting Smith doesn't mean we can't still get a big... We were pursuing Goodwin with that scholarship previously.
Another scholarship is open for a center but IMO it's doubtful you get another center before the class that follows Tilmon.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (November-December 2016)
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Getting Smith doesn't mean we can't still get a big... We were pursuing Goodwin with that scholarship previously.
Another scholarship is open for a center but IMO it's doubtful you get another center before the class that follows Tilmon.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Technically you're right, but then it becomes a class balance issue. We have two open rides. If you take Smith, that leaves one open spot for 2018 barring attrition. We've got several guards/wings I know we'd like to take in 18, like Dosunmu/Ramey/Garland and Tim Finke.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
WRT 2018:
- almost for sure there's going to be attrition
- Garland: no chance
- Ramey: sadly, no chance
- Ayo: definitely have a chance, but I'll take the field
With a guy of Smith's caliber, the bad play is to defer.
How much of a true point is Smith? Personally he kind of seems like a two to me. Remember when JCL was a PG?
Eat while the food is on the table. Just like Goodwin before him, Smith taking that ride precludes Tim Finke from being on the team. Doubtful it has any impact on Ayo or Ramey. As much as no one really wants to get into it, it seems Jordan is a transfer candidate. Lucas and Williams are unlikely due to the openings next year that they are likely to fill. Nichols already has, Finke has already RS'd and Black and JCL are the cornerstones. So it is quite possible (not accounting for likelihood of commitments) that the staff takes Smith, Epperson, and a fifth year big. Then the push is for Ayo in 18 most likely.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Ramey is going to take the reins from Snider (i.e., the 'Ville).
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
No comparison to JCL. Looks like he has VG PG skills. Has the size to play in a 3 guard system w/o hurting the team defensively and on the boards. Offensively, look out. Can't have too many ball handlers and playmakers.
Agree with just about everything. It's very rare that you don't have attrition. In fact, coaches recruit assuming they will.
You just don't turn down a player that can help you in order to keep a schollie available. No guarantee any particular '18 guy is going to commit to us (Finke or other).
If I'm Groce, I go all out for Smith. I think the kid is a stud and would contribute big-time for us almost right away.
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Wait getting Smith would mean we couldn't get Finke? This is assuming we get a big in this class too right?
It doesn't mean they can't but it is unlikely that they take Finke in 18 if they get another wing/guard in 17. As others have said there is a need for multiple bigs.
Damonte, Trent, Pickett, Williams, Lucas, Jordan, JCL, Nichols, and adding Smith would be 9 for 3 positions with only Black, Tilmon, Finke, and 1 more big. With that there is no scholly for T. Finke. Any way you cut it you would want to bolster the second grouping more than the first. I think the expectation is a fifth year big in that last spot and Tilmon only being around 2 years. Need more big bodies for the long build.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Don't see Smith precluding Finke in any way, shape or form. Which isn't to say Finke's a lock or anything remotely close. We will have a logjam at guard. He'll have a clearer path to early playing time at a raft of other schools.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Taking Smith doesn't directly rule out player X or player Y, it just means we can take less guys down the road, therefore a lower chance of grabbing a few of the names mentioned here.
If we take Smith and no addition big in 17, it means we may shift our priority to a big in 2018.
If we take Smith and no addition big in 17, it means we may shift our priority to a big in 2018.
Soooo, is Ramey is on his way to Louisville?
Soooo, where is Ayo headed?
I guess Smith wasn't on the summer circuit long enough...the (2-3) weeks of summer AAU helped Smith catch a lot of mid-major eyes......
I agree that it's likely at the 2 but I don't see it happening at the 3. We only have DJW and Kipper there and it's doubtful that a freshman Pickett would move ahead of those two. We could play two combo/point guards and JCL but I don't see it happening often with a young backcourt.
Kinda building off this, if we offer/land smith, here is what I think our depth chart of scholly players could like like.
1) TJL, Frazier/Smith, Williams
2) JCL, AJ, Smith, Williams
3) DJ, Kipper, Smith/Picket
4) Leron, Finke/5th year transfer
5) Tilmon, Finke/5th year transfer
As you see, I think with Smith's skill set and size they could settle at any of the 1-3 slots with him depending on depth strengths/weakness. Not saying he will, just saying he seems to lend himself fine to any of those. If he comes I think he does jump DW cause even though DW could be cleared by practice, he won't have a summer at the same level all the other new comers will. Thoughts?
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
1) Was I not clear? IMO, yes.
2) No idea. I'm pretty sure he doesn't know yet.
Smith wasn't on D1 schools radar because: he focused on baseball; and he hardly played AAU ball. Understandable. Just as is all the D1 interest he's getting now. The kid is a great prospect and I really hope he gets an Illinois offer very soon.
I agree. I love the guys we have on our team and I think they love Illinois, but it's understandable that they want to play more. Malcolm and Tracy leaving will open up a fair amount of minutes, but not enough for all the wings we currently have plus the ones we are adding. I follow Austin Colbert on instagram and he routinely posts old pictures/memories from his time here. He left at a time when it was looking like he wasn't going to see an increase in his minutes.
Out of the 9 guys you mention, it's highly likely all won't be here next season. I'd love to see them all stay, but in today's college ball, attrition happens regularly.
Also, DJW and Nichols can both play the 4 (although their ideal position is the 3).
I agree that we certainly need to add another C/PF type. However, I don't think that should stop us from recruiting Smith. I think that kid is a difference-maker.
Maybe the staff is waiting on a potential mid year transfer before they offer Smith? It's unlikely, but maybe the staff is interested in someone transferring. Sometimes these mid year transfers can go completely under the radar. Just a plausible reason I could think of.
Or Groce just wants to watch him in person? Don't some coaches have a rule that they won't offer a guy until they see him play in person? Maybe I just made that up, but I think I remember hearing that before.
Or Groce just wants to watch him in person? Don't some coaches have a rule that they won't offer a guy until they see him play in person? Maybe I just made that up, but I think I remember hearing that before.
Groce saw Smith this summer.
I wonder groce caught him on bad days. Like the apocryphal stories of how iggy would stink up the gym on days self was there.
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