I would hate to lose the player and talent but that I can get over. The taint and history and reputation hit from having another player leave this way would be the more lasting damage.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (November-December 2016)
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I would hate to lose the player and talent but that I can get over. The taint and history and reputation hit from having another player leave this way would be the more lasting damage.
Without the benefit of any "insider" connections, I have learned to exercise my best judgment given the available information when following recruiting. After listening to Derek Piper on the Tay and J Show http://tayandj.podbean.com/, my gut tells me Tilmon will play for SLU.
Any attempt to convince myself he will play for UI feels like denial.
I have sympathy for Groce for his string of unbelievably bad luck, but our decision to retain him based on the strength of his connections with the 2017 class will look misguided if he fails to sign Tilmon after already having lost Goodwin.
Any attempt to convince myself he will play for UI feels like denial.
I have sympathy for Groce for his string of unbelievably bad luck, but our decision to retain him based on the strength of his connections with the 2017 class will look misguided if he fails to sign Tilmon after already having lost Goodwin.
Official press release on our 3 signees.
Goodwin hadn't verballed anywhere.
That was Piper's comment as well yesterday. Unfortunately, that was made after he discussed Tilmon's mom responding to his question, saying that JT "may still sign this fall." There was no explanation as to whether that meant that there is still a chance that Tilmon signs with UI this fall, or that Tilmon signs with SLU this fall. But the subsequent discussion seemed to indicate the latter.
Here is what Javon Pickett said. Was this posted already?
View the video on this page where they interview JP about JT.
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/sports/illini/pickett-on-tilmon-he-knows-where-home-is-at
View the video on this page where they interview JP about JT.
http://www.illinoishomepage.net/sports/illini/pickett-on-tilmon-he-knows-where-home-is-at
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Them all being in a group chat and talking nonstop is reassuring
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Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
From Goodwin in his signing day report, talking about Ford
http://www.bnd.com/sports/high-school/prep-basketball/article113648684.html
Press conference on signing day about to start on fightingillini.com
http://www.fightingillini.com/watch/?Live=700
http://www.fightingillini.com/watch/?Live=700
First question was about Frazier, Groce called him a big time playmaker. On Damonte, he mentioned his physical development and how our S&C program can add to that. Damonte wants to be "Damonte", his own man, although his dad was a great Illini. Praised all three on how well they fit into our system. Groce said that "fit" is number one thing.
Bingo!!! As OP mentioned, that was first indication of a problem and most people refused to acknowledge that. Staff had a role in placing him there and staff was also disappointed that he left.
Let's face the facts. Groce has to lead this team to the NCAA tourney this season and then we can talk about recruiting elite players. Elite players can play anywhere they want. Why would they commit to a coach/program that hasn't been to the NCAA tourney in three seasons?
Maybe Tilmon wants to wait and see how this season plays out before he commits. Maybe he'll end up here, maybe he won't. We shall see.
We've got enough talent for this season and next though a post player would be a nice addition to this class.
Maybe Tilmon wants to wait and see how this season plays out before he commits. Maybe he'll end up here, maybe he won't. We shall see.
We've got enough talent for this season and next though a post player would be a nice addition to this class.
My speculation would be that there is a renegotiation taking place these days.
I believe that many overestimate the talent on the team. We lost Nunn, and we lose Hill, Mav, Thorne, Abrams, and Tate. We have critical gaps, and post players are a "need" much more than "nice to add."
Or, that was the moment the recruitment ended. No way to know at this point.
Deleted member 3875
D
Guest
I second this! You three gentlemen made great decisions for your academic and athletic futures.
Next season? If Tilmon goes elsewhere and no one else comes on board, we'll be down to 10 scholarship players. And of those 10, it's likely only three will have been RSCI Top-100 recruits (LB, JCL, and DJW). Sure, you can argue some of our guys have performed above their ranking (e.g. Finke), but we can't expect all of them to do so.
We'll also be thin up front:
1: Lucas, Frazier
2: Coleman-Lands, Williams
3: Jordan, Nichols, Pickett
4: Black, Williams
5: Finke
+1 on 2017 & Bigs...we need a big ready to play a lot in 2017, really 2 bigs to play a lot...when we think about the last couple top 100 5s we recruited, Egwu & Leonard, neither was ready as a freshman or even all that close. Imagine having to hold down the 5 with a freshman Colbert and/or Mav.
At wing we have some options, Coleman-Lands, DJW, AJ, Kipper, + Wiliams & Frazier, but we will miss Hill and I'm concerned that anyone is ready to step up as our go to scorer.
With regards, to the comment on why would elite recruit want to go to Illinois after 3 tourney misses, I'm not buying that, nothing against SLU, but I don't think Tilmon goes to SLU if that is the argument, he could have went to MSU or UNC if NCAA tourney was the goal.
Well it is safe to assume that additional front court players will be added. Whether that is Kiir (unlikely), Epperson, a to be named high school kid or a fifth year is to be determined. Someone will be added, how valuable they are is the unknown and troubling part.
illinoisfan11
- Peoria, IL
Can we just pass around a collection plate at the game tomorrow night?! Lol.
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