robertgoulet
IL Board Resident Crooner
- Austin, TX
Same here.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (October 2016)
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Same here.
IlliniOX08
- Bucktown, Chicago
The quotes about not having as many fans and doing what is best for you are interesting. The quote about being in Crean's office and texting Steve Alford pictures of Steve Alford while sitting in Crean's office got me. Doesn't necessarily reflect on UI in any particular manner but nothing in there gives an impression he is IU bound.. quite the contrary I'd say.
Sounds like a very mature kid. Also sounds like there's opportunity for any of the three coaches to deliver the knockout punch. I'd be surprised if he doesn't announce well before November signing day though.
BirdDog9048
The Chief Lives
- Chicago, IL
What do you think the odds are that picture is no longer on display in Clappy's office? lol
Yeah, he's well spoken. To say that you don't want to let the coaches down by leaving them high and dry late in the recruiting process is not something I hear much, let alone think is being considered. He's a top-25 recruit and could easily be selfish about the whole thing, but there he is, weighing factors that show some character.
Whoever gets his commit will be fortunate to have him.
I would say not committing soon after the IU OV would lessen their odds the same amount ours lessened when he did't commit soon after his UI OV.
I was just going to post the same thing.
Intelligent, kind, and undecided; the Ken Bone of recruits.
Following up...funny to think that about 3-4 months ago it was thought Scruggs and Wilkes were trying to package up and go to X or IU...no idea what had happened but apparently IU really screwed up...then it was Wilkes to X or UCLA...now its believed Wilkes is a coin flip between ILL and UCLA. I can say with a fair amount of confidence that Wilkes will not be playing for Indiana, however........
A source within the Michigan basketball program, so feel free to disregard if you so choose
Guess it is worth repeating, I don't know anyone on the ILL staff...don't talk to recruits....don't follow national recruiting, etc....just close ties with Michigan hoops and a soft spot for the ILL
Regardless, I appreciate your posts and insight. Thanks
If I had to interpret what he said and the pros of the various teams it was:
UI = a great team/family environment. A place he could see himself having a good time with good teammates.
UCLA = Opportunity to get noticed and fulfill his dreams as a Pro player one day. Distance is far, but his final dreams are what is important and if UCLA can get him there, then distance be damned!
IU = home town and local fans/pressure. It's not a bad choice as IU has taken others to the promiseland in the past, but didn't seem like he was all-in on them either
This is a smart kid who seems to be undecided. If his picking the first three OV's as some prioritized order for him, he is even smarter because he knew where he was leaning and ultimately didn't want to waste time. That said, I think he probably is seeing the long game and deciding if any one of these programs can take him to where he wants to go professionally in the NBA.
So where does that put UI? Unfortunately, that is probably where we lack the most against the others. BP just got there, but it was a tough journey and wasn't through the front door. Meyers L and Deron Williams probably don't count as it happened a while ago and weren't really developed by JG and his staff. But the fact that we're still in probably says he is very comfortable with the staff, but can we convince him that we can set him up for the next level as we are trying to do with Malcolm Hill?
Lot to say based off of very little knowledge and experience...I would be great at sales!
UI = a great team/family environment. A place he could see himself having a good time with good teammates.
UCLA = Opportunity to get noticed and fulfill his dreams as a Pro player one day. Distance is far, but his final dreams are what is important and if UCLA can get him there, then distance be damned!
IU = home town and local fans/pressure. It's not a bad choice as IU has taken others to the promiseland in the past, but didn't seem like he was all-in on them either
This is a smart kid who seems to be undecided. If his picking the first three OV's as some prioritized order for him, he is even smarter because he knew where he was leaning and ultimately didn't want to waste time. That said, I think he probably is seeing the long game and deciding if any one of these programs can take him to where he wants to go professionally in the NBA.
So where does that put UI? Unfortunately, that is probably where we lack the most against the others. BP just got there, but it was a tough journey and wasn't through the front door. Meyers L and Deron Williams probably don't count as it happened a while ago and weren't really developed by JG and his staff. But the fact that we're still in probably says he is very comfortable with the staff, but can we convince him that we can set him up for the next level as we are trying to do with Malcolm Hill?
Lot to say based off of very little knowledge and experience...I would be great at sales!
Ditto.....
Deleted member 11241
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A close friend of mine that lives in Missouri now works with that guy!! He said all of his work buddies have been razzing him pretty good but said he is a hell of good guy
Is he an Illini fan? He's from the Metro East from what I read.
Thanks Lucky!
Love the Lefty sightings! Michigan man with some love for the Illini! Awesome!
Justin Smith's commitment and timing of it is more of a factor.
Shilow I believe.....right next to Belleville
I'm a fan of this kid and I think he can do well at the next level, will even root for him if he chooses IU. Good family and character kid, a breath of fresh air. But Ken Bone has to be the most over-rated person right now, something that Wilkes isn't.
From the article I feel like he really doesn't want to go to IU, but I think he will end up there. I actually think Illinois is very high on his list, I think UCLA distance is too much to overcome. He could of committed to IU his freshmen year like Richmond did for us and he is waiting to the 11th hour. When I look at who IU has recruited so far and who we recruited, I feel better about our chances.
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