Looking forward to Val's visit next week, he appears to be the real deal with definite NBA goals. Hopefully, the toxic perception hanging over the Illini will not scare him off.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (October 2017)
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Looking forward to Val's visit next week, he appears to be the real deal with definite NBA goals. Hopefully, the toxic perception hanging over the Illini will not scare him off.
Alright, you guys have convinced me. Let's just dissolve the entire basketball program. There's no coming back from this. Sheesh...
Look, I'm by no means an optimist. And this week has been super tough, and the most recent tweets/smoke don't indicate it's gonna get any better. But, can we at least give our coach a chance to actually coach some games, and have more than 1.5 recruiting seasons before we throw in the towel? It's possible that Underwood was an awful hire and we won't recover from this. But it's also possible that we will be a tier one power in a few years time. The future is unknown. Let it play out.
Look, I'm by no means an optimist. And this week has been super tough, and the most recent tweets/smoke don't indicate it's gonna get any better. But, can we at least give our coach a chance to actually coach some games, and have more than 1.5 recruiting seasons before we throw in the towel? It's possible that Underwood was an awful hire and we won't recover from this. But it's also possible that we will be a tier one power in a few years time. The future is unknown. Let it play out.
I'm talking consistency. We can recruit. Look at Mark Smith, Mark Alstork. Look at the guys we've gotten to visit us. We'll get a good commit every now and again because we're Illinois, but until we win, we're not going to get elite players to commit to us year in and year out.
That's what I'm saying.
I feel like we are still in the driver's seat, but just by default. I'd still take the field, but that might change in a week or so.
Ayo has said he wants to commit in the early signing period (I think).
Deleted member 631370
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I haven't heard anything that hasn't already been posted on this board, but I do get the sense that we have a really good chance with Ayo. And it's really the Chin Coleman connection that puts us over the top -- at least for now.
I'm becoming a big believer in going with the herd when a sentiment is almost unanimous. Over the last month or so, most felt that Nolley was a VA Tech lean. Most felt Conditt was an Iowa State lean. Most felt Brunson was a Villanova lean. Most felt Scheyer was a Duke lean. Etc. Etc. Etc.
In this case, most seem to think Illinois is the leader for Ayo. So, that sentiment gives me some hope. My big concern, though, is the perceived momentum with this recruiting class. I'd feel a lot better about Ayo if we had Nolley (or even Conditt).
I've been transplanted to Sun Devil land since 2003 and I can tell you ASU has no advantage over our Illini when it comes to basketball recruiting.
In fact, they are a lot like Illinois without the bball pedigree.
You look at the co-eds, facilities, former Duke aligned coach, and weather and wonder (another look at the co-eds
) why can't Bobby Hurley get any top players to come here??That being said, life goes on and I'm thinking Underwood takes this team of guys that WANT to play for the Illini to new heights this year and beyond.
Go Illini!!!
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Maybe these 4 star and borderline 5 star kids know that if they aren't at one of the premier blue bloods that their best chance of getting to the next level is to be THE guy at one of these second or third tier programs?
It's funny we hear so much chatter about some of them playing together, but it doesn't come to fruition that often. Or at least it seems like that to me.
The stage is all yours Ayo!
It's funny we hear so much chatter about some of them playing together, but it doesn't come to fruition that often. Or at least it seems like that to me.
The stage is all yours Ayo!
In regards to Ayo, the thing that worries me is a twitter conversation between Nolley and Ayo that was reported on here after Castleton announced that read “Well I guess I am next.” To me, that might imply that the 3 had talked and it became apparent that they were not coming and expected wrath of Illini fans.
The stage is all yours Ayo!
The stage has always been AYO's not all here but I would say 96% would be happy with just a class of AYO, he is the cake any others we can land are just Icing
whats funny is AYO plays the place we are the strongest right now, so sorry if you all disagree, but even if we dont land him I think we still end up with a nice class
Even if you win, and win consistently (which would take years), we are still not going to get elite players to commit to us year in and year out. Unless our HC proves to also be a tremendous recruiter.
As far as current recruiting, while I do not share the "jumping off the ledge" feeling, or the "recruiting disaster" feeling of many, and still remain fairly optimistic about this staff (including recruiting), I can't deny that there are some valid concerns with recent recruiting misses (e.g., Conditt, Castleton, Kisunas, Nolley, Griffin). These are not elite recruits, they're simply not. These are the type of recruits that you should not need a lot of consistent winning to close, IF you are a great recruiter.
So are there some valid concerns with current recruiting? Yes. But let's all wait and see how this recruiting class ends up, plenty of time to recover IMO.
Deleted member 631370
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I hate to see these kids pressured by adults to make this kind of decision. Parents and other adults need to arm these kids with all the options and information available, and then allow them to make their own decision. But that's not how this always works.
That said, about time one of these 5-star kids gets pressured to come our way!
Brunson = Villanova
Sherron Collins = KU
Evans = Oklahoma State
Tilmon = Mizzou
IDKWTI = Indiana
Etc. etc. etc.
We are due.
I think BU and staff are well aware of all scenarios and have options for worst case. See Matic, although he was more of a pleasant surprise at the time - we weren't throwing ourselves at PF, C recruits like we are now.
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I only listen to them too and NOBODY was optimistic about Nolley. I posted as much in response to Coldagelli earlier this week.
They do speak cryptically at times, but it's not hard to read between the lines.
You have to be a complete homer fool to think that Nolley was coming here.
All in favor say Ayo!
Future Walk-On
- Peoria, IL
I figured it out.
Let's show Valtonen highlight videos from the Self and Weber Era..but date them 2017. Then show him the crowds from the Garth Brooks' concerts and photoshop on a basketball court. He might think we are a powerhouse still.
Let's show Valtonen highlight videos from the Self and Weber Era..but date them 2017. Then show him the crowds from the Garth Brooks' concerts and photoshop on a basketball court. He might think we are a powerhouse still.
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Tupper article for those who need a bit of fortitude....
http://herald-review.com/sports/ill...cle_137f9402-2f03-5322-8a64-de0d564e88aa.html
http://herald-review.com/sports/ill...cle_137f9402-2f03-5322-8a64-de0d564e88aa.html
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
Just to be clear, Ric Flair and I were dead-ending it on Nolley just because I really wanted him and thought would kill it here, not due to any perceived likelihood of a commitment.
IllFanInMi
I
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First Year Coach Recruiting Sample
2018 Commits
Chris Holtmann - 4* SG, Luther Muhammad - 4* SF, Jaedon LeDee - 3* SF, Justin Ahrens - 3* PG, Duane Washington
Archie Miller - 4* PF, Jerome Hunter - 4* SF, Damezi Anderson - 4* PG, Rebert Phinisee - 3* PF, Jake Forrester
Will Wade - 5* PF, Nazreon Reid - 4* CG, Javonte Smart
Kevin Keats - 4* PF, Immanuel Bates - 4* PF, Ian Steere
Cuonzo (not even mentioning his 2017 class) - 4* SG, Torrence Watson
Mike Hopkins (Washington) - 3* PG, Elijah Hardy - 3* SF, Jamal Bey - 3* SF, Ed Chang
Wyking Jones (Cal) - 4* SF, Matt Bradley - 4* SF, Jacobi Gordon - 3* PF, Andre Kelly
Anthony Grant (Dayton) - 4* CG, Dwayne Cohill
CB McGrath (UNC Wilmington) - 2* SG, Jaylen Sims - NR PG, Kai Toews
Mike Rhoades (VCU) - 3* PG, PJ Byrd - 3* SF, Vincent Williams - NR PF, Corey Douglas - NR CG, KeShawn Curry
Partick Ewing - 3* PF, Grayson Carter
Matt McCall (UMASS) - 3* SF, Sama Diallo
Mike Boynton (OSU) - Ironically, None
We can say all we want, but the facts right now are the facts. Other coaches (we were championing for/rumored to), have got recruits to come. Many on this list are at seemingly inferior attractions, with nowhere near the "history" we have. Some coaches here have never been a head coach.
I am not saying we won't end up with a decent class, and I do believe we apparently must win first. I am excited about our staff and am looking forward to better times, BUT I do have the right to be pessimistic NOW and not find reasons or excuses as to what has happened to date. Above is proof positive that not coaching a game is an automatic disqualifier. We brought in what most fans, coaches, and experts believe to be a tremendous staff. We retained and hired coaches to pipeline the city, etc.. Bottom line is something is amiss. I am not going to try and figure out what is happening, but please let me be pessimistic, I won't judge others here who want to remain optimistic. When we get good news, I can celebrate, but until then I am really scratching my head.
2018 Commits
Chris Holtmann - 4* SG, Luther Muhammad - 4* SF, Jaedon LeDee - 3* SF, Justin Ahrens - 3* PG, Duane Washington
Archie Miller - 4* PF, Jerome Hunter - 4* SF, Damezi Anderson - 4* PG, Rebert Phinisee - 3* PF, Jake Forrester
Will Wade - 5* PF, Nazreon Reid - 4* CG, Javonte Smart
Kevin Keats - 4* PF, Immanuel Bates - 4* PF, Ian Steere
Cuonzo (not even mentioning his 2017 class) - 4* SG, Torrence Watson
Mike Hopkins (Washington) - 3* PG, Elijah Hardy - 3* SF, Jamal Bey - 3* SF, Ed Chang
Wyking Jones (Cal) - 4* SF, Matt Bradley - 4* SF, Jacobi Gordon - 3* PF, Andre Kelly
Anthony Grant (Dayton) - 4* CG, Dwayne Cohill
CB McGrath (UNC Wilmington) - 2* SG, Jaylen Sims - NR PG, Kai Toews
Mike Rhoades (VCU) - 3* PG, PJ Byrd - 3* SF, Vincent Williams - NR PF, Corey Douglas - NR CG, KeShawn Curry
Partick Ewing - 3* PF, Grayson Carter
Matt McCall (UMASS) - 3* SF, Sama Diallo
Mike Boynton (OSU) - Ironically, None
We can say all we want, but the facts right now are the facts. Other coaches (we were championing for/rumored to), have got recruits to come. Many on this list are at seemingly inferior attractions, with nowhere near the "history" we have. Some coaches here have never been a head coach.
I am not saying we won't end up with a decent class, and I do believe we apparently must win first. I am excited about our staff and am looking forward to better times, BUT I do have the right to be pessimistic NOW and not find reasons or excuses as to what has happened to date. Above is proof positive that not coaching a game is an automatic disqualifier. We brought in what most fans, coaches, and experts believe to be a tremendous staff. We retained and hired coaches to pipeline the city, etc.. Bottom line is something is amiss. I am not going to try and figure out what is happening, but please let me be pessimistic, I won't judge others here who want to remain optimistic. When we get good news, I can celebrate, but until then I am really scratching my head.
Deleted member 631370
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Yes, the "must win first" argument has been debunked repeatedly. Great rundown above. The fact that the new Cal coach who nobody has ever heard of has a pair of 4* kids is telling.
Every disadvantage that we have re: newness is the same disadvantage that most of these schools face. The only exception, perhaps, is Chris Holtmann who probably recruited those same kids while at Butler before he moved on to Ohio State.
It's way, way too early to panic on Underwood's recruiting. But I think we all bought into this notion that recruiting was going to take off with Chin Coleman, Walker, and Antigua on staff. the fact is, the HC closes the deal -- not the assistants. We'll see what kind of recruiter Underwood is. He doesn't really have a long enough track record one way or the other to determine.
Every disadvantage that we have re: newness is the same disadvantage that most of these schools face. The only exception, perhaps, is Chris Holtmann who probably recruited those same kids while at Butler before he moved on to Ohio State.
It's way, way too early to panic on Underwood's recruiting. But I think we all bought into this notion that recruiting was going to take off with Chin Coleman, Walker, and Antigua on staff. the fact is, the HC closes the deal -- not the assistants. We'll see what kind of recruiter Underwood is. He doesn't really have a long enough track record one way or the other to determine.
I don't even know what I'll do to the state of Iowa if ISU basketball keeps doing to Illinois basketball the same thing that U of Iowa has been doing to Illinois football (i.e., stealing some of our best in-state players) for years.
I may just go burn the cornfields and salt the earth. Lord knows there's nothing else in that awful state to destroy.
Its never good for recruiting when your two major sports teams are rebuilding. Makes OV and UOV underwhelming.
sacraig
- The desert
Ayo!
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
As nice as Tempe is as a college town, ASU as a basketball school stinks. Nobody there cares about the basketball program hence why it's been a bottom of the PAC12 team since almost forever. They can't even fill half their stadium most games. Wells Fargo Arena is way outdated, also. Their basketball facilities aren't even in the same stratosphere as Illinois.
Finally, if he's used to frigid, long months of darkness in Finland, C-U is still going to feel like paradise to him. So I still like our chances...
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