Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (October 2017)

[Kathy]

RELAX..... After this season recruiting will no longer be a big issue. Yes there will still be misses on some big talent but this staff will bring in talent that fits their system and also have a 4 star or 5 star next to them. Watch this young talent this year take to this system and get Ws that we haven't done in the past 5 yrs. I'm pumped #WeWillWin

First it was, "We're in for a good September." Then, it was, "We're in for a great October." Now it's, "After this season recruiting will no longer be a big issue." Ugh!

 

[Deleted member 631370]

First it was, "We're in for a good September." Then, it was, "We're in for a great October." Now it's, "After this season recruiting will no longer be a big issue." Ugh!

This is why people seriously need to detach themselves from what these "insiders" are feeding people.

Look, most of them are probably honest, good-intentioned folks who are just passing along what they hear. But I'm confident that few if any of them are linked in to the sources that matter most -- the kids and their families themselves. Have we not learned the lesson yet that assistant coaches and staff surrounding the coaches often make for overly optimistic sources?


In the grand scheme of things though, I do think we'll pick up some good recruits in the '18 class, but this dream class notion is probably just that -- a dream. And I think our recruiting will be fine once we establish ourselves as a winner on the court. Look at Beilein -- his early classes weren't great, but now he's in a position to land quality kids on a whim because of the success he has established.

Underwood can flat out coach. That is what makes me optimistic. But, the big time recruiting victories are going to take some time I'm afraid.

 

[coachk1979]

First it was, "We're in for a good September." Then, it was, "We're in for a great October." Now it's, "After this season recruiting will no longer be a big issue." Ugh!

Sadly we must be more patient. But it is true. When recruits see product this year, next year recruiting will be easier.

 

[Deleted member 631370]

Sadly we must be more patient. But it is true. When recruits see product this year, next year recruiting will be easier.

Agreed.

Also, let's remember that neither Bob Huggins nor Frank Martin are known for recruiting dynamite classes.

For perspective, people here expecting a class of Ayo, Nolley, THT, and Castleton are expecting 4 top-100 kids in one class. Bob Huggins has gotten 5-6 top-100 kids this DECADE. He's a guy that doesn't land the showcase talent, but finds kids that fit his system.

 

[Psycho 86]

Agreed.

Also, let's remember that neither Bob Huggins nor Frank Martin are known for recruiting dynamite classes.

For perspective, people here expecting a class of Ayo, Nolley, THT, and Castleton are expecting 4 top-100 kids in one class. Bob Huggins has gotten 5-6 top-100 kids this DECADE. He's a guy that doesn't land the showcase talent, but finds kids that fit his system.

Oh stop with this common sense !! We are here to overreact and complain !!


BU is a good coach who surrounded himself with good assistants. This years product on the court will change the perception of Illini basketball.

#wewillwin

 

[Obelix]

Also, let's remember that neither Bob Huggins nor Frank Martin are known for recruiting dynamite classes.

For perspective, people here expecting a class of Ayo, Nolley, THT, and Castleton are expecting 4 top-100 kids in one class. Bob Huggins has gotten 5-6 top-100 kids this DECADE. He's a guy that doesn't land the showcase talent, but finds kids that fit his system.

Bob Huggins? Bob Huggins has landed great prospects at all of his stops in his career and has been involved in many "questionable" recruitments of top players throughout the years. He was notorious in Cincinnati, continued in Kansas State (e.g., Walker, Beasley) and has recruited very well at West Virginia, above prior levels (Devin Ebanks. Kevin Jones, Roscoe Davis, Darryl Bryant, etc.)

If you mean that Illinois has not landed that kind of talent in a decade, then you are right.

Huggins has also not had the best reputation as a "clean" coach either.

 

[Illiini]

Oh stop with this common sense !! We are here to overreact and complain !!

As one vulture said to the other, "The heck with the "patience" thing. I'm going to kill something!"

#wewILLwin

 

[americanoutlaw11]

No manager let's a salesman possibly ruin his career for his own small monetary gain. Dakich should understand that and likely does but he make a big enough fuss out of it a player that was down to us and his son's previous school that it made a difference in the outcome.

You think Dakich actually had influence on Castleton's decision?

 

[coryfor3]

So? Dakich and John B. know each other from his son's time there and the transfer was on very good terms. The constant focus on this from Dakich wasn't a coincidence.

You think if that was John B. who had an assistant last year Dakich would have been that outspoken?

He had no right to be saying Underwood was guilty by association in the situation anybody with an iota of common sense would realize a program is risking everything to gain nothing by having an assistant make himself side cash to send guys off to a specific agent.

No manager let's a salesman possibly ruin his career for his own small monetary gain. Dakich should understand that and likely does but he make a big enough fuss out of it a player that was down to us and his son's previous school that it made a difference in the outcome.

I don't disagree with you but the question I answered was related to where his kid is playing. That was the answer to the question so there is the significance and the answer to your "So?".
Does Dakich have an ax to grind? Yep- Is it related to where his kid is currently playing? Umm...no. Related to his relationships, interests and where his kid PREVIOUSLY played? Maybe...

 

[youlikeroses]

First it was, "We're in for a good September." Then, it was, "We're in for a great October." Now it's, "After this season recruiting will no longer be a big issue." Ugh!

Ha, I remember my first time on Illinois Loyalty too...

You'll learn that it always starts out like puppies and rainbows, then is just what it is... no one ever gets that dream class, not even UK or KU.

Stay thirsty friends...

 

[kcib8130]

I don't disagree with you but the question I answered was related to where his kid is playing. That was the answer to the question so there is the significance and the answer to your "So?".
Does Dakich have an ax to grind? Yep- Is it related to where his kid is currently playing? Umm...no. Related to his relationships, interests and where his kid PREVIOUSLY played? Maybe...

Paign did say verbatim in his original post that Dakich's son played there. Past tense.

 

[Deleted member 631370]

Bob Huggins? Bob Huggins has landed great prospects at all of his stops in his career and has been involved in many "questionable" recruitments of top players throughout the years. He was notorious in Cincinnati, continued in Kansas State (e.g., Walker, Beasley) and has recruited very well at West Virginia, above prior levels (Devin Ebanks. Kevin Jones, Roscoe Davis, Darryl Bryant, etc.)

If you mean that Illinois has not landed that kind of talent in a decade, then you are right.

Huggins has also not had the best reputation as a "clean" coach either.

Yes, Huggins HAS landed several big time players in his 30 years as a coach. But he's by no means a guy known for hauling in big classes with any regularity. At least not recently.

Below are his recruiting class rankings at WV, per 247/Scout:

2017: #30
2016: #57
2015: #37
2014: #80
2013: #17
2012: #33
2011: #39
2010: #94
2009: #38
2008: #23 -- definitely his best class with Ebanks and a few other top-50 kids
2007: #126

 

[coryfor3]

First it was, "We're in for a good September." Then, it was, "We're in for a great October." Now it's, "After this season recruiting will no longer be a big issue." Ugh!

Agree with this 100%.

 

[pruman91]

did I miss the official CC announcement or has an insider leaked his going to scum ?

 

[Deleted member 631370]

did I miss the official CC announcement or has an insider leaked his going to scum ?

No official announcement. It's just a matter of dueling insiders at this point.

 

[FC Illiniman]

did I miss the official CC announcement or has an insider leaked his going to scum ?

Seen nothing official, just alot of foggy CB on the forum. Conditt announcement at 4 :00 today, Nolley is on 7th. CC has said sometime this week. All rest is pure speculation, as per usual. Wonder where CB from experts are on Conditt, see how accurate they are later?

Think we have many trolls in our midsts.

 

[pruman91]

aren't we supposed to go see CC after he gets back from scUM ?

I still think a class of Ayo, THT , LN , CC and 1 more is going to happen...color me O & B...

 

[Smacko]

CC not coming here. Not feeling particularly great about Conditt either, but hope I'm wrong and he doesn't just do what his dad wants.

 

[pruman91]

well , that sucks.....gonna be a long week for us ........fingers still crossed but we sure need some good news asap...

 

[americanoutlaw11]

I know he was one of a whole 3 people dragging Underwood's name through the mud repeatedly on twitter the week before Castleton visited and per Castleton the FBI sting had an impact and Michigan continued to negatively recruit that situation against Illinois on his visit.

If you want to think that was all just a coincidence feel free.

Do you think if that was John B's assistant Dan Dakich would have been going after him like that? Do you think sports announcers are somewhat above bias and agendas? I sure hope not.

I missed where Castleton has said anything about that, but I'll take your word for it.

Ok.

No, Dakich definitely would not have done it in that situation.

 

[americanoutlaw11]

In home was canceled.

That sucks.

 

[kcib8130]

Heres the deal with Dakich. Son walked on there then in a teary eyed moment last year (I believe) was given a scholarship. Throughout his sons time there Dakich has become a pretty big John B fan.

So this FBI sting happens and Dakich decides to say Underwood should be fired before it's established one way or another he knew a thing about this?

What did he say about Sean Miller or Avery Johnson? Nothing.

So he continues to make more out of this than there was all week long taking a ridiculous stance on this issue trying to build some smoke prior to a recruit visiting his bffs program and John B spikes the set ball into the court continuing to hammer away on something that will be a distant memory in 6 months.

Bad timing for Illinois but don't kid yourself if you don't think some people don't want Illinois to be a basketball power again. We've been dealing with this crap for 30 years.

Could you link this coversation, please?

 

[Deleted member 631370]

CC not coming here. Not feeling particularly great about Conditt either, but hope I'm wrong and he doesn't just do what his dad wants.

I think this is probably accurate. The writing was on the wall with Castleton this weekend when Michigan dumped a big and a scholarship for Castleton miraculously opened up.

People got their hopes up with this "CC is coming" stuff, but I'd wager a pretty penny that it's baseless optimism.

Let's face it. Michigan is in a better place as a program than us. We're going to have to turn this around the old fashioned way -- by winning basketball games. I think Underwood will do it.

 

[basementcheetos]

Could you link this coversation, please?

It was Thursday afternoon on the Waddle and Silvy Show, ESPN 1000. I remember because I posted to the FBI investigation thread about the utter ridiculousness of what Dakich was saying. Makes sense now that he was trying to steer a recruit to his buddy at Michigan. It went beyond craziness, Dakich also claimed:

1. He knew how to win at the college level without cheating because he got Bowling Green into the top 30 on 3 separate occasions.
2. He was alarmed at the level of said kind of cheating at Indiana, and he refused to play ball with "bad influences" when he was HC, and it was for that reason that he was fired.
3. He strongly hinted that if he had played the cheating game, like everyone else, at Indiana he would have won a national championship.
4. The only reason he is out of coaching is because he garnered a reputation as a guy who refused to cheat, making himself unemployable within the current corrupt college basketball system.

Guy is unreal.

 

[aluma]

What sucks about missing out on all of these high profile recruits is that it's the same result as what we had with Groce. I was feeling more confident with Underwood than I did during Groce's tenure. However, feeling confident and actually landing highly talented players is a big difference. Thankfully, Underwood and staff did great with last years recruiting class. But count me nervous for the future unless two things happen: No condemning evidence against Underwood from the FBI investigation, we have success this year (NCAA tourney appearance?)