And that makes you feel better?
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (October 2018)
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Just because we ultimately lost out on them doesn't mean we didn't have just as good of a shot as everyone else. If everyone has a 1 in 3 chance of getting the player, then everyone also has a 2 in 3 chance of not getting him.
I would have to feel bad about it in order to feel better.... it's a basketball recruit that didn't come here my life goes on unaffected.
Yes, but I think his main point was that the same is true for Timme.
t7nich
- Central IL
Underwood not playing catch up here though, that's the main difference. And Liddell was different in that it was pretty well known he was OSU bound for months.
These "we all knew" sentiments seem to grow after we lose a recruit. But going into visits and before a recruit makes a decision (or before that decision becomes obvious leading up to the announcement), there is an increased positive feeling, often exaggerated even by Illini writers/analysts. That was definitely true for Liddell.
I have no information on Timme whatsoever, but I have not seen anything to indicate that we have increased chances. It certainly looks, at this time, that Texas A&M and Gonzaga are the leaders. If things change (e.g., national analysts start shifting to Illinois, etc.), certainly will be some reason to have more hope, but there is not much right now outside Illini message boards to indicate good chances. JMO.
I believe it was called "Brad school" a all access to the team for a weekend for a pretty penny of course.
sacraig
- The desert
I'm not sure that's coincidence. If you are a national recruit visiting School A, Illinois, and Oregon and you initially lean toward School A, then the massive advantage in facilities (and recent success) at Oregon is certainly going to make us look bad by comparison. In other words, Oregon's involvement may not be able to sway a recruit away from their original leader, but certainly could bump Illinoos down a peg.
sacraig
- The desert
I was being facetious.
You took exception to comment that Okoro, Liddell, & Whitney were all must get recruits that we lost, by saying we would have gotten Whitney if Kentucky hadn't come calling. So apparently we get partial credit for that one. There is no one who knows we would have gotten him if Kentucky hadn't come calling and it doesn't matter who we lose to. Personally, I'm not buying that any recruit is a must get, but we do need to get someone. So what is your point?
t7nich
- Central IL
The sentiment was pretty strong with Liddell and Oscar though, especially by national writers/analysts, before and after their visits.
But I think you are spot on with some of the local Illini reporters. That’s s common theme, to be sure.
I was just stating something I heard from multiple people close to the basketball program.
I never said we stood a chance. I'm just saying our visits sound lame by the tidbits that are made public. Even if we can't compete with the Nike kingdom, I'd like it if we were making an impression on recruits.
OK, so where are you getting the Texas A&M and Gonzaga are leaders? From what I've read, the family has kept the recruitment very tight and most don't expect any inkling as to his destination prior to his announcement. National analysts making blind guesses as to his destination doesn't mean anything more than Illinois posters' suppositions on his destination.
I wouldn't worry to much about A&M with Timme, to much instability in that program for his liking.
As opposed to the rock-solid stability in our program.
Billy Kennedy has been there for like a decade hasn't he? And Turgeon was there for at least half that. Honestly I know almost knowing about that program, but HC wise, the instability doesn't seem to be there (unless he's on the hot seat, which I also haven't heard.
Big assumption incoming:
From watching Timme's workout his mom was standing the entire time, intently watching and giving him pointers as he worked out. Every coach at different times came over and sat next to her and had conversation. Dad was obviously listening and watching but she was the one they were selling to. I think Timme's mom is going to have a big part in his decision and we'll see if BU did enough.
From watching Timme's workout his mom was standing the entire time, intently watching and giving him pointers as he worked out. Every coach at different times came over and sat next to her and had conversation. Dad was obviously listening and watching but she was the one they were selling to. I think Timme's mom is going to have a big part in his decision and we'll see if BU did enough.
You do know they went to the sweet sixteen last year, right? That's 2 sweet sixteen appearances in 3 years.
Within the state of Texas A&M is viewed as having great student life and academics. In a way its kind of a cult environment but very desirable school.
We know that, but do the people in College Station?
sacraig
- The desert
Oh, there is no "in a way" about it. Freshman go to "Fish Camp" before moving into campus, which is basically an indoctrination program, and then most of them are crazy superfans for the remainder of their lives.
It's not necessarily a bad thing, and some of the traditions are really neat. It's definitely a little odd when you get your bachelor's degree somewhere else and go there for graduate school like I did, though.
Personally, I thought the undergraduate student life was better/more fun at Illinois than it seemed at Texas A&M, but I am a biased source.
sacraig
- The desert
Like 17 of them do. The rest are too busy following spring football practice.
9000+ average fans isn't great but it's not that bad either.
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