Everyone is cheating, including Illinois. We’re just not very good at it.
Actually, I’m inclined to think there are several things going against us. A couple I ponder over; (Outside of the most obvious; recent lack of Tournament appearances and sending players to the NBA).
Both BU and OA were uncomfortably close to recruiting violations at their former schools when their assistants got popped by the NCAA w/in the last 2 years. Consequently I think they are recruiting by the book, and maybe a bit Overly cautious. I’m convinced most coaches are living on the edge. Some, Undoubtedly Are cheating, they just haven’t gotten caught. Others are in the murky area where the shoe companies are offering inducements to family members. Boosters are hiring family members for lucrative jobs The further you get from the coaches making Inducements to the player, the murkier it is, and harder for the NCAA to follow.
I have a close friend is a money manager for professional athletes. He was recently contacted by an agent with the proposition; If he would pay the player $5000 a month through a cousin, the player would sign with him NOW and play for his college alma mater. He’s projected to be a one and done and first round/possible lottery pick. Both the cousin and my friend Are outside the NCAA’s radar and unlikely to ever be exposed. Through various degrees of separation, I’m sure many of the best players are still getting paid, It’s just less likely to ever be exposed.
Secondly I’m not sure that many of today’s H.S. kids take too well to the treadmill/tough love that is BU’s style. Personally, I love it, but I’m not playing for him. Those that buy in, are likely the exceptions, and it doesn’t seem to happen right away (Kipper). Many don’t, and be it this, or another reason, they sign elsewhere. Others are never comfortable and they leave the program after a year.
I’m very concerned that we keep missing out on players that could put us over the top and have zero 2019 signees as this point. I hope that after they lose Another prized recruit the coaches are able to sit down and do a postmortem, and see what, if anything, they could’ve done differently.
Other than Ayo, the Fire connection doesn’t seem like what it was made out to be.