Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Epps would be a huge get, both on the court and statement-wise. Frazier is looking like an ace.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread (Week of July 5th, 2021)
- Status
illininutt
- Tinley Park
Crystal Ball just picked up for Illini via Illininutt!
illininutt
- Tinley Park
I like the recruits we have coming in this year and ones down the road so far! Our new coaches plus #2 finish last season is paying off!
redwingillini11
White and Sixth
- North Aurora
Nobody elite yet, but BU is rebuilding a solid team of 4*s. Really raising the floor of the program, which is a very positive step.
While I understand the sentiment Epps and Whitmore (long shot, but definitely in it) could easily end up being elite. Hell, Ayo, Belo, and Kofi were 4 stars as well and it’s safe to say they are elite…
I would say collegiality remains between BU/OA. I would think they would be separate if there was a bit of discomfort. Possibly even agreement on a certain player.
illini80
- Forgottonia
Like most things, I have no clue how it will play out. If successful tho, they will be taking 10-15 of the top players each year. I do see it as one more step in the rapid progression toward players getting paid. That seems likely to have as big or bigger an impact as the NIL. Ultimately schools like Illinois should be able to compete at some level. Many smaller schools will struggle and already are.
I think the idea is those 3 were not elite prospects, but they were certainly undervalued. BU and company will continue to target undervalued prospects, but raising the floor will certainly help too
BU seems to value a certain skill set combined with a specific mental make-up, in that mostly high 4-star category (100-ish and higher). I think he's a master at evaluating for his type, like Giorgi and Feliz, and then pushing the players to get the most out of their abilities.
I like Piper but I never believe anything he predicts when it comes to us. Whenever he predicts someone to Illinois they end up going elsewhere.
Strongly disagree, Piper is one of the best in the business and he very rarely puts in crystal balls until things are nearly imminent (for the record he is 31/34 all time for a 90+% correct rate)
This. Piper doesn't put in a crystal ball unless he's 100%. He will openly say he thinks someone is coming, but wont put a crystal ball. He doesn't do a crystal ball unless it's said and done. I don't think this makes him "one of the best in the business" though.
The best in the business was more or less his overall coverage and stories of the team. He reports well without being extremely biased unlike a lot of 247 reporters of other teams sites who are more or less just fans of the teams
I prefer what he’s doing. Give me all the 4 stars in the world. I’ll take their 2-3 years over a 5 star one right now. Once we get a whole team of 4s. Then we need to add the 5 imo.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
This. The sweet spot for our program is select 4 stars. As shown repeatedly, our staff has a very good eye for talent.
Kofi's game doesn't fit the NBA and guys like Ayo are a dime a dozen at that level. Curbelo does things on the floor that just can't be taught.
illininutt
- Tinley Park
Cal making the trip all the up here for Fears?!
illininutt
- Tinley Park
Call no doubt watching this guy to!?
With sanctions seeming inevitable and Ace recruiter snacks off to another program, is a little of the sheen off of KU? At least enough to make it a little less attractive to a kid like Epps?
Tracy Abrams?<Chester Frazier.
Tim Anderson, my dude.
- Status