Epps, Harris and either Boswell or Fears.....I'll take it.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Also, the advantage of being his home state school. It’s easy to take multiple unofficial visits. If you are getting on an airplane and staying overnight. You want it to be official.
If we were to somehow land Rogers and Taylor along with Epps and Harris, would that be our best class…ever?
The Manual classes were a little before my time and I don’t recall how some of Self’s classes stacked nationally, but about the closest comp I can see is 2010 (JRich, Myers, CHead), which, unfortunately was an epic flop.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
2002 might be our best ever in terms future performance. 2022 with the guys you mentioned would probably be the best if you went off 247 recruit ratings.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
2002 was also supposed to have Charlie V, right? That is Dee/Deron/Augie class, right?
Oh I know we would definitely take both. But I was asking whether anyone in the know has insight into whether they would be willing to play together. Or if it's solely one or the other.
The flyin Illini class would be up there - Anderson, Smith, Gill, Bardo, Battle as a xfer. The Winters/Douglass/Altenberger/Meents/Norman (although he didn't make it until a couple years later) may have been even better. Harv Schmidt had a couple of unbelievable classes back in the late 60's/early 70's as well
He was actually 2003. Casualty of Self leaving for KU if memory serves.
This is a circle of words. A word salad if you will. Some might say it's as satisfying as a salad.
That said, KY won't be concerned about IL until we can show that we get their 1A targets year over year. Currently we've beaten them for their 3-6th choices.
Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
Yeah 2002 was Dee/Deron/Augustine. Hard to top a class with NPOY, our best NBA player, and our all time rebound leader.
Lol you're probly right. I was defensive about my Illini this morning. Must have had some early morning Kool-Aid. That said, I don't think it's a coincidence that shortly after JJ visits the beloved Kentucky gets him onto campus. They know we are at least on his radar.
I don't think it would be anywhere close to the !986 recruiting class of Anderson, Gill, Smith, Bardo, Kunz, Small and Battle (transfer). Anderson was ranked in the top 10, Smith was as high as #35, Gill and Bardo where in the 75-100 range.
Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
Imagine red-shirting a top 10 player as a freshmen nowadays.
I would argue that Eddie Johnson was our best NBA player, with Derek Harper right up there, too. That was quite a class, though.
Marcus Liberty was #1 McDonalds AA and Parade Player of the year 1987
Efrem Winters was #1 MVP McDonalds AA game 1982
It would be great to get Ty Rogers or JJ Taylor. I think Rogers stays 3 years so I prefer him.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Anderson didn't redshirt.
It wasn't a choice for Anderson, he was a prop 48 and had to sit out his freshman year.
It clearly would be close.
Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
ah ok, didn't know about the prop 48 issues.
Also I did a little digging, since someone mentioned preferring Ty because he could stay 3 years. Of the last 3 drafts, I could only find 3 top 10 freshmen players that didn't leave for the NBA after their first season, EJ Montgomery (Kentucky), Terrance Clarke (Kentucky), and Charles Bassey (WKU).
He did say imagine redshirting him.../s
Ty is not a top 10 player. Rivals composite rank is #54
Ty Rodgers, Illinois Fighting Illini, Small Forward
Ty Rodgers is a 6-4, 180-pound Small Forward from Grand Blanc, MI.
247sports.com
JJ Taylor Rivals composite ranking #5
JJ Taylor, Memphis Tigers, Small Forward
Javonte "J.J." Taylor is a 6-7, 185-pound Small Forward from Chicago, IL.
247sports.com
ILLINIShox24
Orange Krush '04 & '05
I was very fortunate to be in this same class. Incredible times back then. Hopefully BU can bring us back to those heights.
Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
Wasn't saying that Ty was a top 10 player, though I suppose my wording was misleading. I wanted to see what are the odds JJ will play past his freshmen year, like we expect Ty to do.Ty is not a top 10 player. Rivals composite rank is #54
Ty Rodgers, Illinois Fighting Illini, Small Forward
Ty Rodgers is a 6-4, 180-pound Small Forward from Grand Blanc, MI.
JJ Taylor Rivals composite ranking #5
JJ Taylor, Memphis Tigers, Small Forward
Javonte "J.J." Taylor is a 6-7, 185-pound Small Forward from Chicago, IL.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Barring major injury, 0%.
I suppose there's a chance that he'll have a Whitney-like flameout, but I highly doubt it.
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