Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
- Status
FloridaIL
Living in Washington State
- Bellingham, Washington
I was on the Western Illinois track team and an athletic training major when Coach Underwood was an assistant coach there. We spoke several times shooting the #hit about basketball and sports at WIU. Am so happy he became our coach at Illinois, was a great guy then, and an even better guy now. Shelby Washington at WIU as the leading shot blocker in the country at that time so I went to many of the basketball games...6'11" averaged 9 blocks per game, absolute beast. Funny enough, my track coaches used to get pissed at me because I wore University of Illinois sweatshirts all the time instead of our WIU track and field sweatshirts lol
The 2010 3 man class was pretty good on paper
We also found out we need to lose in front of prospective recruits.
B-ILL
- Working From Home
@illini0440 @Indy Illini Fan @LvilleILL, when it comes to Fears and Boswell, how is the staff pitching that if they're both top tier point guards in the same class? Is it whoever commits first or how is that being navigated? Any insight would be appreciated. That's what we pay you for (in Likes).
They act like they want to play together. Do they really? Who knows but they are just gonna recruit both like they do and whoever commit first if the other wants to come along then come along. There will be room@illini0440 @Indy Illini Fan @LvilleILL, when it comes to Fears and Boswell, how is the staff pitching that if they're both top tier point guards in the same class? Is it whoever commits first or how is that being navigated? Any insight would be appreciated. That's what we pay you for (in Likes).
illiniswish09
- Northwest Suburbs
"Illinois Basketball is sexy again" put it on a shirt.
POWURR
- From Downtown
Bad aim brother. /s
I’m not those guys, but it’s not a hard sell. Think about some recent champions…. Davion Mitchell & Jared Butler (not to mention Teague & Flagler) Archidiacono & Brunson. Jerome, Guy, Clark… You need multiple guys who can handle the rock. Being on a team with multiple PGs isn’t a barrier to getting similar opportunities at a higher level.@illini0440 @Indy Illini Fan @LvilleILL, when it comes to Fears and Boswell, how is the staff pitching that if they're both top tier point guards in the same class? Is it whoever commits first or how is that being navigated? Any insight would be appreciated. That's what we pay you for (in Likes).
@Ballislife: Best Team in the Midwest?! Jeremy Fears and his La Lumiere squad remain UNDEFEATED after another lopsided victory. @jeremy_fears
Fears is freaking jet with ball in his hands.. Underwood was front & center
How is his mid range and 3 point shooting? Kid gets to the rim so easy. My only concern is what he can do if he isn’t getting to the rim as easily (at first) in college
TheFameProtector
- Champaign
Here's Jerry Meyer's evaluation of Fears (on 247): "Not a point guard with length but has a strong sturdy build. Plays with poise and composure but has a quick burst to the basket going either direction. Uses change of pace and change of direction extremely well. Has a top notch ability to draw defenders and deliver a timely and accurate pass. His greatest strength is running a team as a floor general. Finishes well around the rim. Not a high riser but gets off the floor quickly jumping off two feet. Prefers the pass over the midrange jumper. Can keep defense honest with his jumper but there is room for improvement. Has a low release. Has potential to be a tough defender. Could be a more aggressive rebounder."
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
I want him on my team.
In relation to Rodgers, we got to be the school that came on late to snag the commitment. Over the last decade or so we have been the ones left at the altar ad nauseum. It's nice to finally be on this side of things.
Last edited:
On the 1st highlight, does it sound like Underwood is saying "blow-by?"
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Altar. But, yeah. All the more impressive that this was a very highly sought after kid (antithesis of a big foot swoop).
I think Fears brought a little something extra last night with his future coach in attendance.
Tacomallini
- Washington State
Happy for highly ranked guards. BU&Co. are still going to bring in anther big next year, right? I see 6 Centers still on the offer list but not sure where UI/they stand. Or hit the transfer portal, maybe? Assuming Kofi is gone…Payne, BBV, Lieb and CoHawk have given me a jumpstart on next season’s ulcer.
- Status