Excited to see what Fletch can do with him. Already has impressive vertical anything Fletch can add on that plus the obvious strength he'll gain makes his potential exciting to think about.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Given his "dog" mentality in addition to his athleticism, I think he'll be at least a competent defender right away. And that should get him some playing time.
I hope we aren't already lobbing for playing time for NEXT Year's freshmen! LOL
Ha! Not lobbying, just making an observation.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
I had good vibes about Harris from the get go. And I feel stronger about him now. Kid is an absolute baller. Great first get by Coach Frazier.
Just a reminder that he is a lefty. The way he goes right and finishes is exceptional.
See: McGowens
texillwek
🔶🔹🔸🔷
Cliche, but wait 'til Fletch gets ahold of this kid
Couldn't hurt, that's for sure. But I doubt it's anything to worry about. Sometimes I think we perceive skinny guys as weak. That's not always true. Bill Russell was skinny throughout his career.
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Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
George Gervin was a rail, and he was unreal. Durant has a slender build and it hasn't been a deterrent. Lots of similar examples.
Noblesville Illini
- Nappanee, IN
Other examples..................................
Tayshaun Prince
Reggie Miller
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Durant
George Mikan
Allen Iverson
I love it when it guys have a little attitude or are a little chippy. Shows they care about the team.
I think Miller and Garnett are especially good examples.
Brad is building a squad of junkyard dogs in Champaign man. I honestly wouldn't want to tangle with any of the three dudes in this class. ALL great kids but KILLERS! on the court. Add Dainja and he gets a solid A for this recruiting class imo
Lots of exciting expectations next for these 3 new commits and we can hope for the best, as we should. Yet, there were similar comments made about Goode, Podz, and RJ last year at this time regarding their skills and abilities, as well. Difference is this year's team is loaded with upper-classmen that dominant their spots. Next year will be different with most of those upper-classmen gone opening up possibilities for just about anyone to start, thus the spots will be up for grabs.
Especially for Epps. Belo is our only guard returning with really good handles. We really need another capable ball handler. I think Harris and Rodgers may have a tougher time cracking the rotation. But they're both such tenacious defenders that I think they will get minutes.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Belo/Epps
Podz/Harris
Luke/RJ
Hawk/Rodgers
Dain/Ben/Omar
This seems like a very solid team but comparing it to this years team, it is weaker at every single position. Not putting it down as it has potential, but you are replacing an all American at center and tremendous defensive players in DMW and Trent. Elite shooter in Alph and a sneaky good Grandison. May get there but it will take more than a year.
Podz/Harris
Luke/RJ
Hawk/Rodgers
Dain/Ben/Omar
This seems like a very solid team but comparing it to this years team, it is weaker at every single position. Not putting it down as it has potential, but you are replacing an all American at center and tremendous defensive players in DMW and Trent. Elite shooter in Alph and a sneaky good Grandison. May get there but it will take more than a year.
Don’t discount the transfer portal and a truly healthy Curbelo
sacraig
- The desert
I'm not sure you can realistically claim it's weaker at every position. There are a lot of unknowns. You also have to weigh difficult questions like whether Williams's elite defense and no scoring is "better" than Goode's offense plus seemingly good defense. And we don't even know how good Goode will be next year. It's really not easy to make projections like that. Also, a healthy Curbelo is as productive as Frazier: more scoring on average but less stifling defense. But he's got room to grow, too.
I think the best we can say is that it will be a different team and it's going to be tough to replace the production Cockburn and Frazier (assuming Cockburn leaves and Curbelo stays).
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