I was thinking a different school. GaTech comes to my mind. But yes, we weren't his first choice.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Also see that Akil Watson rose 19 spots up to #40. If #11 JJ Taylor doesn't happen, will be interesting to keep track on this kid. Already visited and looks to have a ton of upside.
Uh Oh .....that must mean he's a heavy lean towards Illinois.....we'll take it
DB11Headband
- Chicago Burbs
Georgia Tech was one of his top choices but Jarrett Jack took the offer first.
2002 was an extremely strong PG class. Dee, Deron, Ray Felton, Jarrett Jack, Sean Dockery, Gerry McNamara, Daniel Horton, etc
frozenrope9190
- Aurora, IL
Amont'e Allen-Johnson got a shout-out from Ty Rodgers.
What's the story on Akil Watson? I haven't heard of him. Did someone say he's already made an official visit? I just looked him up. Apparently, he's planning a second visit to UI. And he comes from Middletown, New York, where my wife and I lived for 7 years!
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Akil-ini
That was right, forgot about Bracey Wright. He was about 6-3, one ofvthe top shooters in the class , decent hops but not overly athletic. He developed back problems, but never had the overall combo guard skills to be a star college player or pro. A better version than Coleman-Lands.
First clue that Deron was the better player was when their hs coach said that when Deron gets mad at Bracey he dunks on him.
Not sure he has a better skill set. They are different skill sets. Jake is more like damonte in that you cant move him around the floor on defense. Hawk is like a reed.
Illini in Indiana
- Indiana
Recruiting reflection - It is so nice seeing us in real contention for these 4 & 5 start kids, that want to be a part of our team. Because they can be a part of a winning program. Thanks to Whitman, Underwood, and players like Ayo, Kofi, Trent, Demonte, Jacob, Andre, .....
Just a few years ago, I'd be checking this board for the kid that could help get us back to a top 20 team, knowing we'd likely not get him.
Just a few years ago, I'd be checking this board for the kid that could help get us back to a top 20 team, knowing we'd likely not get him.
Yup. Different skill sets and both have limitations at this time. Jake is a really good shooter, but he is not good as driving and creating his own offense. Both can be good defensively, but only in specific situations.
I don't know, but there is a guard who will be a fifth year player next year with ties. Likely a solid contributor.
Even beyond this, as we’ve had our share of flirtations with 5 star players over the years, is I feel like the program is much bigger than 1 player at this point. For a decade plus it felt like we were wandering in the desert, searching for that white knight McDAA who would make Illinois cool again.
Boswell would be an amazing get. But we’ve got 3 top 100 FROSH on the roster and 3 more coming in next year, plus most likely getting Belo back for his Jr year. Some will develop into stars, some won’t work out and will transfer. We will most likely bring in some under the radar transfers who may turn into the next Grandi. Will any of our current players develop into AA’s like Ayo and Kofi? Maybe, maybe not. But barring injuries or other unforeseen circumstances, I think we have cemented ourselves as a top half BIG team that will be firmly on the right side of the bubbly more years than not. We don’t need to put all of our eggs in the basket of one or two recruits.
Boswell would be a phenomenal get and would raise our ceiling immensely. But if he chooses to go elsewhere best of luck to him and we will be fine.
Reeves is not a 5th year and may actually have 2 years left due to the Covid year exemption.
Antonio Reeves? Is that the mystery guard we've been talking about? He's having a heck of a season. Any chance this (if it does happen) opens the Simeon pipeline back up?
I would say that is an effort thing not a skill thing. I think Hawkins has the physical tools to do anything Jake can do. He can shoot from outside, has decent handles for a bigger guy, has some foot speed to cover the perimeter. His issue is he hasn't put all of those skills together to be a basketball player like Jake.
I am not aware of Reeves. I am not sure I should name my guess. He is finishing his 4th season. Lots of teams would be interested. I can see why he might be interested in Illinois, and the big ten. Just a guess that makes sense to me.
I expected more from Hawkins. He hasn't taken that proverbial jump from freshman to sophomore. Actually, it looks like his minutes keep declining, game by game. Probably a lot of them are spread around between Goode and Melendez. But I think we can be assured Underwood knows what he's doing; he's planning carefully. I just wish I could see more of Podz.
Courtney Ramey? Landers Nolley?
Joel Goodson
- ties will be resolved
Shannon or Reeves would be great. Thinking Shannon forgoes his 5th year for the draft. Reeves has a pretty bullish trajectory. Nearly 40% on 3s, 47% FG, and he's carrying the Redbirds offensive load. Great length. Simeon product. 2 years left? Yes, please.
Who among these guys can play D?
I can play D. It won't be good. But I can do it, technically.
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