Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[Fr8trn16]

I think he could make it. He’s been told by NBA guys to come back for another year. The problem is he’s gonna get eaten alive in pick n roll defense in the NBA

Kind of like Vucevic with the Bulls... I understand where you're coming from. It's happened this year too... Definitely gonna need help defense in pick and roll and guard have to stay locked in to their man and can't always get beat off the dribble... but those pick and rolls in the NBA are difficult to stop for some duos.... regardless of who you are.

 

[jumpingjack]

In my viewpoint Goode and RJ are guys who play the 3/4 position but I see Podz as a 2/3 player. So there might be some overlap but he now won't have Trent, Alonzo, Andre, DMW and sometimes Jake in front of him. Harris and Epps will be there but they will have to beat him out. There rankings don't give them the starting slots.

If we add Sky and Miller then there is more to compete then maybe you are correct but who knows if we get em. I still think his shooting is superior to all of these options including Miller.

I think Podz will be just fine. And agreed, he's not competing against the other freshmen (soon to be sophomores) for minutes. It'll be the to be named transfer PG and potentially Skyy, if we land him. The kid can flat out shoot the ball and he's a worker.

 

[Dbell1981]

I think Podz will be just fine. And agreed, he's not competing against the other freshmen (soon to be sophomores) for minutes. It'll be the to be named transfer PG and potentially Skyy, if we land him. The kid can flat out shoot the ball and he's a worker.

Man i am ready to know who this PG is! Very exciting

 

[Mobi]

I think he could make it. He’s been told by NBA guys to come back for another year. The problem is he’s gonna get eaten alive in pick n roll defense in the NBA

There is no chance you switch Kofi on pick n roll defense in NBA. The guard defender has to stick to his man and Kofi better knows how to defend bigs' three pointers. Seems tough to me.

 

[bbpeoria]

I think Podz will be just fine. And agreed, he's not competing against the other freshmen (soon to be sophomores) for minutes. It'll be the to be named transfer PG and potentially Skyy, if we land him. The kid can flat out shoot the ball and he's a worker.

I too hope Podz is back and doubt we will have another player quite like him on the roster next season despite potential transfers, Skyy and incoming Frosh. However, I would also understand if he thinks moving on to get more guaranteed paying time. I do think he can play at the high D1 level but it might still take a year or two to get major minutes.

In that regard, I wish Underwood would expand his bench some. He gets stuck with his comfort level players a bit more than I would like and would like to see him trust younger players a bit more. I think it could help keep the entire team fresher and more engaged. It may even cost a game or two but could pay off in longer term.

 

[Mobi]

Kind of like Vucevic with the Bulls... I understand where you're coming from. It's happened this year too... Definitely gonna need help defense in pick and roll and guard have to stay locked in to their man and can't always get beat off the dribble... but those pick and rolls in the NBA are difficult to stop for some duos.... regardless of who you are.

I don't know. Vucevic is not your best defender inside or out. (Btw, I do not like Bull's makeup of which none of their best three scorers is a plus defender.) But I am not even sure if I would compare Kofi to him. Vucevic, to me, is at least a relatively mobile big.

 

[Fr8trn16]

I don't know. Vucevic is not your best defender inside or out. (Btw, I do not like Bull's makeup of which none of their best three scorers is a plus defender.) But I am not even sure if I would compare Kofi to him. Vucevic, to me, is at least a relatively mobile big.

Agreed. Just a representation of not being able to guard the pick and roll, but still earns a good living in the NBA. A lot of people want jump shooting bigs now a days. But there is still a need for bigs like Javale McGee(can't believe in comparing him to Kofi) who can defend in the paint, and score in the paint.

 

[OrangeAndBlueBlooded]

Agree but I do think he’s improving. Think it was maybe the Michigan game where he was really moving his feet well and recovering to close out 3 pt shooters. But obviously still needs work.

I do think dropping 20ish pounds could potentially help a lot. He’s such a great athlete at his size think he could become a lot quicker/more noble. Yes, it’s fun watching him bludgeon kids down low, but that’s not what’s valued in todays NBA and feel like we’ve maybe grown a little too reliant on it TBH. Think it will be best for everyone if he becomes a more versatile player.

How much more noble does he need to be? He's already King Kofi!

 

[Dbell1981]

I wish Underwood would expand his bench some. He gets stuck with his comfort level players a bit more than I would like and would like to see him trust younger players a bit more. I think it could help keep the entire team fresher and more engaged. It may even cost a game or two but could pay off in longer term.

I think/hope he will do so as well. This team was odd in the fact that there were Lots of 4th/5th year guys on the roster. The super senior situation really screwed alot of younger players out of the playing time they thought they were gonna compete for originally(for all teams not just ours). That will all smooth out within the next few years. Hopefully more balanced classes in the future will help with a deeper rotation. Maybe we are on the cusp of having enough talent on the roster that the majority of incoming freshman don't get fed to the wolves right off the bat. Oh how things seem to be changing for the better! GO ILLINI

 

[ptgrd23]

Podz had a couple very nice drives to the hoop in traffic. He has good handles, size 6'5" 200 lbs per ESPN, quickness and a nice outside shot. He could be a 20 mpg if his defense is up to it. More athletic than Goode. Might be able to play point in pinch.

If I was Podz I would stay another season. We are losing 5 starters (counting Kofi) and our 6th man (Andre).
I can't imagine another school that has more playing time available.

He would not have come to P5 school if he did not believe in his ability. He has 1 year of offense and weightlifting under his belt. Right now competition is Epps (freshman) and Harris (freshman) plus possible portal transfer. Skyy is a long long shot.

Goode and RJ are SF. Coleman and Rodgers are PF. Dainja and Payne are C.

 

[eas23]

Remember that Kofi is older than his class year too. He's roughly the same age as Ja Morant. You don't see many 24 year old rookies anymore, which is what he'd be if he stayed another year.

 

[ChiefIllinois]

Remember that Kofi is older than his class year too. He's roughly the same age as Ja Morant. You don't see many 24 year old rookies anymore, which is what he'd be if he stayed another year.

He’s already older than most early NBA draft picks, that isn’t going to be a major factor in him staying or leaving.

Most NBA teams heavily value youth, which also hurts his (and probably did Ayo’s) draft stock. He’s been behind that 8 ball for a while.

 

[HailtotheChief]

There still a place in the NBA for traditional big men. Especially on the defensive end. Strong rebounding and ability to score in the paint on other NBA bigs! Kofi strength and ability around the rim is his niche! Do that extremely well and you'll get paid like Shaq did. Giannis has done it for years. Yes he's developing a semi shot, but he's still not really a threat shooting. But dunking and points in the paint is where he thrives.

I love Kofi but he is not close to Shaq or Gianni's.

 

[HailtotheChief]

In my viewpoint Goode and RJ are guys who play the 3/4 position but I see Podz as a 2/3 player. So there might be some overlap but he now won't have Trent, Alonzo, Andre, DMW and sometimes Jake in front of him. Harris and Epps will be there but they will have to beat him out. There rankings don't give them the starting slots.

If we add Sky and Miller then there is more to compete then maybe you are correct but who knows if we get em. I still think his shooting is superior to all of these options including Miller.

I agree but I do think RJ can certainly play the 2. I is at least the athlete of Miller and can move well, shoot and dribble just fine. I like that idea actually. Match up issue for teams much dealing with RJ at the too.

 

[BashCtIllini]

I love Kofi but he is not close to Shaq or Gianni's.

He is close to Shaq. Just the NBA has moved away from the Shaq type of player. In reality, Shaq had the range out to about 6 ft. Couldn't shoot a FT, he was just a physical force. I'd say Kofi is a little more skilled than Shaq, Shaq maybe more agile.

I'd be interested to see what the NBA would think of Shaq if he was coming out of college this year? He couldn't shoot, I think he only attempted 1 three in his career, but he was a physical monster, just like Kofi. Would Shaq get passed over in 2022 as well?

 

[ElGran]

Based on what? I've deleted about 3 posts on this before I hit reply, but based on what are all the expectations for Podz?

The way I see it, Goode and RJ are better which is why they saw the floor. Now you add in Rodgers and potentially Shannon and where do you see Podz seeing the floor next year?

That isn't even taking into account Epps and potentially Skyy and Miller. There are only so many minutes to be had. Who is Podz playing over? Sorry to say it boys, but I personally would be a little shocked if he's still on the team next year. Happy, but shocked.

As of now, Podz is one of three guards on next year's team. The other two will be true FR. That would indicate he has a good chance of playing. Now if we bring in multiple additional guards, that could change things. But as of now, we don't have Clark or anyone else.

 

[Heisenbobble]

*Opens recruiting thread.*

*Sees mostly posts about current players.*

*Closes recruiting thread.*

 

[BashCtIllini]

As of now, Podz is one of three guards on next year's team. The other two will be true FR. That would indicate he has a good chance of playing. Now if we bring in multiple additional guards, that could change things. But as of now, we don't have Clark or anyone else.

Do you honestly believe Underwood is just going to say, sure we're good not replacing all these players, more scholarships for next year?

 

[HailtotheChief]

He is close to Shaq. Just the NBA has moved away from the Shaq type of player. In reality, Shaq had the range out to about 6 ft. Couldn't shoot a FT, he was just a physical force. I'd say Kofi is a little more skilled than Shaq, Shaq maybe more agile.

I'd be interested to see what the NBA would think of Shaq if he was coming out of college this year? He couldn't shoot, I think he only attempted 1 three in his career, but he was a physical monster, just like Kofi. Would Shaq get passed over in 2022 as well?

I love Kofi but he is not in the same stratosphere as Shaq. Shaq was a much much better athlete. Much more explosive and better hand eye coordination. How often did Shaq get a shot blocked or dribble up the court. If Shaq was coming out this year he would without a doubt be the number one overall pick. Your talking about one if the top players in NBA and College basketball history. Come on man!

 

[logjam]

That's okay, when I was younger, I used to date myself...A LOT!

 

[BashCtIllini]

*Opens recruiting thread.*

*Sees mostly posts about current players.*

*Closes recruiting thread.*

in the current era of college basketball, recruiting your current team to stick around is part of the gig.

 

[DocMorgan]

Its about that time for Skyy to be on commit watch

 

[Heisenbobble]

in the current era of college basketball, recruiting your current team to stick around is part of the gig.

(A) Are Loyalty members recruiting the players now? Is that an NCAA violation?!?
(B) The discussion is mostly about current players' ability to play in the NBA or their future contributions to the team, which could really fall in the Illini team discussion. But what do I know?

 

[logjam]

Agree. And seemed like after every game there were posts of him getting an extra lift/conditioning/shots etc. and I think around senior night he had a post to the effect that he never thought he could look up to a teammate the way he looked up to Trent. Sounds like he had the right attitude that last year was all about learning from the veterans and getting better. I’m not surprised that he was third out of the freshman as his was the biggest jump in competition and I’m sure the biggest adjustment. But he looks to have gotten much stronger physically and we know he can shoot it. Kid is going to be a player.

He sure looks happy during celebrations and lockeroom videos.

 

[Fr8trn16]

I love Kofi but he is not close to Shaq or Gianni's.

Not to far off.... Maybe I'm just bias. But I do see a lot of similarities.