Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

FrankNitty30 · Apr 13, 2022

SergioKittner said:
He plays less talented and possibly/probably less effective older players in lieu of younger players. You can spin it however you want. It’s not that he doesn’t play freshman, he just generally doesn’t trust them as much and errs on the side of playing someone like DMW over RJ despite DMW providing nothing down the stretch. I’m a massive Underwood fan and this fact is plain as the sky is blue to me.

I don’t think anyone believes Podz was “all world” but he’s a 6’5” scoring guard that can handle the ball and shoot the 3 that looked like he could compete at times. We return basically nothing at guard. Seems strange a kid like that didn’t see a future with significant playing time. Maybe the coaches told him he’d never start. IDK. But it’s a massive position of need for next year.

Yet Underwood decided he didn’t deserve to play. I’ll side with Underwood.

Peoria Pipeline · Apr 13, 2022

I don’t know if there was strained relationships with Hopkins after his recruitment or there is some baggage but if not I dont see why we shouldn’t be going hard after him.

TheFameProtector · Apr 13, 2022

Peoria Pipeline said:
I don’t know if there was strained relationships with Hopkins after his recruitment or there is some baggage but if not I dont see why we shouldn’t be going hard after him.

I agree with this in terms of his talent but am guessing the staff feels pretty good about their forward spots right now and is more concerned with adding guard depth with the remaining scholarships (assuming Kofi comes back).

destindog · Apr 13, 2022

Rich said:
Only issue I had was when we went up to WI and Podz couldn't get a minute of gametime in with his family in attendance. I know its sentimental and coach should play who he thinks is best to win the game, but I felt for him there.

They played the game in Champaign.

Keisersose · Apr 13, 2022

Peoria Pipeline said:
I don’t know if there was strained relationships with Hopkins after his recruitment or there is some baggage but if not I dont see why we shouldn’t be going hard after him.

Not sure he really brings what we need.

Illinilosch · Apr 13, 2022

TheFameProtector said:
I agree with this in terms of his talent but am guessing the staff feels pretty good about their forward spots right now and is more concerned with adding guard depth with the remaining scholarships (assuming Kofi comes back).

Yeah I think it's just a matter of whether or not Hopkins is a good fit for next years team. When you have forwards like Hawkins, Melendez, Goode and a freshman Rodgers coming in, it doesn't leave a whole lot of room for a guy like Hopkins who is a high 4 star coming from Kentucky and more than likely wants good minutes. So we'll see how things go and if a roster spot(s) is available for him to come and he really wants to be here, then sure you take him. But if I'm a betting man, I'm thinking he goes elsewhere just solely for playing time alone. JMO

ElGran · Apr 13, 2022

Peoria Pipeline said:
I don’t know if there was strained relationships with Hopkins after his recruitment or there is some baggage but if not I dont see why we shouldn’t be going hard after him.

Because we really need guards right now.

BashCtIllini · Apr 13, 2022

Peoria Pipeline said:
I don’t know if there was strained relationships with Hopkins after his recruitment or there is some baggage but if not I dont see why we shouldn’t be going hard after him.

I think Hopkins has 2 issues:
1. He isn't much of a leaper
2. He isn't a great shooter

The leaping thing isn't major because he has a big body and knows how to use it to create space. Still you'd prefer him to be 2 inches taller or jump a little higher. The shooting is what Ant Wright said was holding him back from being an elite player. He didn't see the floor a ton this year but he shot 43% from the field, 31% from 3, 54% FT. Now in fairness he only took 13 FTs but still not a good percentage. But he'd prefer to drive and get to the hoop than shoot because he knows shooting isn't his strength.

People seem to be waffling on the likelihood of Shannon all the sudden, but if we look at Shannon vs Hopkins, I think you could easily say Hopkins will bring more to the team because he has more years and if he improves that shot, he could be a stud. You could also easily say Shannon because he is more explosive and our recruiting is going well, so while he wouldn't be here as long, he will open up a scholarship for a high school kid sooner.