Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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A little late on this, but I wanted to reply to the posts regarding Brandon Lieb. He will be entering his third year in Brad Underwood's system. He's faced Kofi Cockburn every day in practice for three years. He understands BU, the B1G, and his role. Do I think he'll ever play meaningful minutes in the Big Ten? No. Do I think he's an invaluable piece of the team- absolutely. Every team has a guy who's sole role is to get beat up in practice and be the biggest cheerleader on the bench. Nate Mast and Nick Smith are two guys that come to mind from the previous two number one seeds the Illini had. I don't see the point in wishing a guy like Lieb would leave so he could be replaced by someone who still wouldn't play.
Fair point and I agree, just want to quibble with Nick Smith. He was in the rotation until he was passed up by Ingram, and I’m sad to say he was not a great cheer leader from the bench. He had some of the worst body language I’ve ever seen, both on and off the court. So, agree with you that what you described is the perfect role for the 13th guy, but disagree that Nick Smith is a good example.
I wonder if other teams in the conference or even the country are stressed about this as we are? We have had nearly 50-60 pages of posts this week with not much new information to chew on other than Skyy signing. Kofi must be the linchpin of any further movement. I am hoping once he makes a decision, everything else falls into place.
I'm not sure there is another fan base on earth as thirsty for a natty as we are.
soupy17
- MI
Purdue has gotta be up there with us.
You are probably right. This whole transfer portal stuff is stressful for our fan base. As a Cub fan, reaching the pinnacle was great but winning a Natty would top all as a Illini fan. We have been so close before and been left disappointed for many a year. We are so due as a fan base.
I expect big things today!
They are - but they are less expectant for a shot at it than we are. I was at the Purdue Virginia Elite Eight game in Louisville with my kids. What a great atmosphere - it was Mackey south. Losing the way they did was crushing to the fan base. At this point, there is an element of "battered wife syndrome" there.
Yes - Nick Smith was far from a cheerleader - he was a malcontent and it showed. I have a ball that was signed by the entire '05 team in St. Louis except for Nick Smith- it's perfect
Come on pru...isn't every day Friday for you
Agreed, Nick was the Gatorade player of the rear in Florida I as I recall. While he didn't play much in that 1 seed team he did eventually play quite a bit and t think started some. Also I am not saying I want Lieb to leave but if he did we could replace him that could fill that same role in practice and on the bench much like Dain did last year or new arrival could that and also could eventually develop and contribute on the court. They may even start one day. Wisconsin bigs have done that for years. Lieb may be able to get better and strong and actually do that. I wouldn't say anyone that never plays is "invaluable". A lot of what was discussed is what walk ons do.
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
Why yes .........................yes , it is .....................................it really really is...............................
I have no issues with Lieb being here as we are never going to play 13 guys in a game unless its a blowout. If Lieb is happy being here, which it looks like he is, he is getting a great education from one of the best schools in the country for free. Plus he gets training/nutrition and gets to play basketball every day with an All American.
I prefer the beast, but a natty ice works too
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
I’m just excited to watch 2 of our guys in the Jordan Brand Classic this afternoon.
Maybe we hear some news, that would be nice
Maybe we hear some news, that would be nice
I don't have any issues with him being here either. Someine has to fill that 13 scholarship and they dont need to play every year. I feel however that scholarship players should be developing and have the potential to get better and work there way to have an impact on the court in games over time. They should not just stay in that 13 spot in the rotation four years. I think Lieb can and may do this were he plays after Kofi is gone and is improving whether we see it or not. Big guys usually take time to add mass and get better. He did have some other good options out if high school to play. He decided to play here and work hard to hopefully one day play and get a good education while doing so. I dont think he came to fill that 13 spot in the rotation for four years nor do I expect him to. He will get better and graduate. If he improves enough to play then he will stay if not I imagine he may move in to work or transfer after graduation. Hopefully he has and will continue to make big steps in his development and be a effective in games his last year or two. ( He does have three years left due to covid right?)
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