I post on here way to frequently to be Brad haha
I believe you have confirmed you are connected to this man in more ways than one? Hi Tyler!
Or maybe… Brad?
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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I actually don't understand the Ant Wright slander. He called Ty Rodgers before most people were willing to. He called Skyy Clark before the buzz really took off. Sure, he wasn't calling it super early like most - but recruiting changes pretty rapidly so calling anyone a lock too far before they commit is usually premature. And Jayden Epps. He trolls the fan base every now and then, but his content is solid
Naw. He legitimately thought Skyy was going to Tennessee and that they were a major player…..everyone in college basketball knew it was Illinois as soon as he opened up his recruitment again.
I agree. Kofi has his positives but with the team we are putting g together with guys who can drive the ball, a 5 who can pull his defender out of the lane helps open things up. I hope Kofi does what is best for him and getting if he leaves, I hope he succeeds at the next level. Having a guy like Augie replacing him would be a great asset
Completely agree. Next year averaging 24 and 12 instead of 21 and 10 doesn’t change his draft stock or limitations to the NBA game. Add the fact that he is very old for his class (turns 23 in September), it’s fair to wonder if he is what he is at this point, for better or worse, in terms of translating to the NBA.
First, I said Ayo wasn’t the same situation. What is the same though is they both have a dream to play professional basketball — a dream that Ayo is living and Kofi will also, though possibly not at the NBA level.
I realize the money we’re talking about is a lot and to be honest as I sit here and type, I’d probably stay and take the money — if the numbers being reported are correct. And that is a big if considering in these cases the numbers are usually over reported rather than under. But I’m not a 7-0 basketball player who has a dream to play pro basketball and the skills to make that dream a reality.
The other issue I had was the OP said Kofi was getting biased advice. If the “smart” decision is to stay, what makes the OP think his family/handlers are giving him the advice to leave? Seems to me they would be advocating for him to stay and take the money.
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There are certainly skills that Kofi could work on to improve his draft stock. That was true last year and it's true now too. Whether he can is a different subject. He certainly became a better passer last year and a few moves. It's not about points really but how many ways he can score them. Kofi himself would say he needs to improve in several ways to improve the odds he is drafted and when. If he doesn't he won't make the league. He can certainly improve his draft stock by improving for 15 ft, developing a hook over both shoulders, becoming a better passer, a better FT shooter, improving defensively, his footwork and on and on. If he can not do those things then he definitely should take a million a year not just this year but next too. Because if he doesn't it's unlikely he plays in the NBA or can make that kind of money anywhere. Now if he wants to move in to the next part of his life and make a fraction of that and can be happy then that's fine too
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Nappy I_L_L
- Northern Indiana
Is Hopkins one of the big you were referring to ville?
Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
NBA team scenarios change often, a contender may need another cheap backup big in the late second to avoid the salary cap who can play right away. That might not necessarily exist this season.
Ayo probably gets drafted even later if not for the bulls needing a NBA ready PG late in the draft.
BMoreIllini
- Baltimore, MD
I think the issue with that argument is that BU and Co.'s job isn't to directly develop players like Kofi for the NBA. Does it help recruiting to point to a potential example like Kofi if you help him develop into an NBA talent? Definitely, but their job is to win games and scheme to what their players are now. Does a Kofi that can step out and hit consistently from 12'-15' help us? 110%, but if he doesn't develop that fast enough or if he's forcing it, then I'm sure it's going to cost us in the short term. I imagine Kofi and the staff are having and have had many discussions about their plans for his development. I feel like his decision to stay or go will largely be impacted by that. Of course Kofi can work on all the things you mentioned on his own but....
The other thing to consider is that Kofi is currently a STUDENT athlete. I don't know the number, but I have to think he puts several hours a week into going to class, etc. If he moved on and played professionally anywhere, he gets those hours back to put toward continuing to develop. Sure he may make more next year staying at Illinois through NIL, but that's short sighted if he thinks he can develop faster by not staying in school another year.
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illini80
- Forgottonia
I agree. It’s not only about what he can make next year. It’s about what he thinks will develop his long term basketball career the best. We have a limited insight to that and while we saw an improved Kofi last season, there are parts of his game that have not developed significantly such as his passing, defending in space, and outside shooting. I want him back, but I’m not sure this is the place to improve those areas the most for him.
All I am saying is that Kofi most certainly can improve his draft stock by coming back and improving his game. Just like Ayo did once by improving his shot and overall game. I also did not say Kofi couldn't improve his game elsewhere too and improve his draft stock. He most certainly can. The difference is if he goes elsewhere will he make anywhere near a million bucks? I hope so but I just highly doubt it and certainly not for a while. He needs to improve. I just hope he does what's best for himself and his family.
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My take is that Kofi should return, get everything he can out of NIL and leave Illinois as one of its top players ever to suit up. While at Illinois, continue to improve his overall game, concentrating on improving the areas he will need to be a success in professional basketball, be it the NBA, or playing overseas. To summarize, make as much money as he can while leaving as a beloved and legend for his time with the Fighting Illini. Get help from a financial advisor and be in a position to pursue what he wants after basketball, all the while living the good life.
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So Tyler it is?
Regardless, I do appreciate your insights along with a few others on here. It seems that we have better insights than we have ever had on this board in the past. I used to read every comment on this thread and now I usually look for the “likes” to help filter through the 20 pages of white noise of admissions jargon, hat flips, and how JCL is now 40 years old. Not complaining by any means, I just don’t have as much time as I used to. It’s a fun board.
Thanks for always keeping this thread for its purpose… recruiting!
Happy Easter everyone!
The dream is always to get drafted but his draft stock will never be high enough to end up on a team with the best fit. He needs to go undrafted and find a team that best suits his current strengths and not force him to work on something he may never be.
We'll said BMore . The rub with Kofi is that the best thing for his game is probably not the same as BU's plan for winning. Some on here have stated that he shoots well in practice, and even looks good on 3 point attempts. I doubt that Kofi shooting 3s, or even 6-7 jump shots a game, is on Coach's game plan. He is sure that Kofi can score within 5 feet of the basket. I am just so glad that BU has us to the point that, if Kofi leaves, we will have lost 2 All-Americans in 2 years, yet the census is that we will be pretty good regardless.
JJB
- Chicago, IL
Surprisingly, it's not the NCAA that limits it. It's the NBA player's association that instituted the rule as part of the last collective bargaining agreement. See Article X, Section 8(c).
Wayback Machine
web.archive.org
I agree with this because whether most admit it or not it's about money. Players left early to the NBA for money. Sure it was a dream but mostly about money and doing what you love. Now with NIL for some the place they can do that and make the most money while playing basketball is college. I dont think Kofi should do any of this for the U if I but because that is we're he can have fun and make the most cash to care for himself and his family.
I am just glad this year the deadline for him to decide is sooner so we can begin recruit to fill any roles that need filled. It was mentioned that last year we had better options than Omar but only if Kofi left and they didn't want to wait that long. This year BU and the staff will have a good idea and the domino's will fall. Our needs will become much more clear by this time next week.
I noticed you didn't say that you're not Tyler...
I am glad someone like Kofi who has generated who knows how much money for Illinois, the CU area by helping make us good again, and the B10 has an opportunity to be rewarded for it. Likely better than anywhere else can. He can also do that trying to get better. Hopefully some of the coaching is directed at helping Kofi not just the team. That being said your point is valid that he could work on his own but he won't make nearly the money next year. I am glad he has this opportunity even if he decides to pass on it. He did take advantage of it once though and it's likely he will again for the cash.
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We will be the bridesmaid again or worse, second runner up LOL
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