IlliniwekKDR
- Colorado Springs, CO
So you're telling me our last 3 transfers are going to be Max Christie, Emoni Bates, AND Bryce Hopkins??? Amazing!
Sorry, I had to.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Sorry, I had to.
That was all bc of a guy who is now at UK ... Geoff has a great relationship with the Wolves ...
@illini0440 Is getting Emoni something you think could alienate RJ, or are we OK in that dept? IMO two wings with great size who can shoot it at the 2/3 would be great, but I'm not RJ...
IlliniwekKDR
- Colorado Springs, CO
I'm not @illini0440 but I don't think a lineup of: Skyy, Emoni, RJ, Hawkins, Dainja would make RJ too upset ...
Interesting. Hope it helps that we've (well, not us but the Illinois staff) offered his brother.
I don’t think so. I think the worry on Emoni is from Brad…..and it’s not with his basketball ability
I missed what Max Christie did to burn his bridges at MSU? Why wouldn't he go back there?
JJB
- Chicago, IL
Big Boy recruiting is a wild ride. I could get used to this.
My GAWD, the length!!! (Yeah, TWSS!)
My understanding is Bates’ dad really runs a circus around that kid. If we aren’t willing/would rather avoid situations like TSJ/Miller where the accusations are even more behind the scenes, I find it incredibly difficult BU and company will pander to what Bates will bring.
Feel like he’s the opposite of the kind of kid BU wants in this program.
Feel like he’s the opposite of the kind of kid BU wants in this program.
Roger, thanks. I get that from Brad, but at a certain point the talent is worth taking a shot on, right?
There's no chance most of this stuff gets settled this week (or even by the end of next week), but it's fun to consider. We might need to practice a level of patience never before seen from any Illini fan base. My bobble springs are already bent out of shape.
Obviously I'm not sure how likely this would be, but if somehow Illinois ended up with Max Christie and Emoni, we might pull close with Michigan on Sparty's most hated list.
IlliniSaluki
- IL metro east burbs of St. Louis
Just got done with my day of meetings. Does anyone know if we are a serious player for Bryce Hopkins?
lol
Bigtex
- DFW
get so tired of seeing guesses who "starts" Who cares! It is more important who finishes. There are lot of minutes to be shared.
I get the point for sure, but I'd still say a player's most important quality is his character. Not saying that is the issue with Emoni Bates at all, as it sounds like the concern may be with his dad. My point is only that talent -- even phenomenal talent -- does not trump everything else.
Bigtex
- DFW
TJD?
If the worst case scenario was a net zero that’s fine. But I definitely think he could be a major net negative to this team.
He has a 6' 7 1/4" wingspan and his height is 6' 9". Maybe a little short wingspan wise but not by muchOmar Payne has super long arms and that didn't work so maybe the staff wants to try the other end of that spectrum?
Emoni Bates measures in with negative wingspan at Memphis pro day
Bates recorded some rather underwhelming measurements on Wednesday in front of NBA teams.
sports.yahoo.com
Dr Copejam
- The Rock
It’s seems like Underwood has built an culture. Can Bates be an #everydayguy?
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If a player needs Fletched, it is Harper.
Whenever you say "Brad", I hear "my dad".
In other news, Indiana seems to be putting together new incoming talent with some veterans (I think TJD will be back). Word has it they are in on the #2 recruit of 2023 from Montverde, Kwame Evans, and I believe he would be their 3rd high-ranking recruit from there if he commits. How does 5+ years of being average still bring in top-25 talent seemingly year-after-year? Historic program? Woodson? NIL? Probably all of the above I guess.
Shoot, they probably have a shot at Hopkins AND Bopkins............................ /s
Shoot, they probably have a shot at Hopkins AND Bopkins............................ /s
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