Agree but McNeil is a really nice player. I would have taken him in a heartbeat as a Plummer replacement.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Agree but McNeil is a really nice player. I would have taken him in a heartbeat as a Plummer replacement.
I understand wanting some experience on the team, but also not afraid at all about a young team. Young players make mistakes, but so do veterans including 5th year seniors. I think a roster full of young versatile athletic players can be just as good as a team full of experienced veterans with less talent. Probably a couple more road losses in the big ten, but could also be a couple more home wins. If we do add 2 experienced players through the portal, it doesn’t mean they are experienced in this program. They would still need to gain the respect of the coaches and players ( especially the returners) for the in game experience to matter. The young guys might be hungry to impress. There will be frustrations, but not unlike every 30 game season. It should be one hell of fun ride. Looking forward to it.
This post makes me feel old.
Joseph Kerr
- Fort Wayne, IN
Did he get Laimbeered? Bird threw punches....reasons matter.
Chet Holmgren might out weigh him.
no he cold cocked a kid in the handshake line
Joseph Kerr
- Fort Wayne, IN
Oh, so he is going to Michigan then?
IMO I don’t think another conference title is attainable this year, but I see us finishing in the top half of the conference. All things considered that should be awfully exciting with such a young core - dreams of another Big10 title and final 4 appearance are alive and well in ‘23-‘24’. Brad has raised the floor of this program so much.
Rhode Island?
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
Agree. This sounds realistic to me.
Hoping for a fun and exciting brand of basketball. Continual growth throughout the season. A Sunday afternoon Top 10 upset or two on national TV. And then we peak in March ---- and maybe land as a surprise Sweet Sixteen participant.
blackdog
- Champaign
7'1? Everywhere has him listed at 6'10. Still impressive though.
IlliniwekKDR
- Colorado Springs, CO
The reason I think that RJ will have a breakout year is a lot because of what we saw with Johnny Davis and Keegan Murray…both players that played little year 1 but had so much talent and potential like RJ to have that breakout year. I’m really looking forward to watching RJ play next year I can tell you that 
The classic fan embellish
He has 3 level scoring ability and could be a mismatch nightmare for opponents... But those other guys took gigantic leaps this year. Can't expect that from anyone realisticallyThe reason I think that RJ will have a breakout year is a lot because of what we saw with Johnny Davis and Keegan Murray…both players that played little year 1 but had so much talent and potential like RJ to have that breakout year. I’m really looking forward to watching RJ play next year I can tell you that
The reason I think that RJ will have a breakout year is a lot because of what we saw with Johnny Davis and Keegan Murray…both players that played little year 1 but had so much talent and potential like RJ to have that breakout year. I’m really looking forward to watching RJ play next year I can tell you that
One of the things I often see in break-out players, are guys who play within themselves. They're talented and play their game efficiently, not trying to do too much. But they expand their toolbox or refine their strengths to create more ways to be a plus player. I think RJ fits that description. Not sure how much improvement we'll see next year, but really liked where he was headed. Staff obviously loves his potential.
Joel Goodson
- ties will be resolved
Last year's number, perhaps? He's been listed at 6' 10" for at least a year. And the rating services are pretty spotty w/info on underclassmen.
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May depend on what the final roster looks like. Really like the offensive possibilities with 5 guys that can handle the ball and don’t think offense will be the problem. Kofi, Trent, and DMW really tough to replace defensively and generally the toughest for frosh to pick up. It helps that Luke, RJ, Dain, and Hawk have some practice time under their belt. The additional length will help but how quickly the team connectivity comes together will determine our success.
Jazz just had an article written about him on On3 and they listed him at 7-0, probably is 6'10 to 6'10.5ish without shoes on.
www.on3.com
4-star Jazz Gardner talks USC, Pepperdine, Kansas; more will come
April 18, 2022 - 2023 Jazz Gardner is a 7-foot-0 4-star center. On3 caught up with the Dream Vision Center to go in-depth on his recruitment.
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My goodness the first 3 on that list PPP is absurd
I get tired of the on-going commentary that we only have one recruit rated at 35 to go with a few four star recruits and yada, yada, yada….. Too many people want to be nay sayers. Kids develop at different stages. BU has proven he can find and develop kids that may not be 5* recruits….and he’s been beating the crap out of the BIG at the same time. Now we have a top rated class coming in and half the board is doom and gloom.
At one point in his senior year, CoHawk was rated around 150’ish. He was a three star recruit. He committed to working hard, getting better, and finally “bought in” to what BU asked him to do. The switch was flipped and we saw late last year what he can be as a player. Tremendously athletic, skilled, hustle galore. Yes, some silly fouls and whining….he was essentially a kid growing up. If you want to hang a three star on him next year…have at it. The guy is gonna be really, really good.
RJ was not terribly highly rated. As a freshman, we all saw flashes that were exciting. If you want to tag him as a borderline four or three….have at it. The kid is gonna be really, really good.
Luke was a four star rated player. Not as bouncy or quick twitch as RJ or CoHawk, but gritty, tough, true leadership characteristics….and he can grind and shoot. I will take that.
Dain….um….handles and skill that most 6’9” (7’7” wing span) guys that weigh 260 can only dream of….I’m excited to see that play out.
Skyy, Sencire, Epps, and Ty will get minutes as freshman and will be playing like sophomores by the time the BTT rolls around.
I’m not drinking the cool aid (maybe I am) but we have a bunch of kids that have developed a ton since they’ve been here and that is because of BU, CF, TA, GA, Fletch, and the guys they’ve practiced with. Playing and learning all day, every day with the BIG conference champs and BTT champs.
What we will be in November 2022 will not be what we will be in March 2023.
The program is in a phenomenal place and will continue to rise.
I L L
At one point in his senior year, CoHawk was rated around 150’ish. He was a three star recruit. He committed to working hard, getting better, and finally “bought in” to what BU asked him to do. The switch was flipped and we saw late last year what he can be as a player. Tremendously athletic, skilled, hustle galore. Yes, some silly fouls and whining….he was essentially a kid growing up. If you want to hang a three star on him next year…have at it. The guy is gonna be really, really good.
RJ was not terribly highly rated. As a freshman, we all saw flashes that were exciting. If you want to tag him as a borderline four or three….have at it. The kid is gonna be really, really good.
Luke was a four star rated player. Not as bouncy or quick twitch as RJ or CoHawk, but gritty, tough, true leadership characteristics….and he can grind and shoot. I will take that.
Dain….um….handles and skill that most 6’9” (7’7” wing span) guys that weigh 260 can only dream of….I’m excited to see that play out.
Skyy, Sencire, Epps, and Ty will get minutes as freshman and will be playing like sophomores by the time the BTT rolls around.
I’m not drinking the cool aid (maybe I am) but we have a bunch of kids that have developed a ton since they’ve been here and that is because of BU, CF, TA, GA, Fletch, and the guys they’ve practiced with. Playing and learning all day, every day with the BIG conference champs and BTT champs.
What we will be in November 2022 will not be what we will be in March 2023.
The program is in a phenomenal place and will continue to rise.
I L L
I mean...he might, but this guy is nowhere near as scrawny as Chet Holmgren.
Maybe but are we gonna be better without Kofi? I think we will be from the 1to 4 spot maybe but not nearly as much at the 5.
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