Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Just tempering the expectations with a dose of realism ...
But not a bad idea, Bigguns.
IMHO...the recruiting success hinges on two factors.
1. Ayo and Kofi led a group of great guys wanting to and willing to win...and they did. Hence, exposure on a national stage and success that is seen by recruits.
2. The staff, led by Whitman, are tireless workers on the recruiting trail. They are not afraid to make cold calls while being patient and veracious with recruits (this may be my take and totally mistaken). Most importantly, they are willing to cast a wide net and look under every stone. Who would have thought Kofi would want to come to the cornfields and feeding troughs of the Midwest?...but he did. Who would have thought that three talented kids who played on good teams in Texas would transfer to the cold winds of the Illinois prairie?...but they did. And Ayo...I love seeing a really good buy living his dream...it has been a pleasure watching him grow and mature from his commitment party to a solid NBA player.
All coaches know that they are only a couple of recruits away from success. But sustained success means that players have to have a good experience, trust the staff, enjoy their environment, and follow a pattern of successful legacies. We see that kind of program now and the future looks bright for Illini hoops....and there is a spark glowing in Memorial Stadium if you look closely. A great time to be an Illini fan.
1. Ayo and Kofi led a group of great guys wanting to and willing to win...and they did. Hence, exposure on a national stage and success that is seen by recruits.
2. The staff, led by Whitman, are tireless workers on the recruiting trail. They are not afraid to make cold calls while being patient and veracious with recruits (this may be my take and totally mistaken). Most importantly, they are willing to cast a wide net and look under every stone. Who would have thought Kofi would want to come to the cornfields and feeding troughs of the Midwest?...but he did. Who would have thought that three talented kids who played on good teams in Texas would transfer to the cold winds of the Illinois prairie?...but they did. And Ayo...I love seeing a really good buy living his dream...it has been a pleasure watching him grow and mature from his commitment party to a solid NBA player.
All coaches know that they are only a couple of recruits away from success. But sustained success means that players have to have a good experience, trust the staff, enjoy their environment, and follow a pattern of successful legacies. We see that kind of program now and the future looks bright for Illini hoops....and there is a spark glowing in Memorial Stadium if you look closely. A great time to be an Illini fan.
Is Powell class of '23?
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
'24. AFAIC, he's good enough to re-class, should he want to. I see him as a 2 year college player.
Just rewatched the 2001 Illinois vs Arizona game. Illinois had a group of rotating players that were as effective as the starters. Griffin/Cook and Arch/Krup were fairly even. McCain and Lucas fairly close. 3 Guard rotation was solid, may have lacked one more solud combo guard.
But as I see this roster, there is going to be players off the bench who are comparable to starters and have games where they will exceed the starters numbers. Looking forward to see how line ups and rotations are created.
But as I see this roster, there is going to be players off the bench who are comparable to starters and have games where they will exceed the starters numbers. Looking forward to see how line ups and rotations are created.
That was the last time we’ve played 9-10 guys deep. Fans (not just ours) seem to love the idea of a deep rotation, but coaches rarely do, especially when you get into Tournament time.
Actually think it will only be eight this year. The eight may change from game to game based on matchups, health and maturation.
illini80
- Forgottonia
Same. I’d expect some early under performers to work their way into the rotation with starter minutes by late in the season.
I also look forward to the post-game threads and arguments over who needs to be benched and why player x isn’t getting the time they deserve.
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Thanks, Bro.
Depth is pretty subjective. Using last season, after the first 6, all of which had over 600 minutes, we had:
367 Curbelo
249 Goode
237 Payne
187 Melendez
187 BBV
Melendez would likely have been a big part of a tournament run had he been healthy. Also, I think even if a back-up player doesn't get a lot of minutes, they can really help the team in case there's injury, or they provide better competition in practice. Guys below 10 mpg can still be the difference between a win or a loss.
Definitely. BBV was very valuable at times, yet he averaged under 10 mpg.
Awesome post!
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Kid is loooong and can fly. '23 southern Bama native. Same AAU team that RJ played for, apparently. Chester is the lead.
My dude does NOT want the ball in his left hand.
Adding another 6’9” SF next to Hawk, Dain, Perrin almost seems like Flying Illini with +2 length. If only they become as skilled. Certainly looks like the staff may have a plan. Think it may have something to do with a National championship.
Lots and lots of tools there, BUT…yeah..that lack of left hand thing needs need to be remedied stat.
Loyalillini10
- Urbana, IL
He did not miss a single shot in that video. Young man is good
Twitter response to Jordan Burks offer.
Toto: Are we in Ar kansas anymore?
Gotta love the fanaticism.
Toto: Are we in Ar kansas anymore?
Gotta love the fanaticism.
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He will get some really good offers, but in the multiple times I have seen him ... I haven't been that impressed ...
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