It's been a long time, but when I watch Epps play I get a Kiwane Garris vibe.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Nice to have Coleman's son in attendance
If getting to the NBA was the only goal for these high school kids (and it may be) then wouldn’t attending a basketball factory like Overtime Elite make more sense? At least there they can get paid and not have to worry about anything but training.
Personally I think your senior year of high school is one of the best/most fun/most important years of your life. What’s better than closing out a fairly carefree year and making a run at a state championship with the friends you grew up with?
“Anyone who says they don’t care about prom actually secretly does. Picture it. You pull in a white stallion limo. You got fine honeys with you. You’re dressed to the nines with your best buds. Doves fly out behind you. Why doves? Cause doves make you look badass, that why.” - Jenko
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It's mostly a matter of scholarship numbers. You can have 13 or 85 at a time. When the season ends, the guys leaving are no longer counted on scholarship for spring practice, so the new incoming class can come in and take those spots. The basketball team is still mid-season.
That's pretty high praise - Kiwane made it to the NBA, even though it was a short career. My recollection was a guy who had great handles in traffic and could attack the rim despite being 6'2". Says a lot about his athleticism. He was one of the bright spots after the 90s sanctions.
I actually thought of HRF when watching him. It's a bad comparison, I know, but he looks like he's playing slower than he actually is, seems fearless/comfortable when the offense isn't running well, can take the 3 pt shot, great on the FT line and just oozes quiet confidence. No idea if he'll reach the lofty heights HRF did, but his style strikes me as similar in some ways.
There generally aren't open scholarships for basketball players to enroll early.
The football season is over by second semester so I think the scolarship rules are different. They are enrolling early but that spring semester is already part of the next season.
Regardless of whatever struggles he went through, the job he as done here so far is nothing short of incredible. I was happy he was hired, but what he has done so far has exceeded anything I could have imagined.
And regarding drinking and other things, it's not uncommon among not only high level coaches, but also executives and other high paid/high performance roles where people are under lots of stress. The money gives access to things, and the alcohol or whatever numbs the stress.
Many go through struggles and come out much better than they were, with an intense focus and drive. I have zero clue about BB's past aside from rumors, but whatever he went through, he's killing it now and has used that experience to become a better coach, and I am very happy Whitman got him on board.
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
I actually got a Derek Harper vibe as both have a poker face all business attitude aboot them.......
I think Epps will have a great career as an Illini and will lead us to mucho victories........I really really do...........
One thing I love about this board is we don't aim low in our comparisons of current players/recruits and benchmark players. Kiwane Garris (and especially) HRF and Derek Harper are basically as good as it gets among Illini guards, Illini Guard Royalty. If Epps has a career anything like any of those players he'll be something special.
Yep. The main thing see is the way his players respond to him. It seems mutually positive. Looks like there’s a real sincerity there. It’s just pretty darn hard to fake that kind of thing consistently.
Dr Copejam
- The Rock
I don't think he gets to HRF, but I get your assessment. The playing slower than he is and the fearless/comfortable resonate. I think Epps has the ability to be one of those who is hanging in the rafter's of State Farm Center when its all said and done.
Dumb question here, but who is HRF?
Kiwane was a flat out scorer. His game would translate better to the NBA today. I don’t recall his defense so hard to compare him to HRF in that respect.
NEIlliniFan
- No longer in New England
His Royal Frankness aka Frank Williams aka Da'Monte' dad
Derek was a freak athlete 6'4 185 with great quickness and jumping ability. His jump shot had a weird side spin to it but he figured it out JR year when he shot 53.7% total and 50% on limited threes. Good enough to go hardship and get drafted 11th. Had 16 year career (first 10 as starter) in NBA
I like Epps a lot. He generally plays within himself. He’s a low pulse guy. He doesn’t get too excited. He has a pro attitude.
I’m among the early vocal skeptics based on the aforementioned ‘stuff’ and will admit those concerns have been addressed by the product and culture he’s put together to date. Fully on board.
Past is past, future is bright.
As long as we don’t have any Alex Legion, Sam Maniscalsco, A A Ron Cosby and Ahmad Starks comparisons.
Derek set an NBA record by increasing hi scoring average for 8 straight years. Epps is no where near that category of athlete. Harper and Ayo are clones as neither could shoot from the outside well as Illini but were great getting to the hole.
Garris is a great comparison for Epps and we should be so lucky that he turns out as well (except for shooting free throws vs. Missouri as a freshman!) Look where Garris ended up in career scoring for the good guys.
Ah....that Illini roundball history...
I don’t know. These might be a little low. I see a Kobe, Steph, Bird, Maravich hybrid. S/
Haha... thanks for this. I googled HRF and Illinois baksetball... no dice.
It’s Loyaltyspeak
I love Epps but he is near the defender or athlete of the NBA 11th overall pick early entry to the NBA that Harper was. Harp was a beast in both end of the floor. In transition he was awesome. Plus Harp was a pure PG with size at 6'4".
However, while Epps isn't the athlete Garrus was but he could become that type of player. I too love Epps game and looking forward to see him develop going forward and the next few seasons.
ChazzReinhold
Mom! The Meatloaf!
It’s interesting how Pru simply compared Epp’s business-like demeanor with Harper’s and it turns into how Epps couldn’t possibly match Harper as the 11th pick in the draft.
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