Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[Bacon Butkus Swanson]

No he’s not at all.
I’d say Daniel Day Lewis is more like Poison Hemlock or Wolf’s Bane.

(See what I did there?)

Kidding aside L. cleans up pretty good:
View attachment 24657

Lilly is twice as good as DDL.

 

[drsmitty74]

I am familiar with marketing. I am not in central Illinois so please name me 1 commercial that our BB players have been on to earn their NIL $. They are getting paid to play BB for UI period. I do not think they are helping sell anything with their name, image or likeness. That is just a convenient cover for the powers that be able to say that college BB players are not just getting a salary. What products are our players helping sell. Can you name them for me?

Kofi and DMFW were in some commercials and on billboards for OSF hospital in Peoria.

 

[pruman91]

View attachment 24602


Hold on boys and girls .....it's a new thread type of day.......will we find out ..........

1.............is RJ transferring ??.........still waiting to hear
2.............where is Epps transferring to ??.......I agree....G-Town
3.............how many will I ignore today ??........zero....slow day for me
4............who is BU , aka , Yellyface , gonna yell at today ??.......nobody , got picked for award....all smiles
5............What will today bring in the Gweneth Paltrow ski accident trial ??........she won the trial and $ 1.00 plus atty fees


These and other questions will be addressed on " Days of our Loyalty Lives "...........................

Viewing is required to keep up with all things Illini.........commercial free and rated PG 13.........hope to see you here ??

I really really do .........................

 

[Dan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1641798359794208777

 

[21ChampaignSt]

I am familiar with marketing. I am not in central Illinois so please name me 1 commercial that our BB players have been on to earn their NIL $. They are getting paid to play BB for UI period. I do not think they are helping sell anything with their name, image or likeness. That is just a convenient cover for the powers that be able to say that college BB players are not just getting a salary. What products are our players helping sell. Can you name them for me?

As others have pointed out, there have been some examples of our players receiving endorsement deals. But your point stands, IMO. It's just a way to funnel money to players. Very little to do with marketing.

If it were a marketing decision, the better move would be to use former Illini greats as spokespeople. Their positive sentiment has already been solidified with the community. Any of the 05 guys, Ayo, Kofi, even Giorgi would make better business sense (depending on the audience they're targeting) than a current player who may leave by the time fans finally get to know them.

I did think that Connor Serven's deal with a bedding company for being one of cbb's most "well rested" players made sense. And Mayer's Great Clips deal was a logical fit as well.

 

[ChiefGritty]

You have some high expectations for Amari. Tennessee was solid.

To be clear, Nkamhoua projects to be a better, more reliable asset in 2023-24 than Hansberry.

But like, Hansberry has huge potential and would play less if Nkamhoua were here, and our freshmen keep leaving.

Is just filling the tank with the very best one-and-done portal guys your NIL pool can afford for every available scholarship the right way to manage a college basketball roster in 2023? It might be! But if that's true I think there are downstream implications of that which include looking at HS recruiting very, very differently. It also might just not be true and there's more to the old player development wisdom than we realize.

These are hard, uncertain questions, we shouldn't ignore them.

 

[CoalCity]

Lilly is twice as good as DDL.

For at least a couple of reasons.

 

[217sports]

To be clear, Nkamhoua projects to be a better, more reliable asset in 2023-24 than Hansberry.

But like, Hansberry has huge potential and would play less if Nkamhoua were here, and our freshmen keep leaving.

Is just filling the tank with the very best one-and-done portal guys your NIL pool can afford for every available scholarship the right way to manage a college basketball roster in 2023? It might be! But if that's true I think there are downstream implications of that which include looking at HS recruiting very, very differently. It also might just not be true and there's more to the old player development wisdom than we realize.

These are hard, uncertain questions, we shouldn't ignore them.

Agree with this sentiment. We saw what one year transfers can potentially do to our program. Who can we really look at from this year's team and say we can expect them to take a big step forward next year? There is still something to be said for building a program and if taking Nkamhoua or any one year guy means Amani plays much less, then I do not think it is worth it unless that guy is pushing us over the top to a f4 team

 

[STLflyinIllini]

Agree with this sentiment. We saw what one year transfers can potentially do to our program. Who can we really look at from this year's team and say we can expect them to take a big step forward next year? There is still something to be said for building a program and if taking Nkamhoua or any one year guy means Amani plays much less, then I do not think it is worth it unless that guy is pushing us over the top to a f4 team

to play devil's advocate, we took this approach at PG this year. We didn't take any tranfer PG's bc we didn't want to keep minutes from Skyy and Epps in hopes that they would get some experience and come back as sophomores....and we saw how that turned out. There's so many moving parts, but it's hard to not want to do whatever it takes to be as successful as possible each year bc it's not guaranteed that anybody stays, no matter how much PT they were getting.

 

[lstewart53x3]

To be clear, Nkamhoua projects to be a better, more reliable asset in 2023-24 than Hansberry.

But like, Hansberry has huge potential and would play less if Nkamhoua were here, and our freshmen keep leaving.

Is just filling the tank with the very best one-and-done portal guys your NIL pool can afford for every available scholarship the right way to manage a college basketball roster in 2023? It might be! But if that's true I think there are downstream implications of that which include looking at HS recruiting very, very differently. It also might just not be true and there's more to the old player development wisdom than we realize.

These are hard, uncertain questions, we shouldn't ignore them.

The hard part is you could not bring in the upperclassman and the freshman still leaves. See Adam Miller, Skyy Clark, Jayden Epps.

 

[PIT_ILL]

He’s been to the 2nd weekend …

Won everywhere he’s been … People can hate him all they want but he wasn’t doing anything any of these other coaches weren’t … He’s just the one who got caught …

You can't go as in your face about it as Wade did. Everyone knows what goes on but you gotta maintain that plausible deniability (ie Pitino, Calipari, etc)

 

[ChiefGritty]

Agree with this sentiment. We saw what one year transfers can potentially do to our program. Who can we really look at from this year's team and say we can expect them to take a big step forward next year? There is still something to be said for building a program and if taking Nkamhoua or any one year guy means Amani plays much less, then I do not think it is worth it unless that guy is pushing us over the top to a f4 team

I also just generally feel like our biggest need would be a rim protecting 5 as opposed to a flexible do-it-all big like Nkamhoua.

Are Nkamhoua and Hawkins a frontcourt pairing that makes sense? Seems like maybe no?

It's more like the NBA now, it's not only a question of players being good, it's how is this gonna work on the floor?

 

[jrichisamazing]

To be clear, Nkamhoua projects to be a better, more reliable asset in 2023-24 than Hansberry.

But like, Hansberry has huge potential and would play less if Nkamhoua were here, and our freshmen keep leaving.

Is just filling the tank with the very best one-and-done portal guys your NIL pool can afford for every available scholarship the right way to manage a college basketball roster in 2023? It might be! But if that's true I think there are downstream implications of that which include looking at HS recruiting very, very differently. It also might just not be true and there's more to the old player development wisdom than we realize.

These are hard, uncertain questions, we shouldn't ignore them.

I agree, the debate needs to be had. But at the same time, it feels very weird saying something like this when BU just handed his 2 freshman PG's the keys....and both of them are gone.

It almost turns into a chicken and egg argument. Do freshman transfer because they have been recruited over by transfers? Or do coaches focus so much on the transfer market because they aren't confident their young guys will stick around? BU and staff could focus on player development and give the talent an opportunity. Maybe using the transfer portal as more of a gap filler instead of reloading as much as possible. But that investment in youth could be a complete waste when they transfer anyways.

 

[HailtotheChief]

To be clear, Nkamhoua projects to be a better, more reliable asset in 2023-24 than Hansberry.

But like, Hansberry has huge potential and would play less if Nkamhoua were here, and our freshmen keep leaving.

Is just filling the tank with the very best one-and-done portal guys your NIL pool can afford for every available scholarship the right way to manage a college basketball roster in 2023? It might be! But if that's true I think there are downstream implications of that which include looking at HS recruiting very, very differently. It also might just not be true and there's more to the old player development wisdom than we realize.

These are hard, uncertain questions, we shouldn't ignore them.

I understand your point. However, personally I would not worry about someone leaving if we can add more talented players while some develop and adjust to power 5 hoops. If players leave because they don't want to fight for a starting spot or to be our featured player like some have I wouldn't let than impact my recruiting or who I play. If they leave so be it.

 

[Illiniguy13]

To be clear, Nkamhoua projects to be a better, more reliable asset in 2023-24 than Hansberry.

But like, Hansberry has huge potential and would play less if Nkamhoua were here, and our freshmen keep leaving.

Is just filling the tank with the very best one-and-done portal guys your NIL pool can afford for every available scholarship the right way to manage a college basketball roster in 2023? It might be! But if that's true I think there are downstream implications of that which include looking at HS recruiting very, very differently. It also might just not be true and there's more to the old player development wisdom than we realize.

These are hard, uncertain questions, we shouldn't ignore them.

Amani Hansberry, Morez Johnson, Ty Rodgers & Dain Dainja - in 2-3 years, if we are lucky enough to have 3/4 guys on the same team, that offers a really enticing roster where portal ball additions of veteran guards and shooters can be functionally plugged in...of course, who the hell knows who will be around.

 

[ChiefGritty]

I agree, the debate needs to be had. But at the same time, it feels very weird saying something like this when BU just handed his 2 freshman PG's the keys....and both of them are gone.

It almost turns into a chicken and egg argument. Do freshman transfer because they have been recruited over by transfers? Or do coaches focus so much on the transfer market because they aren't confident their young guys will stick around? BU and staff could focus on player development and give the talent an opportunity. Maybe using the transfer portal as more of a gap filler instead of reloading as much as possible. But that investment in youth could be a complete waste when they transfer anyways.

There's also almost like a corporate HR question of how much of your NIL resources should go to your young up-and-comers who maybe haven't played much but who you want to retain versus spending the pool on attracting transfers. An inherent, unavoidable tension there that every program will have to make a choice on.

It's a new strategic landscape. We screwed it up this year, but you hope that's a failed scientific experiment that can put us ahead of the game in terms of understanding the contours of these things.

It's an environment that's a total fit for how Bret Bielema's brain works, always thinking in systems and logistics and looking for an unforeseen angle to exploit. I think BU has all the skills to be great too, he's in his element coaching a mix-and-match roster, but I think the year to year roster maintenance piece is still a learning experience for him.

 

[Ga65]

Agree with this sentiment. We saw what one year transfers can potentially do to our program. Who can we really look at from this year's team and say we can expect them to take a big step forward next year? There is still something to be said for building a program and if taking Nkamhoua or any one year guy means Amani plays much less, then I do not think it is worth it unless that guy is pushing us over the top to a f4 team

I do think there are possibilities for a big step forward next year for Ty, Luke, Dain, Sencire, and RJ. Not saying it is going to happen but not a impossibly rare step. OK to add missing pieces but think the leadership needs to be a developed piece like Ayo or Trent. Hawk and/or TJ can fill that role next year but not sure if there are other possibilities on the current team. Just don’t believe it can be filled by a guy from the portal.

 

[LoveIlliniHoops]

I agree, the debate needs to be had. But at the same time, it feels very weird saying something like this when BU just handed his 2 freshman PG's the keys....and both of them are gone.

It almost turns into a chicken and egg argument. Do freshman transfer because they have been recruited over by transfers? Or do coaches focus so much on the transfer market because they aren't confident their young guys will stick around? BU and staff could focus on player development and give the talent an opportunity. Maybe using the transfer portal as more of a gap filler instead of reloading as much as possible. But that investment in youth could be a complete waste when they transfer anyways.

I agree fully. I was always sensitive to our committed players and felt we should keep them happy to build continuity, but the past has shown that I’ve been too concerned. Since AM, the flood of players leaving the program after being given ample playing time has made me care less about this. Let’s go get everyday guys that fit our needs and load up on the more talent available, regardless of what others think. Good players need to battle for playing time.

 

[Rap47]

You can't go as in your face about it as Wade did. Everyone knows what goes on but you gotta maintain that plausible deniability (ie Pitino, Calipari, etc)

So it is okay to cheat as long as you don't get caught?

 

[ChiefGritty]

Good players need to battle for playing time.

What if they don't?

The "right" way to do things means nothing and is worth nothing if it's not the winning way to do things.

 

[vabeachbear]

So it is okay to cheat as long as you don't get caught?

"Its not a lie Jerry, if you believe it" - George Castanza

 

[doowink]

To be clear, Nkamhoua projects to be a better, more reliable asset in 2023-24 than Hansberry.

But like, Hansberry has huge potential and would play less if Nkamhoua were here, and our freshmen keep leaving.

Is just filling the tank with the very best one-and-done portal guys your NIL pool can afford for every available scholarship the right way to manage a college basketball roster in 2023? It might be! But if that's true I think there are downstream implications of that which include looking at HS recruiting very, very differently. It also might just not be true and there's more to the old player development wisdom than we realize.

These are hard, uncertain questions, we shouldn't ignore them.

I think you're onto something Gritty.....if I've been recruited in HS to attend X university and been told they need someone of my talent at whatever position and then I see that university pick up a player or two from the portal that's going to potentially take my minutes because they're a senior or grad student for a year or possibly two....I'm probably going to look elsewhere...prompting more and more players entering the portal...a fire that keeps feeding itself

 

[Heisenbobble]

Seems like our little recruiting thread is bone dry ATM. Kinda expected since we don't know if anyone else is leaving (RJ?!?) or if Hawkins or Shannon, Jr. are staying. With that in mind, though, I wonder if the insiders (@LvilleILL @Indy Illini Fan @illini0440 @DB11Headband etc.) have a list of players they think Illinois will, at the very least, have a good shot at landing. If they're already in the portal, can ya share any names? I understand if they're not in the portal yet, that ain't happening. But what about players like RayJ Dennis, Ace Baldwin (doubtful), etc.? Are they legit options? Anyone else we should keep an eye on?

 

[IlliniTaffy]

Taran Armstrong is the guy I think people should want. Very talented player that was getting NBA looks last year but might not have been in the best situation. Very tall guard that can score, pass, rebound.

 

[illini0440]

Seems like our little recruiting thread is bone dry ATM. Kinda expected since we don't know if anyone else is leaving (RJ?!?) or if Hawkins or Shannon, Jr. are staying. With that in mind, though, I wonder if the insiders (@LvilleILL @Indy Illini Fan @illini0440 @DB11Headband etc.) have a list of players they think Illinois will, at the very least, have a good shot at landing. If they're already in the portal, can ya share any names? I understand if they're not in the portal yet, that ain't happening. But what about players like RayJ Dennis, Ace Baldwin (doubtful), etc.? Are they legit options? Anyone else we should keep an eye on?

I think we all have a pretty good idea of who Illinois is targeting both players currently in portal and ones that aren't