Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[Emerson Bigguns]

Here's the thing I think a lot of people are missing about Podz... It's not as if our staff were the only ones who couldn't see this growth coming. He transferred to Santa Clara. If everyone knew he was going to become a legit NBA prospect in 12 months, he would have had the opportunity to go to any power 5 school he wanted, including the blue bloods.

Additionally, never underestimate what happens to a great competitor when they feel slighted. It is certainly possible Podz was super motivated by his situation, and that contributed to his ascension. He definitely needed to go somewhere he would get major shots and minutes, despite his defensive limitations.

Most of the guys who have transferred out of our program, have not exactly blossomed in their next stop. Podz being an extreme exception. No one bats 1.000.

 

[Joel Goodson]

Agreed that hard work doesn't guarantee playing time, but according to BU, the # of stars a player has shouldn't either. I think if we celebrate BU's successes we have to acknowledge his misses, and I think he missed on this one. Do I think BU should be fired over it? Absolutely not. However, I think there's something to be said about sticking to your philosophy in a situation like this, and I think BU got distracted by the Skyy hype and strayed away from his core beliefs.

wait, what? staff didn't run Podz off. he left of his own volition. that's not a miss, in my book.

 

[ChiefIllinois]

wait, what? staff didn't run Podz off. he left of his own volition. that's not a miss, in my book.

Yeah and it’s going to happen more frequently with NIL/portal.

It’s going to happen to a bunch of schools every year, and I don’t think there’s anything you can do to prevent it. The alternative last year was essentially to pass on TSJ and give Podz a major role. I don’t think anyone, even knowing what podz became now, would take that trade. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why he transferred and it wasn’t because we needed a scholarship.

 

[IlliniSaluki]

The only thing I'm going to say on Podz. Do you really believe he would of put up those kind of numbers here at Illinois this past year in the B1G? No, no he wouldn't. He was playing against mediocre talent compared to the B1G with the exception of 1 single school in that weak !!! conference. That conference that makes the MVC look like a Power conference in basketball. If he could of done better on defense and knocked down more of his shots than he did then he would of had more playing time.

Get over this thought that Brad screwed him over. He can put in all the hard work he wants but if he doesn't produce, and he wasn't, then Brad is going to play whoever is.

 

[GoodePodzMelendez]

wait, what? staff didn't run Podz off. he left of his own volition. that's not a miss, in my book.

Not directly but indirectly if what I heard from some people is correct. This came from BP so its one side of the story so take it for what its worth. I watched a Santa Clara game where Brandin went off, 27 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 Steals if I remember correctly, if not, the numbers were close. Anyhow, during the game, the announcer talked about Brandin’s time with the Illini and the way the announcer put it, it did not go well with Brandin. Brandin was told by Brad to just stand in the corner and not move. Basically, if this is true, was one of the keys to BP leaving. Also, he saw Meyer, Shannon and the 4 freshmen coming in and he felt like he was not going to see time on the court. Anyhow, like I said, this is one side of the story and we will never hear the other side. Plus I think BP’s dad was not very happy as if memory serves me, he was on this board. It’s one of a number of kids who missed on one school and found treasure at another.

 

[FinallyMadeAnAccount]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1658860278258253825

 

[GoodePodzMelendez]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1658860278258253825

Plan B Maybe if Dennis moves on? I bet Brad has options in place if Dennis is not coming here. I know its frustrating but these are he rules and time frames we have to deal with

 

[WeWillWhen]

Recruiting is fluid

 

[hoopsfan47]

Does RayJ change his mind on coming here (assuming he is planning on it) if Terrance and Coleman both don’t come back?

If you don't think their status has anything to do with RayJ committing to the Illini, there is likely a high probability that you would be wrong.

After seeing the new mock draft of them both being late 2nd round picks, my personal expectations of seeing any of them play for Illinois next year are extremely low.

 

[WillyG42]

I Respect your opinion but the fact is every kid that has attended 6 schools end up not staying with the program.It's been proven over and over again. Podz, chose us over Wisconsin. It was his only school. He had spent his entire career at a small school. Sky with the 6 schools in his high school career. Just like DGL has that's my only concern about that young man? So I don't want to hear it anymore. We should not have given up on him. Skyy and others, who have went to 6 schools over 4 years and high school. They have no loyalty their parents are involved their handlers. Are involved you need to think about that? Podz, was a Keeper!

Who said the staff gave up on him? He wanted more minutes than he saw himself getting with us last season and he got the lead role he was looking for The staff recruited him im sure they didn’t “give up” on him after one season

 

[HailtotheChief]

wait, what? staff didn't run Podz off. he left of his own volition. that's not a miss, in my book.

When you bench a player for another most likely incorrectly they will leave. They recruited over them along with returnees RJ and Goode who clearly BU preferred then why stay when you know in your gut you are a better player but likely will be behind them again. It was most certainly a miss and a miss judgement. Clearly it was since Podz is very likely to be drafted ahead of any Illini. Had Podz played over or just as much as those two and DMW he likely wouldn't have left. If you want good players to leave bench em when they should play. You don't need to say anything. Podz is clearly better than those he sat behind but rarely played. That also is likely why he didn't have more offers when he transfered. Coaches trust BU to be right more than not. I do too. That said Podz had good reasons to leave.

 

[illiniguy24]

If you don't think their status has anything to do with RayJ committing to the Illini, there is likely a high probability that you would be wrong.

After seeing the new mock draft of them both being late 2nd round picks, my personal expectations of seeing any of them play for Illinois next year are extremely low.

Yeah… that’s kinda what I’m getting at…

 

[IlliniwekKDR]

I just recently started using it...a lot...during the prolonged food discussions here. We're here to talk roundball...

You mean like meatballs?

Sorry. Feel free to ignore me now

 

[Keisersose]

I once made a hyperbolic post mentioning Podz in the same breath as Ayo. Got some criticism for it.

I thought Podz was an “elite” scorer and would be a guy that would fill it up as someone else said.

 

[GrayGhost77]

Oh cool. More Podz rehash.

 

[Dawgss4life]

wait, what? staff didn't run Podz off. he left of his own volition. that's not a miss, in my book.

And you know this how? I don't know but I'm assuming it was either suggested or he was told what to expect for playing time.

 

[illini0440]

Podz parents are also major

 

[Cubfanbudman]

Spinzone: guys leaving and having success elsewhere like Podz did is still good for the program. In a recruiting pitch you can tell a kid and his parents "We are looking forward to you being an integral part of our team for however long you choose to stay here, but on the off chance things don't work out our promise to you is that you will leave here a better basketball player than when you showed up" and you have the credibility and results to support that.

 

[illini0440]

When you bench a player for another most likely incorrectly they will leave. They recruited over them along with returnees RJ and Goode who clearly BU preferred then why stay when you know in your gut you are a better player but likely will be behind them again. It was most certainly a miss and a miss judgement. Clearly it was since Podz is very likely to be drafted ahead of any Illini. Had Podz played over or just as much as those two and DMW he likely wouldn't have left. If you want good players to leave bench em when they should play. You don't need to say anything. Podz is clearly better than those he sat behind but rarely played. That also is likely why he didn't have more offers when he transfered. Coaches trust BU to be right more than not. I do too. That said Podz had good reasons to leave.

He should have played? Based off what? This past season at Santa Clara? not how it works. If you watched practice while he was here and saw the multitude of defensive lapses, scouting report errors and even offensive lapses you'd understand why he didn't. Also to say he should have been playing over Monte is very laughable.

 

[Joel Goodson]

After seeing the new mock draft of them both being late 2nd round picks, my personal expectations of seeing any of them play for Illinois next year are extremely low.

wut?

 

[Joel Goodson]

Oh cool. More Podz rehash.

back to cottage cheese! yes!!!

small curd or large curd?

 

[georgeuremovich]

Recruiting is fluid

So are Shake Shack shakes

 

[21ChampaignSt]

Contrary to popular belief, the staff gave Podz opportunities last year. He just didn't do anything with them. The only thing he really showed during his time here is that he's a plus rebounder for a guard. So, how can we blame the staff for not selling out to retain him? (And this is coming from someone who thinks we could be better at recruiting our own guys.)

If he had joined a team similar to the ones Trent or Ayo joined as freshman, he might have been given the chance to play through his mistakes and he might still be here. Instead, we won a B1G championship.

 

[nichi]

Podz's agility numbers are not eye popping, but good enough. He is certainly not slow. I would guess the defensive issues were more about the step up in competition from high school than lack of athletic talent.

Draft Combine Agility | Stats | NBA.com

Draft Combine Agility data

www.nba.com

The anthrometric measurements don't really help any of our guys, though Hawkins has fairly decent length.

Draft Combine Anthrometric | Stats | NBA.com

NBA Draft Combine Anthrometric data

www.nba.com

 

[Illini65418]

When you bench a player for another most likely incorrectly they will leave. They recruited over them along with returnees RJ and Goode who clearly BU preferred then why stay when you know in your gut you are a better player but likely will be behind them again. It was most certainly a miss and a miss judgement. Clearly it was since Podz is very likely to be drafted ahead of any Illini. Had Podz played over or just as much as those two and DMW he likely wouldn't have left. If you want good players to leave bench em when they should play. You don't need to say anything. Podz is clearly better than those he sat behind but rarely played. That also is likely why he didn't have more offers when he transfered. Coaches trust BU to be right more than not. I do too. That said Podz had good reasons to leave.

Agree with everything other than the DMW comment - it seems pretty clear it was a miss on the coaching staff's behalf given his performance this year, his combine results and where NBA scouts/experts have him being drafted. Maybe the coaching staff didn't do the best in showcasing his skills/talent in practice and that's why his practice reports weren't glamorous, but I'm sure you could point out these types of misses for virtually every D1 coach, even those at the top of the profession. Don't think the consistent BU defenders should be taking too much offense to this, feels like a reasonable take and not one that indicates a red flag for BU.