Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

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#126      
I am guessing we lose one of Moretti or DGL in next couple weeks if they bring in another guard.
Maybe both.
DGL is not leaving. Moretti is highly likely to stay considering he still has 4 years of eligibility and unlike Perrin, I doubt he has a lucrative overseas offer.
 
#128      
I am guessing we lose one of Moretti or DGL in next couple weeks if they bring in another guard.
Maybe both.
Good guess, but since we have no open scholarships I think you have it reversed — we lose one of those two so we can bring in another guard.
 
#129      
Who was the second highly rated PG we had last season?
I would call Ty a part time point forward but Epps was only PG-curious LOL
By the end of the season I'm not sure what to call Epps.
IIRC both were top 100 or so, Epps a little higher
 
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#131      
DGL is not leaving. Moretti is highly likely to stay considering he still has 4 years of eligibility and unlike Perrin, I doubt he has a lucrative overseas offer.
Somebody has to go if they bring in another guy. They will crean someone now.
Yes, I would like to see both of them stay. Both have off skills we need.
They don't need to be built like Def Backs to play basketball.

The issue is Harmon was brought in and he really did not fill any critical need at the time.
We have too many guys at the 2/3 slot.

Domask was a great get. He could start.

Really Harmon still doesn't have a clear path to minutes. He going to play over Rodgers?
UW loves Rodgers. Goode? No way. UW loves Goode. Both have earned rotation minutes as has Harris.

Harmon is nice spot minute depth piece but they are frantically recruiting over him as a default PG and we have TSJ back at the two who will play 30 plus mpg easy.


DGL and Moretti could have had those spot minutes as backup PG/2s.
 
#132      
As to Clark, it sure could have been predicted. He had plenty of red flags.

I remember @ChiefGritty beating the drum loudest about Clark (a freshman, coming off an injury, multiple schools, and the only true PG) being a huge risk.

One deep with all those red flags.

I know Chief was hoping it would work out…but he was definitely concerned.

Turns out he was right.
 
#133      
You were doing pretty well until you wrote this sentence. Andre Jackson Jr. was a solid contributor. He did not "(make) a team a national title winner."

"I’m also not comparing our team to last years UConn."

By implying that there's any legit predictive comparison between the performance of the team Andre Jackson Jr. played with last year to our team with Jeremiah WIlliams at the point this upcoming year, yeah. You are.
Well 1) I never referred to Jackson at all. I specifically referenced Newton. But you’re still right. I should have said helped make a team a national title winner.

As far as the team comparison, you are simply wrong. I didn’t compare anything about the teams or imply any predictive comparison. I made a statement in response to the assertion a team can’t win a national title with a PG that “can’t shoot”. And my statement is 100% correct. Nothing about Newton’s career at ECU screams great shooter.
 
#135      
Somebody has to go if they bring in another guy. They will crean someone now.
Yes, I would like to see both of them stay. Both have off skills we need.
They don't need to be built like Def Backs to play basketball.

The issue is Harmon was brought in and he really did not fill any critical need at the time.
We have too many guys at the 2/3 slot.

Domask was a great get. He could start.

Really Harmon still doesn't have a clear path to minutes. He going to play over Rodgers?
UW loves Rodgers. Goode? No way. UW loves Goode. Both have earned rotation minutes as has Harris.

Harmon is nice spot minute depth piece but they are frantically recruiting over him as a default PG and we have TSJ back at the two who will play 30 plus mpg easy.


DGL and Moretti could have had those spot minutes as backup PG/2s.
Harmon definitely does have a clear path to minutes. He's the natural backup PG and sg. Plus you can also play him at the 2 and Shannon at 3.

He's an above average shooter, can handle the ball, good defensively, and has good size and length for a guard. Simply being the primary bench guy for the 1 and 2 is likely 20ish minutes a night.

Illinois has a ton of wings and forwards not many proven guards. Harmon is even more important now that Jeramiah Williams was the get instead of someone like RayJ or Tyger.
 
#136      
Somebody has to go if they bring in another guy. They will crean someone now.
Yes, I would like to see both of them stay. Both have off skills we need.
They don't need to be built like Def Backs to play basketball.

The issue is Harmon was brought in and he really did not fill any critical need at the time.
We have too many guys at the 2/3 slot.

Domask was a great get. He could start.

Really Harmon still doesn't have a clear path to minutes. He going to play over Rodgers?
UW loves Rodgers. Goode? No way. UW loves Goode. Both have earned rotation minutes as has Harris.

Harmon is nice spot minute depth piece but they are frantically recruiting over him as a default PG and we have TSJ back at the two who will play 30 plus mpg easy.


DGL and Moretti could have had those spot minutes as backup PG/2s.
Isn’t forced creaning technically not allowed?

But, with the new NIL rules, couldn’t they basically pay a player to leave?

That wouldn’t seem much different than what is currently going on, with boosters paying coaches’ buy-outs when they want them out and someone else in.
 
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#137      
Isn’t forced creaning technically not allowed?

But, with the new NIL rules, couldn’t they basically pay a player to leave?

That wouldn’t seem much different than what is currently going on, with boosters paying coaches’ buy-outs when they want them out and someone else in.
I am not pretending to know what the plan is, but they are reportedly looking at bringing in another player. They are at limit already I believe with Williams. Someone needs to be talked into transferring or giving up their ride, or not accepting the ride they were offered for 23-24.
 
#138      
Somebody has to go if they bring in another guy. They will crean someone now.
Yes, I would like to see both of them stay. Both have off skills we need.
They don't need to be built like Def Backs to play basketball.

The issue is Harmon was brought in and he really did not fill any critical need at the time.
We have too many guys at the 2/3 slot.

Domask was a great get. He could start.

Really Harmon still doesn't have a clear path to minutes. He going to play over Rodgers?
UW loves Rodgers. Goode? No way. UW loves Goode. Both have earned rotation minutes as has Harris.

Harmon is nice spot minute depth piece but they are frantically recruiting over him as a default PG and we have TSJ back at the two who will play 30 plus mpg easy.


DGL and Moretti could have had those spot minutes as backup PG/2s.
Harmon is more a 2/1 than he is a 2/3. He had 6 games of 5 or more assists last season with a high of 10. As the roster is now and if Williams can play. I’d expect Harmon to fill the majority of the backup PG minutes. Also, maybe you’re close to the team and know better, but given all the reports by those “in the know” that Moretti is not physically ready to compete in B1G, I don’t expect him to see more than mop up minutes next year unless it’s a blow out. Expecting him to play meaningful minutes at PG next year seems like a pipe dream.
 
#139      
Harmon is more a 2/1 than he is a 2/3. He had 6 games of 5 or more assists last season with a high of 10. As the roster is now and if Williams can play. I’d expect Harmon to fill the majority of the backup PG minutes. Also, maybe you’re close to the team and know better, but given all the reports by those “in the know” that Moretti is not physically ready to compete in B1G, I don’t expect him to see more than mop up minutes next year unless it’s a blow out. Expecting him to play meaningful minutes at PG next year seems like a pipe dream.
Williams seems like our PG next year combined with serviceable contributions from Ty and Sencire. The sooner we stop deluding ourselves with DGL and Moretti hopes at that position, the better.
 
#140      
Well, I'll never call an 11-9 season with a first round exit a success. Perhaps a year after a long run and guys leaving for the NBA.

As to Clark, it sure could have been predicted. He had plenty of red flags.
C'mon, you would have been thrilled by that season in BU's first at the helm.

And even with the seeming upward trajectory of the program since BU started -- in terms of the trophies and recruiting and vibes prior to last season -- top half of B10 and tourney birth is hardly a failure (which is what one calls something that isn't a success) in the grand scheme of things.

Unless you want to assert that any season not ending in a national title is a failure.
 
#141      
Williams seems like our PG next year combined with serviceable contributions from Ty and Sencire. The sooner we stop deluding ourselves with DGL and Moretti hopes at that position, the better.
Definitely agree with your last sentence, though I’d say more so with Moretti. That said, I’m not expecting much of anything from DGL next season either.

I believe I am in the minority on here on this, but based strictly on last season I don’t want Ty anywhere near PG. Don’t get me wrong, I love his vision and passing ability, but he is not a PG. Let him use those skills from his natural position. I was not impressed with his time at PG, and he seemed to just try and back his man down in the paint more often than not. Not a terrible thing for a play here and there, but not a way to get the offense flowing and others involved. I’m also not sold on Harris getting much in the way of minutes at PG next year based upon his first year play. Great as a disrupter and hustle/D guy, but didn’t see much in his ability to run an offense.

Now I’m sure both Ty and Sencire are working on those elements of their games and could improve, but just based on last year and what I know and seen of Harmon, he seems the best option for back up PG minutes.
 
#142      
C'mon, you would have been thrilled by that season in BU's first at the helm.

And even with the seeming upward trajectory of the program since BU started -- in terms of the trophies and recruiting and vibes prior to last season -- top half of B10 and tourney birth is hardly a failure (which is what one calls something that isn't a success) in the grand scheme of things.

Unless you want to assert that any season not ending in a national title is a failure.
What a low bar to set. How many seasons in are we at this point?

Adding Mayer, Terrence, and Dain to a top 20 recruiting class seemed like a very deep team on paper, which was obviously hamstrung by egos and a lack of team cohesiveness. Last year is over and done. If the parts could have become a whole, we could have succeeded far better than we did.

I think Brad knows the product he is expected to put on the court at this point. It’s not a 11-9 BIG regular season record and a first round exit. That’s not success in this trajectory.
 
#143      
Definitely agree with your last sentence, though I’d say more so with Moretti. That said, I’m not expecting much of anything from DGL next season either.

I believe I am in the minority on here on this, but based strictly on last season I don’t want Ty anywhere near PG. Don’t get me wrong, I love his vision and passing ability, but he is not a PG. Let him use those skills from his natural position. I was not impressed with his time at PG, and he seemed to just try and back his man down in the paint more often than not. Not a terrible thing for a play here and there, but not a way to get the offense flowing and others involved. I’m also not sold on Harris getting much in the way of minutes at PG next year based upon his first year play. Great as a disrupter and hustle/D guy, but didn’t see much in his ability to run an offense.

Now I’m sure both Ty and Sencire are working on those elements of their games and could improve, but just based on last year and what I know and seen of Harmon, he seems the best option for back up PG minutes.
I’m strictly talking about the current construction of the roster. Ty and Sencire can provide serviceable minutes in the role but not ideal.

Ty’s approach to PG was a less effective imitation of the ever-soundbyteable BU comment about Jalen Pickett. And why they seemed so enamored with RayJ. Maybe something to work on for Ty in the off-season. 🙃
 
#144      
Definitely agree with your last sentence, though I’d say more so with Moretti. That said, I’m not expecting much of anything from DGL next season either.

I believe I am in the minority on here on this, but based strictly on last season I don’t want Ty anywhere near PG. Don’t get me wrong, I love his vision and passing ability, but he is not a PG. Let him use those skills from his natural position. I was not impressed with his time at PG, and he seemed to just try and back his man down in the paint more often than not. Not a terrible thing for a play here and there, but not a way to get the offense flowing and others involved. I’m also not sold on Harris getting much in the way of minutes at PG next year based upon his first year play. Great as a disrupter and hustle/D guy, but didn’t see much in his ability to run an offense.

Now I’m sure both Ty and Sencire are working on those elements of their games and could improve, but just based on last year and what I know and seen of Harmon, he seems the best option for back up PG minutes.
Agreed with pretty much all of this, certainly don’t expect DGL to play much but hopefully he can be ready for a few minutes if needed later in the season if theres foul trouble or injuries.

Also agree that Ty running the point just doesn’t sound too appealing unless that’s something he really improved on in the offseason.
 
#145      
I’m strictly talking about the current construction of the roster. Ty and Sencire can provide serviceable minutes in the role but not ideal.

Ty’s approach to PG was a less effective imitation of the ever-soundbyteable BU comment about Jalen Pickett. And why they seemed so enamored with RayJ. Maybe something to work on for Ty in the off-season. 🙃
I am too, and Harmon is on the current roster. And I knew that someone would bring up Pickett. Ty’s approach is a far, far, far, far, far less effective imitation. I know Ty played far fewer minutes than Jalen, but 1.0 apg with two games of 3 assists or more isn’t in the same hemisphere as 6.6 apg and 29 games of 5 (which was Ty’s season high against EIU) or more assists. I like Ty, his game and his future, but him at the PG position next year even as a backup I think will be as successful as CoHawk initiating the offense was this year — not very on the whole in my book.
 
#146      
Harmon is more a 2/1 than he is a 2/3. He had 6 games of 5 or more assists last season with a high of 10. As the roster is now and if Williams can play. I’d expect Harmon to fill the majority of the backup PG minutes. Also, maybe you’re close to the team and know better, but given all the reports by those “in the know” that Moretti is not physically ready to compete in B1G, I don’t expect him to see more than mop up minutes next year unless it’s a blow out. Expecting him to play meaningful minutes at PG next year seems like a pipe dream.
Well, some guys have to provide major backup minutes to Williams (20+) if he plays but we do not even know if he is elgible, or if he can physically play.

The question is then who starts at PG? I agree with other poster that Rodgers was not great fit. Harris is not a PG.

So then it is Harmon and some combination of guys we have. Harmon actually averaged more TOs than assists.
He really seems like a 2 mostly.
Not that he is not a usable option or a better option than Rodgers or Harris or DGL (or Epps was), but not ideal.

Or, of course we get a another guy in here and they take the role and somebody moves on.
It will get worked out. This is a tourney team already with no additions. Lots of solid pieces.

I do like the fact that both he and Williams have 2-3 years of eligibility left. We need that stability.
 
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#147      
What a low bar to set. How many seasons in are we at this point?

Adding Mayer, Terrence, and Dain to a top 20 recruiting class seemed like a very deep team on paper, which was obviously hamstrung by egos and a lack of team cohesiveness. Last year is over and done. If the parts could have become a whole, we could have succeeded far better than we did.

I think Brad knows the product he is expected to put on the court at this point. It’s not a 11-9 BIG regular season record and a first round exit. That’s not success in this trajectory.
Okay, if it comes to setting a bar,,, if the worst we ever do is 8th place and a tourney berth in a 16-team B10, that is a non-success we should be happy with given the reality of Illinois' place in the CBB universe.

If one's position is that that sort of season is never acceptable, then I will admit they have higher expectations than me and, IMO, unrealistic ones.
 
#149      
Isn’t forced creaning technically not allowed?

But, with the new NIL rules, couldn’t they basically pay a player to leave?

That wouldn’t seem much different than what is currently going on, with boosters paying coaches’ buy-outs when they want them out and someone else in.

Some players will likely stay with no NIL money for the college scholarship which is the equivalent of about $200.000.
Some might leave with a reduction in their NIL money which I assume is renegotiated every year.
There used to be a compact between player and university and coach for 4 years.
With the new rules that compact has been eroded, so players better get used to the idea they can be "Creaned."/encouraged to leave.
 
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