Same vibes
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Same vibes
Sigh... I'm about done caring, I really am. I tend to think the reason there aren't more kids pursuing engineering degrees while playing power 5 basketball has less to do with kids not wanting an education than it has to do with kids being both that skilled in the maths and sciences as well as physically and athletically gifted are in rather short supply. And you are right, my thoughts are indeed skewed, maybe because I used to tutor Illinois athletes, or perhaps it's that I still despise Jalen Rose and don't really give much credence to the idea that no college athlete cares about anything outside of hookers, blow, and parties. Or that I still hate UNC for making a mockery of college curriculums and fielding a team of athletes who never had to go to classes while fielding a team that dashed our title hopes. Or it could be that outside of the profitable sports like football and basketball you actually see a lot more athletes having actual difficult majors and getting on the dean's lists. But whatever it is, all I know is that while I don't like it, it doesn't really matter anymore. It's where college basketball is at. Be a top 8 player on your team or begone. And you are right, Ingram is an imperfect example. Lieb would probably be a better one. But as I said, once the 4 year eligibility requirement gets struck down by the courts, in I'm guessing within the next 3 years, none of this will matter. Plus who knows, at that point we might just get a few more seasons of Kofi. I could get behind that...
You’ll be very surprised by a couple of the transfer coming in. Get used to it.
I'm in no way shape or form saying he hasn't gotten better. But the notion he wasn't playing highly rated dudes with other coaches watching before our offer is false. No one else gave him the time of day.
Anything ratings wise after the top 50-75ish is based on how many people know you and make it out to see you. He wasn't on the national guys radar until after we offered.
Also, you guys all know that we start kids on Fletch plans, specific drills and routines once they have interest in us right? We boosted his confidence and helped him hone in on ways to get better as well. Another reason Rez is an absolute monster his senior year. Guys that buy in early and put in the work to get better after committing are amazing. He is going to wow people next year.
Sorry for laying all this out there but I can't stand some peoples egos when they have been given every chance to compete at the highest level for PT. Grow a pair and win a starting spot if you are that good.
PizzaHutParkingLot
- McPherson, KS
From what I've heard ...
Not an EDG ...
Big Jack
- Decatur
uofi7477
- Silver & Gold Vandals
I think it is and will be less of a "crapshoot" as time goes by for Illinois - just last season to this season bears this out. More and better information on transfers to begin with and players wanting toi be here instead of such hard chasing makes all the difference. I believe that Coach Underwood has Mastered the new reality and has all the backing he needs to make it work
If Jace is decommitting, it's the best for both our program and for Jace. One of the greatest enemies of success is complacency and the best weapon against complacency is competition for playing time. To this end, we need guys here with a mentally that says, "It doesn't matter who comes into thee program. I am good enough and will work hard enough to fight for my place and win playing time." If the prospect of competition for playing time with talented players seems too much for Jace, it's better for both him and us for ties to be severed early rather than later on. Best wishes Jace, and I hope that eventually you will find what you're looking for in a program.
Maintain a positive relationship with the young man. He could always come on board later. Hopefully like AJ Storr may do.
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
I was a former D-1 track athlete. Balancing track and a real major was pretty darn tough, despite all the resources thrown at me. The time commitment to play a sport in college is wild. As much as you might want an education, you're always tired and could always be doing something to better yourself athletically instead. It takes extraordinary time management and focus to do both well. For me, eventually, there came a time when I had to decide which was more important long-term. Academics won out. I quit track and transferred to a better school (you can guess which one). Guys like Jack, who can get an engineering degree while playing an even more time-consuming sport like basketball, are just incredibly impressive.
I'm not really sure where you got "workers being exploited" from what OP said.
On Jase, I don't have an issue with him going elsewhere. Gotta go to a place where you think gives you your best chance of long-term success. If he doesn't feel that's here, I get it. When he committed he probably was naively looking at our roster and seeing all the openings we'd have and thinking he might have a chance at some decent playing time. But that's not how Brad attacks the portal and after realizing that might see himself having a better opportunity elsewhere. If that's the case, I don't think that'd be all that difficult to argue with. It's not like Illinois isn't making similar decisions right now on their current roster and who they might be bringing in. Wouldn't be surprised if this happens more and more often based on how teams are currently being constructed. So long as he doesn't disparage the program, best of luck to the kid and hope he finds what he's looking for.
Distortion of an opinion contrary to one's own unassailable one is standard operating procedure amongst H. sapiens.
Who are these transfers and 5* guard? Seems we're counting our chickens before.....
Have tried to stay off this board and merely lurk for a long time…probably for the best. Anyway now that the streak is gone, might as well try to get a comment or two in.
Have not seen it said in these terms (someone can correct if wrong) but I think in a way Brad kind of made up for missing out on Podziemski by getting another Wisconsin Mr. bball in Marcus. There was a lot of hand wringing over Podz but I think Marcus helped get over that with his 29-9, BTT title, E8 season. While not a true “big”, MD may also have been a “Kaminsky” like get in reverse.
Am disappointed to see the developments re: Butler as I thought he could be another sneaky good Underwood get, but it’s best for the recruit and all involved if they realize they haven’t found the best fit sooner rather than after it’s too late.
Am hopeful for Brad and co. to have more recruiting successes and that returning players can flourish. Would really like to see DGL and Hansberry develop important roles with the other returnees and new recruits/transfers.
Have not seen it said in these terms (someone can correct if wrong) but I think in a way Brad kind of made up for missing out on Podziemski by getting another Wisconsin Mr. bball in Marcus. There was a lot of hand wringing over Podz but I think Marcus helped get over that with his 29-9, BTT title, E8 season. While not a true “big”, MD may also have been a “Kaminsky” like get in reverse.
Am disappointed to see the developments re: Butler as I thought he could be another sneaky good Underwood get, but it’s best for the recruit and all involved if they realize they haven’t found the best fit sooner rather than after it’s too late.
Am hopeful for Brad and co. to have more recruiting successes and that returning players can flourish. Would really like to see DGL and Hansberry develop important roles with the other returnees and new recruits/transfers.
"Everyone expects what they want, and for it to happen immediately or they bolt. Don’t get a good raise? Switch companies. Society has gotten soft."
I'm not sure how you -don't- get that.
Brad and staff have their flaws, but scorched earth and burnt bridges aren't among them. Player coach relationships is a major strength of our staff. If there are any sour grapes, the source will not be on our end
I've seen nothing posted that I'd consider "dragging anyone through the mud." Seems like saying not an EDG guy was the exact opposite, Indy using a generalization to avoid getting into the specifics of what was going on. But thanks for your comment, because after it Indy, SharpShot and Lville opened up about what's going on, and I for one am glad they did and put in context what's going on.
I'll add... or that understand there is a maturation process and learning curve and appreciate an opportunity to compete with and be taught by some of the best. Not to mention all the other awesome non- basketball things that come with playing for the university of illinois and in the B10. I'm really surprised there are fewer Mr. Hawkins type parents and more of the other type (short sighted, etc.).
Noblesville Illini
- Nappanee, IN
I know Mark was not used to hard coaching but I know that BU crossed the line in a major way with him. The things that were said to him were out of line. Team member gave me a 2nd hand account of it. Ultimately, that softened BU a bit in how he coached going forward.
So, you're saying that pointing out that an unproven recruit is demanding guaranteed playing time is dragging his name thru the mud? Seems like a pretty absurd take to me.
ginabackes00
CrazedUIFan
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