Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[alaskaillini]

the response has always been value based. We have the money, but don't think that guy is worth what he's asking. Don't know if that is painting a rosy face on being outbid or if it is reality.

The problem is, I agree with those that have said doing that has now painted us in a corner. We've lost guy after guy to the point now we may haver to "overpay" for someone like Watkins to make sure we get someone to lead this team in scoring. And if that does occur, then why didn't we overpay for the earlier guys we wanted? Or do we stick to our guns and say, we have a price, if you go over this price, good luck, we'll see you later. At some point we're going to have to throw money around or it is going to be hard to beat the teams that do.

Maybe I am wrong and I am sure I will be corrected if I am, but I don't think BU makes these decisions.
Men's basketball isn't the only game at UI. The ICON group is going to have limits because if they pay a lot for a men's basketball player, then they have less for all the other athletes. If you pay Egor $2Mil, you might not be able to pay even a small stipend to other athletes in minor sports. They have a budget. Yes, maybe a big time donor can be asked to step up, but you have to convince someone to do that, and if they give $2Mil to someone, then they might not give as much for others.

As NIL is not from the University, BU is not really the final decision maker on how much we will pay someone. While no doubt he has been given a budget guideline, and while he can advocate for the player with ICON, and other boosters, but he has to live with what those others decide to pay.

A great coach will be someone that can recruit value and fit, because there will always be some programs (probably different ones from year to year) that has boosters trying to be successful by buying the most sought after players no matter the cost. There are a few schools that will probably be able to outspend us consistently year after year, but not that many. I would prefer competing at a higher level year after year rather than trying to buy a one off team with every dollar you can leverage from donors over the short term.

 

[PepeSilvia]

I agree Watkins would be first choice given his all-around game and what I think will be a high upside year for him in our offense, but don't sleep on Jaylen Wells, if you look at his per 100 possession stats he is actually very comparable to TSJ last year - albeit with lower usage/total points, but just as efficient. Given I think we'll be a more well balanced team scoring wise this year - I think either would fit very well into what we're trying to do.

FG

FGA

FG%

2P

2PA

2P%

3P

3PA

3P%

FT

FTA

FT%

TRB

AST

STL

BLK

TOV

PF

PTS

ORtg

DRtg

Wells

8.4​

19.3​

0.436​

4.2​

9.2​

0.457​

4.2​

10.2​

0.417​

4.8​

5.9​

0.814​

9.5​

2.5​

1​

0.4​

1.4​

3.8​

25.9​

128.5​

104​

Watkins

9.5​

20.8​

0.457​

7.5​

15.1​

0.5​

2​

5.7​

0.344​

9.7​

12.2​

0.795​

11.9​

5.4​

3.8​

1.6​

5​

5.5​

30.7​

112.9​

101​

TSJ

11.5​

24.3​

0.475​

7.5​

13​

0.573​

4.1​

11.2​

0.362​

11.6​

14.5​

0.801​

6.7​

3.8​

1.7​

1.5​

3.4​

3.7​

38.7​

129.4​

106​

We gotta replace TSJ in the aggregate. Nobody really compares to him because he's a unicorn. We are simply not going to get someone that big, fast, and dominant as a 5th year senior probably ever again. Guys with that size and athleticism are rare in general and don't tend to stay at the college level long.

I want Watkins bad simply because he's just a dog. Big, physical, great defensively. Only an average 3 pt shooter but good free throw shooter and don't really need him to be more than average shooter with the rest of the roster. I think having him and Ty would be incredible tone setters for the defense.

Wells would be a very nice consolation prize. He was about the only positive thing for Wazzu against Iowa St. Great size and length, very good athlete(probably quicker and more explosive than Watkins), and has smooth jumper. Would be curious to see if he could develop as a ball handler a bit and attacking the basket in more of a primary role but he's a good player. Don't know how much tick it would get but a lineup of Boswell, Wells, Davis, Humrichous, and Tomislav would be able to shoot it as well as anyone in the country.

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

@Indy Illini Fan is Monsanto still an option? He would be a great 12th man/off the bench.

Also would both Watkins and Kasparas both come or is that going to cost to much?

Watkins and Wells are far better than the rest IMO. Just don't like Kelly much at all.

There's interest ... But I think Brad would like to only add 1 more ...

 

[Gary J]

It is amazing how Brad thinks differently than all of the other Power 5 coaches. He understand the portal and plays it better than anyone. The key is getting all the pieces to fit together. He understands that as well.
To use a baseball comparison, he's kind of like Joe Maddon back in the day- ahead of the competition.

Everyone is playing catch up with portal recruiting. Look at Izzo- he hasn't embraced the portal, he is flummoxed by it.

 

[Combo]

Agreed. Really talented 10 deep.

Interesting because Indy said that if Brad wants Monsanto he'll have him. Brad said he'll likely take only 1 more and might take a 2nd that interview with Andy. Agree with not taking over 2 but I don't think we should take under 2 more.

What are the chances he agrees to take both Watkins and Monsanto (because it seems like both are very much on the table)?

Can’t see being able to attract both. Get just Watkins and I’m very happy. Sure not much guard depth, but i would risk it if it meant filling the one glaring hole on our roster with a legit stud.

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

Look at Izzo- he hasn't embraced the portal, he is flummoxed by it.

He's busy landing ELITE transfers from Longwood ...

 

[illiniguy24]

Where do we stand with …. Ah who cares. Somebody tag me when we get a commitment

 

[DB11Headband]

Look at Izzo- he hasn't embraced the portal, he is flummoxed by it.

 

[BWA]

Can’t see being able to attract both. Get just Watkins and I’m very happy. Sure not much guard depth, but i would risk it if it meant filling the one glaring hole on our roster with a legit stud.

I’d still love Moretti if he’s willing to come back and be depth again.

 

[HailtotheChief]

I would love Kasparas Jakucionus if the price is right. He looks very good and will only be 18 in a couple weeks and could possibly play multiple years. He is 6'4" and could be growing. I watched Piper today and he likes him too so I'm in if BU is after him. Piper said he out performed Demin when they played each other so that sounds good too.

 

[jezzadownunder]

There's interest ... But I think Brad would like to only add 1 more ...

…until January.

 

[Joel Goodson]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1790806544700825746

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1790806997840826455

 

[dwpittman]

I agree Watkins would be first choice given his all-around game and what I think will be a high upside year for him in our offense, but don't sleep on Jaylen Wells, if you look at his per 100 possession stats he is actually very comparable to TSJ last year - albeit with lower usage/total points, but just as efficient. Given I think we'll be a more well balanced team scoring wise this year - I think either would fit very well into what we're trying to do.

FG

FGA

FG%

2P

2PA

2P%

3P

3PA

3P%

FT

FTA

FT%

TRB

AST

STL

BLK

TOV

PF

PTS

ORtg

DRtg

Wells

8.4​

19.3​

0.436​

4.2​

9.2​

0.457​

4.2​

10.2​

0.417​

4.8​

5.9​

0.814​

9.5​

2.5​

1​

0.4​

1.4​

3.8​

25.9​

128.5​

104​

Watkins

9.5​

20.8​

0.457​

7.5​

15.1​

0.5​

2​

5.7​

0.344​

9.7​

12.2​

0.795​

11.9​

5.4​

3.8​

1.6​

5​

5.5​

30.7​

112.9​

101​

TSJ

11.5​

24.3​

0.475​

7.5​

13​

0.573​

4.1​

11.2​

0.362​

11.6​

14.5​

0.801​

6.7​

3.8​

1.7​

1.5​

3.4​

3.7​

38.7​

129.4​

106​

That's pretty interesting. Wells definitely is a three-point launcher. Are these stats for the whole year? How did Watkins average 3.8 steals, and still have a lower defensive rating than either Wells or tsj? Also a lot more turnovers than Wells, but he probably had the ball in his hands a lot more, I would guess.

 

[Joel Goodson]

definitely warranted, IMO:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1790803572520579377

6' 6" wing

 

[Fly Illini Fly!]

Call me unrealistic...but I see 6"6 Plummer in this guy.

Just wish him and Watkins was a possible scenario. Sure it isn't...?

I'd honestly rank him third in the 5 of: him, Wells, Watkins, Kelly, Mike - Only behind Wells and Watkins. I'd honestly take him over Kelly.

Goodness...this dude is GOOD. Like best shooter in the portal good imo. It's just he had injuries but look at his work pre-injury. Who better for him than Fletch?

 

[Bigtex]

Watkins didn't have a good day on 5x5 draft combine. 0-3 floor 2-4 line 2 points, 3 fouls 2 turnovers

From sleepers media.

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

…until January.

We'd like to keep 2 open ... Then add 1 mid year ... And have 1 open just in case ...

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

Call me unrealistic...but I see 6"6 Plummer in this guy.

That's the same thing Antigua said to me ... O been after this kid since HS ...

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

Watkins didn't have a good day on 5x5 draft combine. 0-3 floor 2-4 line 2 points, 3 fouls 2 turnovers

From sleepers media.

 

[ever]

That's pretty interesting. Wells definitely is a three-point launcher. Are these stats for the whole year? How did Watkins average 3.8 steals, and still have a lower defensive rating than either Wells or tsj? Also a lot more turnovers than Wells, but he probably had the ball in his hands a lot more, I would guess.

Lower is better for DRtg, but it's also largely impacted by team defense

Edit: and ORtg is impacted by things like team offensive rebounding

 

[BashCtIllini]

Holy $h!t I want that 2026 guy, but I'm a little afraid he's a chucker

 

[illiniguy]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1790806544700825746

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1790806997840826455

Class of 2026 — Alex Constanza

Is that George’s brother?

 

[Pujols5]

I like Kasparas Jakucionus more long term.But I think Watkins and Wells contribute quicker.

 

[Joel Goodson]

really hope Morez and Fears make that team:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1790806666763481439

 

[Idea Gardener]

Do we know who the other contenders are for Watkins assuming he backs out? Usually there's a buzz about that but I haven't seen anything in the threads.