Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[HailtotheChief]

If Bruce Thornton enters the transfer portal (or has he already?), what makes you think that Illinois "may be a longshot" for his transfer? Like you, he'd probably be my first choice for an experienced PG via the portal. He's listed at 6'2" tall, but he's listed at 215 pounds, and he's very strong. Thornton's stats for Ohio State this past season were extremely good. In 32 games, averaging 36.2 minutes per game (that's high), he averaged 17.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, and 4.6 apg. His shooting stats were 50.1% on FGs (!), including 42.4% on 3-pointers (!!), and 85.3% on FTs (!). Thornton's assist to turnover ratio was better than 3 to 1... elite. Do you have any idea how much NIL money OSU paid Thornton this season? Do you or any insiders have any guess/prediction as to how much NIL money it might take to get a Thornton transfer to Illinois?

It was mention the other day by some.

 

[PepeSilvia]

I think that Watkins might be the best available player in the transfer portal this time around. (Has he entered the portal already?) He's listed at 6'7", 210 pounds. In 32 games this past season, while averaging 30.9 minutes per game, Watkins averaged 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He shot 42.7% on FGs, including 32.1% on 3-pointers (meh), and 74.7% on FTs.

But bidding on Watkins has been rumored by insiders to START at $1,000,000! How much higher will that go? (Hawkins apparently got $2M from Kansas State.) Do you or any insiders have any guesses/predictions as to how much NIL money Watkins can/will get? How high would YOU be willing to go in the bidding? How much would $2M to Watkins limit what Illinois could pay to other transfers, and/or to retain key players on our roster?

I really have no clue how big the budget is and how much he will go for but I'd go all in on him.

My thinking is that you go all in on the top of your roster, use the rest to solidify your top 6 or 7 and then go bargain shopping for role players think Justin Harmon types or even dip into D2, juco, etc.

I don't think either has entered the portal yet but in an ideal scenario I'd want to retain Morez and Tomi then splurge on Watkins and McKneely in the portal. That would give you a core of 2 bigs(1 stretch), 1 playmaking wing that can defend, and a sharpshooter. At that point you're just looking for a point guard, bench combo guard/wing type, and another big(hopefully with some rim protecting ability).

That would be your top 7, then you have guys like Jake Davis and take some chances on cheaper upper classmen that get overlooked. Plus you'd have the incoming freshman class with Lee and Wagler.

I have some issues with the roster construction this year but they're also just wasting money on guys like Booth and Ty who aren't even playing. Would rather spend bidding at the top then grab a 10th man.

 

[jmwillini]

Okay, I am naive on the whole NIL thing. Concerning welshers, is there nothing on paper?

 

[Illinirog70]

This is crazy, during the Iowa game I was watching him play and telling my nephews who are students at Illinois now, I would love to get him when Fran is fired. God willing that would be great. Make it happen!

Remember, the Iowa players can't even spell defense!! Careful what you wish for....