Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

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#302      
nmillini
ChiefGritty said:
I feel like a lot of misjudgments (including undervaluing getting our guys to return) come back to not grasping the general principle that basketball players get better as they age up through at least their late 20's.

You watch one of those transfer portal highlight videos of college guys and have some grasp on the level of competition. But the adult pro teams from elite global leagues that Sarr and Mirkovic are playing against in their videos would blow Purdue off the floor.
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Agreed. Also, KB improved so much in the second half of conference...not sure why his trajectory of defensive toughness and offensive efficiency would cease.
 
#303      
skyIdub
Heisenbobble said:
Okay, for kicks and grins, let's say Illinois is running out of money to give to transfers and can only add Adam Miller and Dame Sarr to next year's roster. This is the team:

Boswell
Miller
Sarr
Mirkovic
Tomi
---
Ty
Z
Jake
Wagler
Lee
Jakstys

Is that a B1G title contender? I'd say definitely not.

Is it a top-25 team? No.

So what does the staff do to improve the roster if there's no money to be had? Or do they roll the dice and hope they can coach them up? I've seen that movie before, and it doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies. Undy must think his seat is ice cold heading into next season.
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Lmao what!!!???

That team wins the USC, NW, and Nebby game this year for sure, and probably wins one of the two MSU and/or Rutgers games. That's a team that was Top 25 most of the year and would have been top 10-15 with 3 of those W's.

That's a 3 game or probably four improvement over what we saw this year. I'd bet all of my Loyalty Beach Houses on it.
 
#304      
illiniguy24
Indy Illini Fan said:
Depending on $$$ as well …

Agree on the outcomes …

Also agree we’re going to be good again … Question is how good … Competing for Big Ten and 2nd weekend is the expectation this year …
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This is where I’m at. I have blind faith Brad will put together a competitive team. The blind faith you really want for a program like Illinois is that we are a second weekend team somewhat consistently with the occasional conference championship.

Is we land Sarr and Miller, I think we can reach a final four IF we get the Kylan we saw end of year and the twin towers take another step going into next year
 
#305      
ChiefGritty
DB11Headband said:
The team with a legit NBA wing and two all-conference level players isn’t T25?
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Plus the fit together and in the system makes great sense, and I know this offends people this time of year for some reason but our coach is really good and habitually puts the pieces together in the most effective way.

Certainly still question marks and things can always go wrong, but we should be really, really confident with that proposed team, certainly more confident than we were going into last year.

And the notion that any flavor of this where we sign Dame Sarr somehow marks an indication of disappointment in the NIL wealth department is the reason I can't help but push back against the unrealistic fantasies around here. Live in the real world or you won't recognize success when it bites you in the nose.
 
#306      
ptgrd23
Mircovic is not as athletic as Morez but he runs the floor well, passes well and shoots better. Some drop off but not total.
We have two 7'1" centers. 2 years ago they were projecting Big Z as 1st round pick. Major step up. Both can nail the 3.
Miller is good 3 pt shooter. 42% is better than anybody we had last year.
Sarr would be huge pickup. Still decent chance we get him.
Next portal add .....

No idea how team will mesh but nobody in B10 brings back 4 starters except Purdue. Only other B10 team with equal or better success in portal is Michigan.
In this new portal age this is the best we can expect.
 
#308      
SummerofGeorge
hoopsfan47 said:
Put me in the camp, and I just might need a pup tent for one, that would love to see BH return.

First, he did not earn a pay raise, or even a big role on next season's roster. But......... having watched him shoot, his technique is exceptional....but his confidence is not. Too often his shot was on line but off the heel due to a flat arc..... and that too often a result of firing away from 30 rather closer where he could loft it more easily.

Every one of us saw his motor improve, his defensive effort improve, and his rebounding improve in the last couple of months. Just how many 6'9" guys are their in high school or the portal who can hit over 40% from the arc anyway while guarding speedy perimeter players and banging for boards?

BH has that potential and could be a huge part of team success next year if he continues to improve and gets his confidence back. With some hard work (what else would he be doing?) and without the pressure to fire away, he can become more selective and comfortable....and especially if he becomes efficient in those 8 ft. faders while playing booty ball.

The only drawback that would need big improvement is his ability to guard quick drivers without fouling. His rebounding efforts became pretty solid and that would need to continue. If BU sees that will never happen, then he will always be a defensive liability as smart coaches, especially B1G coaches, will make him switch onto quick drivers and pay the price if he can't move his feet. But there is something about a last shot at redemption that brings out the best in guys who love to compete. Both BH and AM are of that ilk and I would like to see them both redeemed.
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Got a spot for George in your camp? I’m with you.
 
#309      
201154JC
Adam Miller is 23 now. He has a sturdy build and can score thru contact. A legit three level scoring threat and he shot 42% from 3 last year. As far as him leaving, that's basketball today. As far as how much he plays, that's BU's decision. He didn't melt down on 3/21/21 like some of his teammates. I would welcome him back.
 
#310      
mysterio2525
DB11Headband said:
The team with a legit NBA wing and two all-conference level players isn’t T25?
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We basically weren't top 25 this year and we have had 2 first rounders. I'm not sure that team is much better than what had this year... Unless tomi and kb take big steps next year which is possible

Let's just add a stud 2 guard and then we don't have to worry. Then get Miller for the bench
 
#312      
IlliniwekKDR
ChiefGritty said:
If I could wave a magic wand both our staff and our fans would have 25% more optimism in the year-to-year evolution and growth of our existing players. That would make the analysis more accurate.

And yeah, financially speaking it's very obvious that every returnee is getting more than they got last year. They played well and are now a year older and more experienced, they deserve more! Their market value is clearly higher!

(Not you, Ben)
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#313      
DevILLDawg
DB11Headband said:
The team with a legit NBA wing and two all-conference level players isn’t T25?
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This can be taken as praise for Brad or a slant.

Brad has had an All-American on every Big Ten champ/second weekend team. The one player that truly fits that bill next year, is Tomi (could see 2nd or 3rd Team).
There are a couple DUDES who we have been associated with that have that potential as well.

I'd say a great season from Storr or Sto could push this team into 2/3 seed territory.
Depth could be an actual strength for this team next year.
 
#315      
Second place is 1st loser
hoopsfan47 said:
Put me in the camp, and I just might need a pup tent for one, that would love to see BH return.

First, he did not earn a pay raise, or even a big role on next season's roster. But......... having watched him shoot, his technique is exceptional....but his confidence is not. Too often his shot was on line but off the heel due to a flat arc..... and that too often a result of firing away from 30 rather closer where he could loft it more easily.

Every one of us saw his motor improve, his defensive effort improve, and his rebounding improve in the last couple of months. Just how many 6'9" guys are their in high school or the portal who can hit over 40% from the arc anyway while guarding speedy perimeter players and banging for boards?

BH has that potential and could be a huge part of team success next year if he continues to improve and gets his confidence back. With some hard work (what else would he be doing?) and without the pressure to fire away, he can become more selective and comfortable....and especially if he becomes efficient in those 8 ft. faders while playing booty ball.

The only drawback that would need big improvement is his ability to guard quick drivers without fouling. His rebounding efforts became pretty solid and that would need to continue. If BU sees that will never happen, then he will always be a defensive liability as smart coaches, especially B1G coaches, will make him switch onto quick drivers and pay the price if he can't move his feet. But there is something about a last shot at redemption that brings out the best in guys who love to compete. Both BH and AM are of that ilk and I would like to see them both redeemed.
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Get a bigger tent. I'm right with you.
 
#319      
HailtotheChief
A key too next year is if Big Z and T can play well together on D which is something many doubt, how much better and stronger Mirkovic can improve this off season with Fetch. That as well as how efficient we can be with these last few adds. We need length from our wings to pressure the opposition on both ends. I hope we can. Add Sarr sooner rather than later and if another ringer comes around late maybe afford them too.
 
#322      
PepeSilvia
ChiefGritty said:
Plus the fit together and in the system makes great sense, and I know this offends people this time of year for some reason but our coach is really good and habitually puts the pieces together in the most effective way.

Certainly still question marks and things can always go wrong, but we should be really, really confident with that proposed team, certainly more confident than we were going into last year.

And the notion that any flavor of this where we sign Dame Sarr somehow marks an indication of disappointment in the NIL wealth department is the reason I can't help but push back against the unrealistic fantasies around here. Live in the real world or you won't recognize success when it bites you in the nose.
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I don't think anyone is questioning that Brad is going to put together a top 25ish caliber team that gets somewhere between a 4-8 seed. I think the question is if we can get a team that can be a legitimate contender for a national championship and play/compete with the top teams.

I love the team 2 years ago but they got beat by 25 by the eventual champion in a game that was in the thirties for most of the 2nd half and then this years team which was a top 25 team got beat by 40 by what was probably the best team in the country.

Maybe I'm wrong and my expectations are too high but I don't think the goal should be a top 25 seed and a quiet out in the tournament. I think the goal should winning the big10 and getting that one seed to set yourself up for a tourney run.

Im all in if they can get 2 studs(Sarr + Stojakovic/Coward) and a role player to add the current nucleus but I'll be a little disappointed if it's 1 stuff(Sarr) and 2 role players with limited upside(if we don't have the money Storr would be a role player gamble with upside).

Now all that being said guys can get older and improve and the latter option could very well be a great team if the chips fall the right way, however like we just saw it could also go the other way relying on a freshman like Sarr and then injuries and illnesses can always happen too.

To plays devil's advocate a bit here are some questions with the current roster.

1. Are we getting the Boswell from the first 25 games or final 10?

2. Can the twins fit together on the court on both ends at the same time? Are they physical enough to hold up in certain matchups?

3. How has Ty progressed? Does he get buried on the bench by Brad because he still can't shoot?

4. Is Mirkovic mobile enough to guard on the perimeter?

5. Is Hamer still going to be calling the defense? Will the offense still stagnate and resort to chucking for long stretches?
 
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#325      
azillini1
BashCtIllini said:
Underwood doesn't play 9 guys, he rarely plays 8 guys. So any dollar spent on anyone beyond the 7th or 8th guy is largely wasted.
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Hope he changes that philosophy, but he has been known to be a little stubborn
 
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