Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

[Jack's Raging Bile Duct]

Wish I had a Time Machine and could bring in young Giorgi as the freshman backup stretch 4 for this upcoming season… Right after I drop off a flash drive loaded with about 1000 BTC to myself in 2009 and then to Macomb, circa 2001, and warn myself off of any women named “Erin.”

But seriously. Freshman Giorgi on this upcoming squad would be A M A Z I N G

 

[Ga65]

I'll be honest, I don't get the talk of preseason #1, even with Blackwell.

Let's assume #TheRetention happens, and we essentially "trade" Wagler for Blackwell. That to me isn't a step up - lateral at best.

Of course, if we assume Andrej and Mirk make a big step forward, then I suppose it can get you there, but that's a big assumption.

Really is Vaaks and Blackwell vs Boswell and Wagner
Offensively could be improvement
Addition of Coleman and Morillo adds depth
No direct replacement for Ben but probably not an issue unless front court injuty
Real difference is going to depend on defense. retention and summer of having the whole team could make significant difference. Vaaks the only negative in this regard and he is going to get driven hard all summer.

 

[travelin' man]

I cancelled my colonoscopy appointment, so I’m free!

Jeeez, I'm so old they told me not to bother coming in anymore

 

[Z/\M]

Here’s the first few times we started hearing bad KY visits from Indy:

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Pope gives me Tim Beckman vibes

 

[Altuve27]

 

[Illinirog70]

resources are cool, but those expectations are insane.

They think that they are living in the Baron Rupp era...

 

[CHI 1086]

0Honestly, and I don’t want this to sound angry or critical or whatever, that’s the vibe I am getting,

If that’s his objective, that’s 100% his prerogative. Let me preface this by saying I know absolutely NOTHING, but Brad isn’t going to do this circle jerk much longer.

Again, this is MY opinion. No personal insight.

Long time “read only lurker” here…
I grew up in the greater Gifford Metropolitan area , and walking up the railroad tracks to a then mostly abandoned auto auction yard, known as Gordyville, was part of my childhood. I was at “the game” in ‘79 when Eddie Johnson nailed the baseline jumper, beating Magic and Sparty, knocking off the then #1… Neil Bresnahan,(I think?), was on the cover of SI the next week, as the Illini assumed #1 rank as a result.

Both Gordyville, (and the program having Natty #1 chatter), made me smile. My life has come full circus.

And a hearty thank you to all for making this an ongoing interesting thingie to follow.

Go Illinivics!

I was there in person as well. Just wild!

 

[Noblesville Illini]

If things dont go well, you can get one here...more butt stuff

Cologards on the house!

 

[HailtotheChief]

Ty led the elite 8 team in offensive rebounds. He was tough as nails in the boards. He had 3 double doubles when we made that run. If he is healthy Brad will find some minutes for him

Who are you benching for him out of the top that starts or even the top.8 or 9 players? We are deep at the 3 and he is behind Andre, Jake and likely even 6'7" Morrillo at the 3. Ty doesnt have to be guarded outside a few feet! If we get Blackwell or someoe like him with the depth at the 1 and 2 it would not suprise me at all if Morrilio is ahead of Ty in playing time and to do that he may play the 3 at tines ahead of Ty. Who ya benching to ger Ty meaningful minutes?

One thing ive heard is Norrillo like Riley appears to still be growing too and wont be 19 until late October. He has grown to 6'7" since we signed him.

 

[Noblesville Illini]

this is known as the izzo effect on refs

Still angry about that game. Fears tripping Mirk…..flopping……ugh!

 

[travelin' man]

They’re going to have the highest paid roster in the country next year …

More than Kentucky spent last year …

Am I misremebering. Except for a spurt in 24-25, I don't remember Louisville being relevant since Pitino left. What makes investors think there will be a return on investment.

 

[Tevo]

I too want more Z next season... especially the Z who is MAKING his jump shots.

I would love a Z with a back to the basket game when he has that matchup. Tomi and Z both shot way too many from the 3pt line this past season, especially during the second half when both were ice cold. Being able to adjust the offense to get them a few paint touches and easy baskets only helps free up outside shots. Another offseason with Fletch and practicing together should give them both more versatility and consistency.

 

[Noblesville Illini]

Or they won’t be able to make good on their commitments.

 

[Altuve27]

Staff feel good about where things stand with Andrej?

 

[Noblesville Illini]

Pope gives me Tim Beckman vibes

 

[Hope For The Best!!!]

Quick question for anyone who knows - speaking of hopefully having the full team together all summer, are we scheduled for an overseas trip this year?

 

[BWA]

Who are you benching for him out of the top that starts or even the top.8 or 9 players? We are deep at the 3 and he is behind Andre, Jake and likely even 6'7" Morrillo at the 3. Ty doesnt have to be guarded outside a few feet! If we get Blackwell or someoe like him with the depth at the 1 and 2 it would not suprise me at all if Morrilio is ahead of Ty in playing time and to do that he may play the 3 at tines ahead of Ty. Who ya benching to ger Ty meaningful minutes?

One thing ive heard is Norrillo like Riley appears to still be growing too and wont be 19 until late October. He has grown to 6'7" since we signed him.

We probably shouldn’t talk in absolutes here.

1. Let’s all stop assuming Ty hasn’t learned to shoot at all in the last two years. We haven’t seen him play in a while.

2. We also don’t know how his athleticism will be after the injury.

3. We also have no idea how the rotation will shake out. You think this time last year anyone had Wagler penciled in as the starting PG?

4. Nobody has seen Morillo or Coleman play yet either. Or Ethan Brown for that matter.

 

[Illini84]

Can Weber be faulted for Brian Randle punching the wall and breaking his hand? Or Kendrick Nunn? Or Darius Paul? Or Jamar Smith leaving Brian Carlwell for dead? Jereme Richmond legal issues? or Cliff not signing? Leron Black stabbing a guy at canopy club? Or whatever jalyon tate did to get suspended? Eric Gordon shoe bribes?

I think revisionist history give Bruce a bad wrap. Imo if Randle didn't break his hand and disappear we would have won a Natty in 05.

Sounds like “institutional control” was a problem. I just don’t see all that happening under Self or Underwood.

 

[Sheldon Ram]

Who are you benching for him out of the top that starts or even the top.8 or 9 players? We are deep at the 3 and he is behind Andre, Jake and likely even 6'7" Morrillo at the 3. Ty doesnt have to be guarded outside a few feet! If we get Blackwell or someoe like him with the depth at the 1 and 2 it would not suprise me at all if Morrilio is ahead of Ty in playing time and to do that he may play the 3 at tines ahead of Ty. Who ya benching to ger Ty meaningful minutes?

One thing ive heard is Norrillo like Riley appears to still be growing too and wont be 19 until late October. He has grown to 6'7" since we signed him.

Not benching anybody. Brad likes dogs and Ty is a dog. He can carve out 10-12 minutes subbing for guys.

 

[bavanga3]

Ty led the elite 8 team in offensive rebounds. He was tough as nails in the boards. He had 3 double doubles when we made that run. If he is healthy Brad will find some minutes for him

I love Ty and hope his shot improved, but he averaged 1.5 pts and 3 rebounds with zero steals or blocks in that NCAAT. You can't teach length, and against the bigger teams thats a killer. He only played 8 minutes against UCONN and had 0 pts and 0 boards.

 

[Fighter of the Nightman]

We beat Mizzou by 43 points this past season, and we're getting better. Not sure how we could possibly be worried.

Besides, I want Mizzou to be good. Braggin’ Rights being a nationally relevant event is great exposure for this program, given the cool and unique nature of that game’s setup. Not worried about them getting to our level at all, so I’m more concerned with them not being a borderline Quad 3 win!

 

[ILFaninFL]

We probably shouldn’t talk in absolutes here.

1. Let’s all stop assuming Ty hasn’t learned to shoot at all in the last two years. We haven’t seen him play in a while.

2. We also don’t know how his athleticism will be after the injury.

3. We also have no idea how the rotation will shake out. You think this time last year anyone had Wagler penciled in as the starting PG?

4. Nobody has seen Morillo or Coleman play yet either. Or Ethan Brown for that matter.

I'm not as worried about Ben's absence. I don't see a one-to-one replacement, but between Ty and the freshmen, I think we make up for it in other ways. Also, if Z can play more with his brother and be effective ... that puts opposing teams at a real disadvantage.

 

[illiniguy24]

Besides, I want Mizzou to be good. Braggin’ Rights being a nationally relevant event is great exposure for this program, given the cool and unique nature of that game’s setup. Not worried about them getting to our level at all, so I’m more concerned with them not being a borderline Quad 3 win!

Meh, they made the tournament. Thats good enough for me. Lil bro can stay where they are

 

[SescIllini]

We probably shouldn’t talk in absolutes here.

1. Let’s all stop assuming Ty hasn’t learned to shoot at all in the last two years. We haven’t seen him play in a while.

2. We also don’t know how his athleticism will be after the injury.

3. We also have no idea how the rotation will shake out. You think this time last year anyone had Wagler penciled in as the starting PG?

4. Nobody has seen Morillo or Coleman play yet either. Or Ethan Brown for that matter.

Morillo looks so good at World Summit. Handles ball very well for 6-7, seems to have the "it" factor that does well in crowded arenas.

 

[ChiTown]

resources are cool, but those expectations are insane.

To whom much is given…much is expected.