...I think the math is starting to math....
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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A big thank you to Ty for being such a "team" guy and part of the glue that kept this team together. If you watched the bench players last year, he was almost always the first player up congratulating his teammates and also yelling encouragement from the bench. I hope him the best wherever he goes.
He will make a very good coach after his playing days are over.
He will make a very good coach after his playing days are over.
What teams are interested in him? He's had severe leg injuries and has not played in two years.
TY Ty!
Ty to join morez? It's either Michigan or Michigan state 
If you want to be with the great programs then hard decisions have to be made. I too loved Ty's fight but realistically he didnt fit with what we are trying to accomplish. Do we want to make decisions based on nice guys or do we want to contend for championships. I will take contending and hurting feelings if necessary.
That guy is already on the roster....JJ.
It’s a bummer clearly, but I am not surprised. The minutes/ role for Ty was going to be very limited.
Starter on an Elite Eight squad and a guy that just got after it every single day. Most impressively, to me anyway, was that even though he wasn’t playing last year he was ENGAGED big time. Cheering for his teammates, showing some fire, involved in the team huddles, in the locker room celebrations, etc…
Those things are INCREDIBLY vital when building culture and chemistry. Ty, you will ALWAYS be an Illini. This will always be home.
Go kill it at your next stop.
Starter on an Elite Eight squad and a guy that just got after it every single day. Most impressively, to me anyway, was that even though he wasn’t playing last year he was ENGAGED big time. Cheering for his teammates, showing some fire, involved in the team huddles, in the locker room celebrations, etc…
Those things are INCREDIBLY vital when building culture and chemistry. Ty, you will ALWAYS be an Illini. This will always be home.
Go kill it at your next stop.
LouHenson
- Naples Florida
We have really just changed our entire approach to offense since Ty last played. We simply want 5 not 4 shooters on the floor at all times. I am afraid we would see the same thing we saw in 2024 - the opposition center would have just camped in the lane and Ty would really have no one guarding him? He is a super teammate and a really great Illini. This is really best for Ty most importantly, but if we are honest about it - it is probably best for both parties? Saw him both in Greenville and in Houston. He is a very nice guy who I hope finds a great place to play. I do think MSU would be an interesting option for him, even if it hurts us?
He's gonna wind up at MSU isn't he????!!!!
illiniswish09
- Northwest Suburbs
Bummed about Ty but wish nothing but the best for him. He is a great dude and hope he can stay healthy and have an impact somewhere… Just please no B1G
Illini92and96
- Austin, TX
This story has Legs
This is great news. That means unless there is a breakdown in negotiations, Dre is BACK!
I love this post with every fiber of my being. At the risk of sounding like I am about to ask the man out, I want Andrej Stojakovic wearing an Illinois jersey and I want it BAD!
Year 2 of Andrej in our program has a chance to be pretty damn spectacular. Get it done. Whatever he wants, make it happen. Don’t give him ANY reason to explore other options.
I'll always remember the huge ovation Ty received when cutting down the net in Houston. That's a great lasting memory for me.
Get Blackwell and Drej could be #1
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
With the loss of Ty, if we were now to lose Andrej, but get Blackwell, we would never have a non-shooter on the floor. We’d play 5-out with 5 three point threats with every lineup on the floor.
Seeing reported elsewhere that Stojakovic + Blackwell would be difficult to pull off. Perhaps we have been a bit over optimistic hoping for both of them, and it could be more of an either/or scenario.
Offer Drej whatever he wants. We can find the money
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
I hope Chester snags him at VT. Will miss him terribly. Program anchor guy.
Illinifan533
- Normal, Illinois
I believe if we had Ty this past year, we don’t lose every single close game we do this past year. Would have provided, rebounding, athleticism, and defense to a team that needed all 3 at times this past year. Go be great, young man.
Ideally we retain Dre (plus get Blackwell) and Dre just finds someone he can trust that knows a thing or two about shooting mechanics to improve his 3 pt%
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