Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Curbelo Fanboy
BERTBALL IS LIFE
This to me is the biggest thing. So so many times in the past Illinois has been on the verge of perpetual greatness in one of the 2 main sports. In football, when Mackovic walked in 1991, instead of playing like a big boy we answered by promoting from within on the cheap. When Self walked in 2003, we answered not by hiring a top of the market guy but by hiring from SIU cause we could get Bruce on the cheap & he was loyal.
It's so refreshing to have people in charge now that get the "to be the best you have to spend like the best" concept. Of course $ doesn't guarantee anything but it's a big part of the equation. Always has been & now more than ever. This is a time to potentially push all in. Money can't be an excuse this time around. And I don't think the crew in charge will let it be an excuse.
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
Wow. Those endangered species laws are tough, too.
Either Blackwell or McNeil would very much please me.
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
If you're gonna make some Illini omelets, you gotta break some Mildcat fans.
McNeil Jr was reportedly contacted by North Carolina.
So the tl;dr is:
- Andrej is back.
- If the staff can find the right transfer big that is fine with a bench role, they'll pull the trigger.
- Zens is an Illini and willing to work into the rotation slowly ... down the road.
- Blackwell is completely undecided, will cost a fortune, but that won't stop Brad's pursuit. A total TBD here.
- McNeil might be waiting to see what happens with Blackwell and could be a solid backup option for Illinois.
Am I right on that?
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
I want to point out that it was 6:40-ish on the Pacific Coast when you published this. Props. Mad props for dedication.
Maybe it’s the wording and order (and the sprinkle of optimism) that has me thinking this, but surely the post isn’t implying we get McNeil irrespective of Blackwell, right? It would have to be an either or situation and not a both, with who we already have coming in.
I could be completely wrong, but I'm reading this two ways.... Either QC is backing out of his commitment, or that means Lee is out (wasn't really sure he was in the rotation either)....
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
Gotta do it before I get to work. That time is dedicated to scrolling the board only.
Illinois insider on Rivals ON3 said he's hearing Louisville and UCLA are leading for Blackwell with Duke and Illinois behind them what are our insiders hearing? Also said Illinois is working on getting a visit set up.
illiniswish09
- Northwest Suburbs
Yeah I’m ready to have myself a Friday… As always, thank you Indy!
Initially, I saw "Andrej Stojakovic will enter the transfer portal . . . . " and thought:
QC hasn’t signed has he?
Thank you Josh and Brad for giving your time, commitment and sacrifices for this great University. Thanks for believing in us! I also want to thank Dan for giving us fans a great place to cheer on and follow our team. I want to thank all our insiders as well as each and every single fan who post here. Regardless of differences, we are all here, because we love the University of Illinois. Holds up a drink...a toast to each and every one of you! I have never felt better about the state of our program. CHEERS!
I may be wrong, but I think Zen will be quite a surprise in a couple of years and be a "piece" of the puzzle to keep Illinois at Elite status. I will trust BU on this one.
For the more important news:
After we sign Andrej and Blackwell, we'll see how much we have left for bail money.
Until then, sit tight and watch your back around those Michigan fans! ILL!
Is this involving the new recruits coming in or potential people transferring out? I honestly think Coleman can play starter type minutes, maybe I am wrong.
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