Great clarity. It's unfortunate, and actually I'm encouraged to know it wasn't about money. Shows the donor support is big time.
At the end of the day, can only control the controllables.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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At the end of the day, can only control the controllables.
this, unfortunately, sounds like a red flag being raise. maybe half staff
Wouldn't be near a 20ppg guy with this lineup. Probably a contributing factor to why he may sign elsewhere. Not everyone's a Yaxel who is willing to sacrifice his personal statistics to play for a chance to win a natty.
Then it really was never about being part of winning a championship.
Of course not. But I don’t think that’s what I’m suggesting we try to be. All I’m saying is if two recent examples are Purdue last year and UNC a couple years ago who crumbled under the weight of being preseason no.1, I’d rather rise to the rank than having nowhere to go but down. Other examples also tend to fizzle out. Heavy is the head that wears that early crown, and typically none can hold the weight. Our athletic department has had a tendency to struggle with exceptionally high expectations.
Our greatest advantage all season was our rebounding. That’s not changing. Our offense will create good shots. We did what we did with Keaton because we had Keaton, but our staff has consistently been able to figure out ways to get guys in space, regardless of personnel. We have plenty of offensive talent. I don’t see lack of scoring as a potential issue.
If you want to worry about defense, perhaps you might have a case, but Keaton’s defense can certainly be replaced. That’s not why he’s getting drafted.
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Personally dont give 2 
's about Blackwell coming or not. Thats not to say I dont think hes good or we wouldn't be good if he came. We retained a great core and should be a very good team with them and the incoming guys. Blackwell would have helped make us even better, but apparently he isnt interested. So, why give a about him? We have plenty if guys who want to be here! Them I do give plenty of 's about. When does the season start?
's about Blackwell coming or not. Thats not to say I dont think hes good or we wouldn't be good if he came. We retained a great core and should be a very good team with them and the incoming guys. Blackwell would have helped make us even better, but apparently he isnt interested. So, why give a about him? We have plenty if guys who want to be here! Them I do give plenty of 's about. When does the season start?
SMH
Those of us watching the Jordan Game, Quentin with a filthy move, lay-up. The doom squad is going to be really disappointed how good this kid is.
Where is he thinking of going? The other schools he seems to be looking at have very good players and many mouths to feed.
Look at the retention. Stojakovic is a scorers. Who else would he be afraid he is going to lose shots too. Davis, Big Z, Tomi? Come on. The freshman? I think Blackwell has a better opinion of himself than that.
Good coaches, and I believe we have them, when someone tells a recruit he would have a smaller role at a certain school, the certain school should stroke his ego. "I guess we just know you are a better player than they think you are. You are going to be the man here."
If Blackwell came here I would lay good money he would lead this team in scoring. And it would be on a top national title contender.
I agree Blackwell isn’t make or break. I think maybe the issue people are having is it sounds like we’re wrapping up additions and not picking up a replacement piece for the blackwell interest. If we knowingly were pivoting, maybe the loss wouldn’t hurt as much?
If I’m Blackwell I’d be pissed being advised to go to a team that’ll finish 7th (if they are lucky) just to average 2 points more a game. Could go to a team with damn near national title or bust expectations, an elite roster, and an alpha role. I can’t fathom him seeing mick “little man syndrome” Cronin as the way to go. Im going to be sick.
Yeah, I'm not upset with anyone about losing out on Blackwell, especially if that's the reason (not the right fit anyway). But if we thought we wanted/needed him, I'm surprised there isn't/won't be someone else who could make us better- even a defensive piece or extra insurance in case of injury/underperformance.
Yes, we have a stacked roster and #TheRetention is something to celebrate. I don't care about pre-season media rankings, though pre-season odds are interesting and they have us around #3-7 and a definite step down from UM and Duke. Those are of course wild predictions, but it isn't crazy to wonder if a little extra could end up being the difference that gets us a natty.
Our test would have figured this out.And that for me and our staff this afternoon …
/s
It's part of him wanting to be a featured, ball dominant, guard. To me, stay at Wisconsin and it's guaranteed.
If it was about winning with him, he would have signed the second Drej did.
Can't hate on the kid for wanting to be "the man", put up huge numbers and show out for scouts, but don't give the BS cover that winning is what means most.
The first part is totally understandable. Neither UCLA nor Louisville will be a threat for anything, with or without Blackwell. He would be able to get plenty of shots off however.
Stay safe everyone!
I hope our staff made that point to the agent and Blackwell himself.And that for me and our staff this afternoon …
yeah, I was also wondering why nobody seems to be talking about McNeil anymore.Last time I’ll bring this guy up, I swear. I really wish they would make a major push for Paul McNeil.
That guy is Alfonso Plummer lite. Just a gifted, gifted shooter. Ok. I’m done now. Thanks for your time.
OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
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I won’t ask you to name names, but I really hope his father isn’t one of those people. I’d expect him to understand the game more given he played it at a Big Ten level.
If he doesn’t want to be here, that’s reality. I’ll ride with the guys we have any day.
Some players are all about themselves. Some are all about famILLy.
Let's get the chemistry cooking early. Good Summers produce great April's. Let's gooooo.
Let's get the chemistry cooking early. Good Summers produce great April's. Let's gooooo.
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