Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

#502      
The staff seems to feel good about the current roster with the 14 players we have now. Even if they feel good about the guard rotation of Vaaks at PG, Coleman at SG and Morillo and Lee being able to contribute, they must realize we’re thin in the front court. Big T, Big Z and Mirk are great but if there is a foul fest or if someone gets hurt heaven forbid, I don’t think anyone is comfortable going with Morillo or Jake at the PF for extended minutes- so IMO, the four spot should be where they use the last roster spot.

Allen Graves seems to be what you would create in a lab to be the backup for Mirk. He only started 4 games for Santa Clara as a freshman so he might not demand a large role this year. He had 2.8 offensive rebounds in 22.6 mpg last year which is a crazy high rate. Shot 41% from three on 2.6 attempts per game and somehow got 2 steals per game which means he’s in the passing lanes a lot. Seems to be just what the doctor ordered- a stretch four that can rebound at a high rate and attack the offensive glass
You do realize this guy is in the draft process and Duke and LSU are recruiting him?
 
#504      
Sorry if it’s already been said, but wouldn’t this apply to Ben too?
I think the rule would be that you have 5 years to play up to 5 seasons. This past year was already his 5th (and his 5th season playing, which was granted since his first two were NAIA, not NCAA)

edit: and I think the 5 years starts immediately after high school graduation or the 19th birthday (whichever comes first).
 
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#511      
I would expect Illinois to now add a guard once the portal closes.

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#512      
Two open roster spots now.

We know Vaaks, Coleman, Stoj, Mirk, Tomi, Z and Jake Davis will be big minute guys. Morillo and possibly some of the other freshman more spot-minutes.

Need one impact guy and one developmental. Personally, if it isn’t a no-brainer grab like Blackwell, get a defensive-minded guard. Then, could get an athletic, project big to learn under Antigua but also potentially be there in case of injury.
 
#514      
You do realize this guy is in the draft process and Duke and LSU are recruiting him?
I actually did not realize that- I was just going off our unofficial tracker of those we are interested in!

that is quite the rise for someone who didn’t start at Santa Clara
 
#516      
Got to feel the sell of playing time now is pretty evident and appealing, not that Lee was necessarrily holding that back.. be a backup guard on a natty contender.

Add in the funds available and hopefully we can get someone solidly sold on the vision.
 
#517      
There’s so many great lead guards out there that I’m concerned about not having that shut down defender on our roster. Great lineup to be sure but not yet confident without someone who can take on and at least slow down an alpha. So yeah, basically Kylan.
 
#519      
Is Nasir Rankin still planning to play basketball also? I don’t know how good he is, but that could help the rotation at guard.

Also, it seems like everyone likes sugar, but I would recommend adding chives and bacon bits to cottage

No.

No.
 
#521      
Yup. As it stands now, there's no legitimate depth behind Vaaks and Coleman.
Methinks Ethan Brown would disagree....but he has to show me. But I would agree one is needed or Brown must step up. He does have size and he can shoot it a bit, but can he defend anyone at B1G level? We will know by Christmas. Sure hope so. My Dad and brother both graduated from UM-Rolla so I have some interest and support in this kid.
 
#523      
There’s so many great lead guards out there that I’m concerned about not having that shut down defender on our roster. Great lineup to be sure but not yet confident without someone who can take on and at least slow down an alpha. So yeah, basically Kylan.
Any truth to the rumor that he could come back (if even allowed under the rules)? Seems like he would be a pretty good fit w/our other returning players - not really "ball-dominant" like Blackwell and a strong defender and ball handler.
 
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