I am assuming Blackwell is going to Duke but why? Duke is returning Caleb Foster & Cayden Boozer, two top guards. In addition, they are bringing in one of the top high school guards this year in Deron Rippley. In fact Rippley is so good he won the Morgan Wootton award for top high school player in the country this year. I realize Duke wants depth but why would Blackwell want to go there? If Blackwell wants to play in the NBA he can only play as a point guard and Duke is already loaded at point guard for next year. Louisville seems his best landing spot.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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The very-non-scientific 247 ratings concur:
Last year's 247 #3-10 transfers are rated the same as this year's #1-5. Last year's #22-34 are the same as this year's #8-10. This year's #23 is rated lower than last year's #50.
And last year's 247 #1-3 recruits are rated higher than all of this year's. Last year's #10-15 are the same as this year's #2-15. After that, though, things look more comparable.
Lower his minutes from 10? To what, 5? 7? We counting that as rotation? How do you know Morillo plays that little?
Yup, just like they were coming into last season...
and Purdue...
and Houston...
etcetera
Way to early to be shouting out Super Teams, imo
Anyway aren't we talking about Todd Golden potentially being the Warriors coach now? If so, Florida gets their very own 30-day portal window
EDIT: Aberdeen isn't a done deal (needs 5th year eligibility) and our roster looks every bit as good as that one does tbh
EDIT 2: They only have like 6 playable guys? And that's if Aberdeen gets another year... they have no recruits coming in... so I'm going to have to ask why Florida looks 'legitimately stacked' unless they're just going to play their top 5 all 40 minutes every game
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Since it has been a few decades since I played on the hardwood, I have been wondering how much science has been advanced in shooting, especially from beyond the arc? There are certain parameters I know are paramount, such as the eyes trying to remain in a vertical cylinder, which in fact is seldom achieved due to constant movement except at the free throw line. Others would be placed of hands, placement of feet, angles of arm, height above the head, when to use the board, and a myriad of others. Yet, when playing as fast as the game is today, nothing can be done in an exact manner.
Anyone know how science has been used to study and improve shooting skills. Are there schools or instructors that focus on and get results?
Anyone know how science has been used to study and improve shooting skills. Are there schools or instructors that focus on and get results?
Illini2010-11
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Because he wants a chance to win championship...not happening at UCLA or Louisville.
80'sIllini
- Arizona
And who knows, the player we get over the summer, likely from overseas, may turn to be quite good.
Indy Illini Fan does Florida still have money to get Milan? If they get him, then the season is a wrap, and they will be like Michigan and just roll through everyone.
So basically Brown just needs to be as good as DGL was in 2024? That’s all for all the “9th man” talk?
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Just totally disagree. So you’re saying Podz wasn’t “capable” to play his freshmen year?
It seems far more likely to me Podz was behind 2 5th year seniors who Brad felt extremely comfortable with (and who we won with). I find it hard to believe he went from not capable of playing at all, to first round nba pick in less than a year.
Brandon Lee was behind Kylan Boswell, Keaton Wagler, Andrej and Jake - I know some of you are committed to the Jake is only a forward thing, but he had minutes with Keaton, Andrej/ben, mirk/ben, and Ivisic, so call it whatever position you want, he was taking up valuable minutes because he was highly productive and efficient.
Denim Wojick played over 5 minutes a game at MSU - he averaged .5 points on 28% shooting, and poor defense. If he was “capable” of stepping on the court, Brandon Lee I think was, but just didn’t make sense to stretch out the rotation that far because the 4 guys I mentioned above had it down just fine
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LoL. Alright, whatever. They're bringing back 87% of their minutes on a 1-seed that had an off night against Iowa.
I'm not going to bother arguing with you. You're dug in and never admit you could possibly be wrong.
I'll take Evan Miya saying they likely have the best roster in the country and that's before they potentially add any additional talent.
I'll just leave it at that.
Best thing about Blackwell is he ain't gonna be in the Big Ten
Hadios Juan Blackwell
That's the paradox. If it was usage/PT, wouldn't he also cross off Duke? If it was to win a natty, wouldn't he have crossed off UCLA/UL instead of us? Maybe it was just $$ after all?
It's also been sounding more like the other guys we signed might have instead looked elsewhere if we had signed Blackwell, and we (rightfully so) chose to lock down what we could rather than risk losing out on more than just him. That was probably wise, but it also makes Blackwell out to be much less of a ball hog in this saga.
Probably yes, but it might not be as easy as it sounds.
Neither Lee or Petrovic could do it this year (get on the court as the 9th man).
DGL did in ‘24. Davis did in ‘25.
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Plus Sarr but he is wing/ G. Doubt if Evens returns. But it is crowded at guard…. someone aint getting the minutes and wont be happy.
They had all of those players this year and more and still got beat by Iowa is the round of 32. I think we will be able to compete and beat them should we match up.
Duke consistently wins, has an unparalleled marketing machine, and pays top $$$. I hate them, but that is what they are. You can nitpick the 'usage' angle all you want, but it's not rocket science
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The irony of Blackwell to Duke is they may still have Evans, Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer and Dame Sarr all back at the 1-3 spots - all of whom will be wanting to improve their draft stock for next year - but Blackwell was afraid to come here because he wouldn't get enough usage? Blackwell might not even start on that team if Evans is back!
A great deal of this depends on fit. Is there anyone that thinks Morez would have had the same success in UI as Mirk. His move to Michigan was a great success for him but also allowed Mirks success at UI. Would Wagler had the opportunity to succeed if Petro had been there all summer? Finding a great square peg for a round hole is a specialiity of this forum. Luckily we have coaches who have geometric sense. I am not worried about the guards but would like an athletic big in case of injury. JJ may suffice but Morillo is not that guy, looking for a defensive guard that can’t shoot completely changes the offense. Don’t think Lee would have transferred if he did. No reason to seek a transfer unless he is better than a current backup. Not many on this forum able to judge this,
Because he doesn't want to be here
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