Mark Smith signs with Illinois

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#401      
SampsonRelpenk
So pumped to have a 618er to root for on the Illini! Now if only Lovie could flip Luke Ford...
 
#402      
PJJay6753
Gee was the starting center on the 1997-98 Big Ten championship team that was led by the late Matt Heldman, Jerry Hester and Brian Johnson.
 
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#404      
PJJay6753
Sergio McClain was a freshman on that team. Memba' him?
 
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#406      
HR217
I know someone mentioned it a while back and it was debated some but it is confirmed that Mark Smith is from Decatur. Moved to eville when he was about 6. I just read it in one of Tuppers newest articles. Sorry for not having a link, was having issues with it on my phone.
 
#407      
illinifan87
Smith's impact goes past the floor. Recruiting, keeping local talent, beating blue blood, momentum narratives all in play here.

Underwood created a different type of energy when he was hired. Smith kinda feels the same way. There's a buzz about the program that's been lacking for a long time. Since Dee, Deron Rev, Luther and Augie.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
 
#412      
Ubermensch
PJJay6753 said:
Sergio McClain was a freshman on that team. Memba' him?
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I thought the team Sergio was on his freshman year was really bad? Or was that his sophomore year? Whichever year he was forced to play point guard.
 
#413      
Obelix
illinifan87 said:
Smith's impact goes past the floor. Recruiting, keeping local talent, beating blue blood, momentum narratives all in play here.

Underwood created a different type of energy when he was hired. Smith kinda feels the same way. There's a buzz about the program that's been lacking for a long time. Since Dee, Deron Rev, Luther and Augie.
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Huge boost for Underwood's credibility. Granted, Underwood came with a reputation of a very good game coach with an exciting system, but not a reputation as a recruiter. Then, he turned some heads putting together a very competent recruiting staff, especially adding Orlando Antigua. Then, Mark Smith. He is off to an excellent start.
 
#414      
IlliniCaboose
I just got off work so I know I'm late to the gif party, but this definitely merits the use of my favorite one of all time!

200.webp
 
#416      
eMitch
Remember the guy that was supposedly waiting for a KY offer, just to turn them down and pick Illinois?!? Well, this is the guy!!!
 
#417      
CAHALL15
Illinidadd said:
Come on back JT AND JP!!!!!
:illinois:
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I think Pickett and BU had an amicable split and I'd be shocked if he's here this upcoming season. I'm more excited for Francesco Badocchi. I think he fits what BU desires in a wing more so than Pickett.
 
#418      
illini67
MSU did not mention us as a possible landing spot for Smith.:shield:
 
#420      
FiveStar
Illinifan533 said:
Just read through comments regarding the Smith commitment on their SB Nation page (http://www.theonlycolors.com/2017/4/26/15434788/mark-smith-commits-to-illinois-over-msu). It's refreshing to see that we aren't the only fanbase that overreacts when we don't get the commit we were hoping for.
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A lot of the comments are very sensible and some are even amicable.

There's a small group of commenters really bashing that Hondo guy, talking about he was making promises izzo rescinded. Correct me if I'm wrong, isn't that dude just a writer? What promises could be possibly make?
 
#421      
NEIlliniFan
illini67 said:
MSU did not mention us as a possible landing spot for Smith.:shield:
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Oh, I saw that in an April 12th MSU fan article. Mentioned the Scarlett and Grey or the Blue and White as Smith's other choices.

Try to Orange and Blue!!
 
#423      
kcib8130
#424      
JFGsCoffeeMug
FiveStar said:
There's a small group of commenters really bashing that Hondo guy, talking about he was making promises izzo rescinded. Correct me if I'm wrong, isn't that dude just a writer? What promises could be possibly make?
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Hondo is indeed just a writer. But MSU fans are miffed that he drove to Smith's house for an interview without running it by Izzo first. From what I understand, Hondo met with Smith even before Izzo had a chance to, and Hondo supposedly made promises about playing time and the role Smith would fill on their squad next year. Some of those promises were contrary to Izzo's subsequent pitch to Smith and his family. :noidea:

They felt they were the frontrunners for Smith, and then they suddenly lost him to us. The meeting with Hondo is being identified as the turning point in that recruitment.
 
#425      
Ransom Stoddard
JFGsCoffeeMug said:
Hondo is indeed just a writer. But MSU fans are miffed that he drove to Smith's house for an interview without running it by Izzo first. From what I understand, Hondo met with Smith even before Izzo had a chance to, and Hondo supposedly made promises about playing time and the role Smith would fill on their squad next year. Some of those promises were contrary to Izzo's subsequent pitch to Smith and his family. :noidea:

They felt they were the frontrunners for Smith, and then they suddenly lost him to us. The meeting with Hondo is being identified as the turning point in that recruitment.
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Let this be a lesson to writers who cover recruiting. I'd guess Mr. Hondo's access to the team may be a bit less in the coming months....
 
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