Memorial Stadium open 100% this fall as single-game tickets go on sale
(From the University of Illinois Sports Information Office) June […]
Memorial Stadium open 100% this fall as single-game tickets go on sale
(From the University of Illinois Sports Information Office) June […]
Illini basketball fans, learn the name Jeremy Fears Jr.
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Basketball Recruiting Analysis - A Tale of Two Centers (and a Power Forward)
One can understand why a true center in the 2021 recruiting class may not have given the Illini a long look. The question of Kofi returning casts a shadow over the roster until the July 7th NBA draft deadline hits.
The class of 2022 should be totally different. Illinois will recruiting with Omar Payne as the only center on the entire roster. The sense of urgency from the Illini staff to find a reliable option in the middle should be something recruits can pick up on. If the staff is getting the right messaging across, recruits should be able to see the opportunity available at this position for Illinois.
Catching Up with Danny Wolf
At the NY2LA Lone Star Invitational tourney in Dallas, I had a chance to catch up with Danny Wolf. Wolf is a 6'10" F for the Mac Irvin Fire 17U team.
Danny is a player that has grown in the last year and a half. He's now a full 6'10" tall but has handles and passing skills that are a step above what you would normally see from a high school big. He sees the court very well and will pass the ball in situations that many bigs would force shots.
Illini coaching staff took care of business on AJ Storr's visit
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June could be big time for Illinois football - Patrick Kutas update
With so many schools, Kutas said that he does not have a favorite, but he really likes what Illinois has to offer, and the way recruiting is shaping up.
Catching Up with Seth Trimble and Danilo Jovanovich
At the NY2LA Lone Star Invitational tourney in Dallas, had a chance to catch up with Seth Trimble. Seth is a 6'3" PG for the Phenom U 17U team. Currently, he is ranked at #109 by Rivals and #101 by 247 for the 2022 class.
Seth is an extremely quick but physical PG. A quicker Jalen Brunson would be a way to envision his game. He appears to be woefully underrated right now.
At the NY2LA Lone Star Invitational tourney in Dallas, also had a chance to catch up with Seth's teammate Danilo Jovanovich. Danilo is a 6'8" F for the Phenom U 17U team. Currently, he is ranked as a 3-star recruit by both Rivals and 247 for the 2022 class.
Three Illini legends added to College Football Hall of Fame ballot
June 2, 2021 (Press release courtesy the National Football […]
Basketball Recruiting Analysis - 2022 Centers
With Illinois probably adding their 3rd, and final, assistant coaching position later this week (for the sake of Illini fandom sanity), it should become clear which recruits will be prioritized in the coming weeks.
In my last article I covered the point/lead guard because I believe it’s probably the biggest need moving forward. After that, it looks like center might be the most important. The last few years Illinois has been spoiled by having Kofi Cockburn as the aircraft carrier in the paint who absolutely dominates that position.
“I'm playing with a chip on my shoulder” - Reggie Bass
The other half of the Illini's class of 2022, Reggie Bass, is not going anywhere. How do we know? He said so publicly at a recent AAU event. And, he is out to prove naysayers wrong.
Top freshman phenom Jahki Howard receives an Illinois offer
"I received a call from Coach Chester Frazier. He offered me a scholarship to play basketball at Illinois. This puts me at nine offers so far," Howard said. ... “I know Coach Frazier. He's a really good coach. I want to build a great relationship with him,” Howard said.
Catching Up with Anthony Black
At the NY2LA Lone Star Invitational tourney in Dallas, I had a chance to catch up with Anthony Black. Black is a 6'7" PG/SG for the 3D Empire 17U team. Currently, he is ranked #74 by Rivals and #85 for 247 for the 2022 class. Based on the play he's demonstrated recently, Black is going to get a rocket strapped to his back and shoot up the rankings in the near future.
Anthony is a player that can play the 1, 2, 3, or 4 position depending upon the matchup. He has the ability to bring the ball up against pressure, shoot the three, drive and has a solid midrange game. He is also is a determined defender who can leverage bigger players and has the length to guard smaller players. His basketball IQ is off the charts.
Catching Up with JJ Taylor
At the NY2LA Lone Star Invitational tourney in Dallas, I had a chance to catch up with JJ Taylor. Taylor is a 6'8" G/F for the Mac Irvin Fire 16U team. Currently, he is ranked #21 by Rivals and #8 by 247 for the 2023 class.
JJ has the ability to shoot the deep three. His range is impressive. He is also dynamite in the open court and takes the ball to basket often and with intensity. Here's what he had to say.
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