No surprise we're mentioned with D Jones Archived Message Posted by jdl on April 20, 2022, 11:20:49, in reply to "Kofi’s gone - he's going pro " Portal continues to surge & Deivi Jones is the latest headliner looking for a new home. Elite positional rebounder, offensive engine, rugged + productive slasher, guards multiple spots & forces turnovers. Illinois, Gonzaga, Memphis & West Virginia among those involved early. pic.twitter.com/nAqCIsO1KY — Max Feldman (@MaxFeldman6) April 20, 2022 . Message Thread: | This response ↓ Kofi’s gone - he's going pro - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 8:03:45 Chattanooga’s Malachi Smith (Edwardsville native) into the portal. - OB25 April 27, 2022, 8:56:07 Reminds me of Ray Rice* - OWWDig April 27, 2022, 9:17:58 Would need a waiver but absolutely would* - Cunativeson April 27, 2022, 9:15:18 has he already transferred? - uofi1998 April 27, 2022, 9:44:07 Yep, started at Wright State* - Cunativeson April 27, 2022, 9:44:42 The waiver situation this fall will be fascinating - jdl April 27, 2022, 9:20:09 You are not a good scout* - JeffFrank April 27, 2022, 9:16:43 Go on...* - Cunativeson April 27, 2022, 9:18:19 Still waiting* - Cunativeson April 27, 2022, 9:44:57 Nebraska's Keonilei Akana entering the portal. - timmer April 27, 2022, 5:14:54 Cam Whitmore sticking with Nova* - OB25 April 25, 2022, 20:29:55 Parker Stewart's going back to UT-Martin - assassin April 25, 2022, 16:36:00 RUMOR: Adam Miller to Missouri * - Poldark April 25, 2022, 13:02:08 I know it’s blasphemous around these parts, but I want mizzou to be better than they’ve been - snipes824 April 25, 2022, 16:40:16 Would help for them to be a potentially good win and not bad loss. * - illini April 27, 2022, 9:16:19 Fook Miznoz. And all their fans. - osklister April 26, 2022, 9:30:49 Cosign. * - harb April 26, 2022, 16:00:36 agreed* - uofi1998 April 25, 2022, 16:42:12 Mizzou just hired a Hburg native as an asst coach. * - Samricky April 25, 2022, 13:23:48 I thought we wanted him back?* - gullit April 25, 2022, 13:12:08 No. Mom is baggage* - JeffFrank April 25, 2022, 16:41:44 Like the swans returning to SJC, Franker has issues with a woman* - Chilango April 26, 2022, 9:29:45 Probably a great opportunity for him, but that just kinda sucks. - uofi1998 April 25, 2022, 13:10:50 Yep. I think Mizzou finally made a good coaching hire* - SEG April 25, 2022, 13:31:54 I think Miznoz is going to try to become a Mac Irvin Fire shop. - OB25 April 25, 2022, 13:17:15 Well, that's gonna suck* - OWWDig April 25, 2022, 13:08:33 Such a spicy rumor for you to post a day late!* - Dilbert April 25, 2022, 13:05:09 Pete Nance declares for draft but is maintaining his eligibility and “utilizing all options” - OB25 April 25, 2022, 12:32:58 Posted without comment… - OB25 April 25, 2022, 14:16:08 Well, this strikes me as an example of a kid Illinois would probably know about.* - uofi1998 April 25, 2022, 12:51:39 So far he doesn't show up in the portal but I suspect he will shortly* - Cunativeson April 25, 2022, 12:36:08 Seems like it would get out pretty quickly - jdl April 25, 2022, 13:08:54 Yeah great fit as a stretch 4/5. Rebounds well, shoots well. Would love that* - Carl Spackler April 25, 2022, 12:35:50 It'd be nice to get a transfer one of these days* - shua April 25, 2022, 11:59:49 Let's see what the board looks like come May 1. - uofi1998 April 25, 2022, 12:11:53 Its crazy how unproven this roster is as it stands today* - CWR10 April 25, 2022, 12:11:27 I haven’t seen a whole lot of guys come off the board that I’m bummed we missed on* - Carl Spackler April 25, 2022, 12:05:30 Last week to get in the portal - jdl April 25, 2022, 12:03:13 Underwood's just being ultra-selective ... or something. - Kajagoogoo April 25, 2022, 12:02:47 Boy it is really striking how much better the talent in college hoops will be with NIL. - Carl Spackler April 25, 2022, 11:31:38 Could become an even bigger departure from the NBA from a style standpoint. - OB25 April 25, 2022, 11:36:00 Seth Towns on the JCL plan - jdl April 25, 2022, 11:29:50 Vander Plas went to Virginia over the weekend - assassin April 25, 2022, 11:12:35 Heh, didn’t know he was literally named Bennett because his dad played for Dick Bennett. - OB25 April 25, 2022, 11:34:35 Bryce Hopkins to Providence - jdl April 25, 2022, 11:06:25 Top 2024 prospect signs with Overtime Elite - jdl April 25, 2022, 10:17:48 Interesting loop hole, if the NCAA survives all of this it will be a miracle.* - gullit April 25, 2022, 10:27:59 I can only imagine how this all looks by 2030. - uofi1998 April 25, 2022, 11:09:07 does this kid have a recruiting profile anywhere? - biclops April 25, 2022, 0:41:58 Transfer portal rumors from around the internet… - OB25 April 24, 2022, 20:05:10 big eww on that last one * - biclops April 24, 2022, 20:33:14 Yeah I would really hate that* - snipes824 April 24, 2022, 20:53:48 McNeil to tOSU - jdl April 24, 2022, 17:53:34 Dickinson returning to scUM * - jdl April 24, 2022, 17:40:29 Must have waited to see if Kofi was returning* - HeatMizer April 24, 2022, 17:42:58 Some insight into big NIL deals? - snipes824 April 23, 2022, 14:36:48 Doesn’t specify which car* - bbonb April 23, 2022, 16:05:10 The two year thing opens up what I am waiting for - ijustkrushalot April 23, 2022, 15:35:31 these things are going to start looking like pro contracts - biclops April 23, 2022, 15:41:26 And I am here for all of it* - JacobRDaugherty April 23, 2022, 15:52:37 cfb, but here's USC selling Caleb Williams merch at their spring game - assassin April 23, 2022, 15:23:36 If those numbers are real, Kofi probably turned down more than $500k to go pro? - CubsWonWorldSeries April 23, 2022, 15:04:35 Kofi was looking at seven figures * - Dilbert April 23, 2022, 15:06:42 Yeah rumor was ~$1 million with Kofi wanting significantly more - CanHartlebHireSnider April 23, 2022, 15:09:31 Man what a HUGE dick punch to Purdue. * - assassin April 23, 2022, 14:45:47 I mean, that seems crazy no? Is this some standout player?* - Dilbert April 23, 2022, 14:42:55 Kind of. Averaged 17 PPG for KSU as a sophomore* - snipes824 April 23, 2022, 14:45:37 Fair. Just wasn't a name I recognized and assumed FUBW couldn't recruit * - Dilbert April 23, 2022, 14:47:17 New transfer name that we’re involved with. - OB25 April 23, 2022, 0:28:18 His dad, Timothy Council, was a baller* - bbonb April 23, 2022, 16:01:54 Knowing nothing else I like 6'6" guards* - opey8 April 23, 2022, 11:06:40 Yep. Also, I’m fine betting on an 85% free throw shooter to improve his three point percentage* - GMAW April 24, 2022, 17:57:13 DOTS - Kajagoogoo April 22, 2022, 17:01:50 Damn, Zach Edey is returning to Purdue* - GrandmotherPearlsJam April 22, 2022, 12:57:50 The skulls of B1G bigs do not rejoice* - bjl63 April 22, 2022, 13:36:42 In all seriousness, never seen a dude get away with more elbows to face. - Carl Spackler April 22, 2022, 13:55:45 I think that is exactly what they are thinking* - IlliniRunner April 22, 2022, 14:25:36 ooo - jdl April 22, 2022, 12:59:02 Don't you do that to me!! I got nowhere else to go. - osklister April 23, 2022, 11:04:28 Sure, but I don't understand why Illinois fans are mocking that - GMAW April 22, 2022, 13:03:48 nm * - jdl April 22, 2022, 14:07:17 Probably, but he's an annoying little ####stick so I was hoping he'd get bad advice or something* - GrandmotherPearlsJam April 22, 2022, 13:00:14 Any Adam Miller updates?* - gullit April 22, 2022, 12:06:19 Dainja update - jdl April 22, 2022, 12:02:12 He said 225 to 280* - Cunativeson April 22, 2022, 12:10:17 Hmm, I had listened twice but now that you pointed it out....retracted * - jdl April 22, 2022, 12:11:55 LOL at the Lieb Tweet response to Kofi's announcement: - OWWDig April 22, 2022, 10:11:53 definitely fake* - bigbop85 April 22, 2022, 14:05:47 I like the cut of this kid's jib* - IlliniRunner April 22, 2022, 13:11:18 that is fantastic.* - cpsteine April 22, 2022, 11:12:26 Eric Hunter Jr (Purdue) in the portal - jdl April 22, 2022, 8:57:17 Sounds like Terrance Shannon to Michigan official. Mac Irvin tweeted congrats. - GrandmotherPearlsJam April 22, 2022, 8:31:13 Wait, did he pick UK?* - ab75 April 22, 2022, 12:17:51 per the internet, he was just saying that the michigan commit rumor is "cap" meaning fake, per - gvibes April 22, 2022, 13:56:14 $100 says he's already committed to Michigan & is just drumming up interest. - Kajagoogoo April 22, 2022, 13:59:51 And now Ant and TSJ is walking that back. Sounds like that recruitment is a bit of a clustereff* - Cunativeson April 22, 2022, 12:12:00 Juwan needs to go he's going to be a thorn.* - gullit April 22, 2022, 12:05:35 Whatever. It was weird out of HS, so never thought it was going to happen. - uofi1998 April 22, 2022, 10:09:11 never thought we had a shot here...HS recruitment was just too weird.* - OWWDig April 22, 2022, 9:44:06 kofi's decision might have been a factor here too. don't see us competing for B10 title next year... - deadpoolOG10 April 22, 2022, 11:07:10 hopefully we can get some good news soon, with regard to transfers* - shua April 22, 2022, 9:10:48 BU still hasn’t won a hotly contested transfer recruitment - CWR10 April 22, 2022, 9:16:28 We’re any other bigger programs in with Payne or Dainja? - DT April 22, 2022, 9:30:24 Payne, i don't think so. I forgot about Dainja - i think Izzo wanted him* - CWR10 April 22, 2022, 10:01:38 He was mid year so probably less competition as programs would need to have a open spot * - jdl April 22, 2022, 10:13:46 Something happened between TSJ & the Illini staff. That's my guess. - Kajagoogoo April 22, 2022, 8:33:45 ooo - Deuce Poster April 22, 2022, 11:51:07 He wanted to come but it was his mom/dad/handler/agent/priest/mailman* - Ron McDon April 22, 2022, 8:53:13 it's crazy that it's never been our fault I recruit didn't commit :) * - shua April 22, 2022, 8:56:22 He was the one no one was confident could enroll due to credits, right? - Dilbert April 22, 2022, 8:43:10 Kind of. You need to take 60 credit hours to graduate as a transfer and he wanted - Cunativeson April 22, 2022, 8:59:43 just have to wait on that issues - Nojel Eastern could not transfer into Michigan from Purdue * - NastyBoyd April 22, 2022, 8:58:20 The same things played out during his HS recruitment - CanHartlebHireSnider April 22, 2022, 8:35:11 Roughy's favorite guy to UConn - jdl April 21, 2022, 16:05:21 Roughy's favorite guy is a hoops player?? - osklister April 21, 2022, 16:20:54 Gonzaga's Holmgren declares for the draft* - HamptonSki April 21, 2022, 14:17:04 That dude doesn't even look real - Sounder April 21, 2022, 14:19:07 7 foot and 195 lbs. That's one skinny dude.* - ibdoc April 21, 2022, 15:26:34 he looks like a video game character* - memyselfandillini April 22, 2022, 9:06:29 Nick Smith says "sounds overweight to me". - osklister April 21, 2022, 16:22:36 Nick Smith was 7'2" and 250. - ISeeDeadHawkeyes April 22, 2022, 9:13:50 He looks like a real life video game* - illinilosch April 21, 2022, 15:00:00 DOGGONE IT * - memyselfandillini April 22, 2022, 9:06:55 So the #1 recruit in 2022 reclassified to 2021, never played at UK cause Cal thought he wasn't ready - CanHartlebHireSnider April 21, 2022, 10:43:36 And got a free Porsche out of it!* - John Coctostan April 21, 2022, 11:42:10 Was he there whole year or did he come in at semester break? - Mrap24 April 21, 2022, 10:46:04 Spring semester. But the whole time they talked of him in the context of 2022-2023* - CanHartlebHireSnider April 21, 2022, 10:47:34 though it's kinda weird that he graduated in May 2021, but didn't enroll... - shua April 21, 2022, 10:55:19 Rumors that Pete Nance Jr could go into the portal. Seems like a great fit if we want to go 5 out. - Carl Spackler April 21, 2022, 7:38:09 That would make the Mildcats heads explode. * - Samricky April 21, 2022, 9:50:17 ooo - jdl April 21, 2022, 10:21:54 Rumors that Pete Nice could show the gas face* - Sammich April 21, 2022, 9:39:38 Rumors that Pete Gas might leave the Mean Street Posse.* - MojoJojo April 21, 2022, 9:50:19 Rumors that Pete Mote might return to Illini message boards.* - osklister April 21, 2022, 10:18:03 He would be awesome...would totally take him.* - JFG April 21, 2022, 9:16:54 Not quite sure what this means, but RJ and Deivi Jones did an Instagram Live tonight. - OB25 April 20, 2022, 21:11:47 In other social media news, apparently Whitmore unfollowed all Villanova accounts on IG* - OB25 April 21, 2022, 9:20:54 No go on Whitmore. He's not leaving Nova. At this point, you wonder if IL will land anyone of - Kajagoogoo April 21, 2022, 12:09:52 Awfully pessimistic view of things... - uofi1998 April 21, 2022, 12:12:39 Not pessimistic at all. More along the lines of feeling that Undy is pretty content w/ his roster. - Kajagoogoo April 21, 2022, 12:17:43 Gotcha. - uofi1998 April 21, 2022, 15:24:10 Jones seems like a real possibility, and I think some new names will emerge in the next 10 days. - OB25 April 21, 2022, 12:31:09 whoa. - uofi1998 April 21, 2022, 10:30:34 Has all the makings of a week of nobody knowing anything and wild speculation culminating in - John Coctostan April 21, 2022, 10:13:10 Ultimately, it's a big nothingburger unless news comes out that he's getting a release from his LOI. - uofi1998 April 21, 2022, 10:32:53 You would think Nova has been in communication with all their recruits on this - jdl April 21, 2022, 10:34:54 No question about it... - uofi1998 April 21, 2022, 10:39:08 You win 2 championships and look that good in a suit. You are a legend - JacobRDaugherty April 21, 2022, 10:48:59 ooo - Sammich April 21, 2022, 10:54:38 The man certainly could don a suit. An all timer.* - uofi1998 April 21, 2022, 10:51:36 He's in the Jack Del Rio suit wearing category....rarefied air* - ilinni11 April 21, 2022, 11:14:05 Yes, he's a modern day legend - jdl April 21, 2022, 10:41:17 So it's definitely something but he also still follows almost every Nova player so...* - Cunativeson April 21, 2022, 9:31:29 Go go go go go go!!* - JFG April 21, 2022, 9:30:48 that has to mean something? right? RIGHT???* - shua April 21, 2022, 9:28:57 Go get 'im, Chester! - Kajagoogoo April 21, 2022, 9:28:09 it can't be bad for us, being another connection in addition to Anderson... - shua April 21, 2022, 7:51:00 jay wright possibly retiring - snipes824 April 20, 2022, 18:05:51 So Cam Whitmore picked Nova over Illinois correct - BradUnderwoodforprez April 20, 2022, 19:02:18 Kentucky it is, then. * - assassin April 20, 2022, 20:29:58 Over us and UNC who is out of rides* - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 19:09:38 are they? I think two guys have not confirmed they are back.* - Rynounc99 April 20, 2022, 20:05:39 Kyle Neptune. Will he be a small fish in a big pond?* - DanSaint April 20, 2022, 18:27:13 Wow. Was such a great fit there. Going to be nearly impossible to replace. * - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 18:19:36 Felt like he landed all the 4 star east coast kids Norm Roberts got us in the mix for under Self - DT April 20, 2022, 18:24:37 Nevermind* - ab75 April 20, 2022, 22:06:51 Goodman says he gone - AintHatin April 20, 2022, 18:17:24 And Goodman says they are replacing him with the Fordham coach? wTF? * - jdl April 20, 2022, 18:18:43 longtime wright assistant - snipes824 April 20, 2022, 18:19:37 OK but still - jdl April 20, 2022, 18:23:24 plus, although they're a national power now, they're still a northeast city school at heart - snipes824 April 20, 2022, 18:28:56 It's not a city school - it's on the Main Line which a very wealthy area - Jersey April 20, 2022, 20:24:27 yeah I know, I just mean they're in that crew - snipes824 April 20, 2022, 20:32:35 I think that they're big on keeping it in the family - Jersey April 21, 2022, 9:37:59 Kyle Neptune. He’ll do a stellar job* - AintHatin April 20, 2022, 18:22:58 He’s definitely in Jay’s orbit* - Blazer April 20, 2022, 18:41:32 It's hard to SEA him doing any harm to the program* - DanSaint April 20, 2022, 18:31:24 Keep the program on an upward trajectory * - jdl April 20, 2022, 18:24:24 He’s been planeting his strategy for years.* - DT April 20, 2022, 18:29:05 Cosmos of the time these coaches are looking for their next job anyhow.* - Illiniphil April 20, 2022, 18:30:19 Curious if he’ll be able to recruit 5-stars* - AintHatin April 20, 2022, 18:29:58 Changing of the guard season - illini April 20, 2022, 18:15:07 Every NCAA champion from 2015-2018* - CanHartlebHireSnider April 20, 2022, 18:19:24 No farewell tour? Wth!* - Dilbert April 20, 2022, 18:13:00 Wow. Cam Whitmore??* - OB25 April 20, 2022, 18:12:44 Re-route some of that Kofi NIL money!* - Carl Spackler April 20, 2022, 18:38:41 Turn those machines back on!* - DT April 20, 2022, 19:03:54 Oh #### that would be hawt* - illini21 April 20, 2022, 18:21:52 had the same thought. he's...perfect* - snipes824 April 20, 2022, 18:13:54 Good for him. He’s 60, has accomplished everything, and has made tens of millions - DT April 20, 2022, 18:11:31 How many are afraid to Bear Bryant or Joe Paterno it?* - CanHartlebHireSnider April 20, 2022, 18:23:21 I can’t believe I’m defending Boeheim but he has been coaching his boys these last few years - illini April 20, 2022, 18:19:37 Plus the portal and NIL must be a PITA to deal with * - jdl April 20, 2022, 18:16:10 That’s a good point. NIL tilts the playing field even more towards football schools - DT April 20, 2022, 18:20:44 brad on kofi's departure + roster stuff - snipes824 April 20, 2022, 16:48:44 Lieb gets an “elite” mention! (“elite runner”)* - OB25 April 20, 2022, 17:09:18 ha, yeah that was good - snipes824 April 20, 2022, 17:15:59 such a fun career to watch. go man go. * - memyselfandillini April 20, 2022, 15:42:35 I’m trying to keep up with our portal options. Do we want David Jones? - illini21 April 20, 2022, 15:28:33 On Twitter, Andrew Slater seems to imply Jones will join AC at St. John's. - Kajagoogoo April 20, 2022, 16:41:38 He’s working on his shitty Big East school bingo card* - CWR10 April 20, 2022, 16:50:01 Key thing with the portal - after May 1 you have to sit out a year if you enter. - OB25 April 20, 2022, 15:47:01 Does adding him nudge RJ towards the portal or am I being paranoid?* - Tortillini April 20, 2022, 15:40:07 He and RJ are supposedly buds. - Illiniphil April 20, 2022, 15:51:34 They are Instagram live together right now! - Dilbert April 20, 2022, 20:29:03 don't add him until May 2nd - Dilbert April 20, 2022, 15:45:04 6’6” wing, yes please. Can’t shoot, no thanks - snipes824 April 20, 2022, 15:30:18 Probably too early to say he "can't shoot" - jdl April 20, 2022, 16:33:34 1) he improved his 3 pt shooting a ton from year to year; 2) his defensive/rebounding stats - gvibes April 20, 2022, 15:53:30 Yeah that’s why I was asking. Was looking at his stats and shooting seems pretty suspect* - illini21 April 20, 2022, 15:46:41 Hard to say if it was Bc he was at depaul but he was out to get his a lot* - Mrap24 April 20, 2022, 16:06:14 Absolutely* - CWR10 April 20, 2022, 15:29:41 Yes.* - Illiniphil April 20, 2022, 15:29:09 God bless him. Great kid* - MtHoodIllini April 20, 2022, 12:46:29 Tshiebwe returning to UK* - AintHatin April 20, 2022, 12:29:26 Tshiebwe returning to UK * - jdl April 20, 2022, 12:29:12 Believe this was expected.* - EffinIllini April 20, 2022, 12:32:46 This is a big shocker to me. Why is he not going pro? * - Taz April 20, 2022, 12:31:49 Make more money at UK through NIL* - Carl Spackler April 20, 2022, 12:32:32 Kentucky NIL >>>>> Illinois NIL (probably)* - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 12:45:01 Also he couldn't get NIL money last year, now he can - jdl April 20, 2022, 12:48:32 same reason why Kofi, financially speaking, probably shouldn't go pro. Better money in college* - gvibes April 20, 2022, 12:32:31 For Kofi, yes. I thought Tshiebwe is a better NBA prospect than Kofi* - Taz April 20, 2022, 12:34:42 They play the same game only Kofi is a few inches taller. - bjl63 April 20, 2022, 14:26:38 I thought they both had 2nd->undrafted-ish grades* - gvibes April 20, 2022, 12:43:20 Yeah also the same age. If you can get paid in college it's smarter financially to bank that* - CanHartlebHireSnider April 20, 2022, 12:44:58 Dammit jdl* - AintHatin April 20, 2022, 12:29:44 Hey I told him he should go pro! * - jdl April 20, 2022, 12:32:55 What is the deadline for portal kids to commit to new schools and be eligible for next season? * - illini April 20, 2022, 12:20:50 Have to be in the portal by May 1 - jdl April 20, 2022, 12:24:09 Thanks * - illini April 20, 2022, 15:41:52 Not much amuses me more than someone claiming on Twitter that a recruit - GMAW April 20, 2022, 11:38:59 LOL. Tre Mitchell is back in the portal, and Tony Bergeron is selling a package deal again* - GMAW April 20, 2022, 11:33:35 No surprise we're mentioned with D Jones - jdl April 20, 2022, 11:20:49 yes, please* - VIV April 20, 2022, 12:38:22 Well maybe this time we get him.... - jdl April 20, 2022, 11:11:06 Lol - Mrap24 April 20, 2022, 11:37:33 Poor kid. - illinilosch April 20, 2022, 12:10:51 Bah!* - GMAW April 20, 2022, 11:34:27 Guess the concerns about the overbearing stepdad were legit. - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 11:13:46 Also quite the revolving door in Austin * - jdl April 20, 2022, 11:15:27 So... as much as this stinks (but was certainly not a shock), at least we know where we are now. - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 10:46:50 The possibility even that Hutch will be on the team next year seems nuts* - gvibes April 20, 2022, 12:44:20 I don’t think it’s actually a possibility. Sucks because I do believe he could have been good* - OB25 April 20, 2022, 16:08:41 I don't watch a lot of Texas games, but every time I watched, Ramey seemed out of control* - GMAW April 20, 2022, 11:35:19 1.6 assits/1.2 TOs, that stat ratio looks familiar* - shua April 20, 2022, 12:11:14 Good info... in that case, I'd almost rather take my chances with our freshmen... - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 12:16:10 I’m guessing we are rolling with Clark running point next year. Have to think that was - voiceofreason April 20, 2022, 11:23:58 has there been any Grandy or Hutch sightings working out with the team?... - shua April 20, 2022, 10:56:09 That, I don't know. - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 10:58:03 I would love love love to see BBV make a leap.. * - illini April 20, 2022, 10:54:01 <SFC> We agree <Backboards> * - UofIL6 April 20, 2022, 10:57:54 What we saw against Purdue is his upside. - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 10:55:37 That's fine. I just love his story - illini April 20, 2022, 11:21:33 yeah, it's the same thing I said about Podz. - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 11:30:16 And that's fine. He has value if he can carve that niche* - bjl63 April 20, 2022, 10:56:39 Re: I would love love love to see BBV make a layup.. * - jdl April 20, 2022, 10:55:31 Bates doesn't appear to be an option. And it seems that the Illini staff is keeping an eye on future - Kajagoogoo April 20, 2022, 10:49:21 247 guys have said in the past the staff also likes having an open ride for possible mid-season guys - jayd April 20, 2022, 15:02:44 Hopkins is already going to PRovidence, isn't he?* - Illiniphil April 20, 2022, 11:18:18 LOL, this sounds like the start of a Loyalty discussion, but yes ... - Kajagoogoo April 20, 2022, 11:36:42 What schools are options for TSJ? Any chance he returns to Tech?* - CubsWonWorldSeries April 20, 2022, 10:53:33 He said he's not going back to TT * - jdl April 20, 2022, 10:54:39 MIchigan* - CanHartlebHireSnider April 20, 2022, 10:54:29 Supposedly can't get past admissions.* - Illiniphil April 20, 2022, 11:23:27 there or here (or both)?* - Dilbert April 20, 2022, 12:36:41 If Hawkins were to be the starting 5, it seems like Hopkins could become a fit. - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 10:51:43 Hopkins is headed to Providence. I think Undy & Co. are waiting to see who exits the draft. - Kajagoogoo April 20, 2022, 11:06:12 Underwood was giddy about how 5 out worked in the Ohio State game* - JeffFrank April 20, 2022, 11:04:53 I think Dainja has already checked the “fill Kofi’s role” box - DT April 20, 2022, 10:56:42 Agree - jdl April 20, 2022, 10:59:13 Not sure the guys leaving the draft will be a factor - jdl April 20, 2022, 10:51:38 Most enter the portal at the same time as declaring so they can transfer - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 11:03:11 Yeah, good point - jdl April 20, 2022, 11:09:47 what kind of comps are there currently in the NBA?... - shua April 20, 2022, 10:24:07 Garza for the Pistons?* - CubsWonWorldSeries April 20, 2022, 10:38:10 and even he's taking a third of his shots from behind the arc* - shua April 20, 2022, 10:52:11 not a lot - Sammich April 20, 2022, 10:33:17 Yeah, it's almost zero. It's the Drummonds, the Steven Adams types. - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 10:48:12 He also needs to get some better lift. - Carl Spackler April 20, 2022, 10:52:14 I swear if you watch his frosh highlights he was quicker and more athletic - Blazer April 20, 2022, 10:58:37 I still think he was dealing with COVID stuff. - Carl Spackler April 20, 2022, 11:21:27 Physically, he would be a perfect 1980s enforcer type. Those guys are out of the game... - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 10:53:10 Rudy Goebert is a huge guy, but he's very mobile compared to Kofi. * - illiniranger April 20, 2022, 10:43:32 Jahlil Okafor isn't in the league anymore is he?* - UofIL6 April 20, 2022, 10:41:10 He's in China* - CanHartlebHireSnider April 20, 2022, 10:42:33 what does a player in China, Spain, etc make? I'd assume most are on 6 figure contracts with a few 7 - illiniranger April 20, 2022, 10:44:03 Top leagues you can make six figures and if you’re a star, seven. * - ATL April 20, 2022, 10:51:37 yeah, it's why he stayed 3 years - jdl April 20, 2022, 10:38:16 Good luck. I guess he really didn't want to be in school anymore - CanHartlebHireSnider April 20, 2022, 10:17:30 I think he's making the right move. - baconface April 20, 2022, 11:19:59 It's not like he's leaving the entire amount on the table. He could still make decent money... - Tuscy April 20, 2022, 10:24:59 If he could have made $1 mill off NIL, why risk it? - CubsWonWorldSeries April 20, 2022, 10:40:12 And by going pro rather than transferring, should still be long-term earning opportunities for him… - OB25 April 20, 2022, 10:28:56 There's still such a thing as time value of money - CanHartlebHireSnider April 20, 2022, 10:39:03 him going pro makes me suspect the ~ $1mm NIL isn't true * - illiniranger April 20, 2022, 10:46:21 I think he just really wanted to leave - CanHartlebHireSnider April 20, 2022, 10:49:31 He would have been 23 by the time next season started - GMAW April 20, 2022, 10:21:23 Judging by what I’ve heard of G League life, the college route seems more attractive. - Carl Spackler April 20, 2022, 10:39:54 NIL should really put a damper in the G League. I think they my be able to throw - CubsWonWorldSeries April 20, 2022, 10:42:41 I agree with that. I think he really just wanted to move on* - CanHartlebHireSnider April 20, 2022, 10:36:27 by the time i reached my senior year at 21 i was certainly ready to gtfo and start my life* - biclops April 20, 2022, 10:33:48 JCL:"What a youngster. He should stay a few more years"* - HamptonSki April 20, 2022, 10:23:16 Lol* - Taz April 20, 2022, 10:26:58 Yeah there’s hardly anyone left that he has any kind of relationship with. - OB25 April 20, 2022, 10:23:11 Still crazy to think about the big guys that we were in deep with in Kofi’s recruiting class. - OB25 April 20, 2022, 10:15:34 Jus remembered... that time when Kofi accidentally almost killed a ref - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 10:07:35 ooo - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 10:09:42 Have fun in the 2nd round* - timmer April 20, 2022, 9:59:48 it's worked for him the last two years* - Sammich April 20, 2022, 10:02:18 Don't forget to tip your waiters* - HamptonSki April 20, 2022, 10:05:30 Ayo sure did* - Phytynlini April 20, 2022, 10:01:26 Do the Bulls have a 2nd round pick this year? * - jdl April 20, 2022, 10:06:51 They do need a backup big * - MC April 20, 2022, 10:14:55 Things i'm excited about for next year - CWR10 April 20, 2022, 9:49:13 And I'm worried that too much will be put on Skyy. He's a stud but still recovering - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 10:01:26 Seems like they want to add a veteran guard - jdl April 20, 2022, 10:04:50 The fun thing there could be, unless he's guaranteed to be some sort of lottery pick, I wonder - GrandmotherPearlsJam April 20, 2022, 10:02:52 Best case scenario. Plus, with NIL he'll be getting paid. Seems super marketable* - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 10:03:39 As it stands now, I think we could be really fun on offense and really bad on defense.* - OB25 April 20, 2022, 9:57:03 It depends. Brad has really focused on defense a lot the last couple years. - Taz April 20, 2022, 10:11:28 I’m sure he’ll focus on it, there’s just almost no scenario where all these young/inexperienced guys - OB25 April 20, 2022, 10:24:37 Like maybe 75% of college hoops teams? * - osklister April 20, 2022, 10:01:32 this is my thought as well* - biclops April 20, 2022, 9:58:53 Soph leap RJ and Goode - jdl April 20, 2022, 9:56:39 the leadership thing was one of the (many) reasons i thought shannon jr was a good fit - biclops April 20, 2022, 10:02:20 This. Also, I could see a big leap for ColeHawk because of the greater emphasis - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 10:00:27 Next year is going to be interesting and exciting. Returning 15% of scoring and 19% of minutes... - shua April 20, 2022, 9:18:56 With Kofi I was thinking 2003 was the comp. Without, maybe a poor man’s version of 2000? - DT April 20, 2022, 9:34:28 I fear it'll be more of a rich man's version of '99 - Sammich April 20, 2022, 9:47:00 Possible but at least the Big Ten doesn't appear it will be anywhere close to as good as '99 - jdl April 20, 2022, 9:51:10 2000? That team returned everyone and added Frankie and Grif* - bucktownillini April 20, 2022, 9:35:56 Right, but the returnees were basically a bunch of role players. - DT April 20, 2022, 9:37:45 I wouldn't call Sergio and Bradford role players* - bucktownillini April 20, 2022, 9:41:55 Sergio was....glue guy - jdl April 20, 2022, 9:58:36 Rodgers sounds like a more talented Sergio* - bjl63 April 20, 2022, 10:00:11 ooo - jdl April 20, 2022, 10:06:18 See, but that guy said "maybe". No hedging in this thread. ;-) - osklister April 20, 2022, 10:07:44 ESPN's final '22 rankings - jdl April 20, 2022, 9:09:29 Simply dead ass wrong on Epps. * - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 9:10:27 I'm excited about Rodgers too* - bjl63 April 20, 2022, 9:24:21 Throw in Harris too. - illinilosch April 20, 2022, 10:34:48 Yep, he was a winner in high school. He could have a great career* - CubsWonWorldSeries April 20, 2022, 10:37:52 This. He's the guy that will stick around for 4 years and the B10 will hate him* - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 10:02:58 ESPN's rankings have been trash for many years now. Their main guy just left as well - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 9:12:20 Time for Hawk to become a monster * - illini April 20, 2022, 8:58:12 Legend of Kofi will be the greatest “Legend of…” in modern history. - MC April 20, 2022, 8:52:54 This* - Blazer April 20, 2022, 9:38:21 Kofi was great ... thanks for everything ... now bring on a long athletic floor runner* - ab75 April 20, 2022, 8:45:55 This. Give me long, lean, and athletic going forward* - bjl63 April 20, 2022, 8:54:46 just watched my first 2 minutes of Danja ... do work Fletch - ab75 April 20, 2022, 8:49:11 He’s supposedly dropped a bunch of weight already* - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 9:15:47 Be better if he was lifting it, but I’m not a professional trainer.* - DT April 20, 2022, 9:35:47 After you lift it, gotta drop it * - jdl April 20, 2022, 9:37:46 I really hope for his sake this all works out the way he wants it to. - Illiniphil April 20, 2022, 8:45:34 I wish him the best and would buy him a beer if he ended up at a bar next to me. * - harb April 20, 2022, 8:43:46 Makes sense though he's almost certainly leaving a lot of $$ on the table - jdl April 20, 2022, 8:38:50 In reality, staying with everybody you know leaving...that would have been hard. - JFG April 20, 2022, 8:44:15 I'm sure we're been in contact with some portal options. Could use another post - UofIL6 April 20, 2022, 8:36:51 BVB has played reasonably well there* - Quiz April 20, 2022, 9:49:02 Dainja/Hawkins could work - jdl April 20, 2022, 8:40:03 I would Laugh if like Brandon Lieb turns out to be good. * - JacobRDaugherty April 20, 2022, 9:00:04 All in on Vander Plas being a back up here. Would probably be my top choice * - JacobRDaugherty April 20, 2022, 8:38:53 He was the best. Good luck Kofi. Give ‘em hell. * - illini April 20, 2022, 8:36:38 It was ridiculously fun having a legit BBMDL - illini21 April 20, 2022, 8:33:00 Seriously. He made me cackle out load many times over the last few years. - CWR10 April 20, 2022, 9:39:27 Thanks for everything Kofi. Here’s to a long and prosperous career* - CWR10 April 20, 2022, 8:27:29 Kofi highlight montage - Carl Spackler April 20, 2022, 8:26:36 All hail our BBMDL. It was everything we hoped for* - Jackie April 20, 2022, 8:23:03 Yep* - EffinIllini April 20, 2022, 9:28:03 He really stretched our ceiling* - GMAW April 20, 2022, 9:27:27 Best of luck big fella. - illinilosch April 20, 2022, 8:22:42 Like 99.99% outcome from the Ayo and Kofi recruitments. Really unbelievable. - Carl Spackler April 20, 2022, 8:18:58 Thank you analytics and global pandemic! * - jdl April 20, 2022, 8:55:45 Absolutely. They delivered far more than we had a right to expect, both in years and performance - DT April 20, 2022, 8:41:34 I'd like to check your match on that one. - HamptonSki April 20, 2022, 8:27:06 Considering that they lost one entire year of opportunities, I think that's fair* - Taz April 20, 2022, 9:13:33 If we recruit multiple 5 stars, my 99.9% outcome consists of at least one Sweet 16 - HamptonSki April 20, 2022, 10:09:52 We haven't had multiple 5 stars since '89 * - jdl April 20, 2022, 10:23:08 Close enough. My point stands* - HamptonSki April 20, 2022, 10:25:35 In terms of player production, it’s absolutely correct.* - Carl Spackler April 20, 2022, 8:29:17 Literally the only thing keeping it from being the best case scenario is a lack of tourney success * - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 8:21:27 Best of luck to Kofi. - EffinIllini April 20, 2022, 8:17:51 May want to edit subject line to say he’s going pro. - Carl Spackler April 20, 2022, 8:17:10 A legend. So grateful for his role bringing us back.* - AintHatin April 20, 2022, 8:16:34 We got spoiled and got an extra year watching him play here. Was hoping for another. Good luck* - ibdoc April 20, 2022, 8:15:54 Does anybody know his visa status once he leaves school?* - bbonb April 20, 2022, 8:15:08 Best of luck Kofi! Hope you get to play on an NBA court with Ayo* - HamptonSki April 20, 2022, 8:14:05 Michigan State is going to be tough next year - GMAW April 20, 2022, 8:10:39 Do you have to be a fan now? - bjl63 April 20, 2022, 8:13:37 I told her I will root for football, but I can’t root for Izzo* - GMAW April 20, 2022, 8:21:43 Tucker is going to elevate that program. - EffinIllini April 20, 2022, 9:34:43 Married to a Spartan and this is how I handle it.* - ISeeDeadHawkeyes April 20, 2022, 8:30:13 Best of luck. Glad we got the extra season with him* - shua April 20, 2022, 8:09:07 See you next year for a jersey raising. - uofi1998 April 20, 2022, 8:08:31 Good for him. Rooting hard for him to succeed and looking forward - bjl63 April 20, 2022, 8:07:53 This. His success directly impacts our program's perception - OWWDig April 20, 2022, 8:19:30 Glad it's this and not the portal * - aimlessillini April 20, 2022, 8:07:26 Yep* - Ron McDon April 20, 2022, 8:08:38 Well heck* - Tooldresser April 20, 2022, 8:06:25 Good for him. Hope he makes it* - snipes824 April 20, 2022, 8:05:30 Best of luck to him, I hope he does well in the NBA!!* - TarheelIllini April 20, 2022, 8:05:05 What a career. Hope he gets a shot in the association * - John Coctostan April 20, 2022, 8:04:23 Best of luck big man. You are an Illini great * - Cunativeson April 20, 2022, 8:04:05   Searching