Illinois 2024

[mushroomgod_1]

I thought it would be interesting to do a series of threads about the prospects of our BT competition next year.

This won't be intended to be a thorough vetting....just an initial look at who projects to be in the rotation at the BT non-western 14 (I''ll leave the Pac 4 teams to someone else).

Lets begin with Illinois.

They lost all but one of their top 8 scorers, assuming Goode remains in the portal as expected. They have a good but not great HS recruiting class. Also, a good but not great portal class, imo.

Based on what I've seen their rotation would likely include**:

--6'3 PG Kylan Boswell, TR from AZ
--6'10" Casey Booth, TR from ND
--6'6" Ty Rogers, a returning starter
--6'8: Morez Johnson, a highly regarded (35 or so) HS recruit
--6'7" Trey White, TR from UL
--6'3" Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
--6'6" Jake Davis, TR from Mercer. This is an interesting kid. He's not particularly highly rated by 247 or ON3, but I'm not sure why not. Last year, as a true freshman, he shot 48% on 2s, 39% on 3s, and 85% on FTs. He's a high volume 3 pt shooter, taking twice as many 3s as 2s. And a decent-good rebounder for 6'6". He's listed at 6'6" 220 lbs, and was lightly recruited out of Indianapolis Cathedral HS.

There is a huge ?? about Illinois basketball next year. Marcus Domask has hired an atty and applied for an extra year of eligibility He's played 5 years, but only played in 10 games one of his years at SIU, and is seeking another year.

Other players who could fight for some pt are little guard Nicolo Moretti (European) and 6'10" freshman recruit Jason Sakstys.

Predictions...........I'm not aware of any additional high value portal guys Illinois may be recruiting....as things stand, without Domask, they look like a team that might finish between 6th and 9th in the expanded BT. Outside shooting could be an issue if Davis struggles, and there is no proven center. But there is some talent. Add Domask and they probably are more like a 4th-7th team, imo.

Thoughts?

**EDIT--6'9" Ben Humrichous, from Evansville added to rotation. Domask will not challenge eligibilty.
**EDIT #2--Illinois has added 2024 recuit 7'1" 230lb Croation Tomislav Ivisic, twin brother of Zvonimar Ivisic, now at Ark., late of UK.

 

[kkott]

I thought it would be interesting to do a series of threads about the prospects of our BT competition next year.

This won't be intended to be a thorough vetting....just an initial look at who projects to be in the rotation at the BT non-western 14 (I''ll leave the Pac 4 teams to someone else).

Lets begin with Illinois.

They lost all but one of their top 8 scorers, assuming Goode remains in the portal as expected. They have a good but not great HS recruiting class. Also, a good but not great portal class, imo.

Based on what I've seen their rotation would likely include:

--6'3 PG Kylan Boswell, TR from AZ
--6'10" Casey Booth, TR from ND
--6'6" Ty Rogers, a returning starter
--6'8: Morez Johnson, a highly regarded (35 or so) HS recruit
--6'7" Trey White, TR from UL
--6'3" Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
--6'6" Jake Davis, TR from Mercer. This is an interesting kid. He's not particularly highly rated by 247 or ON3, but I'm not sure why not. Last year, as a true freshman, he shot 48% on 2s, 39% on 3s, and 85% on FTs. He's a high volume 3 pt shooter, taking twice as many 3s as 2s. And a decent-good rebounder for 6'6". He's listed at 6'6" 220 lbs, and was lightly recruited out of Indianapolis Cathedral HS.

There is a huge ?? about Illinois basketball next year. Marcus Domask has hired an atty and applied for an extra year of eligibility He's played 5 years, but only played in 10 games one of his years at SIU, and is seeking another year.

Other players who could fight for some pt are little guard Nicolo Moretti (European) and 6'10" freshman recruit Jason Sakstys.

Predictions...........I'm not aware of any additional high value portal guys Illinois may be recruiting....as things stand, without Domask, they look like a team that might finish between 6th and 9th in the expanded BT. Outside shooting could be an issue if Davis struggles, and there is no proven center. But there is some talent. Add Domask and they probably are more like a 4th-7th team, imo.

Thoughts?

Good coach, and he'll likely get them to play hard. I think the great unknown when you have to add so many players from the portal how the chemistry is. Sometimes it works and sometimes it takes awhile to gel, and sometimes it never does. I'd think based on what you projected, they'd be more in the 4-7 range, and even higher if "it works" before the B10 season gets rolling.

 

[GOSHOE71]

I thought it would be interesting to do a series of threads about the prospects of our BT competition next year.

This won't be intended to be a thorough vetting....just an initial look at who projects to be in the rotation at the BT non-western 14 (I''ll leave the Pac 4 teams to someone else).

Lets begin with Illinois.

They lost all but one of their top 8 scorers, assuming Goode remains in the portal as expected. They have a good but not great HS recruiting class. Also, a good but not great portal class, imo.

Based on what I've seen their rotation would likely include:

--6'3 PG Kylan Boswell, TR from AZ
--6'10" Casey Booth, TR from ND
--6'6" Ty Rogers, a returning starter
--6'8: Morez Johnson, a highly regarded (35 or so) HS recruit
--6'7" Trey White, TR from UL
--6'3" Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
--6'6" Jake Davis, TR from Mercer. This is an interesting kid. He's not particularly highly rated by 247 or ON3, but I'm not sure why not. Last year, as a true freshman, he shot 48% on 2s, 39% on 3s, and 85% on FTs. He's a high volume 3 pt shooter, taking twice as many 3s as 2s. And a decent-good rebounder for 6'6". He's listed at 6'6" 220 lbs, and was lightly recruited out of Indianapolis Cathedral HS.

There is a huge ?? about Illinois basketball next year. Marcus Domask has hired an atty and applied for an extra year of eligibility He's played 5 years, but only played in 10 games one of his years at SIU, and is seeking another year.

Other players who could fight for some pt are little guard Nicolo Moretti (European) and 6'10" freshman recruit Jason Sakstys.

Predictions...........I'm not aware of any additional high value portal guys Illinois may be recruiting....as things stand, without Domask, they look like a team that might finish between 6th and 9th in the expanded BT. Outside shooting could be an issue if Davis struggles, and there is no proven center. But there is some talent. Add Domask and they probably are more like a 4th-7th team, imo.

Thoughts?

I think Dainja was a big loss to them. He really came on strong at end of year and the NCAA tourney.

 

[VanPastorMan]

I thought it would be interesting to do a series of threads about the prospects of our BT competition next year.

This won't be intended to be a thorough vetting....just an initial look at who projects to be in the rotation at the BT non-western 14 (I''ll leave the Pac 4 teams to someone else).

Lets begin with Illinois.

They lost all but one of their top 8 scorers, assuming Goode remains in the portal as expected. They have a good but not great HS recruiting class. Also, a good but not great portal class, imo.

Based on what I've seen their rotation would likely include:

--6'3 PG Kylan Boswell, TR from AZ
--6'10" Casey Booth, TR from ND
--6'6" Ty Rogers, a returning starter
--6'8: Morez Johnson, a highly regarded (35 or so) HS recruit
--6'7" Trey White, TR from UL
--6'3" Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
--6'6" Jake Davis, TR from Mercer. This is an interesting kid. He's not particularly highly rated by 247 or ON3, but I'm not sure why not. Last year, as a true freshman, he shot 48% on 2s, 39% on 3s, and 85% on FTs. He's a high volume 3 pt shooter, taking twice as many 3s as 2s. And a decent-good rebounder for 6'6". He's listed at 6'6" 220 lbs, and was lightly recruited out of Indianapolis Cathedral HS.

There is a huge ?? about Illinois basketball next year. Marcus Domask has hired an atty and applied for an extra year of eligibility He's played 5 years, but only played in 10 games one of his years at SIU, and is seeking another year.

Other players who could fight for some pt are little guard Nicolo Moretti (European) and 6'10" freshman recruit Jason Sakstys.

Predictions...........I'm not aware of any additional high value portal guys Illinois may be recruiting....as things stand, without Domask, they look like a team that might finish between 6th and 9th in the expanded BT. Outside shooting could be an issue if Davis struggles, and there is no proven center. But there is some talent. Add Domask and they probably are more like a 4th-7th team, imo.

Thoughts?

I loved Jake Davis when he was at Cathedral. He would hit important 3's and would seem to take a lot of charges. He was a disrupter.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I loved Jake Davis when he was at Cathedral. He would hit important 3's and would seem to take a lot of charges. He was a disrupter.

Good to hear from someone who saw him play.

247 has him rated at 299---seems very low given his age & stats. For reference, Goode checked in at 115, CJ Gunn at 208.

Illinois must also feel he's underrated.

 

[bsmitty08]

I thought it would be interesting to do a series of threads about the prospects of our BT competition next year.

This won't be intended to be a thorough vetting....just an initial look at who projects to be in the rotation at the BT non-western 14 (I''ll leave the Pac 4 teams to someone else).

Lets begin with Illinois.

They lost all but one of their top 8 scorers, assuming Goode remains in the portal as expected. They have a good but not great HS recruiting class. Also, a good but not great portal class, imo.

Based on what I've seen their rotation would likely include:

--6'3 PG Kylan Boswell, TR from AZ
--6'10" Casey Booth, TR from ND
--6'6" Ty Rogers, a returning starter
--6'8: Morez Johnson, a highly regarded (35 or so) HS recruit
--6'7" Trey White, TR from UL
--6'3" Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
--6'6" Jake Davis, TR from Mercer. This is an interesting kid. He's not particularly highly rated by 247 or ON3, but I'm not sure why not. Last year, as a true freshman, he shot 48% on 2s, 39% on 3s, and 85% on FTs. He's a high volume 3 pt shooter, taking twice as many 3s as 2s. And a decent-good rebounder for 6'6". He's listed at 6'6" 220 lbs, and was lightly recruited out of Indianapolis Cathedral HS.

There is a huge ?? about Illinois basketball next year. Marcus Domask has hired an atty and applied for an extra year of eligibility He's played 5 years, but only played in 10 games one of his years at SIU, and is seeking another year.

Other players who could fight for some pt are little guard Nicolo Moretti (European) and 6'10" freshman recruit Jason Sakstys.

Predictions...........I'm not aware of any additional high value portal guys Illinois may be recruiting....as things stand, without Domask, they look like a team that might finish between 6th and 9th in the expanded BT. Outside shooting could be an issue if Davis struggles, and there is no proven center. But there is some talent. Add Domask and they probably are more like a 4th-7th team, imo.

Thoughts?

Illinois just offered Ben Humrichous big money

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I thought it would be interesting to do a series of threads about the prospects of our BT competition next year.

This won't be intended to be a thorough vetting....just an initial look at who projects to be in the rotation at the BT non-western 14 (I''ll leave the Pac 4 teams to someone else).

Lets begin with Illinois.

They lost all but one of their top 8 scorers, assuming Goode remains in the portal as expected. They have a good but not great HS recruiting class. Also, a good but not great portal class, imo.

Based on what I've seen their rotation would likely include**:

--6'3 PG Kylan Boswell, TR from AZ
--6'10" Casey Booth, TR from ND
--6'6" Ty Rogers, a returning starter
--6'8: Morez Johnson, a highly regarded (35 or so) HS recruit
--6'7" Trey White, TR from UL
--6'3" Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
--6'6" Jake Davis, TR from Mercer. This is an interesting kid. He's not particularly highly rated by 247 or ON3, but I'm not sure why not. Last year, as a true freshman, he shot 48% on 2s, 39% on 3s, and 85% on FTs. He's a high volume 3 pt shooter, taking twice as many 3s as 2s. And a decent-good rebounder for 6'6". He's listed at 6'6" 220 lbs, and was lightly recruited out of Indianapolis Cathedral HS.

There is a huge ?? about Illinois basketball next year. Marcus Domask has hired an atty and applied for an extra year of eligibility He's played 5 years, but only played in 10 games one of his years at SIU, and is seeking another year.

Other players who could fight for some pt are little guard Nicolo Moretti (European) and 6'10" freshman recruit Jason Sakstys.

Predictions...........I'm not aware of any additional high value portal guys Illinois may be recruiting....as things stand, without Domask, they look like a team that might finish between 6th and 9th in the expanded BT. Outside shooting could be an issue if Davis struggles, and there is no proven center. But there is some talent. Add Domask and they probably are more like a 4th-7th team, imo.

Thoughts?

**EDIT--6'9" Ben Humrichous, from Evansville added to rotation. Domask will not challenge eligibilty.
**EDIT #2--Illinois has added 2024 recuit 7'1" 230lb Croation Tomislav Ivisic, twin brother of Zvonimar Ivisic, now at Ark., late of UK.

Illinois has added as a 2024 recruit Tomislav Ivisic, 7'1" 230 lbs twin brother of Zvonimor Ivisic, now ar Ark, formerly at UK. Looks like a sold contributor for next year. Typical modern European big man who can shoot from the outside. Probably does play behind stud true freshman Morez Johnson.

 

[BoilerN]

Pretty sure Domask got denied, post lawyer.

 

[barney31]

They have a wing scorer and a combo guard on the way......

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I thought it would be interesting to do a series of threads about the prospects of our BT competition next year.

This won't be intended to be a thorough vetting....just an initial look at who projects to be in the rotation at the BT non-western 14 (I''ll leave the Pac 4 teams to someone else).

Lets begin with Illinois.

They lost all but one of their top 8 scorers, assuming Goode remains in the portal as expected. They have a good but not great HS recruiting class. Also, a good but not great portal class, imo.

Based on what I've seen their rotation would likely include**:

--6'3 PG Kylan Boswell, TR from AZ
--6'10" Casey Booth, TR from ND
--6'6" Ty Rogers, a returning starter
--6'8: Morez Johnson, a highly regarded (35 or so) HS recruit
--6'7" Trey White, TR from UL
--6'3" Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
--6'6" Jake Davis, TR from Mercer. This is an interesting kid. He's not particularly highly rated by 247 or ON3, but I'm not sure why not. Last year, as a true freshman, he shot 48% on 2s, 39% on 3s, and 85% on FTs. He's a high volume 3 pt shooter, taking twice as many 3s as 2s. And a decent-good rebounder for 6'6". He's listed at 6'6" 220 lbs, and was lightly recruited out of Indianapolis Cathedral HS.

There is a huge ?? about Illinois basketball next year. Marcus Domask has hired an atty and applied for an extra year of eligibility He's played 5 years, but only played in 10 games one of his years at SIU, and is seeking another year.

Other players who could fight for some pt are little guard Nicolo Moretti (European) and 6'10" freshman recruit Jason Sakstys.

Predictions...........I'm not aware of any additional high value portal guys Illinois may be recruiting....as things stand, without Domask, they look like a team that might finish between 6th and 9th in the expanded BT. Outside shooting could be an issue if Davis struggles, and there is no proven center. But there is some talent. Add Domask and they probably are more like a 4th-7th team, imo.

Thoughts?

**EDIT--6'9" Ben Humrichous, from Evansville added to rotation. Domask will not challenge eligibilty.
**EDIT #2--Illinois has added 2024 recuit 7'1" 230lb Croation Tomislav Ivisic, twin brother of Zvonimar Ivisic, now at Ark., late of UK. **EDIT #3 6'5" Kasporas Jakucionis, a Lithuanian '24 prospect, has commttied ti Illinois.

6'5" '24 Lithuanian guard prospect Kasporas Jakucionis has committed to Illinois. He's able to play PG and may, or may not, be a game-changer, depending on who you ask. At a minimum, it sounds as though he may be solidly in the playing rotation.

 

[bsmitty08]

6'5" '24 Lithuanian guard prospect Kasporas Jakucionis has committed to Illinois. He's able to play PG and may, or may not, be a game-changer, depending on who you ask. At a minimum, it sounds as though he may be solidly in the playing rotation.

They claim he is a one and done

 

[Tammany Hall]

Mystery Euro player, interesting.

Stats look good (notably shooting percentages). Nice form in videos. I don’t know the competition level to put all this in context.

Probably a nice get for Illinois unfortunately.

Link for stats profile:
Stats

 

[mushroomgod_1]

They claim he is a one and done

When I went back and looked at my evaluation of Illinois I thought I had over-rated them initially., as they lacked star power. Boswell looked to be their best player. They've since added Humrichous, the 7'1" Ukrainian, and now this kid. I don't see Humrichous or the tall Ukrainian as stars, but they look solid. If this kid is the real deal, they look like a BT championship contender. If he's over-hyped, more like a 3-6 place finisher.

 

[bsmitty08]

When I went back and looked at my evaluation of Illinois I thought I had over-rated them initially., as they lacked star power. Boswell looked to be their best player. They've since added Humrichous, the 7'1" Ukrainian, and now this kid. I don't see Humrichous or the tall Ukrainian as stars, but they look solid. If this kid is the real deal, they look like a BT championship contender. If he's over-hyped, more like a 3-6 place finisher.

I would say Illinois, PU, OSU, MSU, UCLA are top 5. Contenders and IU “should” be in top 5 as well.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I would say Illinois, PU, OSU, MSU, UCLA are top 5. Contenders and IU “should” be in top 5 as well.

Yes, I would agree that any of the six could win the BT. I really think IU has the most upside, but chemistry, coaching??

My 2nd tier BT schools (no particular order) would be Rutgers, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon, and Iowa. Rutgers appears to be the wild card. If the #2 & 3 rated freshman are all that, they could compete for the title. If either struggles, they could finish in the 2nd half of the BT.

My 3rd tier teams (no particular order) would be Wisconsin, Nebraska, PSU, NW, and Washington.

My 4th tier team would be USC

Last, and least, would be Minnesota.

All-in-all I think the BT will be much improved from last year.

 

[IUgradman]

I would say Illinois, PU, OSU, MSU, UCLA are top 5. Contenders and IU “should” be in top 5 as well.

If IU doesn’t finish in first the season was a waste, unless there is a deep NCAA tournament run.

 

[Tammany Hall]

Illinois late add. Seems to be a good player.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Illinois late add. Seems to be a good player.

View embedded media

Small forward type said to be a borderline top 10 guy in the class of '25, reclassifying to '24. I guess one NBA draft had him #16 in the draft next year.

Awhile back I did a rating based on how many players each BT team had that you would not not very surprised if they made 1st, 2nd or 3rd team all-BT next year......not 'will make', but legitimately 'could make' one of those teams.

I think IU has 6 of those guys---Ballo; M.R,; Mgbako; Rice; Carlyle; Galloway; Tucker
I think Illinois has 5---K. Boswell; T. Rogers; W. Riley; M. Johnson; K. Jakucionis
But, I think Illinois has 4 other guys I would call "quality back-ups".....guys that would start for most BT teams....C. Booth; T. White; Humrichous; and Ivisic; while I only see 1 for IU--Goode.

So....I view the IU & Illinois rosters as the most talented in the BT, and very comparable in terms of potential.

 

[T.M.P.]

So....I view the IU & Illinois rosters as the most talented in the BT, and very comparable in terms of potential.

UCLA has more than either.