IlliniHQ 2
General Category => Fighting Illini Basketball Forum => Topic started by: ILLINICHIEF on March 09, 2026, 10:29:56 AM
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How long until the wave starts building for 2026?
Who will the ILLINI lose...........we won't know who we will get until next spring I am sure. :P
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Maybe we make a run at this guy again? I know he isn't a transfer (released), but adding a 5 star and another from Missouri (St. Louis) to go with Morillo and Brown would help us in the backcourt. Immediate minutes will be available. Keep Andrej, and these guys...we will be okay I think. Maybe one more experienced CG?
https://247sports.com/player/quentin-coleman-46146666
Sounds like someone else we know a little bit.
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In Full swing....Daquan Davis a past offer is in there....this off season for portal is gonna be brutal imo.
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Always Wright is available again...........wonder what went wrong?
https://247sports.com/player/always-wright-46157210/college-356745/
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https://247sports.com/recruitment/jahki-howard-143332/recruitinterests/
Previous offeree...............and has had issues.
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If Wagler goes pro this year which I assume will happen. That will be what, BU's 4th or 5th guard to get drafted starting with Ayo?
Seems like a place a wing would want to play at. Less worried about transfers as I once was. Actually was never that worried. It was a select few chicken little posters freaking out when we lost Adam Miller.
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If Wagler goes pro this year which I assume will happen. That will be what, BU's 4th or 5th guard to get drafted starting with Ayo?
Seems like a place a wing would want to play at. Less worried about transfers as I once was. Actually was never that worried. It was a select few chicken little posters freaking out when we lost Adam Miller.
That was never a loss, except in the Chicago perception imo. Anyone that nicknames himself...........well.
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Alright, Alright, Alright....back at it again....
Maybe we can get Alright Right, and Always Right both?
https://www.on3.com/rivals/all-wright-250224/
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Northwestern is losing a redshirt 7' as Collins is going to rebuild the entire roster per reports.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5196943/cade-bennerman
https://247sports.com/player/cade-bennerman-46136809, michigan offer as well.
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Would not mind this kid at all next year....lefty dunking machine, however Alexander went to K-State, guess is he ends up there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f189rTMLgGM
https://247sports.com/player/drew-scharnowski-46132335/college-326640/
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appreciate all the updates Chief
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appreciate all the updates Chief
Your welcome, I follow at nauseum sometimes....but oh well. Keeps the off season interesting to me. Glad you like them.
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Kwame Evans in portal, ILLINI offered him back in 2020....WOW.
https://247sports.com/player/kwame-evans-jr-46101949/college-303094
Justyn Fernandez Illini offered him 2022...38% 3 pt shooter, 42 overall, 90 from FT but those matter so much (jk)
https://247sports.com/player/justyn-fernandez-46117057/college-356549/
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B1G bag-Brinks Truck to Mirk, get at least Big Z back (Tomi) maybe too, and add this
https://247sports.com/player/paulius-murauskas-46142509/college-355375/
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Izaiah Pasha - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzfL9Mpr7OY
Likes to get into the paint, creates own shot, average double figures at Delaware, buried on bench at VT?
6'5 205 pd true PG. Obviously lesser known, but with a lot of $$$$ going to others and the need for experienced guards, good choice imo.
The kid just didn't seem to fit at VT? CAA Rookie of the year at Delaware.
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Way To Early Portal additions I would love to have (assuming $$$ work) and team fit works.
Murauskas - St Mary's 6'8 235, Backup choice-maybe 1st choice, Scharnowski 6'9 230 Illinois kid, lefty, seems to be a BU kinda player.
Shelstad - Oregon 6'1 PG/SG, Backup choice-maybe 1st choice, as I don't think Shelstad would come to the ILLINI would be the Izaiah Pash listed above. That kid wants to get into the paint, and IF we have 3 pt shooters, we don't necassarily need a PG who shoots alot of them. Great size to his game as well.
Get both Ivisic bro's to return, of Andrej leaves so be it, would love to have his game again as far as taking over and driving on anyone, but at 24% 3 pt shooting, not worth the kind of $$$ he will want imo. Mirk a whole different story.
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Way To Early Portal additions I would love to have (assuming $$$ work) and team fit works.
Murauskas - St Mary's 6'8 235, Backup choice-maybe 1st choice, Scharnowski 6'9 230 Illinois kid, lefty, seems to be a BU kinda player.
Shelstad - Oregon 6'1 PG/SG, Backup choice-maybe 1st choice, as I don't think Shelstad would come to the ILLINI would be the Izaiah Pash listed above. That kid wants to get into the paint, and IF we have 3 pt shooters, we don't necassarily need a PG who shoots alot of them. Great size to his game as well.
Get both Ivisic bro's to return, of Andrej leaves so be it, would love to have his game again as far as taking over and driving on anyone, but at 24% 3 pt shooting, not worth the kind of $$$ he will want imo. Mirk a whole different story.
Nice to have guys who will take the ball to the hoop instead of settling for 3s.....
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https://247sports.com/player/andrija-bukumirovic-46165815
Name checks out for possible addition
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Sam Orme 6'9 230 joins Sharnowski and Lundblade has high priority from Blemont gets for a program...if we keep the Ivisic's not sure of our needs, however I wouldn't mind adding Sharnowski though.
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AJ CASEY, yes that one, is at it again.
https://247sports.com/player/aj-casey-46079383/college-357361/
#4 prospect out of Illinois back in the day
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Lets add this guy next year....https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5311829/neoklis-avdalas 6'9 215 G/F, replace Humrichous with him?
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Mar 26, 2026: Transfer
Sam Orme entered the transfer portal
https://247sports.com/player/sam-orme-46117582/
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/stats/_/id/5176310/sam-orme
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Mar 26, 2026: Transfer
Sam Orme entered the transfer portal
https://247sports.com/player/sam-orme-46117582/
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/stats/_/id/5176310/sam-orme
Saw that too, I think we may be in on him actually, although I would rather have the Sharnowski guy to be honest. It will depend on who we have left after losses?
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Don't know much about either. Depends on what you are looking for. Orme appears to be more of a stretch big. Almost 40% from three. Decent free throw shooter..
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Don't know much about either. Depends on what you are looking for. Orme appears to be more of a stretch big. Almost 40% from three. Decent free throw shooter..
He would be similar to Stoyakovic imo, Sharnowski would be more like Augustine imo.
Orme (Indiana guy) shoots the 3 at 42% and Sharnowski (illinois guy) is like 33%, but man he can run/rebound and pass.
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I looked at some video..
Augie might not be a bad comparison for Drew Scharnowski. He is long, rebounds, scores mostly in the paint. Shoots almost 70% from the field. But only 44% on ft, 20% on very low volume from three. Runs the court. Dunno if he is an Augie level athlete though
Don't see Andrej in Sam Orme. More like Humrichous.
Still, I would take a Stojakovic that shoots 40% from three..
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I looked at some video..
Augie might not be a bad comparison for Drew Scharnowski. He is long, rebounds, scores mostly in the paint. Shoots almost 70% from the field. But only 44% on ft, 20% on very low volume from three. Runs the court. Dunno if he is an Augie level athlete though
Don't see Andrej in Sam Orme. More like Humrichous.
Still, I would take a Stojakovic that shoots 40% from three..
Agreed they were the only two that came to mind. Orme quite a bit of Andrej here imo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e9DJnDdWBI
Catch one of the first few sentences and subliminal messaging....BU you watching?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnpiZj7hzmc
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If we are not at least inquiring about Alex Wilkins from Furman as our next lead guard....I would be shocked. That kid can ball, has Wagler height build, and is only a freshman.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Eea476PvqaM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezkhvD6Ec_Y&t=96s
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyV6ihzW6c4 We would have 2 Tomi's
https://www.santafenewmexican.com/sports/with-buljan-lobos-benefit-from-european-pipeline/article_ad817d41-0f0b-49ec-8fe7-601efbf5b7d7.html, ILLINOIS mentions.
Mirk 2.0? Freshman record rebounding. Averaged 13.1 points and 10.3 rebounds.
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Would still love to get Scharnowski to be a solid 4/5 guy, for sure Blackwell-legacy transfer (replace Boswell position)
Starting 5 next year potentially: 61 pts per game low side - 83 on the high side....Bench will come into play for some of those pt totals obviously, #1 offense again...KEEP knocking on that door!!
Blackwell (14-18 pts per game)
Coleman (8-12 pts per game)
Stoyakovic (15-22 pts per game)
Mirkovic (12-16 pts per game
Ivisic (Tomi) (12-15 pts per game)
Bench as of now:
Ivisic - (Z) (C)
Morillo (PG/CG)
Transfer ???
Rodgers (CG/SF)
Landon Davis (Redshirt possibility-PF)
Petrovic (Tough conversation-guess is we lose him to Euro?-Transfer replacement)
Jakstys (Bench 4-5 only-here for a degree)
Fagbemi (Bench only-practice player-no time)
Lee (Probable transfer imo)
Brown (PG/CG-minimal initial minutes)
Davis (Backup CG/SF possible starter)
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https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48412067/wisconsin-blackwell-enter-portal-test-nba-draft-process
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Get Blackwell, upgrade on Ben, retain the key pieces we already have and we might have ourselves another Final Four squad next season
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Let's go Glynn. Remind your kid that he has Orange and Blue blood.
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Get Blackwell, upgrade on Ben, retain the key pieces we already have and we might have ourselves another Final Four squad next season
Blackwell is NOT going NBA imo, this draft is loaded with guards, with a projected 50% of the 1st 25 picks going that way. Blackwell wouldn't even sniff the 1st rd this year......that's saying alot cause we would love to have him, he would be a huge get.
Some players are just meant to be better college standouts and not do well in the league....there is one for sure in this draft and he is going to go very very high.
Interestingly, Boswell is projected #54, Blackwell isn't even listed in 2nd Rd, Sarr took a real hit imo, and Smith from Purdue is way too high, another example.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48165009/2026-nba-mock-draft-top-30-first-round-picks-march-madness
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Juke Harris....I like the game, I like the name....if we can't get Blackwell, then I vote for this kid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS4UMPl-lrQ
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Might shed some light into what WE can EXPECT to pay to keep Mirk/Ivisic's/Andrej, same agent is listed as Jovic agent....also Jovic plays with Jokic and views him as a mentor....2 Mil for a barely double digit scorer, and rebounder....poor man's Mirk but not at 2 mil.
https://www.theplainsman.com/article/2026/04/filip-jovic-to-enter-transfer-portal-after-one-season-at-auburn
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Blackwell would be nice. Should consider offering Ryan a job to land him.
Larry Johnson from McNeese is in the portal. We offered him out of high school before he committed to Creighton. Worth taking now.
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Oh boy, any takers, Skyy Clark got his suitcase out.
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Blackwell would be nice. Should consider offering Ryan a job to land him.
Did you mean Glynn?
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/glynn-blackwell-1.html
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https://247sports.com/player/nikolas-khamenia-46136542/college-339413/
Scheyer just lost a 5*....seems like a Zag player and being from CA, probably?
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Temple losing an entire team so far....Portal Kombat going on there!
4 players leaving so far.
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Would have loved to be a fly on the wall, the first time the Vic's all got together AFTER the tourney to discuss the future....I would assume they have already done this.
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https://247sports.com/player/nojus-indrusaitis-46125415/high-school-298021/ Poor man's Andej?
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Juke Harris....I like the game, I like the name....if we can't get Blackwell, then I vote for this kid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS4UMPl-lrQ
In a perfect world you guys get Blackwell and we get Juke. Sounds like the latter is probably going to happen.
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Game on!
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Moretti back in action: https://247sports.com/player/niccolo-moretti-46135520/college-323410/
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Rumor has it that we are "involved" with Alex Wilkins from Furman. This kid would be a outstanding get for us imo.
https://247sports.com/player/alex-wilkins-46166002/
Positional size, averaged 4.9 asst per game as a freshman, 18. pts per game, 44% from field 32% from 3pt range, aggressive downhill guard.
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Rumor has it that we are "involved" with Alex Wilkins from Furman. This kid would be a outstanding get for us imo.
If this is the case, I would say we are probably NOT on solid ground with Blackwell. I would think out of his supposed Top 5 schools, Wisky/Indy/Us/Bama/Duke, he would end up at Duke. He wants to chase a C-Ship, I would think if he does leave Wisky, it will be for out of the conference, and he would take a far less beating in his final year at Duke than in the B1G, it would only help his stats.
https://247sports.com/player/alex-wilkins-46166002/
Positional size, averaged 4.9 asst per game as a freshman, 18. pts per game, 44% from field 32% from 3pt range, aggressive downhill guard.
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Wisconsin buddy claiming Blackwell to Illinois for $3m.... We shall see.
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Wisconsin buddy claiming Blackwell to Illinois for $3m.... We shall see.
Considering CoHawk got 2 mil what 2-3 years ago....he is making $40,000 in G-League now, that would be a bargain.
So if accurate: Mirk 3-Ivisic combined 5-Andrej 3, Blackwell 3- 14 mil with 4-6 mil left over for the team?
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Kansas has 6 portal entries as of now, and also are losing several (3-4) seniors. Reports published online are stating issues with Self and not just about $$$, Self maybe should have retired. Don't know what their NIL budget is but damn, pretty much have to replace the entire team for next year.
Make that 7 as of today, avg 25 pts and over 10 rbs out the door, granted lions share is Bidunga, but still 7 and Self was "maybe" retiring? Maybe the players see something there that others don't...health in question for a full year?
NIL reported budget is 8-10 million for basketball and 21 million across all sports. Hard to see Self in near retirement stage getting an entire new team of STUDS for 8-10 million?
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Will Hornseth from Northern Iowa just went to Utah State....for what's it worth Zens also was committed and will probably end up Utah State as well....visit is a formality, but maybe BU and staff can sway him
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MISKO alert here:
Sergej Macura MSU- committed to UCLA
Filip Jovic - Auburn-committed to UCLA
See a pattern here....Misko is doing a ILLINI 2.0 with UCLA, lets hope these signings mean the ILLINI are keeping all the Vic's.
Misko is on record as stating ANY team getting Euro players should have 2 for various reasons....These 2 are both from Belgrade.
Next up: https://www.on3.com/rivals/aleksa-ristic-281151/ could he be next since Clark in in Portal? My $ says he is.
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Wisconsin buddy claiming Blackwell to Illinois for $3m.... We shall see.
Just imagine what we could do if you and John ponied up for NIL money!
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Just imagine what we could do if you and John ponied up for NIL money!
I could have gotten better seats to see the Illini choke away a FF game?
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JP Estella to Fichigan from Tennessee
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Sam Orme to Nebby
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Oh boy, any takers, Skyy Clark got his suitcase out.
I just saw Skyy is back in the portal. I wish the kid well, but also would encourage Indiana to offer him.
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I like this suggestion....we were looking at him before as well.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/brad-underwood-eyes-kylan-boswell-215427132.html
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I’ve been going at it with my fellow Michigan fans for the last three days because I really don’t like Flory Bidunga. I just don’t think we need a tiny 5 with a one dimensional skill set from one of KU’s worst teams.
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I’ve been going at it with my fellow Michigan fans for the last three days because I really don’t like Flory Bidunga. I just don’t think we need a tiny 5 with a one dimensional skill set from one of KU’s worst teams.
No worries I don't think you will be getting him, my guess would be St. Johns.
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Down to us and Duke for Blackwell
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Down to us and Duke for Blackwell
I would venture to guess we have landed him already behind the scenes. Duke can offer the pedigree and getting players to the league, however, the ILLINI can boast being a legacy recruit, he doesn't need a team to "help" him get anywhere. He would be large large piece to the puzzle and IF we retain all the Vic's, then we stand a far better chance returning to Final 4 than Duke with their heralded recruiting class imo.
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Flo -rida just got a good one....Aberdeen from UK, if he can get his waiver
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Elijah Freeman from Auburn is avail....6'8 30+ from 3 and almost 10pts a game. 14 rebounds in NIT C-Ship win
Wellington Alum....Trent Frazier where ya at, need some recruiting help here.
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I would venture to guess we have landed him already behind the scenes. Duke can offer the pedigree and getting players to the league, however, the ILLINI can boast being a legacy recruit, he doesn't need a team to "help" him get anywhere. He would be large large piece to the puzzle and IF we retain all the Vic's, then we stand a far better chance returning to Final 4 than Duke with their heralded recruiting class imo.
Wisco fan now called me and said Blackwell was going to Duke...
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Wisco fan now called me and said Blackwell was going to Duke...
Don't see it, I already saw that the number was 7 million....if so Duke can have him...I would take KJ Lewis or Alex Wilkins in a heart beat and give more $$$ to The Vic's.
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Give Blackwell 7.5 million and pay the Vic’s less.
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Don't see it, I already saw that the number was 7 million....if so Duke can have him...I would take KJ Lewis or Alex Wilkins in a heart beat and give more $$$ to The Vic's.
MAJOR UPDATE! Wisco Fan just called and said that maybe he spoke too soon! And Blackwell is now following Illinois guys on socials!
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MAJOR UPDATE! Wisco Fan just called and said that maybe he spoke too soon! And Blackwell is now following Illinois guys on socials!
Cup is on
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Petrovic to UCLA....don't be surprised...the Belgrade connection? They need a PG/SG?
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This may change the PG bidding process that seems to be going on with Blackwell it seems....
https://247sports.com/player/desmond-claude-46102817/college-346000/
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Damn Louiville just hit it out of the park
Shelstad and Bidunga!!
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We got Vaaks
https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/2043403799474188457
Come on down, Blackwell.
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Good pickup for us....great positional size, however, his weakest traits is what we may need more of.
https://247sports.com/player/stefan-vaaks-46161939/college-345582/
Rebounding D-
Defense D-
Assist A
Scoring A
Plays off the ball or on B
Gonna have to learn how to adjust his game like Ben H did for this to be a homerun get imo...lets see.
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Good pickup for us....great positional size, however, his weakest traits is what we may need more of.
https://247sports.com/player/stefan-vaaks-46161939/college-345582/
Rebounding D-
Defense D-
Assist A
Scoring A
Plays off the ball or on B
Gonna have to learn how to adjust his game like Ben H did for this to be a homerun get imo...lets see.
Vaaks don’t give no faaks…
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Don't be anti-Vaaks
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Vaaks don’t give no faaks…
That's the Vaak's jack!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9IFc9BwPCg
Deep range, but drifts on almost every shot, but hell if he is gonna make near 40% on 3's shoot and drift
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Being reported Blackwell is visiting UCLA tomorrow, Andrej/Mirk in LA right now? UCLA just got a commitment from another PG, Petty (4*) from Texas Tech. Blackwell is on record as wanting to play more ON BALL next year, not just SG/CG.
Let's see what shakes out here.
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Good pickup for us....great positional size, however, his weakest traits is what we may need more of.
https://247sports.com/player/stefan-vaaks-46161939/college-345582/
Rebounding D-
Defense D-
Assist A
Scoring A
Plays off the ball or on B
Gonna have to learn how to adjust his game like Ben H did for this to be a homerun get imo...lets see.
Rebounding as we all know is a non-negotiable with Brad. He better get down and dirty crashing the boards or he'll grab some bench. Simple as that.
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Sooooooooooooo 2026-27 is looking like this so far:
PG Blackwell (?) Coleman and Vaaks
CG Blackwell (?) Vaaks and Morillo and Davis
Wings Stoyakovic (?) Vaaks and Morillo and Davis and Rodgers (?)
Big Wings Mirkovic (?) Ivisic (T)
B1G's as of now are the Ivisic brothers.
Lee/Fagbemi who knows at this point, I would suspect Lee will stay, but with minutes at a premium maybe not.
Coleman and Morillo are the only freshman I think will contribute anything substantial right away. Davis and Brown I fully expect could redshirt.
Still building with possibly Zens as a HS recruit, he would be nice, Domask 2.0 maybe, but we need 1 more really functional interior/perimeter player imo.
This squad is lacking rebounding for the most part, otherwise we will be a Top 3 team as far as makeup for next year if all pans out.
This team could easily get mid 80's again scoring wise.
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MAJOR UPDATE! Wisco Fan just called and said that maybe he spoke too soon! And Blackwell is now following Illinois guys on socials!
Were he and Sean Livingston spotted wearing their Illini jerseys together?
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Wisco fan now called me and said Blackwell was going to Duke...
Ever think the Wisco guy called cause he had too much Wisky?
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Ever think the Wisco guy called cause he had too much Wisky?
He is way too into social media (like some others around here!). Then again, he works in marketing.
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He is way too into social media (like some others around here!). Then again, he works in marketing.
Love that new avatar, beat me and Mn to it!