Let’s get straight to it. Things over the last couple days have been going south with TSJ for many reasons and those around him are creating an impossible task to land him. Shannon wants to come to Illinois but others around him are trying to take advantage of the situation for their own good. Illinois isn’t budging and are moving on and focusing on other targets. Don’t hold your breathe but also don’t let this get you down. Illinois has quality kids ready and wanting to come. Who is likely to join without Shannon?
Bryce Hopkins
Hopkins dad reached out to Brad Underwood and Underwood didn’t give them positive feedback. It wasn’t “Hey We really want Bryce and have room for him and minutes will be there if he works hard. It was more along the lines of “We will see, take a look where we are in a week or two and let you know.” Plan on Hopkins to head to Providence. That’s where it is headed as of today.
Simas Lukosius
Was the Big East freshman of the year twice and had a huge game against Xavier that knocked them out of the ncaa tourney. Has good size and can handle the ball. Shoots 90% from the line and is a very good rebounder. I’ve heard illinois has legit interest and this could be a nice fit at the 3/4
Manny Bates
mobile big from NC State who would help out blocking shots and rebounding. Need to have a solid backup with likelihood Kofi returns.
Adam Miller
I don’t expect him to come back for many of the reasons Shannon don’t come to Illinois. Others around him won’t won’t him coming because of Tim Anderson joining the staff and his Mac Irvin connection and some things that weren’t mended when he left haven’t been fixed yet. I do believe HE wants to come. Sadly that’s doesn’t always mean anything.
Belo wants back?
I was told he reached out to the staff and is genuinely wanting to come back. This all depends on Underwood when all said and done. He has made many in the program upset and has some things to fix with his teammates but he would be the veteran PG the team needs to go along with Skyy Clark
This is possibly happening
Podziemski hits portal
He wasn’t unhappy in Champaign. He wasn’t worried about who was coming back next year. But he did know it was a crowded room and the staff couldn’t guarantee he would play any more than he did this season. He has teams out there that he knows he WILL play. He loved his time in Champaign and will be a successful player wherever he goes.
Kofi timeline
I was told by two sources that I trust…Kofi will be announcing this week. By Sunday evening. That’s the word as of today. 95% he’s coming back to Illinois.
Bryce Hopkins
Hopkins dad reached out to Brad Underwood and Underwood didn’t give them positive feedback. It wasn’t “Hey We really want Bryce and have room for him and minutes will be there if he works hard. It was more along the lines of “We will see, take a look where we are in a week or two and let you know.” Plan on Hopkins to head to Providence. That’s where it is headed as of today.
Simas Lukosius
Was the Big East freshman of the year twice and had a huge game against Xavier that knocked them out of the ncaa tourney. Has good size and can handle the ball. Shoots 90% from the line and is a very good rebounder. I’ve heard illinois has legit interest and this could be a nice fit at the 3/4
Manny Bates
mobile big from NC State who would help out blocking shots and rebounding. Need to have a solid backup with likelihood Kofi returns.
Adam Miller
I don’t expect him to come back for many of the reasons Shannon don’t come to Illinois. Others around him won’t won’t him coming because of Tim Anderson joining the staff and his Mac Irvin connection and some things that weren’t mended when he left haven’t been fixed yet. I do believe HE wants to come. Sadly that’s doesn’t always mean anything.
Belo wants back?
I was told he reached out to the staff and is genuinely wanting to come back. This all depends on Underwood when all said and done. He has made many in the program upset and has some things to fix with his teammates but he would be the veteran PG the team needs to go along with Skyy Clark
This is possibly happening
Podziemski hits portal
He wasn’t unhappy in Champaign. He wasn’t worried about who was coming back next year. But he did know it was a crowded room and the staff couldn’t guarantee he would play any more than he did this season. He has teams out there that he knows he WILL play. He loved his time in Champaign and will be a successful player wherever he goes.
Kofi timeline
I was told by two sources that I trust…Kofi will be announcing this week. By Sunday evening. That’s the word as of today. 95% he’s coming back to Illinois.
