CoxMustangFan wrote:OhioBrownFan wrote:Bet me on it?

His handler is pro-Illinois, this is one the analysts aren't digging into to say the least. There's a few good analysts in the know. I wouldn't steer you wrong on this or put out that type of statement without having a few on the inside. Until about 3 weeks ago, I thought he was all UK as well fwiw.
Oh, and that same manager has been beating that drum for a long time with Bragg. I didn't believe it one bit til I started to really dig. Groce has done an unbelievable job.
Meh, it's still Illinois. I'm not betting anything on recruiting roulette this year. With KU representing the US, not having a clear scholarship picture (same for UK), and Maker still a bit of an unknown, who knows. It could end up there isn't a spot for him at KU or UK regardless of who gets his "handler" warm and fuzzy.
BTW, I thought you were positive is was OSU?

OSU has had zero shot at Bragg since Day 1. I've never said they had a prayer lol. And not sure if you're aware of the tradition at Illinois but it's only been 10 years since they had the best team in the country and lost in the natty. They're getting a stadium renovation and Groce is one of the best coaches in the country. Will be household name in 3 years, mark my words on that. Also, this handler is very important to this recruitment. These people have much more influence on kids that you might think, Hoopman can attest to this I'm sure. It's the single reason Blakeney isn't committed to Louisville right now after committing 3 weeks earlier.
Illinois is already taking kids away from top programs too, they got a pair of high-end players already committed to build on last year. More importantly, Groce has gotten into Chicago and pulled D.J. Williams out of Simeon HS along with Nunn/Tate in the 2013 Class. If Groce gets a hold of Chicago like Illinois used to, they're gonna be a real force again very quickly.
It's a young program this year that will probably make the tourney or come close but by next year, they should be top 15 and well on their way back to national prominence. I like the upside here a lot.
***Edit: Not sure how Maker impacts this? He's a class of 2016, maybe you're confusing him with someone else? Regardless, Bragg and Thomas both are one-and-done potentials too so they may not even be around when Maker is recruited anyways.