-Alan Griffin from NY took an unofficial visit Sunday. He's a 6'5 SG, son of Adrian Griffin, former NBA player and current Oklahoma Assistant coach. Griffin lived in Chicago until just two years ago and has a couple of younger siblings that can play as well.
-Regarding the Tim Finke visit last week, it went very well, only about 3 hours, as he has obviously seen the campus many times, but he had not seen the SFC since completion, locker rooms,etc. Underwood showed some video of where and how Tim would fit in the offense. Very good visit. With Holtmann leaving Butler, a team on the top 5 list for Finke, probably means it's a 4 team race.
-Illinois feels like the biggest hole on the roster right now is a true SF, 6'6-6'9 with ball skills. That guy in 2018 could play early and play a lot. They really tried to fill that role in the off season but couldn't get in with any of those pieces.
-Ayo Tuesday and THT Wednesday makes this obviously a big week for visits. Underwood and staff really needing to get to know these guys and make Illinois feel like home, show them how they would fit in the offense.
-On these visits, I've had 2 guys tell me how impressed they were with the video breakdown and how smooth the staff is working together, being a new group. The key is Underwood has a plan, is organized and is smart, no BS from this guy.
-Consistently, people love the way Lucas is playing and feel like Finke is a great fit. Underwood felt like he lacked a guy like Finke at OSU. His ability to pass it and shoot it from the 5 is huge for the offense.
-Leron black isn't a great fit in the system, but he has a translatable skill that makes him important. Dude is a beast on the glass. You will see him get minutes for that reason. Underwood will tweak his system to fit his personnel.
-Will have an article on the newcomers this week. Exciting group for a first class in only 3 months.
-Regarding the Tim Finke visit last week, it went very well, only about 3 hours, as he has obviously seen the campus many times, but he had not seen the SFC since completion, locker rooms,etc. Underwood showed some video of where and how Tim would fit in the offense. Very good visit. With Holtmann leaving Butler, a team on the top 5 list for Finke, probably means it's a 4 team race.
-Illinois feels like the biggest hole on the roster right now is a true SF, 6'6-6'9 with ball skills. That guy in 2018 could play early and play a lot. They really tried to fill that role in the off season but couldn't get in with any of those pieces.
-Ayo Tuesday and THT Wednesday makes this obviously a big week for visits. Underwood and staff really needing to get to know these guys and make Illinois feel like home, show them how they would fit in the offense.
-On these visits, I've had 2 guys tell me how impressed they were with the video breakdown and how smooth the staff is working together, being a new group. The key is Underwood has a plan, is organized and is smart, no BS from this guy.
-Consistently, people love the way Lucas is playing and feel like Finke is a great fit. Underwood felt like he lacked a guy like Finke at OSU. His ability to pass it and shoot it from the 5 is huge for the offense.
-Leron black isn't a great fit in the system, but he has a translatable skill that makes him important. Dude is a beast on the glass. You will see him get minutes for that reason. Underwood will tweak his system to fit his personnel.
-Will have an article on the newcomers this week. Exciting group for a first class in only 3 months.
