Illini Recruits Eager To Know Who Will Be Coach

The State Journal-Register, John Supinie

http://www.sj-r.com/sports/x1640253395/Illini-basketball-recruits-want-to-know-who-new-coach-will-be?zc_p=0

CHAMPAIGN — The talk didn’t start until a February swoon.

When coaches and recruits want to know about Illinois basketball, they no longer ask Chicago-based recruiting analyst Joe Henricksen about coach Bruce Weber’s job status. They’re already onto the next name.

“Just in the last week or so, the conversation is ‘Who is the next Illinois coach?”’ Henricksen said Monday.

At this point, it would be a major upset for Weber to save his job, even after the Illini ended a six-game losing streak with a 65-54 win over Iowa on Sunday.

Illinois (17-12 overall, 6-10 in the Big Ten) hosts No. 13 Michigan (21-8, 11-5) on Senior Night at Assembly Hall on Thursday (6 p.m., ESPN). The Illini would need to string wins together like they haven’t since January in order to have a chance at an NCAA tournament bid.

Like nearly everyone else, recruits and those advising them are watching and expecting a coaching change. The clock is ticking with the state’s loaded prep classes of 2013 and 2014. The recruiting folks also want to know the future of Illini assistant coach Jerrance Howard.

“The one thing that always happens when there is a new hire is that sense of joy, pride and feel-good in a program, ” Henricksen said. “With a new guy and new energy, it’s kind of like a new lease on life.

“That’s always a plus for a program. A lot will depend if Jerrance Howard is around.”

Three important names in the future of Illini basketball, Henricksen said, are Howard plus committed juniors Jalen James and Malcolm Hill. And then there’s Jabari Parker, a superstar Chicago Simeon junior in his own stratosphere.

While Weber is a workaholic who has established relationships in the state, Howard has an edge over his boss in that the assistant’s reputation wasn’t harmed by the Illini’s slide through February, Henricksen said. Howard’s connections would ease the transition for a new coach.

“Jerrance is extremely respected despite the struggles, ” Henricksen said. “He created that connection with the right people. It will be interesting to see if Illinois tries to keep him on, if the new coach tries to keep him on.

“If so, that cuts down on the time line to familiarize yourself with what’s going on with recruiting in the city and suburbs.”

Belleville East junior forward Malcolm Hill will rise to the No. 2 player behind Parker in the loaded class of 2013 in his next rankings, Henricksen said. Keeping the commitment will be imperative. Illinois and Missouri separated from the pack before Hill committed to the Illini last fall.

James transferred to La Lumiere School in LaPorte, Ind., after committing to Illinois last summer.

“The first thing any new coach does is make sure Hill and James remain in the fold, ” Henricksen said.

Despite the Illini’s rough season, Howard’s leg work with Parker has “kept Illinois in the picture, ” Henricksen said.

Illini Recruits Want To Know Who Will Be Coach

The State Journal-Register, John Supinie

http://www.sj-r.com/sports/x1640253395/Illini-basketball-recruits-want-to-know-who-new-coach-will-be?zc_p=0

CHAMPAIGN — The talk didn’t start until a February swoon. When coaches and recruits want to know about Illinois basketball, they no longer ask Chicago-based recruiting analyst Joe Henricksen about coach Bruce Weber’s job status. They’re already onto the next name. “Just in the last week or so, the conversation is ‘Who is the next Illinois coach?”’ Henricksen said Monday. At this point, it would be a major upset for Weber to save his job, even after the Illini ended a six-game losing streak with a 65-54 win over Iowa on Sunday. Illinois (17-12 overall, 6-10 in the Big Ten) hosts No. 13 Michigan (21-8, 11-5) on Senior Night at Assembly Hall on Thursday (6 p.m., ESPN). The Illini would need to string wins together like they haven’t since January in order to have a chance at an NCAA tournament bid. Like nearly everyone else, recruits and those advising them are watching and expecting a coaching change. The clock is ticking with the state’s loaded prep classes of 2013 and 2014. The recruiting folks also want to know the future of Illini assistant coach Jerrance Howard. “The one thing that always happens when there is a new hire is that sense of joy, pride and feel-good in a program, ” Henricksen said. “With a new guy and new energy, it’s kind of like a new lease on life. “That’s always a plus for a program. A lot will depend if Jerrance Howard is around.” Three important names in the future of Illini basketball, Henricksen said, are Howard plus committed juniors Jalen James and Malcolm Hill. And then there’s Jabari Parker, a superstar Chicago Simeon junior in his own stratosphere. While Weber is a workaholic who has established relationships in the state, Howard has an edge over his boss in that the assistant’s reputation wasn’t harmed by the Illini’s slide through February, Henricksen said. Howard’s connections would ease the transition for a new coach. “Jerrance is extremely respected despite the struggles, ” Henricksen said. “He created that connection with the right people. It will be interesting to see if Illinois tries to keep him on, if the new coach tries to keep him on. “If so, that cuts down on the time line to familiarize yourself with what’s going on with recruiting in the city and suburbs.” Belleville East junior forward Malcolm Hill will rise to the No. 2 player behind Parker in the loaded class of 2013 in his next rankings, Henricksen said. Keeping the commitment will be imperative. Illinois and Missouri separated from the pack before Hill committed to the Illini last fall. James transferred to La Lumiere School in LaPorte, Ind., after committing to Illinois last summer. “The first thing any new coach does is make sure Hill and James remain in the fold, ” Henricksen said. Despite the Illini’s rough season, Howard’s leg work with Parker has “kept Illinois in the picture, ” Henricksen said.