Elijah Clarance turns pro

[Adunk33]

So what does ISUr do with his scholarship also is N'Diaye going to be eligible this year? I remember there were some concerns about his eligibility.

In May, when ILST was recruiting the 3 D1 transfers that signed, Matt Hein said he would give up his scholarship in favor of the D1 transfers we had coming in. I would imagine he gets his back. Other possibilities would be Matt Chastain, the Loyola transfer who is still not on scholarship, or Issac Gassman, who was a perferred walk-on his RS freshman year, then we had an extra scholarship last year for him last season. So any of those three could, but I assume Hein.

Regarding Abdou, he's on campus, which is good news. I'm not holding my breath for his eligibility. It just has the McIntosh feeling who ISU beat out over UCLA, Miami, and UCONN for. It was exciting that he chose us, but seemed too good, which caused him to sit a year. I fear Abdou is in that camp. Hope I'm wrong. Something recently reported is that Boogie Tinsley, Matt Chastain, and Phil Fayne have all had knee surgery this summer, which has slowed some development. The key is getting these guys healthy, and keeping them that way.

[VUGrad1314]

Suddenly seems like Illinois State's at-large chances have taken a big hit.

[Adunk33]

Suddenly seems like Illinois State's at-large chances have taken a big hit.

After 2008, and 2017, where the Birds had the top RPI's that didn't get in, I put ISU's At-Large chances every year at 0%. If I've learned anything, the committee will always find ways to keep non-p5's out. I never expect an at-large and hold on to the mindset that our season is those three faithful days in STL. Do not leave anything up to chance.

[Blers]

I've never really understood the hype around Clarence... Where exactly does it come from? Honest question, not trying to troll; because it was something that seemed to be there from day one. I always kind of thought of him in the same group as Juwan McCloud in the way he was highly touted internally without much external fan fare.

His next biggest offer after ISU was probably Rice... the other schools that offered were Delaware, Townson, and Hosfra. Last year he shot 24% from the field and 8.7% from 3... he had a negative assist/turnover. I mean I get it was limited play time but I never really saw it with him. You can see he's athletic; but a lot of folks at the D1 level are, and while his numbers were huge abroad, like someone noted the competition wasn't necessarily D1 (he also put up a lot of shots on a team lacking talent). Best of luck to him by all means! I just never understood why he was so hyped up from the start.

[ahunte1]

Something recently reported is that Boogie Tinsley, Matt Chastain, and Phil Fayne have all had knee surgery this summer, which has slowed some development. The key is getting these guys healthy, and keeping them that way.

Another knee surgery for Chastain? He's got to be close to getting one free. That sucks.

[Adunk33]

I've never really understood the hype around Clarence... Where exactly does it come from? Honest question, not trying to troll; because it was something that seemed to be there from day one. I always kind of thought of him in the same group as Juwan McCloud in the way he was highly touted internally without much external fan fare.

His next biggest offer after ISU was probably Rice... the other schools that offered were Delaware, Townson, and Hosfra. Last year he shot 24% from the field and 8.7% from 3... he had a negative assist/turnover. I mean I get it was limited play time but I never really saw it with him. You can see he's athletic; but a lot of folks at the D1 level are, and while his numbers were huge abroad, like someone noted the competition wasn't necessarily D1 (he also put up a lot of shots on a team lacking talent). Best of luck to him by all means! I just never understood why he was so hyped up from the start.

I think two things factored in to his hype. First, his highlight tape. It showed explosiveness with dunks, and how quick he is off the dribble, and the often included several game winners, showing he could perform in pressure. Obviously, its a highlight. He showed flashes of being a really good guard during last season, specifically the two games against SIU. He needed minutes to get into a rhythm, but was usually on a pretty short leash. His development as a freshman was hindered by an injury, which put him on the shelf for 8 weeks. The second part of the hype goes back to his recruitment. Right before he committed, he started getting heavy interest from Maryland, and a few Big East schools. Obviously, none offered because he committed here.

Those two things are what I believe factored into the hype. His size was also a plus. He's a legit 6'4 pg. The MVC doesn't have a ton of those.

[BEARZ77]

I understand the optimism around a young player with skills and size at the pg position. But when he's had the kind of so-so freshman year he had, and then in the same post you say he's probably 7th or 8th on the ISU depth chart but has a chance to dominate the MVC the following year, it just becomes a little "too thick". Very few players ever are dominant in the MVC, even all-league guys. But first they have to be even good enough to start on their own teams which most of ISU posters were saying he wasn't, at least right now. I know ISU has a nice roster, but give me a break.

[Redhawk]

I understand the optimism around a young player with skills and size at the pg position. But when he's had the kind of so-so freshman year he had, and then in the same post you say he's probably 7th or 8th on the ISU depth chart but has a chance to dominate the MVC the following year, it just becomes a little "too thick". Very few players ever are dominant in the MVC, even all-league guys. But first they have to be even good enough to start on their own teams which most of ISU posters were saying he wasn't, at least right now. I know ISU has a nice roster, but give me a break.

Agree that "dominate" is a very strong assumption! I think Clarance could have impacted the game with his extreme athleticism like Wes Washpun did his final season at UNI. Same explosiveness off the bounce but also 3" taller! One could see flashes of that potential but injuries and the fact that ISUr is in "must win" mode severely delayed his playing time and development.

Even if Elijah would have stayed there are too many scoring options next season with Copeland,
Ndaiye and the 3 transfers to ever conclude that he was going to put up "dominating" numbers!

[Jsnhbe1Birds]

I stick by my statement. Time we'll tell. I'll revisit this in 2-3 years. No point arguing about it now.

[BirdsEyeView]

I stick by my statement. Time we'll tell. I'll revisit this in 2-3 years. No point arguing about it now.

You talk out of your a** too much. You're the equivalent of having some Shocker fans back here, but disguised as a Redbird fan.

You tried to make a bet about points for SIU returning players and were so adamant about it until COMPLETELY realizing you were incorrect once a bit of research was done. Now, a bit over-the-top here with Clarance based off little evidence other than your own mind.

Love your passion for Redbird basketball. I hate your approach to it.