Anonymous- Yes, John Groce and Isaac Chew stopped at Proviso East last week for a conversation with coach Donnie Boyce (one of my favorite Buffs as a youth, held the CU career scoring record, great shot-maker). Illinois will attempt to get involved there. If a Michigan State offer comes, it will be tough for everyone, though. Sterling Brown left a mark in the IHSA state tournament. I like him quite a bit - and more than several wings "ranked" higher. Klee

Nutt- Not sure about "lost in the shuffle," but he hasn't gone unnoticed by high-majors. I've had several coaches ask about him. His size is a factor and it should be. Illinois whiffed on Lewis Jackson, who is one of those guys, wasn't a star but would have filled a significant need for a program that has recruited one point guard in roughly five years. The difference is, Lewis Jackson is built like a tailback. Ulis is slightly built. Illinois needs quickness. I just don't see Ulis as being that guy. Klee

John- Sure. I'll go quickly here due to time restraints. Guys I really liked (and there are more, save the emails): Jordan Ash ('15, St. Joe's, star potential), Charles Matthews ('15, St. Rita, big-time prospect, John Groce also spoke at St. Rita over the weekend), Malek Harris ('14, Sandburg), Jalen Coleman ('15, Indianapolis Cathedral), Marquise Pryor ('13, Chicago Orr, good motor, goes and gets it, watch for Illinois State there). Purdue recruit Kendall Stephens is a gem. Not sure why he doesn't get more publicity. He'll be a good one. Michigan recruit Zak Irvin was dynamic on Sunday, a point-forward type. Keita Bates-Diop ('14, Bloomington U-High, interesting prospect, liked him quite a bit on first viewing, passive, blocks everything, wish he'd shoot more, Illinois watched most if not all of his games) played well at times. And Cliff Alexander ('14, Chicago Curie, doesn't get enough touches, plays hard, shattered a backboard, Kentucky/Michigan State will be players in his recruitment, Illinois is hoping to get him on campus in the near future) has a ways to go but the natural gifts are there. And there were others. Those are some that come to mind. I wish more guys could dribble. I don't know what happened to that basic skill. Kids, learn to dribble. It can earn you a college scholarship.

Illinois recruit Malcolm Hill ('13, Belleville East) is a player. Reconfirming his commitment to Illinois was big for the new staff. If he's in Chicago, he's "ranked" much higher (I'll lay off the evaluators today, although I do wonder if some know a good player from a bad one). His shot looks better and will improve once he arrives at Illinois, attacks the basket, still getting to the foul line at a high rate. And he's composed under pressure.

Some other notes from Merrillville: Sam Maniscalco was in attendance and plans to play overseas, Roger Powell is still an excellent human and is doing good things at Valpo (went to dinner at Old Chicago and has a bright future in the coaching profession) and a member of Bruce Weber's Kansas State staff (former SIU assistant Brad Korn) was in attendance. John Groce and Jamaal Walker were front and center for Illinois. Both know what they're looking for in a player. I think in 2-3 years you'll know an Illinois prospect when you see one. They fit a profile - tough, attacking, play both ends.

Finally, need to credit Brian Stinnette and Cavan Walsh for putting on a great event at Merrilville. Heard many good things from the coaches in attendance. And there were a number of them: Calipari, Izzo, Stevens, Painter, Buzz Williams, Carmody, Crean and dozens more I'm not forgetting but we'll move on. Anyway, that's the quick answer. Klee

JEllis- Rayvonte Rice roughly 2 hours ago. He called the Illinois staff this morning to let them know he will transfer from Drake. Rayvonte said a few minutes ago he plans on returning to his hometown on May 12 and will be enrolled for the June summer session. They looked into the potential of pursuing a waiver to make him eligible for next season. But Rice said he won't be eligible until the 2013-14 season. He's on pace to graduate after his "junior" season in May 2014. That way, he can pursue an advanced degree during his fifth year. His mom, Rhonda Rice, said today her son is in good academic standing at Drake. Hope that helps. More on the Rayvonte Rice transfer in Thursday's News-Gazette. He was our 2010 State Player of the Year, edging Jereme Richmond for the title. Klee

All- It's unfortunate there wasn't a podcast. I'm told there were technical issues, whatever that means. You missed a good one. Outstanding crowd at the Esquire, Bob didn't talk too much, questions from callers and those in attendance for John Groce. The coach touched on a number of topics. His approach to up-by-3-with-seconds-left (he fouls and had mathematical research to support his theory). His approach to 2012 recruiting (will pursue fifth-year transfers "if it's the right fit," looking for size up front, said he wants "Tiggers" not Eeyores and you had to be there for that one, discussed his staff and their roles). His son, Conner, is finishing up his Little League season in Athens, Ohio. Illinois AD Mike Thomas attended the show as well. After the show, with fans in attendance, including Tuscola girls Tim Kohlbecker, John Groce explained how there are two cardinal sins in his pressure defense: giving up the baseline and allowing a post-entry pass from the top of the key. Both will get you the hook and fresh seat on the bench. He explained his defense on a table in the restaurant, using the salt and pepper shakes, a Ketchup bottle and parmesan cheese as pawns. There's more, but that's what I can think of right now. I'm sure the coach will return to the Esquire at some point. Klee

Brooks- Rayvonte Rice won't affect Jabari Parker's recruitment one way or another. I expect Illinois will be in the mix. I also expect Illinois will need a considerable push to be his final choice. Illinois needed to give him a reason. This isn't what you want to hear - but the past five seasons haven't provided much of one. We'll see if the new staff can become a factor there. It will be an uphill battle. Klee

Derek- It's a good observation. Surprised the vote for Team MVP didn't get more attention. As I wrote previously, I thought it said a great deal about Tracy Abrams - and just as much about the non-freshmen. They need more leadership from the upperclassmen. Teammates vote for the guys they respect the most. Tracy Abrams certainly is deserving, but it's clear the older players haven't earned the same respect. Yes, I've said for a while that Illinois was never the same after the Ohio State game. The team's mentality changed, no one handled it well and there was a historic collapse to close the season. It's a results-based business, and when you lose 12 of 14 to close a season, that falls on the staff. Never bought the it-was-Mike-Thomas'-fault argument (which is why I never wrote about it). In the previous four seasons here were Illinois' regular-season records in Febuary/March: 5-5, 4-5, 6-4, 3-6. This hasn't been a program that finishes well in recent years. And Mike Thomas wasn't the AD from 2008-11.

The Illini currently are going through a 1-on-1 tournament at Ubben Basketball Complex. It's just like you would think - a series of 1-on-1 games between players. What's been learned? This team needs to get a lot tougher. Or Illinois will lose 15 games again. Klee 

Anonymous- Apologize for missing you. There are dozens of questions I don't reach every week. To answer, you would hope so. It's their final run. This system fits how they play. John Groce is more likely to lay into a player for not taking shot than for taking a bad shot. So their confidence should get a lift. Teammates appreciate how Paul and Richardson are performing in offseason workouts. But offseason workouts don't mean anything when it comes to regular season results. Next season is about the seniors. We'll see how it goes. I know both players are getting along with the new staff well. Klee