Even Giorgi averaged 12 and 5 as a freshman and broke Deons freshman scoring game record
Illini Basketball
- Status
AyoDos11
- Southern Illinois
Efrem was a guy who lived up to his freshman expectations. Him and Bruce Douglas really gave the program some excitement their frosh years.
Deon was a guy everyone was waiting for. He definitely performed extremely well his first season as an Illini.
Deon was a guy everyone was waiting for. He definitely performed extremely well his first season as an Illini.
IlliniwekKDR
- Colorado Springs, CO
Just watching the sixers v Brooklyn game. Ty Roger's bounce reminds me.of sixers player Maxey. Ty has the athletic potential.
First, Dain was a third year freshman. He has used a regular and a medical red shirt. As someone else noted, Deon redshirted. He was held out because of Bruce Pearl.
Efrem and Deon and were McDonald's All Americans. Efrem was MVP of the 1982 McD AA game. Dain was marginal top 100.
We are only talking offense, freshman year. Efrem was an explosive vertical leaper; very quick off his feet. Iirc, his game as a freshman was mostly intimidating dunks, including throwing down lob passes from Bruce Douglas.
As a 2nd year freshman, Deon was already a very polished low post player with an insane drop step. He used his length, quickness, savvy, and footwork to beat taller defenders.
Dain has exceptional length, good hands, and decent foot work. He just needs to put it all together.
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
who ?
Man, I love that guy. Amazing
Whitmans Sampler
- Eastern Iowa
There may not have been many bright spots that year, but Giorgi’s skillset as a true freshman was something else. Struck while the iron was hot.
Right!?!?!? I was like “You are comparing Efrem and Deon to who??”
Appreciate the incredulity. Yes, I was making comment on their offensive skill sets as freshmen. Obviously their first year numbers were not too different and if I was guessing pretty sure Dain was utilized less and played less minutes his first year than the other 2. I was/am a big fan of Deon (money turnaround jump shot in the post) and Efrem (great scorer, rebounder, defender....) and what they did while they were at UI but they also had holes in their games especially as freshmen. In fact, don't think either ever had a left hand or could handle the ball in the open court as well as Dain could his first year. I realize Dain has a LONG ways to go to be in the discussion with legends but was trying to promote discussion.
I like Dain, but I hope the slow grind is on the freethrow line. If he can make even 65% next year, it's a game changer.
Stevegarbs
- Mokena, IL
[sorry this was meant as a reply to bluemountain's post]
Yeah this is my memory, but was concerned it was warped by the years. I do remember seeing Efrem at Spaceport on Green Street, but that was senior year.
Yeah this is my memory, but was concerned it was warped by the years. I do remember seeing Efrem at Spaceport on Green Street, but that was senior year.
Ran into Efrem at Po Boys (the original hole in the wall place, I don't remember which year but I was same class as Efrem) me and my friends chatted with him for a bit, nice enough guy to put up with our sort of hero worship.
MustangWally
- Mayfield
Ty Rodgers. He just left out the d. Happy to help.
Do you mean Mr. Rodgers?
Really glad to see DD back. I think there's lots of potential.
Deon and Efrem were in another class on the floor as freshmen. Also remember that Efrem's year was pre shot clock.
Efrem definitely had holes in his game which is why he wasn't a pro. But he was an incredible rebounder. Explosive off the floor, as one person noted. But more importantly, really fundamentally sound. Offensive rebounds by the opposition were few and far between when he was on the floor.
Wish the DIA would put together a Efrem dunk reel, including the Minnesota one.
Deon and Efrem were in another class on the floor as freshmen. Also remember that Efrem's year was pre shot clock.
Efrem definitely had holes in his game which is why he wasn't a pro. But he was an incredible rebounder. Explosive off the floor, as one person noted. But more importantly, really fundamentally sound. Offensive rebounds by the opposition were few and far between when he was on the floor.
Wish the DIA would put together a Efrem dunk reel, including the Minnesota one.
Stevegarbs
- Mokena, IL
YES- The Minnesota put back straight arm jam?! Still my all time favorite Illini dunk.
ILLINI76
- Springfiled, IL.
2023-24 Men’s College Basketball Early Season Tournaments and Exempt Multi-Team Events (MTEs)
A list of the 2023-24 men’s college basketball season’s exempt multiple-team events (MTEs) and non-exempt tournaments, featuring schedule and TV/streaming information.
www.bloggingthebracket.com
Looks like we are hosting a MTE next year according to Blogging the Bracket.
One of the more under appreciated players in recent memory. Way more talented than he gets credit for. Wish we could've found a way to get him more involved along side Kofi. Also, just a really likeable dude.
An amendment for that one guy out there that might care lol.
Tom Izzo…just above Bill Self at 70 % FT
Last edited:
RE: Efrem. His mama’s got big thighs.
(Quote that is a deep cut from early Score Radio days)
I thought that was Thomas Hamilton.
She had THUNDER thighs!
Just for the heck of it while we wait on the next commit:
- Status