Illini Basketball 2019-2020

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#101      
Hadn't seen this quote from Tevian in the News Gazette yet, sounds like he's back: “I kind of took this as a learning experience,” freshman guard Tevian Jones said. “Being able to get this far with so many new guys, that was really good for us. I feel like this created momentum for us going into next season. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but I’m very positive right now and very positive for next season.”
Guy can play. Like it!!

Next year will be fun.
 
#102      

SycIllini

Sycamore, Illinois
Assuming Langford and Fernando go pro, next year's top 4 is UM, MSU, Purdue (if Edward's stays) and Iowa. Seems like a toss up after that.

Wisconsin, IU, Minn., NU and Nebraska have huge losses and I think Illinois passes all those team. It comes down to player development and impact newcomers after that.
We have been saying we were going to pass Wisconsin with all they lose for years and it hasn’t happened yet.
 
#103      

SycIllini

Sycamore, Illinois
I understand that Jones’ defense needs some work but, he gives us shooting, length and athleticism we don’t get from anyone else. He needed to play more this year imo but, hopefully he stays and next year we see more of him.
 
#104      
We have been saying we were going to pass Wisconsin with all they lose for years and it hasn’t happened yet.
They will have 6 players available next year that have been redshirted. Bringing in lower rated players and coaching them on site has been a very successful strategy for them. Certainly would like to see us do that with a PG next year.
 
#105      
Time after time after time, game after game after game.
Not so much on this board, but on one of the Facebook pages, those opinionators are never hesitant to chastise Brad Underwood's coaching ability.
So I have not seen the weave ever do anything productive. As part of the pattern, players flash down the lane and never ever get the ball. Nor do they even look for it much of the time.
Watching Dook vs North Carolina last night, I didn't see much weaving going on. But they were not hesitant to drive the lane. The only one on our team who does that is Andres Feliz.

You are right, cuts and flashes in the lane rarely result in passes. Reason is we lack wings/guards who can post their defender off the block. Also don't have the player who will catch and drive or catch w/fade away jumper.

Year 2 of AJ, Tev, Ayo might be able to. Also possibly Giorgi as a stretch 4 playing along wuth a true center.

What it does now creates motion and draws defenders (and sometimes fouls). Allows team to score in ways it can. Duke, UNC, Kentucky typicalky have these players on their roster.
 
#106      

illini80

Forgottonia
My prediction for next year is about a .500 season, unfortunately. I think Underwood will eventually get us to a better place, but it’s going to take more time than I or any of us would like. I don’t believe he is going anywhere regardless of what happens next year and probably the year after. I know he can coach even if I don’t like some of his systems. He’s not a great recruiter, but good enough to win consistently. I do question whether or not he can get us to the top of the B10 and consistent good seeds in the tourney. But we are far enough from that it’s a conversation for a another day.


All that said, I will probably continue to argue with those who are so optimistic they are guaranteeing tourney bids and top 4 finishes in conference next year. I don’t mind being confident, but if you can’t present a compelling argument, your empty predictions are fair game for criticism. So don’t take my comments as being anti-Underwood, just be prepared to use some reasoned logic. We can disagree without being disagreeable. :cool:
 
#107      
What makes me optimistic is the current recruits and retention of our players. 1-2 key grad transfers as well. Improvement of the players, knowlegde of the system along with easier schedule could improve record by 10 wins.
 
#108      
What makes me optimistic is the current recruits and retention of our players. 1-2 key grad transfers as well. Improvement of the players, knowlegde of the system along with easier schedule could improve record by 10 wins.
We don't really know anything about player retention at this point, so it's hard for that to be a reason for optimism. If we someone don't lose any underclassmen, that would be a big reason for optimism.
 
#109      

foby

Bonnaroo Land
Next year is going to be incredibly great. I understand those who have been tortured by the last dozen or so years may keep the negative vibes and not allow themselves to be positive until they see results. However, those results and big steps are coming next year because;

1) Nobody in the core of 8 important returners is going to leave
2) EXPERIENCE.......this team will still be fairly young overall next season, but they have a ton of experience now, and experience against a top 5 schedule this year
3) Huge bolster in the frontcourt with the switch turning on in Samba's head, Kofi and (possibly) January coming on board, and Giorgi just continuing to be Giorgi and a sophomore Giorgi at that
4) An impact frosh or grad transfer or both will come

It will be a long wait until next season, but very very very worth the wait.
 
#110      
I would like to see Griffin, Jones and Kane each put on 15-20 pounds of muscle. Tired of getting pushed around by Iowa.
 
#111      
We don't really know anything about player retention at this point, so it's hard for that to be a reason for optimism. If we someone don't lose any underclassmen, that would be a big reason for optimism.
Add in not having and recruit that has signed loi yet. I believe kofi is a lock but January is not. Add in we will still be recruiting for this class in the summer if we see transfers. Sounds very familiar
 
#112      

Deleted member 29907

D
Guest
Watching teams play in the B1G tourney - its very evident we need players who can put the ball in the hoop in wide open shots and under duress. It pains me to see Minny players hitting shots right from the gun. We needs height and scoring - that's all. Hopefully Tev and Griffin can provide the outside shooting we need and can learn to take players off the dribble. That and GB needs to develop a very good (Teske-esque) outside shot.
 
#113      
Our biggest issue was the lack of a consistent physical presence in the post other than GB. We had AJ, Kip, and DaW out of position and getting out muscled by most B10 teams. Adding Kofi and a transfer like Holyfield will change and address that glaring weakness. I think Tev and Grif are more of a 3 than a 4 unless they change thier bodies drastically it would be more of the same.
I expect the starters to be Ayo, TF, GB, Kofi, and hopefully Holyfield and Tev, Grif, and DW subbing in in that order. We must have more strength inside and Kofi and a transfer like Holyfield address those holes best imo. Holyfield is a strong rebounder and can shoot too. I think Tev and Griff can grow and mature into that role too it just may take time.
 
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#114      

CAHALL15

Central Illinois
The big problem with Kipper, Damonte, and in general is that no one really improved from last year to this year. Which player on the roster improved from the previous year?
Kipper got worse and I believe the general consensus is that it’s because of an effort/mentality issue. Da’Monte actually improved on some of his numbers including an almost 10% increase in 3pt percentage.

I hate to break it to y’all, but I think Kip is coming back next year due to the fact that he isn’t going to graduate to be able to be a grad transfer. For him, it would be comeback here, or not play anymore college basketball as he already used his redshirt season coming here from Tulane. Hopefully, moving to the 3 with the incoming infusion of height will bring out the good/interested Kipper.
 
#115      
Samba has to stay and improve over the summer. Can't count on January or Holyfield. Da'Monte is just not tall enough, or good enough.
Jones has shown great promise on offense and with a good defense will do well.

BUs defense strategy/scheme has to change, or similar season loses like this year. The center has to stay home, not out to the 3pt line. This is especially true for Samba; play zone, or box and one to cover a 3pt shooter. When mismatches occur with our guards, Samba will be there. Cofi, the same senario as he will be called for fouling, a lot.

I don't see much, if any improvement without at least two bigs, at 4 and 5, playing at any given moment, with a third in the rotation, in a different defense scheme. Tevian has to start; the offense needs variable strategies to play against different teams with their different strengths. Samba has shown promise IF BU uses him properly.

Lastly, Groce called on all players to shoot 15,000 shots during the summer. Try different types, tear drops, 3pters, etc. Can't win if can't make the shots. I hope the coach does not simply play transfers, a disaster will result.
 
#116      
Time after time after time, game after game after game.
Not so much on this board, but on one of the Facebook pages, those opinionators are never hesitant to chastise Brad Underwood's coaching ability.
So I have not seen the weave ever do anything productive. As part of the pattern, players flash down the lane and never ever get the ball. Nor do they even look for it much of the time.
Watching Dook vs North Carolina last night, I didn't see much weaving going on. But they were not hesitant to drive the lane. The only one on our team who does that is Andres Feliz.

So if we ran Duke or UNC's offensive scheme we would be able to drive the lane?
More likely we would just get stuffed most of the time.
 
#117      

breadman

Herndon, VA
1. The mind set of playing "hero ball" is now dead and gone. I don't care if they weave until the cows come home. Have to believe BU will be adding some nice tweaks to that weave.

2. Tev and Griffin baby!! Their potential is through he roof as far as I'm concerned.

3. Giorgi developing that nice looking jumper of his. Make that automatic.

4. Moving on to imposing our will on to other teams. That's what the '89 and '05 teams developed and implemented.

5. The rest is simple: Win NCAA!!
 
#118      
The sign of intelligence is understanding when you are wrong and making adjustments. BU has shown those signs by recruiting size and not talking about winning with a 6'7" guy at center. He also must understand at this point that you can't win consistently in the big by playing the same defense. He will have some experience next year as well as some size to make some adaptions. The improvement next year must come as a combination of better players and a better game plan. Not the guy that knows what that is, but believe we have a smart coach.
 
#119      
Samba, Tev, Griff need to stay. The success of the 89' team was built on disappointing first seasons. Nick,Marcus sat out year 1. Gill, L Smith, Hamilton played sparingly. Bardo was the only one who was an impact year 1 player. Battle was also, but at Northern.

I see talent/potential in all 3. They will all look much better with further development and playing time.
 
#120      
Watching other tournament level teams is a grim reminder of our own deficiencies. We still have a ways to go. These guys were soooo raw at the start of the season, but halfway through the BIG schedule started looking solid. I don't know about the rough finish, but I do know young teams can be very inconsistent, and chalk it up to that.

We'll continue to improve, but we're a work in progress. We started off so bad this season it must have been a challenge to get the guys to that nice run in the latter part of the season. I really wish we had more optimism about recruiting. Kofi is very highly rated, but I'm having a hard time seeing him and Giorgi on the floor together. The system requires skilled passing and intelligent recognition of what the team's doing, on both ends of the floor --usually skills a big takes time to develop.

If we call that year1 of the rebuild (year 2 in actuality), it's a relief to have it behind us. I think we'll all be happy if we keep the roster intact over the offseason. Not sure if it's realistic to get back to the dance next year, but it should be the goal.

We have a lot of high character guys, and a rebuild starts with culture. Just need to stay patient.
 
#121      
Next year, the freshman will be not that...stronger, faster, more knowledge. Samba as of now should be probably 3 behind Kofi and January...January should be a 2 behind giorgi. Giorgi would be a 1-2 to Kofi as well....as far as play.

Kipper IF he is here would be starting 3 imo, with Williams/Griffin/Jones/Ayo/Frazier/Feliz all rotating in and out...add a competent wing in there and that I would say leads us to a productive season. We won't be having a Top 5 schedule next year and the B1G overall should be weaker as many teams lose key players. Iowa will still be good, Michigan State, Michigan of course, after than who knows?

We should be 18+ games won next year, have to finish in Top 6 in conference to be in tournament, which we should be able to do.
 
#122      
RE: the weave.

My impression was that before Purdue it got stressed that we would need to get them moving on defense and the weave was focused on as a way to do that. Not a bad idea in theory. However, it quickly became apparent that we would run the weave three times and then try to score. That is not effective. You need to be looking to score while running it. Just going through the motion of weaving is not a benefit if there is no threat to score while doing it. The team focused on the means (weave) and not the end (getting a good shot).
 
#123      
This team will easily add 8 to 10 wins next season. Bigger, faster, stronger......
 
#124      

illini80

Forgottonia
RE: the weave.

My impression was that before Purdue it got stressed that we would need to get them moving on defense and the weave was focused on as a way to do that. Not a bad idea in theory. However, it quickly became apparent that we would run the weave three times and then try to score. That is not effective. You need to be looking to score while running it. Just going through the motion of weaving is not a benefit if there is no threat to score while doing it. The team focused on the means (weave) and not the end (getting a good shot).
I could be all wrong, but my impression all along has been the weave was done because guys were standing around too much and just trying to generate some movement. One of the things I like the least about our offense this year was the spacing. I may have been the only one that thought the weave helped with that. At least a little.
 
#125      
Team cohesion will be much better. We won't spend half a season learning the offense. We won't spend half the season learning how to limit fouls.
 
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