Illini Basketball 2019-2020

Status
Not open for further replies.
#276      
The article states: Since he is not currently in summer classes, Bosmans-Verdonk can't take part in skill workouts and other team-organized activities during the four on-court hours per week that the NCAA allows each program in the summer.

Does anyone know what Verdonk will be able to do practice wise? Can he practice with the players, work with managers, meet with coaches, etc?
I would imagine he can be a full participant in those 10 scheduled practices.
 
#277      
Has there been any word on if any of the Italy games will be available to stream?
 
#278      
It looks like he missed most of the other sessions, I wonder if he signs up for this one, if it would be enough to qualify. I would guess, yes.
S2B = Second 4 weeks of S2 (7/8/2019 – 8/1/2019 plus finals)

https://registrar.illinois.edu/academic-calendars/summer-academic-calendar-19/
Sounds like he won't start classes until the fall session, but will be eligible for both the 10 practices and the trip to Italy, so he'll get a reasonable dose of ball this summer. I saw that he shot 38% from 3. That would be at the international 3 point line too, so he won't have to adjust at all on 3s.
 
#279      
The article states: Since he is not currently in summer classes, Bosmans-Verdonk can't take part in skill workouts and other team-organized activities during the four on-court hours per week that the NCAA allows each program in the summer.

Does anyone know what Verdonk will be able to do practice wise? Can he practice with the players, work with managers, meet with coaches, etc?

*I think* since the team is visiting Italy, they are allowed 10 practices. BV can avail of those 10 practices.
 
#280      

Deleted member 236589

D
Guest
Yeah, I understand that, but I still contend that things are looking up. Big UP compared to the last ten YEARS.
Didn't we have the worst season, statistically, in Illinois basketball history last season? That's not exciting.

We need to win before I get too jazzed up.
 
#283      
According to the article from the IlliniInquirer:

"Since he is not currently in summer classes, Bosmans-Verdonk can't take part in skill workouts and other team-organized activities during the four on-court hours per week that the NCAA allows each program in the summer.
However, being that the Illini are headed on an overseas trip to Italy from Aug. 4-14, they have 10 team practices to use at any time during the summer term. Bosmans-Verdonk can participate in those remaining practices and he will play in Italy next month — team sources told Illini Inquirer."


He'll probably just watch the "organized" 4 hour per week team activity from the sideline. Probably with a coach or two talking in his ear,but he does get to participate in the extra 10.
I hope someone with the facts weighs in on this. I thought it was stated earlier that unless a player is currently enrolled, they are not allowed to participate in team activities.
 
#285      
Sounds like he won't start classes until the fall session, but will be eligible for both the 10 practices and the trip to Italy, so he'll get a reasonable dose of ball this summer. I saw that he shot 38% from 3. That would be at the international 3 point line too, so he won't have to adjust at all on 3s.
Other than that he may actually have people in his face when he's taking those 3's now.
 
#286      

Dren1

Glenview, IL
The Illini are listed as a team to watch in the Big Ten in this 247 preview:

https://247sports.com/college/illin...rams-looking-toward-2019-20-season-133538497/

Illinois Fighting Illini

* 2018-19 Record, Postseason: 12-21 overall, 7-13 Big Ten (tied for 10th)

* Coach: Brad Underwood (third year at Illinois, 26-39; seventh year overall, 135-66)

* Key Returnees: G Alan Griffin, G Trent Frazier, F Kipper Nichols, G Tevian Jones, G Andres Feliz, G Ayo Dosunmu, F Giorgi Bezhanishvili, G Da’Monte Williams, C Samba Kane

* Newcomers (freshmen unless noted): C Kofi Cockburn (ranked 44th nationally), F Bernard Kouma (ranked 341st), F Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (unranked)

* Key Departures: G Aaron Jordan (graduation), C Adonis De La Rosa (graduation), G Anthony Higgs (transfer)

* National Rankings: NCAA.com, 36th

* ESPN Bracketology: Not listed

* The Skinny: Illinois went to the NCAA Tournament 16 times in the 21-year period between 1993 and 2013. But the Fighting Illini have not been back to The Big Dance in the six years since then.

But Underwood may be the coach to end that drought and it could happen in 2019-20 if all the pieces come together. It helps that Dosunmu (13.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg) considered a professional jump before returning to school. He and Frazier (13.7 ppg) should form one of the Big Ten’s better backcourts.

The 6-9 Bezhanishvili (12.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg) is coming off a tremendous freshman season. He will be joined inside by the national top-50 signee Cockburn. The 7-foot, 290-pound Cockburn, who starred at Oak Hill Academy, is a native of Jamaica.
 
#287      
after watching the draft there is no doubt Ayo will be a lottery pick.
Ok, I put my internet beach house on that one, but since it is no doubt , I want a couple internet beach house back in return.
 
#288      
Anyone know if this is an actual recent photo of MJ at an U of I practice, or just a stock photo that captures ActionJackson's enthusiasm for the coming year? Cause it would be wicked cool if he actually was on campus
It's hold, Hawaii when his son was playing...I use it all the time here in UNC country to piss people off.
 
#290      
The Illini are listed as a team to watch in the Big Ten in this 247 preview:

https://247sports.com/college/illin...rams-looking-toward-2019-20-season-133538497/

Illinois Fighting Illini

* 2018-19 Record, Postseason: 12-21 overall, 7-13 Big Ten (tied for 10th)

* Coach: Brad Underwood (third year at Illinois, 26-39; seventh year overall, 135-66)

* Key Returnees: G Alan Griffin, G Trent Frazier, F Kipper Nichols, G Tevian Jones, G Andres Feliz, G Ayo Dosunmu, F Giorgi Bezhanishvili, G Da’Monte Williams, C Samba Kane

* Newcomers (freshmen unless noted): C Kofi Cockburn (ranked 44th nationally), F Bernard Kouma (ranked 341st), F Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (unranked)

* Key Departures: G Aaron Jordan (graduation), C Adonis De La Rosa (graduation), G Anthony Higgs (transfer)

* National Rankings: NCAA.com, 36th

* ESPN Bracketology: Not listed

* The Skinny: Illinois went to the NCAA Tournament 16 times in the 21-year period between 1993 and 2013. But the Fighting Illini have not been back to The Big Dance in the six years since then.

But Underwood may be the coach to end that drought and it could happen in 2019-20 if all the pieces come together. It helps that Dosunmu (13.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg) considered a professional jump before returning to school. He and Frazier (13.7 ppg) should form one of the Big Ten’s BEST backcourts.

The 6-9 Bezhanishvili (12.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg) is coming off a tremendous freshman season. He will be joined inside by the national top-50 signee Cockburn. The 7-foot, 290-pound Cockburn, who starred at Oak Hill Academy, is a native of Jamaica.
FIFY
 
#291      

skyIdub

Winged Warrior
I would like to apologize in advance for my overuse of The Godfather .gif's during the upcoming Italy trip.

Carry on.
 
#292      

foby

Bonnaroo Land
I would like to apologize in advance for my overuse of The Godfather .gif's during the upcoming Italy trip.

Carry on.
I'd be disappointed if you didn't.
 
#296      

breadman

Herndon, VA
I find that my expectations for this year's squad is really, really growing. I can see this squad doing something special this season. We'll see, because as we all know they can always prove me wrong.

By the by, anybody know what number that newly arrived turducken kid got assigned? Thanks.
 
Last edited:
#299      
I find that my expectations for this year's squad is really, really growing. I can see this squad doing something special this season. We'll see, because as we all know they can always prove me wrong.

By the by, anybody know what number that newly arrived turducken kid got assigned? Thanks.

There area plethora of unknowns that could either disappoint or amaze that will determine what this team becomes next season....success or failure. Most of all, four players hold the key to success if they can meet or surpass expectations. First, Kofi....how quickly will he learn to use his talents? The next three are all returning players who could make a huge flip or flop. AG, TJ, and of course...Kipper. No one expects much from Kipper as he has been huge at times and MIA too often compared to what he can do. Part of that is playing out of position which he should not have to do too often next season. He is a true three. AG and TJ have the skills and physical ability to make huge leaps....and yet the mental challenge of actually doing that is an elusive thing. We should see TF, AD, AF, and GB make worthwhile improvement as expected by most, but what the other four can do will be the wind beneath their wings and make the team fly. Anything from Samba (and he may surprise if he can use his athleticism with improved skills and understanding...after all, he is a pretty determined and intelligent young man) will be a plus. The two other frosh are a complete question mark and they could surprise, but no one can depend on them for anything right now. They should be ready in a couple of years when their time comes. I don't think either is a shrinking violet or will tiptoe their way along.

Bottom line is that there will be tremendous interest from Illini fans unless or until they lose more than two consecutive games....and then...like every other fan base, the boo birds will fly. But it won't be me...I love Illini basketball and always will and will leave it to Whitman and Underwood. to steer the program(s), until they don't.
 
#300      
There area plethora of unknowns that could either disappoint or amaze that will determine what this team becomes next season....success or failure. Most of all, four players hold the key to success if they can meet or surpass expectations. First, Kofi....how quickly will he learn to use his talents? The next three are all returning players who could make a huge flip or flop. AG, TJ, and of course...Kipper. No one expects much from Kipper as he has been huge at times and MIA too often compared to what he can do. Part of that is playing out of position which he should not have to do too often next season. He is a true three. AG and TJ have the skills and physical ability to make huge leaps....and yet the mental challenge of actually doing that is an elusive thing. We should see TF, AD, AF, and GB make worthwhile improvement as expected by most, but what the other four can do will be the wind beneath their wings and make the team fly. Anything from Samba (and he may surprise if he can use his athleticism with improved skills and understanding...after all, he is a pretty determined and intelligent young man) will be a plus. The two other frosh are a complete question mark and they could surprise, but no one can depend on them for anything right now. They should be ready in a couple of years when their time comes. I don't think either is a shrinking violet or will tiptoe their way along.

Bottom line is that there will be tremendous interest from Illini fans unless or until they lose more than two consecutive games....and then...like every other fan base, the boo birds will fly. But it won't be me...I love Illini basketball and always will and will leave it to Whitman and Underwood. to steer the program(s), until they don't.
Agree with this and think you are right on about AJ and TJ but believe the Samba part is even more important as a backup to Giorgi and Kofi. Thinking he has further to come and the others can do it by committee as there are a lot of options there. We have a lot of star power in Trent, Ayo, and Giorgi, just need solid role players to support them (particularly on defense).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.