Illini Basketball 2019-2020

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#302      

sacraig

The desert
There was no offer to bigger fish. They asked and wanted George who was making over $1M he told them to pound sand. So did Tiley. They went to the next ex Illini.

Doesn't that fundamental invalidate your premise, though. That says we did in fact inquire and they did in fact have no interest regardless of money.
 
#304      

ChiefGritty

Chicago, IL
He has spent a lot more than he has raised though.

He's done exactly what every keyboard jockey on here has been begging for for decades. He's invested aggressively in the success of the only two programs that matter. Lovie and Underwood were both great hires that required both unprecedented financial resources as well as competent processes and Whitman got it done.

We have the football facility because of the splash Lovie made, whether or not it ends up working out on the field. Whitman got it done.

The idea that he's some D3 rube who's in over his head here is ludicrous. He's far from above criticism, and he needs to show he can make sensible decisions with his hires as we go forward, but for the time being I don't have any particular interest in going in another direction at AD, and I don't sense our administration or fancy donor community do either.
 
#305      
Ultimately we make the tournament (as ANY seed) and I'm happy, or we miss the tournament and I'm perplexed,confused,hurt,outraged and all the other emotions Illinois fans are accustomed to.

I am not quite that optimistic. I would think, given the strength of the league, I would be more than satisfied with a 13-7 conference record.
 
#306      
I am not quite that optimistic. I would think, given the strength of the league, I would be more than satisfied with a 13-7 conference record.

13-7 last year was Maryland and was a 5th place finish in the B1G and a #6 NCAA seed.
 
#307      
That’s fine not to give him credit for Ayo, but you seemed to forget about Trent and Giorgi.

All three of those players had fantastic freshman seasons. It will be interesting to see how much better they get here.
 
#308      

IllFanInMi

I
Guest
Speak about Happy!! My all time favorite. This team is going to be really fun, particularly if they win!!



View attachment 4735
This and another picture with Kofi and GB really shows how big and tall Kofi is! More respect from me on what GB did inside as a freshman. Goes to show you how fundamentals, footwork, and crafty post moves are such a lost art. GB👍🏻
 
#309      
This and another picture with Kofi and GB really shows how big and tall Kofi is! More respect from me on what GB did inside as a freshman. Goes to show you how fundamentals, footwork, and crafty post moves are such a lost art. GB👍🏻
Seems like Kofi is fitting right in! GB always the great ambassador.
 
#310      
Seems like Kofi is fitting right in! GB always the great ambassador.

I wonder how much a player's personality is taken into account during the recruiting process? I would argue that chemistry/make-up of a team mentally is nearly as important as talent alone. The 2005 team had that mix and balance. I feel like this team has it this year to a degree. They seem like they are all singing from the same song sheet and all have the same goals. GB is the mouthpiece, Ayo is the talent, trent is the swag, and everyone is hard work....
 
#311      

ILL in IA

Iowa City
I wonder how much a player's personality is taken into account during the recruiting process? I would argue that chemistry/make-up of a team mentally is nearly as important as talent alone. The 2005 team had that mix and balance. I feel like this team has it this year to a degree. They seem like they are all singing from the same song sheet and all have the same goals. GB is the mouthpiece, Ayo is the talent, trent is the swag, and everyone is hard work....
It's like they have all come together to make a fist...
 
#312      
I wonder how much a player's personality is taken into account during the recruiting process? I would argue that chemistry/make-up of a team mentally is nearly as important as talent alone. The 2005 team had that mix and balance. I feel like this team has it this year to a degree. They seem like they are all singing from the same song sheet and all have the same goals. GB is the mouthpiece, Ayo is the talent, trent is the swag, and everyone is hard work....

If people hated playing them last year, they are really going to hate this team. Pressure and physical play with their depth should be wearing if they have some new defensive wrinkles.
 
#315      
All three of those players had fantastic freshman seasons. It will be interesting to see how much better they get here.
It took a little bit for Trent and Ayo to mesh in games, but another year together is going to be great for us. If Kofi and Giorgi figure it out down low, and one of our wings can emerge as a reliable 4th or 5th option, we’re going to be very tough to beat.
 
#316      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
It's like they have all come together to make a fist...


POTY....This belongs in the Loyalty Hall of Fame as one of the funniest posts of all time...kudos

5d3bf00c-1c14-4021-8c82-2fa515e17bd1.gif
 
#319      
I'm thinking it's going to be competitive at the 3 spot this year, Tev, Griffin, and Kipper in his last year, he'll get some time at 4 also, possibly Verdonk if going really big. It will be a positive.
I expect Versonk to be in the mix for sure. For all oll of the skills set we need in one player such as shooting, physicality, rebounding, size, passing. And IQ from just looking at him and by listening to players and coaches. Verdonk may end up being that guy and be this years big surprise. He looks bigger than GB and can shoot it.
 
#321      
Saw on another website Samba Kane to Indian Hills CC in Iowa!o_O Can't seem to find anything at this time to back it up?

This is an excellent choice for him. Indian Hills developed the SG, Tomas Woldetensae, that we spent an OV on and he ended up at Virginia. Also, heard that DJ Williams is going to sit out the first semester and enroll somewhere for the 2nd semester.
 
#322      
I expect Versonk to be in the mix for sure. For all oll of the skills set we need in one player such as shooting, physicality, rebounding, size, passing. And IQ from just looking at him and by listening to players and coaches. Verdonk may end up being that guy and be this years big surprise. He looks bigger than GB and can shoot it.

Definitely agree. Please no more Kipper at the 4.
 
#324      
He will play some 4 if foul trouble for GB and Kofi, bet that won't happen. 😐

There’s literally zero chance he doesn’t play some at the 4. Unless your under some delusion that Kofi/Giorgi/Verdonk can cover 80 minutes at the 4/5 (or 75 if you think Hamlin can play 5 which I’m not convinced of).

I’ll give Giorgi 25-30 (prob 28) min, Kofi 18-25 (prob 22) min, and Verdonk 10-22 (prob 14) min... And Hamlin 3-8 (prob 5) min.

At the high end that’s 30+25+22+8 = 85... but I think it’s closer to 28+22+14+5 = 69 which leaves 11 minutes for Kipper and Tevian at the 4.
 
#325      
Do you realize how many Strong Dunks we are going to see this year? Gets the crowd into it! And not all from Kofi.

I’m hoping Kofi, Giorgi, VerDUNK, Tevian, Ayo, and Griffin all throw it down. Ideally those 6 can average 5+ per game combined.
 
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