Tacomallini
- Washington State
On staff at U of I athletics, Marketing/Communications I believe
Illini Basketball 2019-2020
- Status
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
That makes me happy.
They're tough like most of the B1G. But I'd much rather play them at home while students are gone instead of OSU, MSU, Maryland, etc.
I could see 9-10 B10 teams making tourney. B10 is toughest conference in BB so far according to rankings, which committee will be well aware of.
If NW defeats MSU on Wednesday then Illini will be tied for 1st in B10.
Side note... pretty sure Gonzaga Didnt expect their next game against UNC to be a Q3 game. They’ll probably lose RPI points even with a win.
Side note... pretty sure Gonzaga Didnt expect their next game against UNC to be a Q3 game. They’ll probably lose RPI points even with a win.
Question: When Gentry was hired, Walker was made defensive coordinator. How much credit does he get for the system changes in the defense? How much credit for the defensive game plans? Assuming quite a bit for the game plans, less for the system. If Gentry can bring Ayo up a couple of steps it ranks as a great move.
USAFILLINI
- Florida
Seton hall was without Powell, who is averaging 21 points per game (next highest scorer is around 10). I think Rutgers is better but not exactly a juggernaut, should be a win for us.
To be fair, I believe Powell played all but the last 4 minutes of the first half (injury)...so Rutgers was still handed them the business at that point with him. Rutgers could be very explosive and gets some unexpected conf wins like us this year.
Without Cole Anthony, UNC is going to have a really hard time scoring and beating anyone this year. They are as offensively challenged so far as Virginia, and well we all know how hard that is to watch.
USAFILLINI
- Florida
True, but only 15 minutes from your best player by far is going to set you back. I’m not for sure, but think he came into the game injured (edit: concussion from the Rutgers game)
Last edited:
We are getting 51.8 minutes per game from Kofi and Giorgi. Right where most predicted.
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
IMHO, how Tevian is used and progresses forward will have a lot to do with the success of the Illini...Not trying to be Mr. Obvious here, but he has had 2 lengthy suspensions that has impeded his growth ...reports last year during his time off were glowing, IIRC, but little has been stated as far as this year...We need his skills to help make the tourney...I hope BU has a good plan for getting Tevian some meaningful minutes as I believe he has untapped potential as a bb player...The question is will he ever realize that potential and become the player that he can be..
Holding any hope (need) on a twice suspended player (in consecutive years, no less) is not really a good omen.
I have never understood all this Tevian love...IMO, he went off against Maryland last year cause he did not have to guard. I've always thought his D was suspect. Stats are generally offensive, but on one of the defensive stats, steals per 40, only Tyler underwood beat him last year. He might have the physical skills, but his mental skills(choices) may be what is keeping him off the court.
illiniswish09
- Northwest Suburbs
Agreed but it’s hard because he completely changes our team if he’s fully in.
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
I can agree with your point, but I was trying to support my contention how much TJ could improve our hope of a berth in the tourney...He brings skills we are lacking at his position and how he plays could add to our chances...i guess I am hoping with my heart as I am a glass half full type of person....It is up to TJ if he earns the time on the court to add his distinct element of play in a good way....
JMHO
Where do you see him playing? Backup to Giorgi (Instead of Kipper)? Backup to DaMonte (instead of Alan)? Need the rebounding and defense at the four but Kipper has been better than I expected.
Illini are #32 in first NCAA NET rankings of the year. Ohio St. #1, Maryland is #11, Penn. St #18, Michigan #21, MSU #29, Iowa #33 and Indiana #36. Surprised that DePaul is only 43.
I wish Tev nothing but the best and I hope he can earn his minutes. With that being said I think Kip has played well and is better at driving, rebounding, and defense. When Tev is compared to AG imo it seems clear BU feels AG is better on the glass, shooting, and on defense and they are close if other areas. Also. I am very much for earning and respecting team rules. I think it's clear Tev could help the team but I totally agree with him sitting after violating team rules a second time..The penalty should be more severe. If my kid were good enough I'd want that type of leadership and accountability from his coaches. I would totally support it.
I think some of it is Tev love and some of it is people looking for a player with his skill set to step up and fill a valuable role on the team. So there's a bit of wishful thinking (including from me) that goes into the desire to see him get more minutes.
Sometimes that wishful thinking does pan out, so it's not entirely irrational.
To illustrate how important it is to NET to win true road games, and avoid bad losses - Duke is 30 in NET; yet, has most Q1 wins, and only 1 loss overall. Their only loss is a Q3 loss to SFU at home, and they have only played 2 true road games (both wins). While Ohio State also has one loss, and only 2 true road games they are ranked #1. Their only loss is against a Q1 team on the road.
Edit for emphasis: to reiterate the early mention... Ilini are #32, so Duke is only 2 spots better than us according to NET. Like Ohio State the Illini do not have any Q3/Q4 losses (Miami currently Q2, others are Q1).
Edit for emphasis: to reiterate the early mention... Ilini are #32, so Duke is only 2 spots better than us according to NET. Like Ohio State the Illini do not have any Q3/Q4 losses (Miami currently Q2, others are Q1).
- Status