TF is up there as well for me—the way he’s been all in and representing Illinois basketball and the university the past three years. If he were heading into the end of his junior year with no tourney appearance, I would be really disappointed for him. He deserves to be in the NCAA tourney his jr and sr years after all the sweat and work he’s put in.
Pregame: Illinois at Ohio State, Thursday, March 5th, 6:00pm CT, ESPN
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TF is up there as well for me—the way he’s been all in and representing Illinois basketball and the university the past three years. If he were heading into the end of his junior year with no tourney appearance, I would be really disappointed for him. He deserves to be in the NCAA tourney his jr and sr years after all the sweat and work he’s put in.
Norman
Battle
Feliz
Marcus Griffin
Shelly Clark...
Can't think of many else who were real difference makers. With the new rules, this list should grow pretty fast however
No Alex Legion?
Rayvonte Rice
Both are huge. Winning the B10 tourney would be a tremendous accomplishment and would also help improve our seed. However, from a recruiting perspective I think that the NCAA tourney has a lot more importance, imo. I’m talking sweet 16 or Elite 8 and not just making it past the 1st round. Everyone watches the NCAA tourney and there is way more publicity for the teams that go far.
Hit a dang Ayo shot to seal the W against Missouri. Sheesh
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
He's one of my all time favorites for sure, whether transfer or four year player. I am so impressed with his spirit and effectiveness. Not the very most talented Illini ever, but one of the greats by my reckoning. Will be sorely missed
Cockburn, is going to have to guard K. Wesson. He won't have the luxury of playing off him. He shoots over 40% from 3 and has taken quite a few. They could back off him. I wouldn't let him stand out there catch and shoot which is what he does. 3's provide so much momentum especially at home.
You think BU is going to have Kofi guard Wesson out on the perimeter, or let him take open 3s?
Will be interesting to see what we have prepared. This is why coach gets the BIG bucks. Think it is actually a case where Giorgi may be as effective.
Retro62
- North Bethesda, Maryland
It will be very interesting to see how we guard Wesson...Kofi cannot be dragged out to the perimeter where we lose his strength rebounding and protecting the rim. I haven't seen much of Wesson this year, so I don't know if he can put the ball on the floor and go past a big man with more limited mobility. If so, Giorgi may have some trouble.
This may be a time where the gauntlet is thrown at Kipper's feet and he is asked to step up to the challenge. If I had a choice of guys to cover him on the perimeter, it would be DMW, we know giving up inches is not a problem for him...he just can't guard Wesson in the post.
This may be a time where the gauntlet is thrown at Kipper's feet and he is asked to step up to the challenge. If I had a choice of guys to cover him on the perimeter, it would be DMW, we know giving up inches is not a problem for him...he just can't guard Wesson in the post.
This is a case where an Oturu has an advantage over Kofi. However my dream would be having an Oturu to play the 4. The good news is that Wesson can’t guard Kofi in the post. If we can get him the ball, Wesson is likely to get into foul trouble.
BMoreIllini
- Baltimore, MD
I'm sure Wesson has improved this year, but in 29 minutes in last year's game he only went for 11 and 5 and I have to assume Giorgi was guarding him as Giorgi played 33 minutes, good for 13 and 7. Obviously our defensive scheme and personnel have changed a bit (almost entirely for the better), but I think it shows that if we play well, we can shut him down. Wesson's FG% has dropped about 5.5% (44.5% from 50%) from last year, which is likely due to an extra 3PT attempt per game (up to 3.4 from 2.3) while his FGA per game has stayed the same (9.9 this year, 9.8 last year).
Ohio State's Kyle Young (ankle) is doubtful for tonight's game against Illinois, per Chris Holtmann.
The problem is Kofi has to guard somebody while he is out there. It's a real matchup problem...that is why, even though OSU is a good 3 point shooting team, I think Brad will have to create some kind of hybrid defense. Based on stats...Young, Liddell, and Walker are not three point threats. Kofi can guard Liddell when he is in there.. can't chase the other two. I think Wesson will have a field day if Giorgi guards him.
“Ohio State is probably shooting the ball better than any team in the country. They have gone from a heavy post-up game to shooting 30 3’s a game,” Underwood said.
What kind of hybrid defense will Underwood likely employ??? Inquiring minds want to know.
What kind of hybrid defense will Underwood likely employ??? Inquiring minds want to know.
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
I think with some excellent defense we could end up making this close and a great game, somewhere in the 60's. I do fear that Ohio St is playing with some really good intensity and togetherness in the last few weeks that will be difficult to overcome on their senior night.
OSU 74
ILL 67
I hope I'm wrong, as I have been before!
OSU 74
ILL 67
I hope I'm wrong, as I have been before!
63-60 good guys in a slobber knocker
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Can they show that on TV?
Let him shoot and see if they are going in. Kofi guarding him on the 3 will allow Wesson to drive and draw fouls. Got to keep Kofi on the floor.
haasi
- New York
He’s a good shooter, hard to see BU letting Kofi chase him around extensively. I think we’d be better suited to having Giorgi Damonte or Kipper chase him on perimeter.
Agree. Wesson is prone to foul trouble too, so get the ball to Kofi low...should draw some fouls. Wesson likes to reach.
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