Recent content by Illiniwek33

Obviously, but HRF and Deron were two of the best point guards we have ever had. Ever! Wouldn't it be great if we could get a class of Dee, Deron and Augie once every 3-4 years? Last year's freshman class was pretty close imo. Hopefully they have a similar trajectory.

Remember when Self used to have some kind of camp at Moody Bible Institute. How come our Illini coaches don't continue that tradition or do they?

Turn the 1-year renewable contracts into 2-year renewable contracts. Neither player or school can get out of it, before the term of the contract without a penalty, unless mutually agreeable. Might slow down the transfer rate a bit, which was last reported by the NCAA scholarship process...

Outside of a handful of programs, those commitments, when they happen, are typically, like lightning strikes. Almost impossible to predict.

A lot of programs have done it in the past (Wisconsin, Butler, Gonzaga, etc.). It's not as easy to sustain success with as it is for the Blue Bloods, but the formula is putting together kids that have the ability and fire to compete and know how to win. Once a program proves they know how to...

I believe those expectations will grow, once the team has made it back to the Big Dance several years in a row and starts competing for Big10 Championships once again. Right now I think the team is in a good position to get that process started. We have been knocked down and need to get back...

I agree, but if we have to run the SF position by committee, that probably means we don't have a consistent impact player at that spot. I hope someone steps up and takes that position. However, consistency normally comes with maturity and experience and all of those guys will be a year older...

Looking at the roster we have coming in the 2019-20 season, I think the biggest unknown is whether we have someone that can be a consistent impact scorer from the SF position. Now I see some potential returning candidates in TJ and AG, but it would be really nice to have a consistent scoring...

Thing I'm most looking forward to next season... Everyone will be a year older and experienced. Can't understate the impact of Freshmen becoming Sophomores, Sophomores becoming Juniors, etc. #GoILLINI

Obviously not the standard approach, but nice to see it can be done. Rankings based on athleticism and basketball potential are way overrated imo...

In regards to transfers, the #1 thing to remember is, there is a reason they are transferring. Knowing that reason before evaluating them is first step. Then evaluate these three things in sequence: 1) Can they defend/rebound 2) Do they fit a position of need (you are what you can guard) 3)...

I know where you are coming from, but national ratings are not likely to be as high as they would have been if Zion were playing. It has nothing to do with Duke and everything to do with Zion. The non-basketball fan and casual fans tune in to watch Zion to see what freakishly athletic thing he...

This may be the cure for that...

It was a joy and privilege to be able to attend this game! 20 years from now, when I'm talking to fellow Illini fans about that amazing performance by Giorgi, I can say I was there, but I was just as impressed with the crowd, arena, talent and grit of all the Illini players! It's been awhile...

Great points made here. I think Illinois, under Brad Underwood, may need some of both to get things rolling (a few impact recruits and win more consistently). The current team is going to get better as they mature. It might not be rapid enough growth to make much noise this year, but there...