Out coached out played... Wasn't expecting a win here, but you need to be competitive with top 25 teams. Hopefully we see improvement. We definitely have a cupcake schedule until big ten play. Get confidence don't lose to lower competition, and just win in the big ten. Go illini
I have concerns about the basketball team.
20 + Turnovers every game = Bad Trend
Surrendering double digit leads to less than stellar competition = Bad trend
No reliable depth other than Alan Griffin = Bad Trend
Bad trends against a top 25 opponent = 20 point blowout.
Underwood is a great coach. At Oklahoma State he had the courage to make a philosophical change mid-season and led OSU to the tournament. Remember, he was only at OSU for 1 season. He may need to tweak his philosophy some to get the most from our team. Without Jones, our bench is anemic at best. We have too many turnovers for lack of toughness. In truth, the basketball team needs to take a page from the football team as it pertains to toughness. We do not seem to be very cohesive. We are playing individualistic basketball, which is disconcerting. Yes, we are young but not trending well. Kipper and Damonte have yet to show up. I would recommend starting Kipper to attempt to maximize his strengths with four other scorers on the floor. Bring Dre and Griff off the bench; giving us a little more punch. Based on the interviews I've seen with Underwood, he does not seem very excited to discuss things surrounding Tevian Jones. It would not surprise me if Tev has been given an ultimatum. On another note Nicholls State game may not be as much of an aberration as first thought, as they beat Pitt 2 nights ago.