so 6 games in i think it’s time to give an early assessment of the season.
For starters, a lot of our preseason predictions have seemed to be way off. Going into the year I expected a lot more out of Jones, Kane, and Kipper. So far, Kane has played maybe 10 minutes? Kipper has been nonexistent when it seemed like the perfect opportunity for him to step in and be a centerpiece. Especially since Jones, who i thought would be able to take Kippers spot at the 4 by late January/February has not been as advertised, and now suspended. Plus, outside of the Gonzaga game, Trent has been just okay for him. Obviously the concussion and ankle held him back for 1.5 games or so, but hope he can start being a real “go to” guy, and once the guys start to gel more, can be more of a floor general like he was late last season.
On the other hand, AJ has been very consistent, and given the amount of power-5 teams we have played, has been outstanding. Kid is going to go out a fighter, and is slowly becoming one of the favorite illini EVER solely on what he has been through in his tenure, and the progress and leadership he has shown. Atta boy AJ, I think we can all agree that he has really meant a lot to this program on and off the court, need more like him. Ayo has been alright, shows flashes of excellence but still makes freshmen mistakes, is clearly still trying to make the transition from CPL to high major basketball, but i think he will be really good by the end of the year on both sides of the ball. Feliz, has been exactly what i expected, can get to the lane, and is a dog on defense and is able to run the offense. Although, needs to get a floater or pull-up game going, he isn’t super athletic and is small. If i had to be honest, would rather have Tejon in there, that kid could really finish at the rim, and both play similarly defensively, but that’s another story. Damonte has quietly had a very nice year and is such a stat stuffer. He looked the most aggressive offensively i’ve ever seen him in the second half vs Notre Dame, driving to the lane, getting fouls, making smart plays defensively, looking to create offensively, and is easily one of our best passers. I’d start Ayo Trent Damonte AJ and Geogi right now. Georgi, kid has been terrific. Had a few tough games, but overall, if you told me he’d score in double figures against Notre Dame, Gonzaga and Georgetown going into the season, I’d be doing the Freddy. OA has shown already that he can really develop bigs, and quickly. He is going to be a very good four year player for us, and it might sound crazy, but he has the footwork, IQ, ballhandling and if could be consistent from 3, to be in the NBA one day. Then Griffin. Man, i tried to tell myself going into the season to not get exited about him, but i thought he had a TON of potential to not only be a good 3-4 year player, but to play early on. Kid has the size, length, iq and shot to be an all-conference player as an upperclassman. Love his game!
All in all, I really liked what a poster said, we have the pieces, we just need to find a way to glue everything together. There’s real talent and potential in this roster, and this schedule is only going to force them to develop quickly. As long as they can stick together, so it’s up to Underwood and Co. to invest in some Elmurs
Also, let’s calm down on the Underwood sucks talk. Anyone who didnt have orange tinted glasses knew this team was going to struggle out of the gate, and if you expected a 20 win season than you’re drunk on the kool aid. This year is ALL about building to try and find ways to win close games, get guys experience, challenge ourselves, and be ready to be competitive in 2019-20 which we CAN and should be.