Two thoughts to add to this very interesting discussion over the past two days.
The Illini really need another guard which is a duh. Ramey is a bulldog athlete and winner. But if Feliz can also pass and is an excellent shooter, I really have no preference. In BU offense, there is no PG, SG, SF, just guys who can handle and shoot. Who brings the ball up is irrelevant and the team will have, barring injury, enough good handlers and passers to get that done. Just need 5 guards to play all out defense and cover for injuries/illness/unforeseen.
Secondly, so many mention wanting 4 great players next class, but I don't see that happening because the mentioned players are not going to want to sit and watch. A roster of 13 who can play at a level to contend for B1G title leaves 4 or 5 unhappy campers. I like the players in the fold now but the need for the future is to get Jones or Hinson and build their games to big time level. I like GBez too and if he has the mentality, he could become a Kaminsky/Larry Bird mini-hybrid who we love. Another skilled PF would be nice, but 4 more contending at the SF, PF spots is not going to work. What so many propose, and quite understandably, is an all-star gathering of possibilities with whom the staff has talked. Just remember, there is not a single player on scholarship who does not want to play 25+ minutes a game. Only 5 or 6 will, so who gets to play and who is disappointed? Heck, Smith got that time and was still not satisfied. What needs to be done making certain that Alstork, Finke, Smith, and Lucas are all replaced with guys that can shoot the ball at a higher level. IMHO, that should not be difficult as collectively they were very poor shooters and that is the reason for the season. Kane and Ego can handle the defensive upgrade in the paint, while AYO, Griffin, and maybe Jones will offer help in the shooting dept My major concern is can whoever they sign defend and make shots? Looks like that is happening. As far as the 2019 class is concerned, BU will get those types, whoever they are. The Illini program is moving in the right direction...but next year is not going to bring a national title. It may be very entertaining though.
A last thought is something that disturbs me when I heard it when AYo signed. He mentioned being around for "a year or so". Just having that thought in his head shows poor thinking IMHO. He needs to set his goals to out of reach levels for the team. Then if the team reaches them, listen to his coaches, and only them, about what to do in the future.
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