Klee chat
July 20, 2011 5:40 PM
Q: Thanks for the chats. How have the new guys looked in the structured practices compared to the veterans?
A: Not to be redundant, but they look like young guys compared to veterans. The freshmen are behind, they look like freshmen, and that's expected, but they play awfully hard, and playing hard has a tendency to mask weaknesses, at least for a while. Nnanna Egwu has been the standout of the group. With Egwu, Illinois will have the freedom to trap the ball in the backcourt, something the Illini haven't been able to do since James Augustine. That changes how they are able to defend. Again, don't put too much stock in summer workouts. The promising part for Illinois is that your newcomers are a competitive group. I think they have a longer way to go than most want to think and next season will depend on the veterans, but the rookies don't back down, and I like that. Klee
Klee
A: Not to be redundant, but they look like young guys compared to veterans. The freshmen are behind, they look like freshmen, and that's expected, but they play awfully hard, and playing hard has a tendency to mask weaknesses, at least for a while. Nnanna Egwu has been the standout of the group. With Egwu, Illinois will have the freedom to trap the ball in the backcourt, something the Illini haven't been able to do since James Augustine. That changes how they are able to defend. Again, don't put too much stock in summer workouts. The promising part for Illinois is that your newcomers are a competitive group. I think they have a longer way to go than most want to think and next season will depend on the veterans, but the rookies don't back down, and I like that. Klee
Klee
Filed under: Illini Basketball
