Yeah, that's a joke. Unfortunately team standings and general outside perception of a players team(even for elite players) puts a boot on those rankings. Even if you're the only returning player in college basketball to put up >18, >6, >3. I think it's fair to say nobody expects much out of this team at all.
Illini Basketball 2016-2017
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Yeah, that's a joke. Unfortunately team standings and general outside perception of a players team(even for elite players) puts a boot on those rankings. Even if you're the only returning player in college basketball to put up >18, >6, >3. I think it's fair to say nobody expects much out of this team at all.
Except every illini fan. But seriously I think some like Fran see the potential here. Groce has the talent and the experience now its time to show he can go out and coach.
I don't know if it was because of the distance, but his shot looked different. A little quicker release, not set as long, and shooting on the way up a bit. If that's his shot, he could be DANGEROUS.
The reports about Malcolm this summer/fall remind me of the preseason buzz around Deron Williams going into the '04-05 season. Does anyone else remember that? We all thought that Deron was a so-so athlete and not much of a scorer, and then that summer people were like, "DW is completely unguardable in scrimmages. Improved shot and athleticism, looks unstoppable." And then it was all true.
I'm surprised nobody posted this GREAT team photo from Dee's twitter feed. Good look at JCL's hand also
I'm surprised nobody posted this GREAT team photo from Dee's twitter feed. Good look at JCL's hand also
Where is MF?
Athlon had Hill as 1st team all B1G
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
Who's the dude directly below Malcolm?
Walk-on that graduated from Central 2-3 years ago. I think.
Sidenote: Lucas looks young as hell. I refuse to believe that he's done growing!
Clayton Jones, walk-on from Champaign Central.
Going into his Sophomore season maybe? He averaged more per flip that year than he did in 04-05.
That makes sense. Must have been his soph year. I was in school then and remember hearing people say he was going to dominate after watching practices at Ubben.
618 Illini
- Chicago
Malcolm Hill mentioned in Jeff Goodman's Wooden Award article on ESPN. Glad to see he is getting some national recognition and hope it continues.
http://www.espn.com/blog/collegebas.../115940/whos-the-favorite-to-win-wooden-award
http://www.espn.com/blog/collegebas.../115940/whos-the-favorite-to-win-wooden-award
Oklahoma State's Jawun Evans.
Speaking of Evans, I expect Brunson to have a big year.
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
Interestingly, Evans was listed something like 4th in the Top Point Guards list in Lindy's. Brunson was something like 18th.
It's John Legend
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Interesting, I do not really agree. I think Brunson is the kind of player who will make a huge leap from freshman to sophomore. I expect he will lead Villanova this year and establish himself as one of the top point guards in college basketball. 18 is definitely too low.
Pretty sure it was his junior season. His skill as a PG was really showing his soph year, and we made it to the S16, but the question is how good would we be after a decent year (yeah, I know it's strange now to call a S16 decent, but remember we were a fixture in the top25). Instead of being a guy who could direct a team, he became a guy who could take over if needed.
But my memory's not perfect....
I doubt there is that much of a difference between the 2 either, but not a big deal it all depends on who improves the most, Brunson will get a chance to prove himself & without Arcidiacono he will have an opportunity this year...I think I'm more surprised Evans is ranked 4th, not sure off the top of my head who is better but can't imagine we can't find 4 or more upper classmen who are better
Player GP MIN PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TPG FG% FT% 3P%
Jawun Evans 22 28.9 12.9 4.4 4.9 1.1 0.2 2.5 .471 .833 .475
Jalen Brunson 40 24.0 9.6 1.8 2.5 0.7 0.0 1.8 .452 .774 .383
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Man, I always thought Evans was better than Brunson, personally, but I didn't realize he was that good from deep.
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
Absolutely agree. Love his game and expect continued growth from him.
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