No Jerrance Howard, plz
Brad Underwood Named Illini Basketball Coach
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No Jerrance Howard, plz
GortTheRobot
- North Bethesda, Maryland
Watching the sCUM game, and they are on a roll right now...it makes me feel even better about our hire. BU almost took that game from, arguably, one of the hottest teams in the country.
I can definitely understand the excitement. He should get some good looks in transition that Underwood will want him to take. I know some people were lamenting how quick Groce teams shot the ball. Underwood teams will shoot just as fast if not faster in transition.
In the half court I think one of the benefits of this offense will actually be to force JCL off the three point line. He's gonna have to be guarded in the entire half court. That will significantly help his 3 pt game as well.
BWood. Takin em to the Woodshed!
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Market reality is stronger than the biased perceptions of some disgruntled Illini fans. Jerrance became our highest paid assistant, was the only one on staff who was offered a job as assistant by the departing coach (Weber), received offers from Donovan, Calipari and others, and accepted positions on Larry Brown's staff and at KU with Bill Self. The opinion in the form of actual paid positions of some of the top HOF-caliber coaches speaks louder than random fans. He is a great recruiter. At least that this the opinion of top coaches.
The "why" question that people avoid, is why would Jerrance (who wants to become a HC and have a career in the profession) come back again to coach at UI, versus staying at Kansas, an established blue blood much higher in the food chain, and for Underwood versus staying with Self, a HOF coach. It makes zero sense, not going to happen.
Ubermensch
BOOM! Feed my ego.
I don't think anyone is arguing.
Could someone please explain the fascination with DJ Williams on this forum? He was a highly-touted recruit--a "good get" by Groce (so we were told). He has been on this team for 2 full seasons and cannot make it to the floor. Is that Groce's fault? What's the deal?
PostersLastStand
- Wayne County, IL
After drinking the orange Kool-Aide all night I have some Pros and Cons. All cons are related to our last two coaches and some of the similarities. Long time assistant, not much head coaching time. That out of the way. Pros are Head Coach in Junior College, helps when getting one or two year and done players. Bob Huggins/Frank Martin. Style of play, presence on the sideline, Head coach for 4 years, NCAAs 4 years. Strong Illinois ties. I love the hire. I'm throwing this out there now to get it out of the way, so maybe it won't get mentioned later. Yes he wins with John Groce's recruits, but can he win with his own!
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Soxfreak64
- Bloomington
Entire team had better start tightening their handles. Black and JCL might not see the floor otherwise.
He sort of fits the eye test, kind of like Dickie V's All Airport Team.
South Farms
- near Ogden & Rt 83
I'm still trying to figure out the Colangelo/Brown connection to Underwood.
very likely might have been where JW first heard BU was unhappy with his contract in Stillwater and why JW was jetting around to raise the $ for the 3M buyout of his contract and the buyout of Groce's.
People tied into inside basketball know what a solid coach BU is. Colangelo has probably heard this 100 times. JW likely has his own sources as well, but don't discount JC's possible role in this
peace davids
- Colorado
Anyone else think that Henson was involved with making the connection?
Very good writing for grammar and punction. But, what do we think? Kinda on fence. I know nothing about Underwood and all I remember is their great player with the beard during Tournament. Maybe kid is right.
https://collegecourtreport.com/2017/03/18/wesner-illinois-underwood-is-groce-2-0/
https://collegecourtreport.com/2017/03/18/wesner-illinois-underwood-is-groce-2-0/
PostersLastStand
- Wayne County, IL
It has been mentioned that an up tempo style of play doesn't translate in the BIG10, I do get it, but I want a fun team to watch, besides I think more recruits will look at us because of this style of play. And it will happen in the BIG10, again. See Flying Illini 89. Lets go back to that! Or 2005 team. The shot clock will be coming down to 25 seconds, so this forces the tempo faster. We have the coach to play that style and win.
South Farms
- near Ogden & Rt 83
could very likely be. someone passed the info on to JW.
I don't think JW has any previous ties to BU or his former coaches he worked for or his assts working for him now.
the game inside the game is a fascinating business, be it pro or college
RichBradIllini
- Peoria
Might be we were contacted by BU's agent.
I feel bad saying anything since this poster is clearly the author of the article...
South Farms
- near Ogden & Rt 83
that would apply to every coach in the business..................
Haha +1
What a great hire! I was skeptical that we would find a coach that would excite me. I kept hearing names that suggested boring basketball. This hire screams excitement! High octane offense that top rated recruits will want to play for. Hopefully this signals the resurgence of ILlini basketball!
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