FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
I'm just glad to have a guy who will make a statement.
No coach speak there.
He means it, so he said it. :thumb:
Illini Basketball 2017-2018
- Status
I'm just glad to have a guy who will make a statement.
No coach speak there.
He means it, so he said it. :thumb:
No, but if there's doubt he can just say "we expect to be a competitive team" or some similar iteration of that. Now he's said the T word. Fans and writers will hold him to that.
I don't think he's wrong, for the record, but I can hear the "fire Underwood" chants already when we fall on the wrong side of the bubble.
Rothstein could barely finish the question of who's been most impressive in the early workouts before BU answered "Leron Black". I thought this was the most interesting takeaway given the totally warranted uncertainty regarding Leron's fit in this new scheme.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
I hear ya, but I don't think missing the tournament in year 1 (even if he's made an optimistic prediction) is going to lead to any rational criticism. BU is trying to get out in the media and project confidence and positive momentum around the program. Wouldn't read too much into this from a W/L prediction standpoint (though your right that some will).
Bailey said:
I don't really understand why people are so down on Leron in this system. He's going to get open mid-range jumpers that he likes so much. Also a huge opportunity to get second chance points, something that was nearly non-existent under Groce.
Peoria Illini
- Peoria, IL
I think he said if they add the right piece or two to what they have now, they could be a tournament team. He says he needs to add bigs and some experience.
Just looked at the 2018 Maui Invitational Field for a year from this coming November. Man, it could be loaded. Arizona, Auburn, Duke, Gonzaga, Illinois, Iowa State, SD State and Xavier? That should help sway some of those 2018 recruits... Ayo, THT, let's head out to Maui and throw down against some great competition.
Just looked at the 2018 Maui Invitational Field for a year from this coming November. Man, it could be loaded. Arizona, Auburn, Duke, Gonzaga, Illinois, Iowa State, SD State and Xavier? That should help sway some of those 2018 recruits... Ayo, THT, let's head out to Maui and throw down against some great competition.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Just got to that part, he definitely qualified it with 'if we get the right pieces'.
Was surprised by this also but he mentions toughness frequently and LB is the std on this team. Finke obviously fits his offense and I still believe he can be coached into an adequate defensive presence just not the athletic shot blocker. He is after another big and recognizes the lack of depth which I am hoping he has at least one viable option.
RichBradIllini
- Peoria
Speaking of bubbles, this reminds me of pre-season 2010-2011 when Weber had Final Four t-shirts made up. Every coach likes to feed the fan base be it rational or not.
There's plenty of the other kind to go around.
But you're right, Underwood is most certainly drumming up the fans. I know it's worked on me, that's for sure.
I'd rather have a coach shoot for the stars rather than the top of a 10' foot ladder
BU sounds excited about a few returning players. Clearly a big fan of Leron (as I am), but also mentioned JCL, Finke, Kipper and TJL. He's also expecting significant contributions from the 3 incoming freshmen.
I'm interested to see if he can add another big and another scoring wing. Go Illini!
I'm interested to see if he can add another big and another scoring wing. Go Illini!
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
Absolutely! But I'm will to be there will be plenty of irrational criticism!:thumb:
Maybe he will "fall" outside the Bubble in Year 1....but that is still a hell of a lot better than "falling" outside the bubble in what 4 outta 5 years?
Build it and they will come....We are on our way!
Deleted member 4960
D
Guest
I can't wait to watch an offense actually push the ball ip the floor and create easy shots. I don't ever want to see TJL watch the ball roll up to half court before he picks it up. It will be a pleasure to watch rebounders look for outlet passes down the court!!
Good. Change of culture/thinking is needed.
Agreed!
My exact thoughts. He does not mince words when talking about winning and losing. Groce was a nice guy, but he began to annoy me with his, "We'll see. We are getting better and that's what counts. Blah blah blah..." Underwood has put the expectations of being a tournament team out there and said that he's not a good loser which his head coaching record reflects.
Actually by:
Making: LayupS. Free throwS. Open shotS (in the first 7 seconds) ............
And he emphasizes and practices these things.
Takes care of the fundamentals.
One thing I noticed was BU mentioned every returning player other than Aaron Jordan. Did anyone else pick up on that?
Also, I am surprised no one has mentioned how BU said the mantra for the year was going to be "climbing the ladder" and how each game would be a step towards the NCAA tournament
Also, I am surprised no one has mentioned how BU said the mantra for the year was going to be "climbing the ladder" and how each game would be a step towards the NCAA tournament
Like the Maui 2018 tournament. We used to go there alot. Can't see how that would be bad with all schools onlist to be there.
I posted B4 I thought be a few transfers, I'm sure it still happens in next couple years. Finke's foot healing good?
I posted B4 I thought be a few transfers, I'm sure it still happens in next couple years. Finke's foot healing good?
That was completely rational given the roster we had that year. Not so much with the coach we had
IbleedOandB2014
In BU we trust
- Chattanooga
What is the first day the incoming recruiting class can step on campus? Can't wait to see all 3 in an illini uniform and make a big impact next season.
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
I got a good chuckle out of this one
I did too. I'd imagine its hard to remember someone who barely played last year and who BU has barely seen practice. I think AJ can have a nice role on this team. He probably wont be a starter but if he can clean up his play, he's shown the motor that BU seems to value. He also seems extremely committed to the university. Always the first to cheer a big play from the bench.
- Status