Perfectly said. It's pretty much expected Smith is going to be a stud.
We need surprises because that's what's going to help this team make the tournament. Sounds like there's a few.
Illini Basketball 2017-2018
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Perfectly said. It's pretty much expected Smith is going to be a stud.
We need surprises because that's what's going to help this team make the tournament. Sounds like there's a few.
and to be fair, some of the guys who have been given great reports shouldn't be considered a surprise. Leron was a top 50 recruit, Tejon is our lone PG coming back, Jordan is going to be a junior, Finke has started at the 4 for 2 years and is his 4th go around, these guys should be expected to lead our workouts by now not be the ones that are "surprisingly performing". Hopefully this is a mix of them stepping up and playing at a high level AND having a coaching staff that puts them in positions to improve their game, something we haven't seen much for oh i dont know 5 whole years. And fwiw i am not trying to throw shade at Tejon, but he is one of the most experienced returtner we have which is crazy.
I see not a lot has changed...still a lot of pontificating on what can or should be....too funny. Like I have always said..AJ gon be alright. Some of you guys need to give up basketball and take up fishing
MainelyIllini
- uh, Maine
I see not a lot has changed...still a lot of pontificating on what can or should be....too funny. Like I have always said..AJ gon be alright. Some of you guys need to give up basketball and take up fishing
Great to have you back! I'm looking forward to seeing AJ in this new offense. I think he will flourish.
It's the philosophy!
Redbirds33333
- Chicago, IL
Freshman living
Matic isn't on campus yet, but do we know who is living together amongst the frosh? Thought I heard mark and Trent were. Curious about the other 3.
Matic isn't on campus yet, but do we know who is living together amongst the frosh? Thought I heard mark and Trent were. Curious about the other 3.
I see not a lot has changed...still a lot of pontificating on what can or should be....too funny. Like I have always said..AJ gon be alright. Some of you guys need to give up basketball and take up fishing
Welcome back! All the best to AJ on the court and of course in the classroom. Here's hoping for a breakout year for him :thumb:
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Great read, thanks for sharing, some interesting tidbits
A) Groce type of personality as a coach mentioned by a person not directly attached to program, somewhat telling and confirmed.
B) Talent level at Oakland 6-7 is as good as the ILLINI, again confirmed by an outsider to the ILLINI, although subjective, telling and speaks to recruiting abilities of entire Groce regime.
C) Melvin Nunn mentions the type of coach "some" players need....seems like Underwood would have fit, if we had him, would Nunn still be here?
Really think Nunn's separation from the Illini was entirely self-inflicted. IOW, no, he would not still be here.
At the risk of hyperbole, I think he reminds me of another player we had here once Griffin....NO I am not comparing the two other than how active he seems and athletic on the court. Hopefully he can get that good basketball wise.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Some very encouraging words from Underwood about Ebo in Tate's podcast. Knew he was a decent-good athlete, but it sounds like he's a step (or two) above that. Really think the staff may have stumbled onto something here. Going to be fun to watch his development.
Listened to it. Pretty fluffy offseason stuff. I get the impression Underwood is a heck of a lot more polished than Groce in that he's been around the block, knows what to say, knows what not to say. He had a lot of praise for folks, but it's clear that it's very early in the process.
Some tidbits I found interesting:
* He mentioned Kipper, Black, GE can all guard the post. So if there was any doubt he can go small, there's your answer.
* Said GE was very athletic. Runs the floor exceptionally well. Can reach 12 ft.. Game is too fast for him right now.
* They've worked mainly on fundamentals. Just now switching over to work on defense.
* Alstork and Matic won't arrive until pretty late. He's not worried about Alstork picking things up though, as a 5th year guy
* Speaking of 5th year guys, he's not a fan of building a roster that way, although it can fill a need. Plans on bringing in freshman. Doesn't like what it does to mid-majors.
* PG, he mentioned that Trent can, TJL, and Alstork. I assume Smith was mentioned but don't recall hearing him specifically. DaMonte is still working his way back from his knee injury.
* Leron got a mention as most improved. He thought he was getting a junk yard dog with Leron, but he's coachable, and has a game out to the perimeter. (I've been saying all along I think Black will fit well in this system). He's really worked on his ball handling.
* Mentioned the Illini HOF and how he enjoyed the banquet. He's not a banquet kind of guy, though --seems to enjoy the coaching and program building.
* Also mentioned he loves having his son on the team (I did not know that)
One other thing - I've been enough of a junkie that I've watched video of his offense. After a while it started to click. I think a lot of die-hard fans will get familiar with it once they've seen a handful of games. You may not pick up everything, but there's a lot of common reads. I think it will especially recognizable with certain personnel sets.
3 point girl
- texas
I see not a lot has changed...still a lot of pontificating on what can or should be....too funny. Like I have always said..AJ gon be alright. Some of you guys need to give up basketball and take up fishing
Lot of good bass & crappie fishing down here in Texas if you ever get this way.
Underwood said he is the most athletic guy on the roster and that he is the best runner and jumper 6'9"guy that he has ever had.Encouraging words:thumb:
I see not a lot has changed...still a lot of pontificating on what can or should be....too funny. Like I have always said..AJ gon be alright. Some of you guys need to give up basketball and take up fishing
Good to have you back! Yes, lots of hot air at times on here, but can't we rely on everything on the internet as being true?
Here's hoping AJ does really well this year. You'll have to advise sometime what bait you use - dough balls, Ivory soap, or dew worms.
Did y'all know he has a 7'3" wingspan? There's a lot to work with here.
ChazzReinhold
Mom! The Meatloaf!
I don't think Egwu started with Meyers. If you're going by ESPN's boxscore that's not correct. Their list of starters is Griffey, Shaw, Henry, Egwu, and Leonard. That was Loyalty's tall lineup.
Mark, Trent, Greg E and DMW are all living together this summer. After that I am unaware where they are living or who they're with
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Sounds like the forum alright.
What are your thoughts on the coaching change? Did you think it was due? Are you more optimistic with Underwood?
Out of respect for the outgoing staff and more importantly...giving the incoming staff the benefit of getting their feet wet ....I will keep my pontificating to myself (unlike many on here) I will say I like the young man AJ is right now and both staffs will have something to do with the man he will become.
Deleted member 8213
D
Guest
Pretty classy way to put it. We're all AJ fans here. :thumb:
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Very well said, and I am sure your influence will have significantly more to do with the end result, as it should. Thank you for the visit!
Thanks for the post.
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