It’s hard as hell to do, but fun as hell to watch.
Illini Basketball 2017-2018
- Status
It’s hard as hell to do, but fun as hell to watch.
I can tell you this for a fact: Tejon and Damonte will be tough to keep out of the starting lineup this and next year. Coach LOVES LOVES what they are bringing right now. Damonte while still a little stiff moving has opened some eyes at practice.
CBS posted their rankings of all teams 1-351 today. Illinois is all the way down at 85, but thought it was funny to see Wake Forest at 86 considering how their message board views their team.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ranking-all-351-college-basketball-teams-from-duke-to-alabama-a-m/
https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/ranking-all-351-college-basketball-teams-from-duke-to-alabama-a-m/
KrushCow31
Former Krush Cow
- Chicago, IL
This didn't answer my question.
Is there no exhibition games anymore. Is that an Underwood policy or just his first year doesn't wanna show other teams what we got thing?
Demarre Carroll maybe long term?
Teams are allowed two exhibition games. However, if a team does the “secret scrimmage” thing, they replace exhibition games. Illinois has two of those. Hence, no exhibition games.
This year, a few teams were allowed to play charity games for hurricane relief. They got 3 exhibitions. Unique situation.
KrushCow31
Former Krush Cow
- Chicago, IL
Interesting. I had no idea. Thanks! I hadn't heard about our second secret scrimmage, but I looked it up.
I think the team is traveling to Vandy/Nashville this Sunday...
It would've been nice to do it like the Kansas/Mizzo deal and open it to the public and ppv......I don't think this game would raise over a million dollars but we would get to see them before Nov. 10....
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I think Kipper can develop and definitely has a pro body. Alstork got some pro buzz last year I think but don't know if any pro scouts have been to any practices sometimes they pop in and watch a few players....maybe there is enough early hype around Smith/Black/Alstork they draw atleast a look....
If Kipper wants to be a pro then he has to do what potential pros do.......WORK on "HIS" CRAFT!
Serious Late
- Peoria via Denver via Ann Arbor via Albuquerque vi
Sat, Dec 23, 7:00pm ESPN2
ESPN2 is big time.....
Damonte was looking much improved prior to the injury. Pardon the hyperbole, but he reminded me of D Wade when Wade was at Richards HS in Oak Lawn. DaMonte issues with motor or disappearing seemed to have been fixed, he was looking tough inside and had his jumpshot on.
I'm not sure he will start but sounds like he will be part of the top 9 players right now. Don't think he gets minutes of Alstork, Kipper, or M Smith.
Man somebody needs to get him to a good pizza joint.
IlliniDent
- Chicago, IL
Sometimes an injury that keeps a kid out is the motivation they need to always work hard.
Not going to beat them inside. You can beat them with pace and space if you can pressure the ball, get out in transition and knock down the three ball. BTW I do think the Tigers will be susceptible to young bigs in foul trouble.
Play the game on the court, not on paper.
Seems entirely reasonable to me. We finished last year on the wrong side of the bubble (65+), and lost a lot of scoring. OTOH, we have a really good coach now, and brought in some promising backcourt talent. Alstork should bring immediate help replacing a guy like Hill, and while Mav had a good senior campaign, I'm hoping we can get enough out of Black/Finke/TBD to hold our own around the basket.
I have mixed feelings about our talent level. Need to see how these guys play/fit Underwood's system. The team will have a dramatically different look this year. Probably look a lot different in Jan, and maybe even again in March.
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
Right!?
"I prefer the pizza in Slovenia."
"What pizza have you tried in America?"
"Just Pizza Hut."
"Mmkay."
I can second this. I played baseball at the beloved (for 1 year as a walk on, so not that impressive), which would have never happened had I not had shoulder surgery my junior year in high school (non-throwing).
The injury forced me to focus on rehabbing/ working out, strengthening my body, and working on mechanics and just generally devoting significantly more time to practice. It really was all I needed for that extra motivation.
Yup. Not only can it change your work ethic and not taking the game for granted, you get a different perspective watching the games as an observer rather than as a player, and the things you can see and learn are amazing. It can truly open up new doors for a player. Sometimes the best way to progress is to take a step back and look at everything with a fresh sense of openness.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Taking a break from the awfulness that is college basketball recruiting...
Saw this on Reddit's AMA with KenPom:
Saw this on Reddit's AMA with KenPom:
Taking a break from the awfulness that is college basketball recruiting...
Saw this on Reddit's AMA with KenPom:
This is awesome!
It's funny, people say the guy "hates" us, he's just a math guy with formulas that spit out data and he reports it.
Just win damn games
seriously...JUST WIN BABY WIN!
Need to learn about spread offense? Click on this link:
http://www.championshipproductions.com/cgi-bin/champ/p/Basketball/Spread-Offense_BD-04703.html
http://www.championshipproductions.com/cgi-bin/champ/p/Basketball/Spread-Offense_BD-04703.html
Yeah that is the one we use to teach our players. Props to coach Underwood to getting it to us for free back when he was at SFA. Includes the offense plus good breakdown drills. Actually just watched it with the new guys in our program yesterday. He is a really, really great explainer and teacher.
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