Illini Basketball 2017-2018
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Near double double for Leron, Finke also in double figures. Also heard Kipper played well and Da’Monte got starters minutes.
Alex Legion,Jr is shooting the ball in practice very well.
Yep and we all know how that turned out
Interesting that through the first 2 games, we haven't heard a peep about Alstork or Smith. I wonder if the staff is limiting what stats they give to the public, or maybe those 2 are off to slow starts.
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Finke and Black should both turn into double-double machines.
That would be something considering Illinois' last double/double player for the season was Nick Weatherspoon in 72-73.
Thus maybe your user ID?
Interesting that through the first 2 games, we haven't heard a peep about Alstork or Smith. I wonder if the staff is limiting what stats they give to the public, or maybe those 2 are off to slow starts.
Or they might be 2 of the more known quantities for the Coach now and others are being given the chance to mesh/excel?
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It really wouldn't surprise me it Mark Smith struggles a bit. He has only been focusing solely on basketball for a little over a year. A lot of the other players, even other freshman, have played a lot more basketball than he has. He was able to dominate in high school because of his athleticism. Once he gets some more experience under his belt he will be scary good. Just maybe not right off the bat.
Interesting that through the first 2 games, we haven't heard a peep about Alstork or Smith. I wonder if the staff is limiting what stats they give to the public, or maybe those 2 are off to slow starts.
Mark Smith shot 2-15 vs Indiana St and really struggled, also missing a wide open layup at end of the game he probably should have dunked. I don’t anticipate this being the norm. Not real sure how he shot vs Vandy but I know it was better. Haven’t heard much on Alstork, but not super aggressive yet in practice. I think he is adjusting to not having to carry all the load and passing more than he has in previous years.
But but but...Mark Smith vibes
EfremWinters84
- S. Carolina
Perhaps an indication that 11th/12th in the Big 10 is not such a bad guess for this season?
(If so, I won't be satisfied.)
I would like to see him with TJL most of the minutes he gets. Think they complement each other really well. Same with TF and DMW. TJL Smith Alstork Black (or Kipper) and Finke is my starting 5. I expect lots of subs, hopefully better packages than the Groce era gave us.
6 wins is probably an easier stat to follow rather than 11/12th place in the B1G. Probably a good starting benchmark. Last year was 9th place and 8-10,
I think Black will for sure start because he is the best player for us on both end now.
I also want Kipper to start which means one of Smith/Alstork will be relegated to bench. Kipper is improving with his shots (according to some earlier interview from BU) and can make nice cuts. He will benefit from the court vision of TJL and Finke the most.
TJL Smith/Alstork Kipper Black can do a heck of pressing defense.
My opinion of Smith is that he is still the biggest scoring threat we have, possibly Alstork could be better as he keeps getting more comfortable. There are not many Big Ten guards that can guard Mark Smith going to the basket, he is that strong. He can pull-up from 8-10 feet as well as finishing at the rim. I don’t see any way he doesn’t start unless BU just wants to take some pressure off him to start the year.
Peoria Illini
- Peoria, IL
It doesn't really matter who starts, but if Da'Monte is still killing it on defense and being aggressive on offense, I would think BU rewards that with a starting spot. We shall see. Most everyone on this team should see solid minutes except for maybe Matic and Greg to start off the season.
Very wise my friend....I like you have been burned too many times in the last 10-12 years with glowing reports of how certain players and the team have made huge strides from the previous year...to only realize those reports were made from fans that had had too much of the orange kool aid....I hope this year is different...but I will wait to see with my own eyes
Agreed: Plus Kipper will be an energy guy off the bench and one of our primary good vibe guys from the bench when not in play. he seems to be that kind of kid.
Guessing: TJL, DMW, Alstork, Finke, Black is starters at beginning.
Bench play by minutes: Kipper, Smith, Trent, Greg, Matic, Jordan.
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
I have recognized in myself an odd and yet deep-seated desire for Underwood to continue his streak of NCAA tourney bids, and his "takes each new team to the tourney in year 1" streak. Part of that, certainly, is that I simply want our team to do well, but I also want to be able to have pride in the coach himself, and have this amazing standard that "he ALWAYS makes the tournament". And I don't want Illinois to be the team that he couldn't make the tournament with.
I know, I should prepare to be disappointed, but I don't want to. It's more fun being guardedly optimistic than being realistic and mellow.
I know, I should prepare to be disappointed, but I don't want to. It's more fun being guardedly optimistic than being realistic and mellow.
I'm with you man. I'd honestly be shocked if we finished in that 10-12 range.
Peoria Illini
- Peoria, IL
I agree. Hopefully a decent finish in the conference and an at large bid.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
While I share your optimism, if not all of your enthusiasm, to expect a freshman to be our biggest scoring threat with two Big10 RS Sophs returning and the addition of a proven NCAA scoring senior is pretty short sighted. If Smith does end up being our biggest scoring threat, this season will be a huge disappointment.
I would too. I also would be shocked if Smith isn't starting from day 1.
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