Illini, I am a long time reader and 49 year fan and alumni. Thank you all for the blog.
I share many of the concerns expressed. We have high expectations. Here’s a slightly different take on rebuilding programs. First though, is the exception. A new coach to a successful program just has to be good at motivation and the x’s and o’s. Example is Harbaugh to that M school. Talent was there.
Most other rebuilds like ours requires much more. The talent and winning culture have to be installed. The new coach cannot wave a wand. He has to COACH THEM UP first. Then the talent will come.
Groce was unable to coach them up. Nothing good followed. Malcolm Hill and Egwu did improve but they were outliers. Team skills did not improve under his watch. He was unable or unwilling to adjust.
So the question is, can/has Coach Underwood begun to coach them up? Is he able? To my eye he has/is. Leron surprised us all. Frazier was fantastic. AJ and Kipper showed real flashes. Damonte was better every time he saw the floor. It’s my opinion that Finke was maxed out and there was just something odd about Smith. (I have other thoughts on him but won’t now)
The other aspect about last years team was dramatic lack of athleticism in a game demanding it. Ask yourself, did you see anyone on that team fly? I’m talking take off from the free throw line to the basket? Once? Again, AJ and Kipper are the closest. Frazier is a class A talent with speed but we were outclassed as a team.
I am as concerned as many about what appears to be a coaching style that may limit the talent pool. But the jury is still WAY out. Last years group played tough. They were fun to watch most games. Underwood had to “flog the horse” pretty hard to get it to compete.
We must see individual improvement far beyond last year. My hope is we do. COACH THEM UP!