Illini Basketball 2019-2020

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#126      
If you pass over the kool aid for the scotch:
Ayo is player of the year
Giorgi has Leron's shooting stats
Kofi matches Shaq's freshman stats 12 rbs and 13 pts
Trent shoots 45% from 3 and is defensive player of the year.
Alan plays like a smaller version of Jordan Murphy
BBV is Giorgi11
Tevian just misses sixth man award
Another Oban please.

Thats straight up alcoholism right there....did i mention I like it?
 
#127      
I expect Kofi to average 1 rebound for every 3 minutes he's on the floor.
I do like this way of looking at it, because it puts the onus on what is traditionally a freshman big's weak spot; staying on the floor. And it shows just how tough a 10.0 average is. Need 30 mpg from a frosh. Would be gold.
 
#130      

Chance?

Illinois Fighting Illini (80-1)
Interested in a long shot? Look no further than Illinois. The Fighting Illini will be one of the most improved teams in the country after finishing 12-21 a year ago. Illinois returns four starters to a team that lost a lot of close games in 2018, led by guards Ayo Dosunmu and Trent Frazier, along with star forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili. That trio helped Illinois become a dangerous team over the final two months of last season, as the club registered upsets over Michigan State, Ohio State, Maryland, and Nebraska. If the Illini - a team that finished fourth in scoring in the Big Ten last season at 72.7 points per game - can improve their conference-worst defense, they'll be a dark horse to win the Big Ten and a major factor come tournament time.
 
#131      

skyIdub

Winged Warrior
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#136      
i would be ecstatic with a middle of the pack performance as a freshman. We have plenty of returing talent and he fills a position of need. We just need himto be competitive, not great.
More Efrem Winters than Bill Rucks.?
 
#137      
All I’m saying is at this time of year there is a abundance of positive comments that may sometimes be exaggerated. It happens every year. I just want to see it to believe it. Whether it’s Kofi as a defender who doesn’t foul, gives us 30 minutes, 10 rebounds and 10 points a night or consistency from some of the guys who have been inconsistent. I know what Ayo and Georgi can do, let’s get a supporting cast up and running and see what happens. Let’s be realistic in what can be expected and not pissed off when it doesn’t.

Sincerely,
Dad
If Koi averages 10 reb., I'll buy a round for the house.
 
#144      
Kofi has the luxury of following GB, he's going to be a great help to his growth.....you don't play for BU unless you want to work.....he will be in shape with Fletch and BU. I expect positive things for him unless fouls complicate things. Anyone know what his foul history was at his prep school? Plus forgot to mention OA to mentor.
 
#145      
Checked it out, he averaged 19.7 minutes a game.....had 1.7 fouls a game average. Very positive! And 10.1 RB's a game! Plus 14.9 pts! Watch out haters!
 
#146      
It will be interesting to see how the Illini respond this season now that there are some higher expectations for the team. I think there will be a lot of pressure to get some wins early in the conference schedule, which won't be easy. The first five games are @Maryland, Michigan, @Michigan State, Purdue, @Wisconsin.

3-2?
 
#148      
I have high expectations from Kofi for Rebounding and providing a defensive force at the rim. The other skills may take more time to develop but i think he should be able to be the best we have at those skills from the day he steps on the court and likely vs any opponent that will be the case.

I’m eager to see what his 1 dribble scoring game looks like from the pinch post. In our offense that skill is vital for the player who starts there. Opens up so much more. Time will tell.
 
#149      

Deleted member 29907

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It will be interesting to see how the Illini respond this season now that there are some higher expectations for the team. I think there will be a lot of pressure to get some wins early in the conference schedule, which won't be easy. The first five games are @Maryland, Michigan, @Michigan State, Purdue, @Wisconsin.
Given the nature of the key players I think they will respond well. Of course, only time will tell. Ayo, GB, Trent, AF, AG, DW, Kofi all are the type that do not shy away from being aggressive and do have an attitude of fighting to the end. Its the culture change we've gone through over the years - this team is no longer soft - so I think they expect to win and really won't take crap from anyone.

Combine that with the appearance that BU has pulled back some from berating the players too much. I am all for getting on kids who are not playing hard or smart - I think he's found a good balance now and the team takes care of it themselves. That takes some of the "don't make a mistake" pressure off the players.

Again, time will tell but if can keep the key players on the court for those games - I think we do well. GB and Kofi alone will enforce the tough mentality.
 
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#150      
3-2 would be great. Lose only to Maryland and MSU in away games. Win at Whisky! That would be a great start.

Very doable imo...MSU game may really put us on the map. I think our guards match up, maybe not wings, inside might be a wash actually. I expect a close game there as well. Maryland is just big/athletic/experienced....for sure a loss I think. Smith will own us inside/out.
 
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