Illini Basketball 2019-2020

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#226      
Less than a month away from start of the season. Bring on the Colonels. For yucks I thought I'd take a look at the Illini's first opponent Nicholls (guess they prefer not to use State now). Last year they finished 14-17 overall and 7-11 in conference. The lost their two leading scorers, and seem to go primarily the transfer/JC route for recruiting. They have 8 players listed on their roster who didn't play last year for Nicholls and have other schools listed as attended (West Virginia, NC-Wilmington, Ark-LR, Columbia St. CC, Savannah St., Charlotte, Pacific and Western Illinois). Not sure how many were sitting out and how many eligible this season. And they have only 4 players listed as taller than 6-5. Maybe Kofi gets a double-double in his first college game.

Our first game is against Kipper's family?
 
#228      
He knows how big the die-hard fan base is and the lure of "shock" factor entertainment...thus jumping on the Band Wagon to generate more followers for himself. He knows how bad our fan-base will eat this stuff up, and he is right. So he is doing his job well, lets just hope he might be right, and not just spewing hyperbole to get more followers?
Are you telling me, we both don't think he's not to far off?
 
#229      
We were already 'close' last season despite glaring weaknesses. I like our chances.
 
#230      
Are you telling me, we both don't think he's not to far off?

If you look at our signature wins late last year, the fact our defense "should" be drastically improved", our players are older/stronger...then yes I would expect this year to be Top 5 in league, a 5-6 seed in NCAA probably and depending on the bracket...well 32 or better imo.
 
#231      

illini80

Forgottonia
If you look at our signature wins late last year, the fact our defense "should" be drastically improved", our players are older/stronger...then yes I would expect this year to be Top 5 in league, a 5-6 seed in NCAA probably and depending on the bracket...well 32 or better imo.
Key to the season right there. We should be able to score, but our ability to get stops is the key to winning. I'm excited for the season, but need to see it on the court. Consistently.
 
#237      
Key to the season right there. We should be able to score, but our ability to get stops is the key to winning. I'm excited for the season, but need to see it on the court. Consistently.
Don't forget rebounding. Even when we won last year, we almost always got out-rebounded. Another reason Kofi is so important.
 
#238      
I find it difficult to believe Giorgi is being dominated by anyone in college basketball.
I could see the appearance being that Kofi is dominating Giorgi, simply because he is so physically powerful, that I am sure he pushes him around. It doesn't mean he is "better" than Giorgi or that he is actually "dominating."
 
#240      
I could see the appearance being that Kofi is dominating Giorgi, simply because he is so physically powerful, that I am sure he pushes him around. It doesn't mean he is "better" than Giorgi or that he is actually "dominating."
My only worry about that statement is whether Kofi is dominating Giorgi by defense that will get him called for fouls in a game.
 
#242      
We need an update on BBV...... gonna need him this year, hope he doesn't end up being this years Higgs.
 
#243      
I could see the appearance being that Kofi is dominating Giorgi, simply because he is so physically powerful, that I am sure he pushes him around. It doesn't mean he is "better" than Giorgi or that he is actually "dominating."

But if this is the case, appearance equals reality. You don't have to be "better" at basketball than your opponent if you can physically dominate them. See: Oneal, Shaquille.

At the very least, this means Giorgi shouldn't have to expend a bunch on energy on defense fighting with a bigger, more physical 5. It should be the other way around.
 
#244      

sacraig

The desert
Don't forget rebounding. Even when we won last year, we almost always got out-rebounded. Another reason Kofi is so important.

The rebounding and defense were related issues. Fix one and you likely fix the other at least to some degree.
 
#247      
The rebounding and defense were related issues. Fix one and you likely fix the other at least to some degree.

Plus we fouled at school record levels and turned the ball over at B!G next to worst levels.
 
#249      
I think he plays way more than 5 minutes and yes, I think he's 1st off the bench at the 4. I base this off of his size and physicality at 6'8" 235, he's B1G ready size wise, his 3 point shooting numbers, and his passing ability. He didn't have more offers because he played in an obscure place. I don't think other DI coaches saw him, so I don't think they rejected him, they just never discovered him. Kudos to the staff for finding him. I think he's going to surprise a lot of people, you included.
And he hasn't played a minute since Italy and a bit before...not one minute...I hope he does well but how many players missing heavy minutes of practice or even playing at all have helped the Illini ? Hamlin is healthy and practicing...I could see a scenario where BBV contributes after January and Hamlin plays backup post minutes early in the season...I L L...
 
#250      
How well Illini play defense when not getting turnovers will be key. The answer to that question last year was not very well. The numbers escape me but the percentage of shots taken and made in the paint by the opposition was high. Cockburn, should help that when he's in. When he's out?
 
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