Looking ahead to 2021-2022

[CarsonHowe_9]

Next year you return at least 3 starters: Curbelo, Miller, Grandison. Best case, Kofi is back and Hutcherson is 100% healthy and returns. That could easily be the starting lineup, not even taking into account transfers/freshman. Kofi goes pro, you have Giorgi. That's not a bad lineup. Depth would be interesting and who knows what to expect out of Hutcherson, but I think you know that Miller and Curbelo's floor is their play this year, and ceiling is potential stars. Giorgi and Grandison are at worst serviceable role players.

Really we're looking at a middle of the pack big ten team and tournament team next year. Expectations will be shaped by what happens in the next couple months, but at minimum we should expect another tournament, and for Underwood's sake a Sweet 16 or further run would go a long way.

if gorgi is our starting center we will have to change our defense strategy because he is not the rim protector kofi is.

 

[CubsIlliniFan]

It's been a while since I've felt so uncertain about what the roster will look like next year. There's only 2 guys on the current roster that would shock me if they didn't return (Curbelo and Miller). Anyone else leaving seems like a possibly at this point.

If Kofi returns, he really needs to work on his passing out of the post and he needs to get a jump shot in his game. But the good news is we will be faster and longer next year. We will have better shooters who will be able to create. Curbelo and Miller will lead this team and they showed yesterday that they want to win. Get a few more recruits in and we will be fine.

 

[mikeyo]

if gorgi is our starting center we will have to change our defense strategy because he is not the rim protector kofi is.

Nor does he rebound

 

[Navy_illini]

After watching the tournament games so far I still believe the Big Ten was the best conference this year and it will be interesting how the conference looks next year. I am not sure why the Big Ten top teams didn’t perform. Illinois has a good core coming back and I hope they use yesterday as motivation to improve. It will be important for Underwood and the staff to give each player areas to improve on so they can fill their role on next years team.

I think this year team expected too much out of Ayo and it was hard if he was off. We have the talent they just need the confidence and our game against Michigan is the roadmap. Tough team defense take care of the ball and everyone contributes on the offensive end.

 

[LubbockIlliniFan]

With the coaching changes At Minnesota, penn state, Indiana and the transfer rules this season it’s a bit premature to say where we will be in the big ten

Michigan, MSU, OSu will all be tough. Iowa and Wisconsin should lose a big amount of scoring so might fall back, but it’s hard to know right now what Super Senior will return to school next year.

 

[Whitewaterr]

I touched on this a bit in my "Thank You" post. I mourn better by focusing on the positives, eternal optimist or some psychological suppression techniques? You decide.

Beyond excited for next year's teams. IF Kofi comes back, we will be a Pre-Season Top 10 team and a favorite to win the Big Ten. I'm more bullish on him coming back than others. Luckily, there's a few months to go before anything is decided.

If Kofi does not come back, Illinois should still be Top 25 nationally and a Top 4 threat in the B1G. We have the depth and experience to compete with anyone. Our current commits might not be Curbelo or Ayo deference makers, but will have specific roles to fill to ease them into contributing pieces.

More if's incoming: With all of the rumored,

View attachment 8287

we could be in for another Top 10 team without Kofi. If we can get one or 2 of the rumored pieces. Oh boy.

As with any new season, if's can dominate the conversation. We have a decent grasp on the knowns, now we just wait for Transfer Portal Frenzy.

I don't envision a scenario where we are pre-seasom B1G favorites unless we hit a grand slam on the transfer market and retain Kofi. Michigan will be absolutely stacked next year and that does not take into account their ability to recruit transfers well.

 

[BigMuddyMonster]

Going forward, use names and add a source, if possible.

Kessler: what's the link to us? Thought he had a pretty unimpressive season, FWIW. Yeah, he's better than Lieb and Hamlin, but that's a low bar.

He’s much much better than them lol. Former 5* who would have been possibly Carolinas best player next year.

if he is a possibility yet is very unclear. There will be tons of suitors calling.

 

[Whitewaterr]

Going forward, use names and add a source, if possible.

Kessler: what's the link to us? Thought he had a pretty unimpressive season, FWIW. Yeah, he's better than Lieb and Hamlin, but that's a low bar.

He's going to be a star. Ask any UNC fan if they mind his exit. The answer is yes, resoundingly (I use Reddit as a barometer lol). Look at his efficiency stats.

 

[IllinoisFan1967]

I love Curbelo. But if he is unable to extend his shooting range, he's not going to be the scoring threat the Illini need at that position. 5/31 on 3-point shots for the season isn't going to cut it. Need a true scorer. Miller might be that guy next season.

 

[BigMuddyMonster]

Curbelo will be a star next year. I expect the shooting to improve to a respectable percentage. The vision and intuitiveness are traits that cannot be taught. I see the turnovers reducing as well. The games without Ayo this year gave me lots of hope for next year, and more. The keys are his now.

Very excited to see Miller next year as well.

 

[Deleted member 11228]

I don't envision a scenario where we are pre-seasom B1G favorites unless we hit a grand slam on the transfer market and retain Kofi. Michigan will be absolutely stacked next year and that does not take into account their ability to recruit transfers well.

Michigan loses 5 of their top 7 scorers so I don't know about stacked. And yes I know what their recruiting class is ranked but they are still freshman. I think the conference will be a lot like it was this season. 3-4 teams fighting for the top spot. I'm not conceding this conference to Michigan.

 

[Umit9]

With the coaching changes At Minnesota, penn state, Indiana and the transfer rules this season it’s a bit premature to say where we will be in the big ten

Michigan, MSU, OSu will all be tough. Iowa and Wisconsin should lose a big amount of scoring so might fall back, but it’s hard to know right now what Super Senior will return to school next year.

I’ll throw Purdue in there as my way to early favorite for B1G title.

Go Illini

 

[illini55]

After watching the tournament games so far I still believe the Big Ten was the best conference this year and it will be interesting how the conference looks next year. I am not sure why the Big Ten top teams didn’t perform. Illinois has a good core coming back and I hope they use yesterday as motivation to improve. It will be important for Underwood and the staff to give each player areas to improve on so they can fill their role on next years team.

I think this year team expected too much out of Ayo and it was hard if he was off. We have the talent they just need the confidence and our game against Michigan is the roadmap. Tough team defense take care of the ball and everyone contributes on the offensive end.

While I absolutely believed prior to the tournament that the Big Ten was the dominant league, I have my doubts now that I've watched the OSU, Illini and Iowa get battered. With losses also by MSU, Purdue, Rutgers and Wisconsin, I think we have shown that our perceived dominance was an illusion. I am so disappointed with our efforts so far that it's hard to continue watching, even though I'm a basketball junkie. Next year........

 

[Govoner Vaugn Fan]

While I absolutely believed prior to the tournament that the Big Ten was the dominant league, I have my doubts now that I've watched the OSU, Illini and Iowa get battered. With losses also by MSU, Purdue, Rutgers and Wisconsin, I think we have shown that our perceived dominance was an illusion. I am so disappointed with our efforts so far that it's hard to continue watching, even though I'm a basketball junkie. Next year........

The limited non-con schedule made it harder than usual to judge the strength of conferences due to lack of head to head competition. I don't think its as much a weaker than thought B1G as it is the surprising performance of mid-majors

 

[chrisRunner7]

Andre Curbelo is the #1 reason I am already excited about next year. You could send him out on the floor with four random dudes, and win or lose, you know he's going to get the ball to people in a position to score. I will honestly be surprised if doesn't get a triple-double (or more) next season with increased minutes. It also looks like he may be playing this summer for Puerto Rico in Olympics qualification games in June and July, which would be cool to watch.

I recall seeing some comments that Underwood made recently about Curbelo, Miller, and Hawkins that made me think it'd be a big surprise if Hawkins transferred. He has to figure he's going to get a huge increase in minutes next year.

I figure Trent is gone but I do wonder about Damonte and what his job prospects might be versus coming back for a year of grad school or something. Would love to see him come back.

 

[Jon]

We'll be good. If Kofi goes, we'll be good. If there's an unexpected transfer, we'll be good. We're a good program with a good staff and we will put out a good product regardless of what happens

 

[TheFameProtector]

if gorgi is our starting center we will have to change our defense strategy because he is not the rim protector kofi is.

If Kofi is gone and we don't get a good transfer big, then we need Cole to step up big time. He can protect the rim to a certain extent. He just can't bang with the Dickinsons, etc. He's got about 8 months to put on 20 lbs. Get to it young man!!

 

[Rap73]

I hope Curbelo is improved in his decision making. He can get where He wants on the court but many times he is out of control. A point guard needs to be a facilitator first and a shooter when appropriate.

 

[TheFameProtector]

I love Curbelo. But if he is unable to extend his shooting range, he's not going to be the scoring threat the Illini need at that position. 5/31 on 3-point shots for the season isn't going to cut it.

Luckily (?), he just received the best possible motivation you can get for an offseason of improvement.

 

[WaltJabsco]

We'll be good. If Kofi goes, we'll be good. If there's an unexpected transfer, we'll be good. We're a good program with a good staff and we will put out a good product regardless of what happens

If Kofi returns, we'll be very good. If he doesn't, and we don't get a size transfusion via the portal, we're in trouble. Even during yesterday's beatdown, Kofi got his 21 and 9. Like speed in baseball, size and strength don't slump. Without Kofi, we plunge back to the middle of the pack.

 

[IllinoisssssssVarsity]

I want Curbelo’s shooting to get better and I don’t want one ounce of attacking aggression to leave his body.

He is the single player version of a team that pushes the ball on offense. You might get a couple more turnovers being that aggressive, but it’s worth it for you in the end.

 

[Lou's Views '54]

Will Kofi be drafted? I don't see him in any mock drafts.

 

[Gregjacksonfan]

Think Lieb can put on 50lbs in one off season???

I could show him how

 

[BRucks]

Hoping for big steps forward from our freshmen. Really hoping (a healthy) Hutch is back, he's a difference maker. Very much looking forward to seeing how our new group acclimates.

I haven't seen Hutch play. What makes him a difference maker?

 

[Joel Goodson]

I haven't seen Hutch play. What makes him a difference maker?

NBA level talent. Shooting especially. He's more than a shooter though.

Let's collectively pray to the hoops God that he's healthy, cause he's an opponents' nightmare.