dgcrow
- Kelso, WA
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not. -- Yogi Berra
Looking ahead to 2021-2022
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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not. -- Yogi Berra
altenberger22
- South Carolina
I had forgotten over the past 2 years. That's a pretty darned good highlight video! Definitely seems like he'll be competing for a starting job.
Brad said that and he also said Mark Smith was like Jason Kidd...from watching him in practices...in the lead up to his first season at this level.
“continued to play well”....in practice.
“if healthy”...dude had a stress fracture...in his back
“key player”....how on Earth can you claim that? Dude has not played a game in 2 YEARS. I want him to succeed but the kool aid is crazy around here about him.
DB11Headband
- Chicago Burbs
Dude-he will be one of our top players next year. Just wait.
sacraig
- The desert
The thing is that Mark Smith seems to have grown into a good (not great) college player despite seemingly poor work ethic. It sure seems like he had a much higher ceiling. Who's to say BU was exaggerating about his potential?
Disclaimer: We have no specific information about his condition other than what Underwood revealed.
That said, there is plenty of general information about spinal stress fractures (spondylolysis) available on line. The condition is fairly common in young athletes, it is highly treatable, and most of the time the fracture fully heals.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
One more thought on Miller's ascension: there is an enormous gulf between being a good player and being the guy (or simply an alpha).
Does he have it in him? Possibly. Can he get there in one offseason? Doubtful. I'll be ecstatic to eat a heaping plate of crow if he proves me wrong.
Does he have it in him? Possibly. Can he get there in one offseason? Doubtful. I'll be ecstatic to eat a heaping plate of crow if he proves me wrong.
Watch. I will eat crow on here if he is not in the rotation next season.
The Mark Smith hyperbole was coachspeak leading up to the first season. Hutcherson practiced all year and was impressive. That’s not coachspeak. That comes from players and practice observers.
Reports from the coast are very encouraging on his health. Of course, health is the key, but if he is healthy he will be a key player. He would have started for this year’s team.
Deleted member 747903
D
Guest
I think he is in a better starting position now than Ayo was his freshman year. Frankly I think he has shown a better all around game than Ayo did his freshman year and the games this year were far more important. The thing that made Ayo great was he eliminated most of his weaknesses. If Adam can do the same I wouldn’t be surprised to see him have a better trajectory.
I'm with you Combes, but there are always the practice report naysayers on here. Alex Legion will always live in infamy.
Here's an admittedly very silly question, but here goes...
Is it a 100% foregone conclusion that Ayo isn't coming back for next year?
(Go ahead and bash away)
Is it a 100% foregone conclusion that Ayo isn't coming back for next year?
(Go ahead and bash away)
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
yes, end of story, full stop.
He has amazing athletic gifts...potential is huge, but I agree we should temper expectations.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Very skilled too.
I gotta say, you are big on the AH train. Is your name Austin and not joel?
In all fairness I’m excited about Austin too. Can’t wait to see him play.
I have always said that if healthy he will be in the rotation. Anyone in the rotation is a key player. That is tempering expectations because talent wise he is as good as anyone on the team.
My ideal roster for next year:
C. Kofi*, Giorgi*, Lieb
F. Mitchell*, Hawkins*, Melendez
G. Miller*, Grandison*, Goode
G. Franklin (or TyTy)*, Podziemski
G. Curbelo*, Hutcherson*
Obviously, the return of Frazier and/or Williams would change how the roster is constructed. 50/50 that Kofi returns. Probably similar for Giorgi, so we may need another big out of the portal. But, ideally, they both return. Mitchell likes Illinois but his mom’s boyfriend complicates that recruitment. But, again, ideally he is here.
The rotation would be starred players plus one of the freshman, whichever one is most ready.
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Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
I was super high on Curbelo long before he was ours. How did that work out?
Good for you. I was as well.
Anyways..... Here’s a cookie
Reading your posts lately shows a trend. You seem to be a bit rude to people.
go illini
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Archibald could really shoot it though. Hopefully, Curbelo makes this season an anomaly. Pretty good comp (and I hate comps, lol).
chrisRunner7
- Spokane, WA
The Diminutive Duo
Sorry if already posted.
Max Feldman
@MaxFeldman6
·
2h
While the Illini put the finishing touches on the 2021 class, they may have a star in the making already in the fold. Austin Hutcherson has been putting in work
"I'm either playing or watching basketball 24/7. I'm trying to bring something different & be multidimensional."
Max Feldman
@MaxFeldman6
·
2h
While the Illini put the finishing touches on the 2021 class, they may have a star in the making already in the fold. Austin Hutcherson has been putting in work
"I'm either playing or watching basketball 24/7. I'm trying to bring something different & be multidimensional."
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I think we need a permanent “our best (insert player/shooter/athlete/defender) is on the bench this year (insert redshirting/recent transfer/injured) and will be the difference maker next year “ thread, so these endless “just wait til next year” discussions can live in one place.
I look forward to not venturing into that thread.
I look forward to not venturing into that thread.
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