Looking ahead to 2021-2022

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#301      
If we're expecting Belo to play 30+ mins next year, his defense needs to a tick or two upward, similarly his fouling (or at least silly fouls) needs to trend the opposite way.

In terms of the next couple years, especially next years team, an impact big is still solidly number 1 on my list. The Hutch talk is great, and if he can take half of Ayo's minutes and be productive with them, I'll be absolutely ecstatic. Fact is, the talk around Giorgi potentially leaving, Kofi seemingly leaning into the draft (not to mention the complications of many transfers most likely wanting to wait out his decision), and Trent and Ayo gone as ball handlers makes me very concerned about how we can keep up next year.

TyTy would immediately ease a huge concern for me. What's the list of ball handlers on this team? Belo and maybe Miller? Just dont know if Curbelo is ready for that kind of load. I love the direction the team is going getting bigger and hounding 3 pt shooters, but living through the Groce era of PGs still gives me night terrors.
I haven't heard/seen this about Giorgi -- where's this coming from?

Definitely agree about the need for a backup PG/CG as an insurance policy at the very least. That said, I also think Hutch (assuming health) is capable of being the lead guard/offense initiator when Belo sits as well -- at least based on his assists at Wesleyan (led his team) and limited film. Either way, we need another backup or at the very least an insurance policy. I've heard it mentioned the staff is high on Padilla as a backup PG, but hard to put any faith in what hasn't been seen. TyTy would solve a lot of problems. If that fails, a Flagler type that is more of a scorer but can also run the second unit would be perfect. And I say all of this fully expecting Belo to be playing 35 minutes a night.
 
#303      
Giorgi will be 23 in November. He can earn a living playing pro ball in Europe.
Yeah I get that, but I'm curious where this is coming from. Is "the talk" emanating from the team/sources close to the team, or is it just a hunch based off his age and distance from home?

I'd be bummed to lose Giorgi. He's played such a big role in this team's culture. I'd love to see him get him get his due during his senior year/night and finish out his career as a team captain. But if he goes pro, I'd understand it. Hard to turn down a 6 figure salary where all you have to do is keep doing what you've already been doing.
 
#304      
Yeah I get that, but I'm curious where this is coming from. Is "the talk" emanating from the team/sources close to the team, or is it just a hunch based off his age and distance from home?

I'd be bummed to lose Giorgi. He's played such a big role in this team's culture. I'd love to see him get him get his due during his senior year/night and finish out his career as a team captain. But if he goes pro, I'd understand it. Hard to turn down a 6 figure salary where all you have to do is keep doing what you've already been doing.
I'm guessing here, but I'd say it's just speculation. These Giorgi rumors always surface around this time.
 
#305      
Yeah I get that, but I'm curious where this is coming from. Is "the talk" emanating from the team/sources close to the team, or is it just a hunch based off his age and distance from home?

I'd be bummed to lose Giorgi. He's played such a big role in this team's culture. I'd love to see him get him get his due during his senior year/night and finish out his career as a team captain. But if he goes pro, I'd understand it. Hard to turn down a 6 figure salary where all you have to do is keep doing what you've already been doing.
Giorgi is not going to make 6 figures in Europe if he leaves now. Salaries are not that high in most of the European leagues.
 
#306      
Giorgi will be 23 in November. He can earn a living playing pro ball in Europe.
This seems to be the annual rumor/worry. I think the big thing with Giorgi is weighing his love of the campus life (and he LOVES being a UOFI student) with his desire to earn a living. Another worry for me would be whether he feels he should start next season. If Kofi comes back, that's not going to happen, which might makes things dicier. I'm hoping in the end, Kofi comes back (obviously) and Giorgi accepts/relishes his role as Kofi's backup and change-of-pace center. And Illinois also lands a high-end, lengthy 4 to play alongside King Kofi.
 
#307      
Giorgi is not going to make 6 figures in Europe if he leaves now. Salaries are not that high in most of the European leagues.
Just curious, how much do you all think Trent and DMW could make in Europe next season if they elect to go that route?
 
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#308      
Just curious, how much do you all think Trent and DMW could make in Europe next season if they elect to go that route?
They wouldnt be in the best leagues to start out. They would have to play their way up over several years, if they could do so. I would guess $50,000-$120,000 is probably the range in those leagues for starters of their category. Also, most teams pay expenses like housing, transportation, meal allowance, etc. A good agent with strong connections over there would be a major plus for them.
 
#309      

Deleted member 747671

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They wouldnt be in the best leagues to start out. They would have to play their way up over several years, if they could do so. I would guess $50,000-$120,000 is probably the range in those leagues for starters of their category. Also, most teams pay expenses like housing, transportation, meal allowance, etc. A good agent with strong connections over there would be a major plus for them.
Yeah that's the key. The salary might not seem like a ton, but a lot of these players have almost no expenses. The majority of the salary can just be saved.
 
#310      
Yeah that's the key. The salary might not seem like a ton, but a lot of these players have almost no expenses. The majority of the salary can just be saved.
Also heard from one player, there are a lot of perks such as no tabs in restaurants and treated like royalty. Tough to replace Trent and it is second only to getting a big IMO. Intriguing to think of Hutch playing the point, however. Hutch, Ace, Jake, Hawk, and Giorgi would be a much different look.
 
#311      
What i am seeing from the teams advancing are hard dribble drivers in the lane and tall lanky 3s and 4s that are athletic, rebounders and have a mid range shot. That was not us. We have some of the parts but not enough. Our recruiting targets need to be spot on.
 
#312      

Central IL Illini

Springfield, IL
Also heard from one player, there are a lot of perks such as no tabs in restaurants and treated like royalty. Tough to replace Trent and it is second only to getting a big IMO. Intriguing to think of Hutch playing the point, however. Hutch, Ace, Jake, Hawk, and Giorgi would be a much different look.
Is there actually talk of Hutch being able to play point? I thought he was more of a 2/3. I remember the days of Groce trying to jam 2's into the PG role (Bertrand, Paul, Rayvonte), and I don't remember it being a pleasant experience.
 
#313      
Is there actually talk of Hutch being able to play point? I thought he was more of a 2/3. I remember the days of Groce trying to jam 2's into the PG role (Bertrand, Paul, Rayvonte), and I don't remember it being a pleasant experience.
He's definitely more of a 2/3, but he does have some legit playmaking chops. We have a high-level 1 already, so this is more spitballing about his potential to spell Belo when he sits. Getting a true backup 1 would still be ideal, but if that fails, there's a big difference between going for that look for 5 min/game vs. 20-25 min/game, particularly when surrounded by other guys that can make passes/plays.
 
#316      
The time spent without Ayo this year makes me optimistic for next year.

I think they need to add some zone, and be able to execute it well, especially if they get longer.

I think being able to run a couple different defensive looks well helps a lot come tourney time when teams don’t have as much prep time.

I also think they need to fold in some press throughout the game which when done well can really disrupt teams trying to get in their half court sets.
 
#317      
What i am seeing from the teams advancing are hard dribble drivers in the lane and tall lanky 3s and 4s that are athletic, rebounders and have a mid range shot. That was not us. We have some of the parts but not enough. Our recruiting targets need to be spot on.
Yep. Everyone talks about shooters (you need shooters), but the ability to beat your man off the dribble is so important. Suddenly, everyone is a scorer.
 
#318      
I do not see why people want us to play a zone so much. A good man to man defense is what we should play 90% of the time.

I do agree a zone would be helpful if our defense struggles. If we adopted a zone I like to see a 1-3-1 over a 2-3. We need something a little unique and can apply pressure.

I think if you look at that data we were a good defensive team so I am not sure if the coaching staff will see a need to change
 
#319      
I remember last year we threw in a 1-3-1 in a couple games just to shake it up and it seemed to work. We'd get a couple stops and once they beat it we'd go back to man. It helps change the flow of the game if it's not going in your favor.
 
#320      
I remember last year we threw in a 1-3-1 in a couple games just to shake it up and it seemed to work. We'd get a couple stops and once they beat it we'd go back to man. It helps change the flow of the game if it's not going in your favor.
This is my thought on zone. Not a massive overhaul but just have some variations in the pocket & use them from time to time to change the flow of a game when needed. Clearly a zone or a press or something was needed to be tried in the Loyola game. Maybe it doesn't change the final outcome, but if it is in the arsenal you can at least try it. Admittedly, we need more length on the wings to be a potentially good zone team so maybe we see it a little more if the overall size improves.

I also like a zone from time to time as a way to "hide" a big in foul trouble (or to protect from foul trouble).
 
#321      
Exactly, in the close, winner takes all games it comes down to a few possessions.

Being able to counter the opponents adjustments or set plays after a timeout with a totally different look can be the difference.

I think mixing in some zone is best when the best defenders aren’t on floor and you’re trying to negate a mismatch for a few minutes, or you’re just trying take the other team out of a rhythm.

I think the situational press helps speed up teams that are trying to slow down the game, and whose offense depends on set plays and motions. If the press simply prevents one or two players from getting to their spot, or forcing the ball up the other side of the court it can make a difference for a couple possessions a game. It doesn’t need to wreak havoc or create a turnover to be effective.

Edit: The press can helps when the primary ball handler is taking a breather.
 
#322      
That team (minus the parentheticals) really seems like a wrong side of the bubble type team to me.

That being said, I would be shocked if we dont add at least three more pieces that'll contribute next year. I believe, if Kofi does not return, we start at least 2 new comers next year.
I actually hope that Frazier and Williams do not return because that would hurt the development of some younger players and
even hinder recruiting. Kofi YES!!!
 
#324      

AirNeezy

Orange Krush '13 -'14
The key to winning in March is always strong guard play and 3 point shooting. Even if Kofi comes back, we need to shoot more threes (and make them) for a chance at making another postseason run. We'll have the strong guard play down I have no doubt.
 
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