I really like the potential Goode, Melendez, and Podz have shown. They do look like freshman but all 3 have me very excited to see their futures play out. That being said, does anybody know why it took so long to get Podz in the game yesterday? Goode played quickly and consistently. RJ got in quicker than usual. Podz taking so long to get in really surprised me though. Almost seemed like BU was sending Podz a message. Maybe it was as simple as RJ getting extra minutes but it definitely came off as odd.
Illini Basketball 2021-2022
- Status
I think it’s pretty clear that Podz if the biggest project of the three and likely won’t see the court a ton.
I think it more obvious that Podz is a combo guard and RJ and Goode are wing/forwards. We are very deep, especially at guard, but Goode will be on the edge of the rotation because of his size.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
Podz is listed at 6’5” and Goode and RJ are listed at 6’7,” all as guards on the Illini roster.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Honestly his shoulders look really hard and bumpy. I don't think it would be comfortable at all.
This is the deepest team we have had since 84-85 (yes I've been around a while). The second 5 on that team was Tony Wy, Scott Haffner, Snake, Meents and Tom Schaefer - 3 future NBA'ers on our 2nd team that year.
I thought Normal was the only one who actually had an NBA career. Did any of the others get past drafted/cut, or drafted/deep bench for less than a season?
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Meents and Haffner. Short, but not that short NBA careers (I'd look it up, but I'm lazy).
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
A little reminder for anyone who's gotten a little fuzzy on what we're getting back against Cincy:
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We list everybody as a guard that isn't an obvious PF/C. I don't consider Goode or Melendez to be guards per se. Both will most likely play the 3 and sometimes possibly the 4 during their careers here.Podz is listed at 6’5” and Goode and RJ are listed at 6’7,” all as guards on the Illini roster.
I think Podz has simply played less because he's less ready. Goode OTOH looks very comfortable with the speed of the game. He looks like he processes what's happening very quickly, yet stays calm. Melendez maybe a bit behind Goode. FWIW I like all three because they're all very good shooters, which is sort of important in this game.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Last night’s win allowed us to jump Purdue in the KenPom rankings. Now up to #4.
My memory was different, so I looked it up. For their careers:
Haffner - 2 years. Played in ~60 games averaging ~12m. Most of their play time was in season 2.
Meets - 2 years. Played in ~40 games averaging ~5m.
Lol all DMW did was was lead the country in 3 point shooting %. Kofi led the country in dunks, are you not a believer in Kofi dunking also?
Agree about Plummer and Hutch's playing time.
The 2021-22 squad may be the deepest Illini team since 2000-2001 campaign, when we reached the Elite Eight. We had an 11-man, sometimes even 12-man rotation back then. What were some of the other really deep Illini teams in the history of the program, and what were some of the years where Illinois was not so deep? Have fun discussing this one!!!!
I’m a DMW fan and arguing that he deserves MORE playing time. You will see in my previous post that I gave him credit for his 3 point shooting, but I am not convinced he will be able to replicate his success from last year. He took a limited number of 3s(only wide open looks), has a slow release, and opposing defenses were focused on our 2 AAs last year. Despite his high percentage, any basketball analyst worth his salt knows that DMW wasn’t the best 3 point shooter in college basketball last year. I love DMW, but would be absolutely shocked to see him above 42% this year. I would be ecstatic if he hits 38-40%.
We do know how to recruit the right players though: Liddell, Timme, Tshiebwe, Castleton, all considered Illinois.
Tend to agree it's a depth issue (the good kind). We have a lot of talented guys on the roster now, so a true freshman may need to be patient, especially a 2/3 guy. Love what he brings, but I can see him having to develop a little more before he gets rotational minutes. We're losing DMW & Trent, and Curbelo is on the radar for NBA scouts. Should be fun to watch these guys when they're next up.
No your main take away should be that kofi hasn’t played yet. How isn’t this obvious
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
Mommie and Daddie told me they still love me even though my career is in the crapper..........soft..soft..soft..
I think you missed my point...
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