That’s seems like asking for a lot. There have only been 2 Illini teams to even have 5 guys average double figures since 1980.
Illini Basketball 2022-2023
- Status
feel like he had to be joking. That is a very irregular occurrence in college basketball, particularly on top teams.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
illini80
- Forgottonia
Not the dreaded “best player in practice” kiss of death!!! Lol. I’m not sure who the “star” player will be this year or if we will really have one. But we have so much versatility and so many options, finding the best mix and rotations will be an ongoing process that could take some real time to figure out.
RIP Coleman's season
MDchicago
- Lake Norman NC
While only 2 of the last ~42 Illini seasons may have had five guys averaging double figures, greater scoring balance than we've had recently seems like a worthwhile goal looking at the history for the last 20 NCAA champions:
-- 6 of the last 20 NCAA champs had at least 5 guys averaging double figures (2018 Villanova had 6!). 5 of those 6 champs had KenPom adjEM (pre-tournament) ratings higher than the average NCAA champ over that 20 year period.
-- Only 4 of the last 20 NCAA champs had a leading scorer averaging 19 ppg or more. 3 of those 4 had KenPom adjEM (pre-t) below the average NCAA champ, including 2 of the 3 weakest champs in terms of adjEM in that 20 year period (Syracuse/Melo and UConn/Kemba).
My takeaway: I'm excited about the shifts in our roster construction and desired playing style for this season. While there will be some growing pains, hope it leads to greater scoring balance and a less predictable/more dangerous team when it counts most.
Ok...CH maybe killing it,..but just curious anyone know if there is any objective practice player ratings staff does....or is this purely BU subjective reference?
Probably just coachspeak.
Who was the last best practice player and then faceplanted?
GrayGhost77
- Centennial, CO
Easy. Alex Legion.
That was a while ago under a different coach.
Plenty of praise for Payne last fall.
No one better at that than Underwood
Mark Smith was supposed to be Jason Kidd
MustangWally
- Mayfield
But is he elite?
Big Jack
- Decatur
Easily Mark Smiths Dad
Didn’t really follow Baylor enough to know Mayar’s role. Anyone have an idea as to his role with the Illini?
Also interesting that he didn’t mention Dain. Probably not a good sign but strongly indicates Hawk as the starting five.
I don’t know about the actual conversation he had with BU, but there were 7 other players not mentioned in the tweet. So I wouldn’t read much into it about Dain or who is starting at the 5. They will both see a good amount of time there.
As to your Mayer question, interested to see the responses as I don’t know exactly how he was used at Baylor either.
Has anyone heard how Epps looks on the court. His game seems perfect for Underwoods style of play. Maybe I’m way off but haven’t heard anything that says I’m right
Shane Walsh
aka "Captain Oblivious"
- Cynthiana, Kentucky
Here is a good post from May about his role with Baylor....
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
Great exciting get but if I’m goode or melendez am I just as happy? Don't worry, trust coach.
www.illinoisloyalty.com
Had to look it up but Mayer started all 33 games at Baylor last year, yet only averaged 22 mpg.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
Here is a good post from May about his role with Baylor....
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
Great exciting get but if I’m goode or melendez am I just as happy? Don't worry, trust coach.
I want to play Baylor just so Mitch Hennessey will post again.
- Status