I think CH and RJ are in some ways polar opposites as far as what they need to show this year to improve their draft stock. CH needs to settle dow a bit and let the game come to him. Has all the physical traits. RJ on the other hand needs to be a bit more aggressive. Going to be fun to see their games develop this season.
Illini Basketball 2022-2023
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RJ needs aggression besides physical strength. CH needs improvement on skills.
Joel Goodson
- ties will be resolved
The development of Epps as a PG is going to pay big dividends down the road.
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Joel Goodson
- ties will be resolved
RJ & aggression: Not worried. I think he's gonna be a killer. We'll see soon enough.
I think he is to. But don’t think NBA execs care too much about what you and I think, they want to see it. So like I said if/when he shows that on a consistent basis, his draft stock goes up.
He hasn't had a chance to show it on a consistent basis. He missed time last year for 1. Ankle; 2. Covid; 3. Appendicitis (all in addition to being a Freshman playing on a Senior-laden team). He should have every opportunity to show it this year.
Agreed. Fully aware of the personal circumstances of his first season and his role on the team. And I am in no way dissing RJ. I fully expect him to take a big step forward this year, and never said I didn’t think that. I just responded to a post by Joel where he scoffed at RJ not being listed in an article about top BIG NBA prospects, saying what I thought RJ and CH needed to do to improve their draft stock. All our belief in RJ taking a big step this year doesn’t amount to a hill of beans to the NBA or “draft experts.” When he shows a more aggressive side like you, me, Joel and likely most on here believe he will, he’ll start moving up draft boards and won’t be left off out of articles like the one referenced. That’s all I’ve said.
A taller more athletic Frazier would certainly be worth the hype hope he can do it.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
A taller more athletic Frazier would be spending only one season at Illinois, to be clear.
Depends on lots of things you and me don't know. Not going to worry until the off season.
I think that he must demonstrate that he can hit a jump-shot and score from deep before I would compare him to Frazier. Frazier was the leading scorer on the Illini as a freshman (14ppg) and Harris would struggle to do that without an outside shot. That was not his forte in high school, but is something he can learn over the next few years.
I think he reminds us all of Frazier with his thin build and his white headband. He likely plays better defense than Frazier did as a freshman and is certainly more athletic and taller.
In my opinion, he's got a long way to go to be a fan favorite like Frazier, who is one of my all-time top 10-15 Illini.
But I like EVERYONE on this team!
Good points. However, Leron Black led the Illini in scoring that year at 15.3 while freshman Frazier averaged 12.5.
I think RJ and Ty Rodgers are going to have a good connection this year. I just re-watched the Quincy highlights and they provided each other assists. Also RJ specifically mentioned him during this week's press conference. I think their playstyles work together well.
RJ was the one to initially point out the similarities. I’m guessing he may know.
News-Gazette preseason special
I'm guessing this is for subscribers, but don't know. Part of today's paper as well so if you're in for the game, you might enjoy picking this up and the hugely inflated price.
(Trigger alert. Picture of Fran on page 7)
I'm guessing this is for subscribers, but don't know. Part of today's paper as well so if you're in for the game, you might enjoy picking this up and the hugely inflated price.
(Trigger alert. Picture of Fran on page 7)
This doesn’t fit here, but really didn’t want to start a thread in Sports Talk forum. I know that Indiana finished under .500 in conference last year and got into tourney. Anyone know how many other BIG teams have also had under .500 conf records and made tourney. I’m pretty certain it has happened in other conferences too, but only interested in the BIG.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
I didn't look it up but I'm fairly certain that our 2013 team was sub 500 in big ten play. That was BP3 and DJ Richardson's senior year. That team won at Gonzaga and vs Indiana among other big wins.
They did. Actually looked it up from that year to last year, and it really hasn’t been that rare. Thanks.
Illini in OC
In. The. Alley.
Interesting list considering Duke is literally known for its crazy fans.
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