Illini Basketball 2022-2023

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#326      

pruman91

pruman91
Paducah, Ky
pruman91
having cohawk as the "" trigger man "" on offense usually means he is being guarded by a faster and more athletic smaller player and if cohawk won't shoot over him and won't drive to the bucket , then what is he accomplishing as our trigger man .....???
cohawk needs to be down around the paint as he is 6'10" and as the play progresses he can leak out for a corner 3 or crash the paint for an offensive rebound.....I never liked having the ball in his hands beyond the 3 point line unless the play brought him out there....To start with him beyond the arc wastes valuable time and has player's in the wrong position regarding their skills.....

J. Epps will shred most defense's with his penetrating skills IF we plan to help him do that .......I remember Kofi screening off half the paint for Feliz and AYO to drive the paint for a bucket .......Cohawk won't or CAN'T drive the lane and make a shot right now.......

I start next game...................

Sincere
Epps
MM
TSJ
Dain

and sub accordingly........Time for a lineup that gives us a chance to win...........JMHO
 
#327      

HailtotheChief

H
HailtotheChief
pruman91 said:
having cohawk as the "" trigger man "" on offense usually means he is being guarded by a faster and more athletic smaller player and if cohawk won't shoot over him and won't drive to the bucket , then what is he accomplishing as our trigger man .....???
cohawk needs to be down around the paint as he is 6'10" and as the play progresses he can leak out for a corner 3 or crash the paint for an offensive rebound.....I never liked having the ball in his hands beyond the 3 point line unless the play brought him out there....To start with him beyond the arc wastes valuable time and has player's in the wrong position regarding their skills.....

J. Epps will shred most defense's with his penetrating skills IF we plan to help him do that .......I remember Kofi screening off half the paint for Feliz and AYO to drive the paint for a bucket .......Cohawk won't or CAN'T drive the lane and make a shot right now.......

I start next game...................

Sincere
Epps
MM
TSJ
Dain

and sub accordingly........Time for a lineup that gives us a chance to win...........JMHO
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We have talent and can put several line ups talent wise that give us a great chance to win. However until our returning players show some maturity, leadership, take care of the ball, and check their egos it's gonna be tough. I feel we need Skyy and Epps to play more together. They will only improve and Harris providing the spark off the bench but give him and Dain more tick until Hawk and RJ can stay focused, limit turnovers, play for the name on the front instead of the back of the jersey. Last game vs Mizzou was awful but the team looked better with them on the bench. We know Hawk and RJ have it in them and the issues right now are not they related to their talent. They are skilled without a doubt they just need to find the right mindset and until they do something needs to change.
 
#328      

Noblesville Illini

Noblesville Illini
Nappanee, IN
Noblesville Illini
0440, Indy, Lville, Joel, skyldub, or anyone else that has a privileged ear…would appreciate any info this week on as much detail that you can provide on new offenses or defenses, new line ups, developments as far as attitudes, transfers, what have you. If you can’t share on here, please dm me as I feel this week is a tipping point to the season.

Much Appreciated in Advance, God Bless, and Merry Christmas!
 
#330      

jrichisamazing

J
jrichisamazing
You could make some similarities between our team and last year's Michigan team. Pre-season hype, B1G contender, possible final 4 team, but young, and start off the year inconsistent (although last year's non con was much uglier for Michigan imo).

So I have a would you rather during this down time before the schedule ramps up....

A) Turn it around this year, contend for a title but fall a game or 2 short, get a solid 5/6 seed, and lose in the 2nd round again.

Or...

B) Have a similar year to Michigan last season. Inconsistent all year, never know what team is going to show up, finish bottom half of the B1G, get into the tourney as a lower seed, and pull of an upset to get to the sweet 16 (but lose there).

To me it's a no brainer, option A. But I've seen a lot of people saying Brad needs to start showing up in the tourney, so I'm wondering if I'm in the minority here.
 
#331      

Mojoman

Mojoman
Mojoman
jrichisamazing said:
You could make some similarities between our team and last year's Michigan team. Pre-season hype, B1G contender, possible final 4 team, but young, and start off the year inconsistent (although last year's non con was much uglier for Michigan imo).

So I have a would you rather during this down time before the schedule ramps up....

A) Turn it around this year, contend for a title but fall a game or 2 short, get a solid 5/6 seed, and lose in the 2nd round again.

Or...

B) Have a similar year to Michigan last season. Inconsistent all year, never know what team is going to show up, finish bottom half of the B1G, get into the tourney as a lower seed, and pull of an upset to get to the sweet 16 (but lose there).

To me it's a no brainer, option A. But I've seen a lot of people saying Brad needs to start showing up in the tourney, so I'm wondering if I'm in the minority here.
Click to expand...

At this point I would take either. Unless they do a full reset and get buy in there will be no tourney.
 
#332      

GrayGhost77

GrayGhost77
Centennial, CO
GrayGhost77
Mojoman said:
At this point I would take either. Unless they do a full reset and get buy in there will be no tourney.
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Morgan Freeman Reaction GIF by MOODMAN
 
#334      

BretMyBeachHouse

B
BretMyBeachHouse
jrichisamazing said:
You could make some similarities between our team and last year's Michigan team. Pre-season hype, B1G contender, possible final 4 team, but young, and start off the year inconsistent (although last year's non con was much uglier for Michigan imo).

So I have a would you rather during this down time before the schedule ramps up....

A) Turn it around this year, contend for a title but fall a game or 2 short, get a solid 5/6 seed, and lose in the 2nd round again.

Or...

B) Have a similar year to Michigan last season. Inconsistent all year, never know what team is going to show up, finish bottom half of the B1G, get into the tourney as a lower seed, and pull of an upset to get to the sweet 16 (but lose there).

To me it's a no brainer, option A. But I've seen a lot of people saying Brad needs to start showing up in the tourney, so I'm wondering if I'm in the minority here.
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Being on the bubble sucks, so I'd take A.

That said, I really really want to get to the second weekend. So if it was a choice between being two games behind the in the B1G and a 3 or 4 seed or being a 7 and going to the second weekend, I'd pick that.
 
#335      

pruman91

pruman91
Paducah, Ky
pruman91
Talk about what happens in practice has stopped exciting me......sorry , but the 2 losses to psu and misery have me in such a bad mood that i can't believe anything will change until i see it on the court .....and not against mid majors , but P5 teams...................

The win's against ucla and texas on neutral courts has been the height of this years success'..................
the losses to psu and misery , one at home to psu and to misery on a neutral court has been the lowest of low's this year.......

I am so confused as to the mindset of this season's squad that i wouldn't be surprised to lose our next game to Beth-C and then to the mildcats....

it also wouldn't surprise me to see a long winning streak to start the new year off with a bang...............

In other words , who knows what to expect..............................i sure don't and if everyone is being honest , then neither do you............................

We could make the dance and go a long way in it or miss it altogether..........this is a moment in time for all pettiness and hard feelings to be resolved for the betterment of the TEAM..........I don't know what to expect..............I really really don't...........................
 
#336      

doowink

D
doowink
pruman91 said:
Talk about what happens in practice has stopped exciting me......sorry , but the 2 losses to psu and misery have me in such a bad mood that i can't believe anything will change until i see it on the court .....and not against mid majors , but P5 teams...................

The win's against ucla and texas on neutral courts has been the height of this years success'..................
the losses to psu and misery , one at home to psu and to misery on a neutral court has been the lowest of low's this year.......

I am so confused as to the mindset of this season's squad that i wouldn't be surprised to lose our next game to Beth-C and then to the mildcats....

it also wouldn't surprise me to see a long winning streak to start the new year off with a bang...............

In other words , who knows what to expect..............................i sure don't and if everyone is being honest , then neither do you............................

We could make the dance and go a long way in it or miss it altogether..........this is a moment in time for all pettiness and hard feelings to be resolved for the betterment of the TEAM..........I don't know what to expect..............I really really don't...........................
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I expect this team to get the various issues ironed out in the next 2-3 games and be back in the top 25 by mid January....be in the mix for the B10 conference championship and make a run into the 2nd weekend of the nc2a tourney.....that's what I expect.....we'll see if that happens....but that's what I expect
Confidence Exhale GIF by Peloton
 
#338      

GBIllini

G
GBIllini
I believe over the next few weeks we will find out what players step up, toughen up and put their petty differences with each other or how they are being coached away and just play ball. The players who focus and execute while giving 110% will find their way to the floor. Those who don't will find a seat on the bench. We may be surprised on how this turns out. Brad expects results on the game floor not just practice, as do we.
 
#341      

BretMyBeachHouse

B
BretMyBeachHouse
IlliniShelt said:
www.espn.com

2023 NBA mock draft -- Will Scoot Henderson play for the Ignite again?

ESPN NBA draft insider Jonathan Givony provides his latest mock and the latest on Henderson's status with the Ignite.
www.espn.com www.espn.com

Cohawk at 30 and TSJ at 33... doesn't he know that Hawkins belongs on the bench?!? /S
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You do realize that players don't get time on the court based on their high school rankings or their position in mock drafts?

It would be a bittersweet day to see Coleman get drafted after we get left out the tournament.
 
#342      

IlliniShelt

I
IlliniShelt
BretMyBeachHouse said:
You do realize that players don't get time on the court based on their high school rankings or their position in mock drafts?

It would be a bittersweet day to see Coleman get drafted after we get left out the tournament.
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Yes. Mock drafts are certainly based on pro potential. However, there is clearly talent here. It's up to the players and coaches to develop that talent.
 
#343      

ILLjuice

ILLjuice
ILLjuice
IlliniShelt said:
Yes. Mock drafts are certainly based on pro potential. However, there is clearly talent here. It's up to the players and coaches to develop that talent.
Click to expand...
You're correct, I don't think anyone questions the talent on this team. As some others have said it's like the opposite of some our past teams that weren't as talented but were a family. This team has tons of talent, but no chemistry. I think objectively we could have seen this coming a mile away with the big shot transfers combining with RJ and Hawkins. It's the perfect recipe for an egomaniacal disaster(which is IMO what we are seeing playing out).
 
#344      

STATS GUY

S
STATS GUY
ILLjuice said:
You're correct, I don't think anyone questions the talent on this team. As some others have said it's like the opposite of some our past teams that weren't as talented but were a family. This team has tons of talent, but no chemistry. I think objectively we could have seen this coming a mile away with the big shot transfers combining with RJ and Hawkins. It's the perfect recipe for an egomaniacal disaster(which is IMO what we are seeing playing out).
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We need flow in our offense. Designed plays for shots in spots where each player has a high consistency of success. Unfortunately, not all the guys on the floor may have their name called. You have to put the hot hand in a position to score. Step back threes are not what BU is designing. When they go in, they look great. Yet I will challenge deep down the coaches may be saying 'No No No, oh great shot'.

There is no reason for a guy not to average 7 points a game. Pick up a garbage bucket thru out game by hustling and beating the other team down the floor to clean up any misses. Penetrate to the bucket at least once a half and pick up a shooting foul. (Convert 3 of 4 FTs) and then have one possession per game in the flow of the offense where you capitalize on a defensive breakdown.

Currently, (using AYOs words) the ball is getting stuck in players hands at times. I would love to see Mayer at the 4 with a high ball screen so he can 'slip' the screen at times for the 3. I would love to see the back screens from weak side. Sky and Epps taking in to the basket. Jr penetrating at the elbows. RJ attacking the elbows.

Right now we are too one dimensional as I view the games. I do not see us breaking down the defense with any type of ball reversals. Anyone can guard the first ball reversal, decent teams can guard the 2nd, great teams handle the 3rd. The more times your reverse the ball the more break down you get. The weave sets up potential penetration opportunities with high ball screen action yet you are not always guaranteed the match up you are looking for. I would prefer back cuts and movement to the basket vs side to side since we have slashers.

BU is a much better coach than our players are showing. Dainja to me is a key to making our offense go since he has shown the ability to score in the post.
 
#345      

Mojoman

Mojoman
Mojoman
At this point, the only guy possibly getting drafted is TJS in second round on his athleticism, size, and strength. He could move up to late first if he gets on track again with his shot.

Hawkins has shown a few flashes of potential, but 6'10" and not tripping over yourself in open court guarding or dribbling does not buy you as much in NBA as it used to. A lot of guys like that now.

He can't shoot. He cannot take you off the dribble. He is pretty soft. He does not get to line. He is TO machine. And he whines a lot.
 
#346      

sacraig

sacraig
The desert
sacraig
jwjuns said:
Can Underwood order new uniforms for this team with no names on the back of the jerseys?
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Cheesiest, most performative nothingburger of a solution. Please don't do this.

I am confident in saying that no player in history has struggled to play as a team just because their name is on their jersey. A prima donna is a prima donna no matter what they're wearing. They need an attitude change, not a wardrobe change.
 
#348      

Mojoman

Mojoman
Mojoman
chudaman said:
He is also the best in rebounds and blocks, near the top in steals and above average in assist to turnover ratio, so there's that.
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I see you are drinking the Kool Aid by your avatar. He has 5 or more TOs in 5 of our 12 games. Only 46 assist to 37 TOs is not good. 3.83/3.08 Assists/TO ratio. In fact it is terrible.

He is shooting 27% from three. Take out the EIU anomaly he is 7/35 for 20%.
Last year Houston decided to not guard him on perimeter and double Kofi.

This year teams can give him the outside shot and he cannot get by anyone.
He can't shoot (only 42%), he doesn't try to or can't get to rim, he doesn't draw the defense or draw fouls (2 per game), and he can't shoot FT's.
His Eff FG% is 48%. Abysmal for a 6'10" guy. It is the worst of our top 8 guys.

He is having a very mediocre season so far and having him with such a high usage rate is killing us.
His KenPom OFF Rtg is under 100. It is the worst on the team out of top 8 minutes guys.

We have to get him off the ball. Staff have made a mistake.
He is a decent role player and 3rd or 4th option in college right now.
That's it until he improves every aspect of his ball skills and scoring ability.
 
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#349      

amillini#2

A
amillini#2
Noblesville Illini said:
0440, Indy, Lville, Joel, skyldub, or anyone else that has a privileged ear…would appreciate any info this week on as much detail that you can provide on new offenses or defenses, new line ups, developments as far as attitudes, transfers, what have you. If you can’t share on here, please dm me as I feel this week is a tipping point to the season.

Much Appreciated in Advance, God Bless, and Merry Christmas!
Click to expand...
You have really been playing the long game, putting up with this board all these years just for a scouting report, Coach Gard.
 
#350      

EyeoftheIllini

EyeoftheIllini
EyeoftheIllini
RML said:
If their heads are in the right place, both Hawkins and Melendez can be deadly from 3. Just gotta get their heads on straight.
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I’ll give you RJ, but on what do you base that Hawkins can be deadly from 3? One game when he was hot? He hasn’t shot over 30% in any season yet. So he’s had 3 seasons when his head was on crooked?
 
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