Illini Basketball 2022-2023

[redwingillini11]

I am so perplexed. This year should have worked and I haven’t the faintest clue why but it just didn’t. I don’t harbor any ill will toward anyone (minus Skyy) and I don’t have direct fingers to point. This was just an abysmal mess of a season and the worst part was that we were no better than when we started. What reason do we have to believe next year will be better? When will the improvement come?

My real fear is that this is much closer to what Illinois basketball will be for the foreseeable future than what we were/could have been in 2021. I will stay true to BU because I prefer this to what is inside the mystery box. But I am pretty sad at the thought that we have very possibly already peaked in this era.

I look forward to seeing the new team get formed, and I sincerely hope things work this time.

 

[I-L-L]

You could get me to buy in. I don’t think it’s even up for debate that talent/athleticism was NOT this team’s weakness, we just were missing one piece here or there and apparently had chemistry issues. If we can add a role player or two from the portal, keep the core and have whatever players are theoretically part of this supposed culture program move on … why can’t this team be really good after a bit of a reset??

I agree that we're not far off. We need a leader and a PG. I sure hope most of the guys stay, b/c chemistry is key.

 

[jumpingjack]

I am so perplexed. This year should have worked and I haven’t the faintest clue why but it just didn’t. I don’t harbor any ill will toward anyone (minus Skyy) and I don’t have direct fingers to point. This was just an abysmal mess of a season and the worst part was that we were no better than when we started. What reason do we have to believe next year will be better? When will the improvement come?

My real fear is that this is much closer to what Illinois basketball will be for the foreseeable future than what we were/could have been in 2021. I will stay true to BU because I prefer this to what is inside the mystery box. But I am pretty sad at the thought that we have very possibly already peaked in this era.

I look forward to seeing the new team get formed, and I sincerely hope things work this time.

 

[Illinifan55]

Its late. I just can't get over this team. I think I've finally come up with the reasons. Warning, its long, but worth it.

1) Matt Mayer- was okay. He's not worth what he brings. The Texas game Matt Mayer is what we want. Instead we got a guy that has no leadership ability, and doesn't follow a game plan at all. The monster energy thing is funny... ha ha. BUT seriously!?!!?!?! You just lost to a bad Ohio State team, and his first thought wasn't to go to the gym to get some work in?!?! Cause I know that's what Trent and Ayo did, I watched their Instagram Livestreams. NO, Matt decides to go play video games all night while binging Monster Energy, ultimately getting sick and missing KEY practice time in March!!!

2) Dain- didn't progress, At All. He was good early in the year... SHADES... (I say that lightly) of a young Kofi, but he actually had a finesse game that Kofi didn't. However, once Big 10 play came around he looked lost on the floor 80% of the time he was out there. I have no idea what that's about, but some of that falls on coaching. He'll be key next year, and I'm expecting a HUGE step this offseason from him. HUGE step. Once again, I say this lightly, but I'm hoping / thinking an Edey level step up.

3) Coleman Hawkins- Don't even get me started. I want to like him so bad, cause DANG MAN he gives a lot of effort out there. But too much of it doesn't help. We can live without his 25 footers. We can live without his stupid turnovers that a high-school level player doesn't make. And we can live without his reckless 1-on-1 attempts. However, he didn't progress enough to make it to the next level, so I'm expecting another year. Next year HAS to be better... right?!?!?!?!

4) TSJ- You're All BIG 10. You don't have to wait until the team is down by 15 to start taking over. Man is he fun to watch getting down hill and taking over whenever he really wants to, but it needed to happen way more often. WAY more often. He is the epitome of this team: "Shooting long 3's can work at times, but getting to the basket WILL lead to success."

5) RJ and Luke- Gonna be fun to see them next year. Last year there were flashes. This year there were longer flashes. Luke was obviously hindered by his foot, but his shot is there, and we could've used that this year obviously. RJ had flashes once he overcame his own mental woes.

6) Sincere & Ty- These two guys (as well as RJ and Luke, and occasionally Coleman) are the only guys that looked like they gave a crap. Find 5 guys like these guys (I would PREFER they could shoot better) and we will be just fine next year. That being said, the intangibles are there. They hustle, they're insanely athletic, and they give 150% on the floor. Sincere said he wants to be the next Trent Frazier defensively, and he's WELL on the way. Ty getting downhill and around the basket is dangerous. Both guys are CRITICAL on defense. Both guys just have to develop offense/shots this offseason.

7) Jayden Epps- This will be controversial, but I thought he left a lot to be desired. I COMPLETELY understand he's a freshman, and PG that young is tough. But once February came, his offense hit a WALL. He also just isn't THAT great on defense, and he lacks size. I'm really hesitant on his future if I'm being honest.

8) Coach Underwood- I can go on and on about Brad, but won't. I will say that I'm super critical of Underwood. That being said, this season was actually a good thing. Assuming that all the things the guys were saying after the game about admitting they realized their faults is honest. Brad got them to understand the importance of TEAM BALL. It sucks it had to be taught like this, but with a young team, it HAS to be stressed. Additionally, Illini Nation, I urge you to step back for a second. We are UNHAPPY with a 20 win season. 4 years ago, if you would have told me that, I would've thought you were INSANE. Please stop with the "hot seat" and "fire him" stuff, we've seen how much worse it can be. Stop.

Next year will be fun.
I-L-L

 

[Illinicpa14]

Taking Coleman’s interview in, I now think his biggest issue was he thought he had to do it all because we didn’t have the vet PG or cohesive unit. I think if we can find some guys to get that, you’ll see the high end Coleman way more often not thinking he has to control the offense.

 

[STLflyinIllini]

Trying not to get my hopes up… but how about two unanimous All B1G First Team selections for next year?

only if Coleman cuts down on his TOs. He's great when he doesn't handle the ball too or have to pass too much.

 

[Stormsw7706]

What a crazy year. Good start but ended with a thud. When you looked at the resume of the portal players and the addition of SC I thought, like many others, that we would make a run. Then we beat Texas at MSG and the sky was the limit. It seems the season turned with the Penn State game shortly thereafter. This is just speculation but it seems that at that point all the egos came out. To me it’s a given that almost any transfer from major program to major program is driven by an internal drive to improve NBA prospects. This may bring talent but it doesn’t bring cohesion. It also operates to the detriment of team ball. I don’t help but feel MM and TSJ fit in this category. I don’t fault them for it and I appreciate that they were outstanding much of the year. Internally, I think SC and CH feel they are pro material also. CH is especially frustrating because having him on the perimeter seem primarily designed to project his all positions pro prospects. Realistically, he is at his best in the paint, both offensively and defensively. This would have helped the team but probably diminished his pro prospects. Long story short, after watching other programs I feel mid major portal transfers and 3-4 star recruits tend to work harder, seem more team oriented, and don’t play to advance their pro prospects. Towards the end of the Arkansas game I thought we looked our best with MM and CH on the bench. Give me Goode, Rogers, Melendez, Shannon, and CH in the paint. Passion, fire, and grit shows. As far as BU goes I feel as the year went on he found this team to be pretty unlikeable for his team concept. I’m sure the player probably felt that way also towards BU. Their body language and facial expressions showed no joy whatsoever. Sad for all. See ya next year

 

[illinigiant80]

No insult flung, just questioning the unheard of wild@ss allegation that some key pieces are transferring out.

Since you seem to be the defender of the unknowing, do you have bonafide info to share? As @FAR Penthouse points out, it's pretty much "innernet" horse manure unless it comes from one of those who have proven themselves to be purveyors of reliable insider info. The OP was just flinging horse$hit into the forum to see what he or she could rile up.

Someone has to defend people from others who throw temper tantrums at different view points. If the op was trying to get cry babies riled up, seems to have worked. Here’s my bonafide info. Our players may be great young people, but in my opinion, somewhat overrated in the basketball skills department and heart on the

court. Try to stay calm after reading this statement. I don’t post a lot on here because a lot of takes are over the top, and I don’t want to do that, but no reason to be mad at others when they don’t always post about greatness when it’s not. Reality can be a tough pill to swallow sir. You are not the high and mighty post police. Have a good day.

 

[illinitiger]

Yeo. Both of their stocks are not as high as they were at the start of the season or even in the middle. TJ's mom was telling people that he will likely come back at the btt. Think all of those guys are back plus Sencire. Lots to take place though, I will keep y'all updated.

Not thrilled about losing Dainja... if that's the hint. His post quickness is "Elite"

 

[KingWolf11]

Coleman was playing way out of position out of both necessity and I think they thought showing his versatility would be best for his draft stock.

When he gets to go back to doing what he can do and show that versatility when it comes in the flow of the game vs doing it out of necessity he will be a really good, maybe great, college player.

He is very very skilled in the post and he is a better shooter than he showed it just needs to be in pick and pop situations instead of asking him to create his own shot outside the 3 point line.

Him coming back with the right group around him might actually be the most important guy for next years success IMO.

 

[Illinicpa14]

Not thrilled about losing Dainja... if that's the hint. His post quickness is "Elite"

Idk how to say this properly without getting hate mail but he just strikes me as the guy who goes 14 and 9 boards a game on a Minnesota team that you beat by 15.

 

[Illini in Italy]

I am so perplexed. This year should have worked and I haven’t the faintest clue why but it just didn’t. I don’t harbor any ill will toward anyone (minus Skyy) and I don’t have direct fingers to point. This was just an abysmal mess of a season and the worst part was that we were no better than when we started. What reason do we have to believe next year will be better? When will the improvement come?

My real fear is that this is much closer to what Illinois basketball will be for the foreseeable future than what we were/could have been in 2021. I will stay true to BU because I prefer this to what is inside the mystery box. But I am pretty sad at the thought that we have very possibly already peaked in this era.

I look forward to seeing the new team get formed, and I sincerely hope things work this time.

SO many Eeyores!

 

[Illinisteve25]

I love me some Fletch but doesn't it seem like since he has been here our teams cant shoot the ball very well as a whole??? I just remember so many times over the years saying after the game if we would just make more of our open shots we would have won..... Our offense just seems to suck because we cant make open 3's or layups that all other teams seem to make...

 

[IllinistuckinGopherland]

My view is: Brad had to roll the dice, as we were among the bottom 25 teams in D1 on returning minutes (only one of them to make the tourney). He chose ‘reload’ over ‘rebuild’… and that meant two Big12 transfers (who weren’t the best players on their teams) and promising them stardom, as well as a recently injured freshman point guard that Kentucky recruited over.

The biggest risk going into this season was two freshmen PGs (and there was debate that Epps is really just a small SG). The freshman PG that was supposed to lead us underperformed, then quit rather than come off the bench. The amount of minutes we then played with an ‘out-of-position’ PG killed us more than anything. You guys remember watching John Groce teams with talented players and no PG?

Add to that, one of our two 3-point shooters basically lost the season due to injury.

Summary: Brad had to roll the dice multiple ways to try to compete this year, and they didn’t all roll our way. If we can keep the guys we’d like to keep into next year, and get a point guard that has proven NCAA ability (and doesn’t quit), we can be pretty great next year.

 

[Wokker]

My view is: Brad had to roll the dice, as we were among the bottom 25 teams in D1 on returning minutes (only one of them to make the tourney). He chose ‘reload’ over ‘rebuild’… and that meant two Big12 transfers (who weren’t the best players on their teams) and promising them stardom, as well as a recently injured freshman point guard that Kentucky recruited over.

The biggest risk going into this season was two freshmen PGs (and there was debate that Epps is really just a small SG). The freshman PG that was supposed to lead us underperformed, then quit rather than come off the bench. The amount of minutes we then played with an ‘out-of-position’ PG killed us more than anything. You guys remember watching John Groce teams with talented players and no PG?

Add to that, one of our two 3-point shooters basically lost the season due to injury.

Summary: Brad had to roll the dice multiple ways to try to compete this year, and they didn’t all roll our way. If we can keep the guys we’d like to keep into next year, and get a point guard that has proven NCAA ability (and doesn’t quit), we can be pretty great next year.

100% agreed. Didn’t work out this year but not a lot that could’ve been done different to get a realistic shot at contention.

Disappointed at the lack of team chemistry but if you zoom out and factor in all we lost after last year, injuries and Skyy debacle, pretty easy to give BU a one season pass.

 

[ugottabjoshinme]

only if Coleman cuts down on his TOs. He's great when he doesn't handle the ball too or have to pass too much.

I think part of this is that he was forced into a ball handling role that he doesn't need to be playing.

 

[LvilleILL]

Hearing the likelihood of Shannon coming back is pretty high. Conversations will be had in the coming week but his mom has left some hints as well

 

[ugottabjoshinme]

I love me some Fletch but doesn't it seem like since he has been here our teams cant shoot the ball very well as a whole??? I just remember so many times over the years saying after the game if we would just make more of our open shots we would have won..... Our offense just seems to suck because we cant make open 3's or layups that all other teams seem to make...

Your end take is correct, but how you got there starting with Fletch is beyond me.

 

[IlliniShelt]

I love me some Fletch but doesn't it seem like since he has been here our teams cant shoot the ball very well as a whole??? I just remember so many times over the years saying after the game if we would just make more of our open shots we would have won..... Our offense just seems to suck because we cant make open 3's or layups that all other teams seem to make...

In 2021 we shot 37% from 3 which was good for 35th in D1 and last year we shot 36% which was 58th in D1. No doubt we were much worse this year but you are wrong on so many levels. Blaming our S&C coach because we have bad shooters? C'mon man

 

[WyattEarp]

Your end take is correct, but how you got there starting with Fletch is beyond me.

I’m just guessing here…and I disagree.

BUT…
I think he’s trying to say Fletch is making us too darn strong for this game…
for the same reason Randy Savage the baseball player couldn’t throw the thing like he did after he bulked up BIGTIME and become “Macho Man.”

 

[Indy Illini Fan]

He was promised the keys and the bed. Then he blamed the staff for not having enough freedom offensively.

See Syracuse game … More freedom offensively

There’s a reason his top choice is a team that didn’t even get 5 wins last year … He don’t wanna play team ball …

Brad handled this whole situation better than I would’ve … All I’ve gotta say about that

 

[ChiefGritty]

Hearing the likelihood of Shannon coming back is pretty high. Conversations will be had in the coming week but his mom has left some hints as well

Kofi leaving and Shannon staying. The world is a mysterious place.

 

[JMoser16]

This is not all true. Conversations are going to be had, but no one is for sure gone yet.

Gonna have to lean on Sharpshot here because I know his info is always good. He only posts facts

 

[Illinisteve25]

I’m just guessing here…and I disagree.

BUT…
I think he’s trying to say Fletch is making us too darn strong for this game…
for the same reason Randy Savage the baseball player couldn’t throw the thing like he did after he bulked up BIGTIME and become “Macho Man.”

This is what I'm referring to. Seems like players are tight and dribbling the ball off their feet n rhythm seems off on shots as if they are tired...Just an observation that it almost seems like players are a little over worked.

 

[STL Illini]

I love me some Fletch but doesn't it seem like since he has been here our teams cant shoot the ball very well as a whole??? I just remember so many times over the years saying after the game if we would just make more of our open shots we would have won..... Our offense just seems to suck because we cant make open 3's or layups that all other teams seem to make...

Oh boy…..now Fletch is part of the problem?
To say “interesting take” wouldn’t be an accurate description.
The good news is that your post only took a few seconds to read.