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