Is it becoming public? Where is the video or the quote from JW or BU? I haven't seen it. Not really directed at you. But all of this is about 10 pages of message board chatter. 10 pages I have enjoyed, by the way.
College Hoops Coaching Carousel
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GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
Becoming public probably as in rumors being whipped up in a message board, whether true or not
Not trying to be argumentative, but what evidence do you have that makes you believe the Illini are on an upward trajectory after six years? To me it seems like we're going downhill after Ayo, Trent, and Kofi graduated. Are we closer to a FF now? I don't think so. Maybe I'm missing something.
Why? He can get talent and has taken us to where we haven't been since 06 but our offense without a 7ft 285lb Kofi on the floor our offensive scheme has not been good. Couple that with the fact we have only won one NCAA tournament game and 0 sweet 16 games I just don't see it like I did with Self.
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
The path to success is never a straight line.
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
Ahem… 2 NCAA tournament games.
Can't really find a trend for a program after just one season.
This has probably been discussed before, but I had the memory that when we first got Underwood, he was known as a great Xs and Os guy? If not a genius.
Now, we haven't really seen the full "spread" offense utilized here, but my understanding was that had more to do with limitations in players (i.e. Kofi not really being the ideal big in a spread system). Underwood's ability to pivot and change his offense/defense identity "on the fly" was always a positive in my opinion.
This year I know was a little shaky, and we didn't really see much needed changes throughout the season, but I kind of assumed that was a combination of things (relying on freshmen, not a lot of continuity in minutes, streakiness of players, etc.).
Surely, Underwood hasn't forgotten how to coach, right?
This is not a rhetorical question. I truly would like to know what people who are more informed than I think.
Now, we haven't really seen the full "spread" offense utilized here, but my understanding was that had more to do with limitations in players (i.e. Kofi not really being the ideal big in a spread system). Underwood's ability to pivot and change his offense/defense identity "on the fly" was always a positive in my opinion.
This year I know was a little shaky, and we didn't really see much needed changes throughout the season, but I kind of assumed that was a combination of things (relying on freshmen, not a lot of continuity in minutes, streakiness of players, etc.).
Surely, Underwood hasn't forgotten how to coach, right?
This is not a rhetorical question. I truly would like to know what people who are more informed than I think.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Neither part of that sentence is true.
JW and BU are just pros doing their jobs, and absolutely no one cares or pays attention to what gets written here, which is why we should all have fun and speak freely.
Maybe someone hires BU away, who knows, he's a good coach and life is short. We'll live. But I think it's far, far more likely he stays, and if he does we would be doing our brains a disservice to perceive the situation as a "rift" based on posts we read on a message board today.
I can't claim to know why Indy and Indy's sources are choosing to rile us up today, but that's what they're doing. We're a free focus group right now.
Indy's just graciously posting what he's heard and sharing his own thoughts. He's not riling anyone up but you.
I agree with you on being able change on the fly with defenses and willing to change his preferred play according to the players you have.but after 6 years at a program and he still doesn't have the players to run his preferred offense sets I think is a bit telling for the future going forward as to where this program may be going under Bu
@ChiefGritty alright let’s run down the potential purpose of the maybe real info-op.
1. Testing fan base amicability toward Sean Miller (This necessitates a reason to test, which…well…needs its own unpacking).
2. Telegraphing to Underwood’s camp that Whitman is willing to move on if necessary (This also necessitates a reason, which I suppose is to insinuate Illinois will not negotiate and instead will move on but…well…this line of logic means Underwood is looking at openings).
3. ???
A. So regardless if you are correct and this is an actual DIA sanctioned info-op, then there is some degree of…let’s call it “separation” between Underwood and Whitman. To me, what that inevitably ends up meaning is that regardless Underwood isn’t a long term option as generally you aren’t running such campaigns against your leaders.
1. Testing fan base amicability toward Sean Miller (This necessitates a reason to test, which…well…needs its own unpacking).
2. Telegraphing to Underwood’s camp that Whitman is willing to move on if necessary (This also necessitates a reason, which I suppose is to insinuate Illinois will not negotiate and instead will move on but…well…this line of logic means Underwood is looking at openings).
3. ???
A. So regardless if you are correct and this is an actual DIA sanctioned info-op, then there is some degree of…let’s call it “separation” between Underwood and Whitman. To me, what that inevitably ends up meaning is that regardless Underwood isn’t a long term option as generally you aren’t running such campaigns against your leaders.
DReq
Always Illini
- Central Illinois
This may be the most poetic, succinct and accurate summary of a season I have ever read. Kudos to you, sir.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Fair, I guess I did not appreciate the Wal-Mart connection enough. That fundamentally changes the situation, haha.
Why the hell aren't the old money families of State Farm or formerly Caterpillar bankrolling all of our stuff then?? I know State Farm helped a lot with the SFC, but we gave them a LOT of free exposure every single home game for that. We need rich Illinoisans to get annoyed enough that the Illini are not elite that they take steps to change that ... because that absolutely happens in a lot of other states. Sam Walton went to Mizzou, so his loyalty to Arkansas is state pride, not some alum connection.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Every year of his career, my husband has entertained headhunters to see if he can find a better gig. If he finds a better offer, he decides if it's worth asking his boss for a counter offer, knowing he's ready to bounce if that conversation doesn't go well. It happens in most fields if the employee wants to advance and make more money (which most of us do).
That's what's happening here. If we weren't attached to these teams, we wouldn't be buzzing about it at all.
That's what's happening here. If we weren't attached to these teams, we wouldn't be buzzing about it at all.
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
It's the infamous case of........
BU .......... Less filling................
JW............Great taste...........
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
If Mike Gundy is still the football coach at Oklahoma State, no amount of mutual enmity between a coach and his superiors and donors means they aren't a "long term option".
But more than that
Well if they are saying that ...well it is their money!
They can't expect you to take who you want but they can say if you take him i got ya for big bucks.
Like Epps would be able to handle that
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Depends on how hard his head is, I guessLike Epps would be able to handle that
Mr. Tibbs
- southeast DuPage
that old money is musty and denominated in 100's.
the Walton money and Phil Knight money is crisp and clean and denominated in 1,000,000's
huge difference
USAFILLINI
- Florida
This isn't being said enough IMO. Outside of having Kofi and Ayo to bail out the offense, I haven't seen much. We were in such a bad spot from Weber/Groce, people have set the bar extremely low/settling. I'm not saying he is a bad coach, but I don't think there's any way you can justify his salary with the product we've been getting. Boosters are probably going to be up your cheeks if you get blown out by NW/Mizzou and take back to back early exits from the tournament. His antics don't help him either.
I am a huge fan of Brad … But what I’m not a fan of with Brad is the constant flirting with other programs … I got K State last year … He gets a pass for that … But he’s actively looking at every open job every year … After all we’ve done … That’s frustrating to hear
And as far as Sean goes … He’s a major upgrade … And while I’m a fan of Brad, I can’t sit here and say I wouldn’t prefer Miller … I don’t think there’s a single thing Brad does that Miller doesn’t do better
I’m not saying by sharing all this today that Brad is gone and it’s a done deal … I’m just sharing what I’m hearing … Good and bad …
Mr. Tibbs
- southeast DuPage
I would not say that at all
Just that the sun will rise tomorrow and next week and we wont be stuck with hat in hand looking for a coach from the MAC if BU leaves
uofi7477
- Silver & Gold Vandals
Fire Coach UW, but try to negotiate the buyout due to the threat of bringing "cause" such as player abuse and inappropriate conduct unbecoming an Illini Coach.
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