Illini Basketball

[Mr. Roberts]

With the advent of NIL and the portal, is seems that much of college basketball is becoming a senior division of AAU. Entitlement, instant gratification, no development, no loyalty, lower quality basketball, and constant movement are becoming the norms.

How long can it last if we are just rooting for a jersey? Especially if the name on the jersey means nothing to the players? Genuinely concerned.

This:

versus this:

 

[travelin' man]

I've got to say I am really starting to worry about all these transfers out. Michigan St, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Purdue still all have none according to the Sports Illustrated portal tracker. Only Minnesota and Penn St have more than us if RJ does leave.

https://www.si.com/college/michiganstate/basketball/michigan-state-spartans-basketball-roster-pierre-brooks-enters-transfer-portal-tom-izzo-msu-032923

 

[ILLFAN67]

I have seen nowhere that RJ is leaving. So I don’t get all of the he’s gone posts. Our insiders say it’s up in the air. I don’t know why anyone uses Curbelo as an example of a player transferring out because he wanted to find greener pastures. I’m pretty sure he forced himself out by his behavior and if you followed St John’s at all he did the same thing there. Was suspended from playing I believe a couple of times?? Kids a talent but a headache also. Most likely would have been a distraction this yr. it’s too bad because we definitely could have use his passing.

 

[St Michel]

Not sure anyone knows what RJ is going to do including RJ. So no he's not staying nor is he gone yet. Time will tell

Of all the Illini players I would have bet on him returning. He was awful offensively for a lot of the year but BU stood by him until he came through it. It's pretty obvious he'd have a huge role next year.

 

[Fighter of the Nightman]

I have seen nowhere that RJ is leaving. So I don’t get all of the he’s gone posts. Our insiders say it’s up in the air. I don’t know why anyone uses Curbelo as an example of a player transferring out because he wanted to find greener pastures. I’m pretty sure he forced himself out by his behavior and if you followed St John’s at all he did the same thing there. Was suspended from playing I believe a couple of times?? Kids a talent but a headache also. Most likely would have been a distraction this yr. it’s too bad because we definitely could have use his passing.

I cannot stress enough how novice of an opinion this is coming from me, but I do NOT think it's coincidental that Curbelo thrived while Ayo was here. With someone like Ayo who was the team leader in every way, Curbelo was kind of kept in check; if he did some more of his whacky stuff, I bet Ayo kind of reeled him in a bit. In 2022, we went into the season knowing we'd be good but totally unsure of how differently we'd play ... and Curbelo seemingly seized the opportunity to sort of go crazy with what he was willing to try on the court, haha.

 

[State of Chicago]

I cannot stress enough how novice of an opinion this is coming from me, but I do NOT think it's coincidental that Curbelo thrived while Ayo was here. With someone like Ayo who was the team leader in every way, Curbelo was kind of kept in check; if he did some more of his whacky stuff, I bet Ayo kind of reeled him in a bit. In 2022, we went into the season knowing we'd be good but totally unsure of how differently we'd play ... and Curbelo seemingly seized the opportunity to sort of go crazy with what he was willing to try on the court, haha.

Good point. I think Kofi was part of this too. He was also able to pad his assist stats by feeding Kofi. It’s pretty easy to rack up assists when passing to someone that hits damn near 100% when in the paint.

 

[Illinicpa14]

Knowing how they have played, if you could have curbelo and Miller on this roster right now would you say yes?

 

[NJJ871]

Knowing how they have played, if you could have curbelo and Miller on this roster right now would you say yes?

 

[DocMorgan]

The opinion is not an opinion. Eventually they will both go if healthy. Whether or not it is now or later remains to be seen. I hope they come back just like you do. I have been a fan much longer than you have and DO have a right to my own opinion.

 

[illiniguy24]

Of all the Illini players I would have bet on him returning. He was awful offensively for a lot of the year but BU stood by him until he came through it. It's pretty obvious he'd have a huge role next year.

I wouldn’t bet on anyone returning now a days. But your reasons are why I would be very very frustrated if he chose to leave. This isn’t a scenario where the staff is telling him to move on, if he does leave, I’d imagine.

 

[illini0440]

Knowing how they have played, if you could have curbelo and Miller on this roster right now would you say yes?

Miller yes. Curbelo no

 

[Nuffievanhaven]

View attachment 24610

Omg!!!!! What a classic!!!!! When I 1st seen this gif years ago I couldn't stop laughing for days afterwards!!!!!

 

[ChiefIllinois]

Knowing how they have played, if you could have curbelo and Miller on this roster right now would you say yes?

I feel the same as I did the day each of them left. Miller in a heart beat, Curbelo not if he was the last PG on the planet (ok maybe then, but sentiment applied).

 

[MustangWally]

Hey guys. Baseball season starts tomorrow.

Just offering a respite.

Actually, Illini baseball season started February 17th. They are 11-10 to date.

 

[Nuffievanhaven]

RJ Meléndez is the latest Illini iteration of Curbelo... a guy who flashed occasional brilliance on the court but whose overall game somehow ran off the rails after a promising start and has not yet fulfilled a potential great promise.

But we still wish them well and thank them for wearing the Orange colors for a time.

Guess I'm different, but RJ never impressed me.

 

[ILL7174]

 

[STATS GUY]

I personally would not blame RJ one bit for transferring if we were actively recruiting someone who might take his playing time. I would argue he's proven his abilities, and he was only a sophomore last year; he needs the opportunity to be a starter and get into a real groove and make the jump to a consistently great player. Additionally, we are not really lacking at his specific skillset ... we need a sharp-shooting 3-point specialist, a true PG and a big. I'd be disappointed if RJ had any reason to feel like we were "recruiting over him" (arguably for the second straight year). You can argue all you want about how competition is good, but it should not be easy to see why that would get to the kid, especially after his confidence issues in the middle of this season.

I hope he stays almost as much as CoHawk and TSJ!

Anyone thinking this is a NIL ploy with RJ to gain some $$

 

[Illinicpa14]

I feel the same as I did the day each of them left. Miller in a heart beat, Curbelo not if he was the last PG on the planet (ok maybe then, but sentiment applied).

I’m the same for the record

 

[jmwillini]

So, let me get this straight. RJ is both in the portal and not in the portal?

 

[Illini92and96]

So, let me get this straight. RJ is both in the portal and not in the portal?

View attachment 24633

Sounds like portal purgatory? Or stuck in a revolving door - half his body inside with an arm and leg dangling outside?

 

[SummerofGeorge]

With the advent of NIL and the portal, is seems that much of college basketball is becoming a senior division of AAU. Entitlement, instant gratification, no development, no loyalty, lower quality basketball, and constant movement are becoming the norms.

How long can it last if we are just rooting for a jersey? Especially if the name on the jersey means nothing to the players? Genuinely concerned.

This:

versus this:

The name on the front of the jersey matters very little to very many these days

 

[WhiteHorseWings]

Guess I'm different, but RJ never impressed me.

Please don’t feel left out. Just be patient until he transfers. Everyone will agree with you then.

 

[FAR Penthouse]

Insiders, how we feeling about RJ returning? GIF's only. @Indy Illini Fan @LvilleILL @illini0440

I'm no insider, but I'd be surprised to see RJ in the portal after how Underwood and the staff stood by him during his slump and kept giving him opportunities while continuing to encourage him to shoot it.

 

[Ransom Stoddard]

Knowing how they have played, if you could have curbelo and Miller on this roster right now would you say yes?

 

[STL Illini]

IMO, anyone that wouldn’t want RJ back is perhaps overly optimistic regarding what might be coming.
Our two incoming freshmen are a 1/2 and a 4/5ish.
Sure, portaling will help, but as we saw this year, you don’t really know how they will acclimate.
RJ is super athletic, can shoot, rebound, defend, slash.
C’mon people…if you’re saying you don’t want him there might be a bit too much cool-aid being consumed.