I think relying on a Freshman PG who had played at four higher schools and committed to three different universities was definitely a risky move. At any other position on the floor this might be OK. But quality PG play is just too important in college basketball to take that bet.
Illini Basketball 2023-2024
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Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
(I want to be clear that I hate when people complain about preseason stuff being "pointless" ... it's like, just don't read it/pay attention and keep your snide comments to yourself, buddy!)
Men's Bracketology: Bid stealers leave out Pitt, Virginia, Seton Hall, Indiana State
Most years thewww.espn.com
Illini in Lunardi’s way too early bracket prediction…last four in
These are always KIND OF "pointless," but it has gotten really bad in the transfer era, haha. Anyone remember where we were predicted to finish when Kofi was in the portal and Trent/Da'Monte had not announced they were coming back yet? I saw publications saying we wouldn't make the Tournament. Fast forward a few months, and we were preseason #11 in the country. I see a similar thing happening here with waiting on TSJ, Coleman and RayJ. As our roster stands, last four in is fair ... but there are so many unknowns. Get all three of those guys on the team next year and we all of a sudden are probably coming in at top 25 preseason at least.
I hope so! Would be first time we've ever been ranked preseason 4 years in a row.
Will we get the same media treatment that IU got last year when they returned the core of a team that was a good-not-great team the previous year?
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I would imagine not quite to that level because (1) the media, especially journalists above 50, REALLY want to force IU being a Blue Blood down our throats even if they haven't been for decades and (2) they did bring in a stellar freshman class that we didn't quite match.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Illini in Indiana
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I really want to believe that CoHawk and TSJ will be back next year, but they are both solid 2nd round NBA draft picks. These kids have worked their butts off and their dream is within reach. I will be happy if they say in or come back. It's nice to our Illini feeding the NBA again.
I don’t really know where to put this, but I got to watch Nate Oats in the Texas Coaches Clinic today talk about their offensive flow. He went over their basic transition flow on makes and misses, and how the reads go based on how his players fill their transition spots on the court.
It got me thinking because he said the trade off of doing this is you put more control in the players hands. Where as if you call more sets the control is in the coach’s hands.
It’s interesting how last year BU adjusted from one philosophy (let the players flow) into the other one (calling spread and sets). I think we all thought and hoped that letting the players flow would work, but it didn’t, so kudos to BU for adjusting. We’re recruiting guys who have scored a good amount of points at the college level, so I’m thinking and hoping we go back to just flowing, but with guys who are threats and have done it.
Oats did say the biggest key was he wants 4 shooters out there (don’t we all) because he wants the catch on the perimeter to be “a shot until it’s not.” While we are recruiting scorers, some people have questions on the shooting ability. Just thought his session was interesting and reminded of our group last year, and has me thinking ahead and interested in next year.
Also for those wondering, Oats said FTs, “at the rims,” and kickout set 3s, are the 3 most efficient shots in basketball, in that order.
It got me thinking because he said the trade off of doing this is you put more control in the players hands. Where as if you call more sets the control is in the coach’s hands.
It’s interesting how last year BU adjusted from one philosophy (let the players flow) into the other one (calling spread and sets). I think we all thought and hoped that letting the players flow would work, but it didn’t, so kudos to BU for adjusting. We’re recruiting guys who have scored a good amount of points at the college level, so I’m thinking and hoping we go back to just flowing, but with guys who are threats and have done it.
Oats did say the biggest key was he wants 4 shooters out there (don’t we all) because he wants the catch on the perimeter to be “a shot until it’s not.” While we are recruiting scorers, some people have questions on the shooting ability. Just thought his session was interesting and reminded of our group last year, and has me thinking ahead and interested in next year.
Also for those wondering, Oats said FTs, “at the rims,” and kickout set 3s, are the 3 most efficient shots in basketball, in that order.
Attachments
Indy said in the other thread that CH probably won't get a guaranteed contract even selected in the 2nd round. TSJ is probably in the same boat. I can see them come back. 2nd round != guaranteed contract.
Woh wasn’t dain like 315 when he came in? That’s awesome
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
For real, though, any insider tips on upcoming schedule announcements?! Maybe I am remembering incorrectly, but I really feel like we knew more about the upcoming schedule last year at this time.
Sat 12/9 - at Tennessee
Fri 12/29 - vs. Fairleigh Dickinson
You have to assume Braggin' Rights will be Wednesday 12/20 or Thursday 12/21. With the Big Ten/ACC Challenge cancelled and no word on Gavitt (which we might not even be able to participate in due to different numbers of teams), the schedule just seems so mysterious! Hoping against hope we can revive the United Center game on a Saturday in December ... it's time.
Sat 12/9 - at Tennessee
Fri 12/29 - vs. Fairleigh Dickinson
You have to assume Braggin' Rights will be Wednesday 12/20 or Thursday 12/21. With the Big Ten/ACC Challenge cancelled and no word on Gavitt (which we might not even be able to participate in due to different numbers of teams), the schedule just seems so mysterious! Hoping against hope we can revive the United Center game on a Saturday in December ... it's time.
How good is Nico? Is he capable of becoming a starter if he stays for 4 years?
He has a torch. Don't know how it will relate to gameplay.
His older brother was a really good D1 player. He’s probably got the genetics. Adding 15 lbs already suggests he’s got the work ethic. Only time will tell, but I do not think he would be here if BU didn’t think it was possible. Scholarships are just too valuable.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
am assuming this means his shot is very good, as opposed to he likes welding
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
I don't know, maybe this Brad Underwood guy can coach.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Am assuming he’s on campus now,he does have a good size/base for Fletch to work with.
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