What this team needs is an athletically skilled 7 footer and another 6'7" wing or two. Then a couple of role players who can shoot and defend. Why would anyone else want guys like that?....but WE NEED them
. Not sure we have the NIL to keep a team like that intact, especially if most are out of state/country.
2025-26 roster
Guards Fears, Butler, DGL, Morretti, Harris
Forwards Johnson, Jaktys, ? ? ?
Centers Hansberry ? ?
Seemingly, there are several strong options to fill out those ?, but they will NEED a really good 3 and a really good 5. With this kind of talent on the roster, that should not be a hill that can't be climbed.
At 77, I have been waiting for an Illini NC in basketball for almost 70 years. Hope I live to see it.
The puzzle pieces are shaping up. Hope BU can find the "everyday guys" he wants to put it all together. Not easy finding elite, older talent, like Q, Harmon, and MD, ready to play just a cog in the wheel and shine when necessary. They don't need the spotlight every game, but can be counted on to do elite things when elite things are needed.