Illini Basketball

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#327      
Kenny67
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#328      
NarrowJ
Illiniguy13 said:
Getting back into my basketball card hobby and pulled a Kenny Battle, Ken Norman & Derek Harper out of the same pack. The Illini collection is coming along nicely.
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👀

What year are those Skybox and where did you find unopeneds that old?
 
#334      
Cravingschampaign
Jeremiah Fears and Morez made Team USA

armchairillini.com

Illinois Basketball Features Two Players on Team USA

Illinois Basketball Features Two Players on Team USA Illinois Basketball has two players on the roster for the U18 Team USA. Morez Johnson Jr and Jeremiah Fears have both made the final cuts for the prestigious opportunity and will put on the USA jersey this summer. Fears has performed at an...
armchairillini.com armchairillini.com
 
#335      
splitter
Battle89 said:
Going to show my ignorance here, what is the purpose of the paddle? Just to simulate the height of a block without the risk of having a mid-air collision between two jumping players?
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Just like growth plates, not everyone's wingspan has fully developed.
 
#336      
RabidDawgClassic
Battle89 said:
Going to show my ignorance here, what is the purpose of the paddle? Just to simulate the height of a block without the risk of having a mid-air collision between two jumping players?
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Yes. It’s to simulate a potential defender.

Tom Izzo used to (probably still does) use padded paddles like this, only bigger and taller, to simulate the type of contact a player would receive in the B1G. I’ve seen other teams adopt this method and I’ve always wondered if Illinois is one of them.

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#339      
Fan Since '70
Illini Player 2023-24 Statistics
====================================
Player __________Points___Rebounds___Minutes
Kaspar Jakucionis...19.3..........6.5....................26.5
Ben Humrichous....14.7...........4.7....................29.6
Tre White..................12.3...........5.9....................31.2
Kylan Boswell............9.6...........2.3....................27.0
Tomislav Ivicic......... .9.2...........5.4....................19.3
Jake Davis...................9.0...........4.5....................28.6
Carey Booth...............6.4...........4.3....................19.9
Ty Rodgers..................6.2...........5.3....................22.8
Gibbs-Lawhorn.........2.4...........0.9....................7.1
Morez Johnson.....*17.2.......*14.1....................n/a
* denotes high school stats

2024-2025 Illini are very well balanced and potent offensively. If coaches can get them to play good team defense and jell, we have another contender.
 
#341      
WyattEarp
RabidDawgClassic said:
Yes. It’s to simulate a potential defender.

Tom Izzo used to (probably still does) use padded paddles like this, only bigger and taller, to simulate the type of contact a player would receive in the B1G. I’ve seen other teams adopt this method and I’ve always wondered if Illinois is one of them.

giphy.gif
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Dunno if it’s true for sure…but I heard years ago he had his guys wear football helmets on offensive rebound/put back drills as well.

Sounds like a good idea from the angry elf IMO.
 
#342      
ptgrd23
Pretty sure Brad is going to get nice raise and extension coming off elite 8 and great recruiting class. He appears to be one of the masters of the portal.

I see Izzo, Painter, Woodson, Calipari and rest of old school coaches headed tor retirement. Whether you like it or not this is the new college game.
 
#345      
Tacomallini
Anyone know when players will start arriving in C-U? Hopefully the foreign players get here quickly and there are no academic hold-ups for the transfers. Hoping these dudes get lots of time to Fletch and jell. Morez gets a pass for his service to the red, white and blue.
@Bucktown I like the way you think.
 
#347      
hoopsfan47
I have seen posts stating that Boswell is not a leader or star, not an elite shooter, and not a player who can lift the Illini to wins when needed. I just smile...those are naive and uninformed statements.

Not having seen KB play in high school, there was no way to make opposing claims to the above about what he would do in the collegiate game. However, like me, Kylan grew up on the central Illinois hardwoods and sought his future at the University of Arizona....and for that reason...and PAC -12 network, I was able to watch him compete and grow maybe 30 times over the past 2 seasons.

What I can say is that the Illini program is fortunate to have a player of his skills. Not only is he an elite talent, but also able to contribute to team success and far more ways than he was asked or allowed to do in Tucson. I feel like BU sees much more in KB and will allow and encourage him reach a level of play he only showed in rare instances for the Cats.

For one thing, his leadership skills will be sorely needed. For another, he is a borderline elite shooter which is another extremely valued need. Also, his ability, like his future running mate KJ, to find open teammates and get them the ball will make every member of the team better, more confident, and more determined to move and get open. I have seen other more subtle traits that will be big assets also...the ceiling is higher than most imagine.

But, what I seen on the downside for this Illini team is a long process for them to cook, jell, gain confidence in and get to know each other, and play to their potential. It will take some time and their will be many early frustrating moments, and likely losses, before Jan. at which we will all shake our heads and wonder.

But by then, I think, or rather hope, we will see the kind of team we want to see as the EDG mantra and chemistry take effect and the consistency...along with a few huge "WOW" moments arise in a good way. Most importantly, by then, IMHO, Kylan Boswell will be a leader and star that will be another Illini legend. That kid is good!!!
 
#350      
Joel Goodson
now that the roster is pretty much done, gotta say I'm thrilled by the talent and versatility we've compiled. the onus is on Brad to get these guys to gel, but I wouldn't bet against him. he's probly licking his chops. FWLIW, I think the team's ceiling is sky high

one more thought: I'm a big ball movement guy. this team has the potential to be flippin' great at it. hope so
 
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