Illini Basketball
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JJB
- Chicago, IL
Illini checking in today @ #20 in The Athletic's updated college BB preseason rankings.
Projected starters: Kylan Boswell (transfer), Kasparas Jakucionis (freshman), Ty Rodgers, Carey Booth (transfer), Tomislav Ivisic (freshman)
Top reserves: Tre White (transfer), Ben Humrichous (transfer), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Jake Davis (transfer), Morez Johnson (freshman)
This could look like a reach to put Illinois this high, but Brad Underwood has earned the trust. Underwood has prioritized size and skill, and this roster is oozing with upside. Underwood got busy in the portal early and then topped off his class with two international signings whom I’m projecting will both start. Jakucionis, a 6-5 guard, is one of the best young prospects overseas. An NBA scouting contact mentioned Kirk Hinrich as a comp. If Jakucionis were an American, he’d likely be one of the five-stars in this class. Ivisic, a 7-footer, is the twin brother of current Arkansas and ex-Kentucky big man Zvonimir Ivisic. Illinois also added four transfers who play the three or four and stand between 6-6 and 6-10, all of whom can shoot. And the other two freshmen, Johnson and Jason Jakstys, are 6-9 and 6-10 power forwards. Jakucionis, Boswell and Rodgers will be the keys to making it work, as Underwood has gone to a strategy of spreading the floor and leaning on his guards to create advantages. Look for all three to get a shot at continuing the booty ball offense that the Illini adopted for Marcus Domask.
www.nytimes.com
20. Illinois
Previous: NRProjected starters: Kylan Boswell (transfer), Kasparas Jakucionis (freshman), Ty Rodgers, Carey Booth (transfer), Tomislav Ivisic (freshman)
Top reserves: Tre White (transfer), Ben Humrichous (transfer), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Jake Davis (transfer), Morez Johnson (freshman)
This could look like a reach to put Illinois this high, but Brad Underwood has earned the trust. Underwood has prioritized size and skill, and this roster is oozing with upside. Underwood got busy in the portal early and then topped off his class with two international signings whom I’m projecting will both start. Jakucionis, a 6-5 guard, is one of the best young prospects overseas. An NBA scouting contact mentioned Kirk Hinrich as a comp. If Jakucionis were an American, he’d likely be one of the five-stars in this class. Ivisic, a 7-footer, is the twin brother of current Arkansas and ex-Kentucky big man Zvonimir Ivisic. Illinois also added four transfers who play the three or four and stand between 6-6 and 6-10, all of whom can shoot. And the other two freshmen, Johnson and Jason Jakstys, are 6-9 and 6-10 power forwards. Jakucionis, Boswell and Rodgers will be the keys to making it work, as Underwood has gone to a strategy of spreading the floor and leaning on his guards to create advantages. Look for all three to get a shot at continuing the booty ball offense that the Illini adopted for Marcus Domask.
Men's college basketball Top 25: Alabama, Gonzaga, Houston lead updated rankings
With the NBA early-entry withdrawal deadline passed and the transfer portal mostly settled, we finally have some clarity on rosters.
www.nytimes.com
Saw espn way too early top 25 today, Illinois nowhere to be seen. Could be wrong, but I feel that list is more how espn WANTS the rankings to be, as opposed to what they probably should be. A list of their favorite teams. There is always some of that but it seems more blatant now. Could just be me .
This seems quite reasonable. You could argue Humrichous or Tre White in the starting line up vs Ty, Booth or Ivisic, but at this point who knows until they all get on the court together.Illini checking in today @ #20 in The Athletic's updated college BB preseason rankings.
20. Illinois
Previous: NR
Projected starters: Kylan Boswell (transfer), Kasparas Jakucionis (freshman), Ty Rodgers, Carey Booth (transfer), Tomislav Ivisic (freshman)
Top reserves: Tre White (transfer), Ben Humrichous (transfer), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Jake Davis (transfer), Morez Johnson (freshman)
This could look like a reach to put Illinois this high, but Brad Underwood has earned the trust. Underwood has prioritized size and skill, and this roster is oozing with upside. Underwood got busy in the portal early and then topped off his class with two international signings whom I’m projecting will both start. Jakucionis, a 6-5 guard, is one of the best young prospects overseas. An NBA scouting contact mentioned Kirk Hinrich as a comp. If Jakucionis were an American, he’d likely be one of the five-stars in this class. Ivisic, a 7-footer, is the twin brother of current Arkansas and ex-Kentucky big man Zvonimir Ivisic. Illinois also added four transfers who play the three or four and stand between 6-6 and 6-10, all of whom can shoot. And the other two freshmen, Johnson and Jason Jakstys, are 6-9 and 6-10 power forwards. Jakucionis, Boswell and Rodgers will be the keys to making it work, as Underwood has gone to a strategy of spreading the floor and leaning on his guards to create advantages. Look for all three to get a shot at continuing the booty ball offense that the Illini adopted for Marcus Domask.
Men's college basketball Top 25: Alabama, Gonzaga, Houston lead updated rankings
With the NBA early-entry withdrawal deadline passed and the transfer portal mostly settled, we finally have some clarity on rosters.
Hum in all likelihood is our starting 4. I think #20 is a bit over-optimistic. But if BU can get them to gel, it's doable.Illini checking in today @ #20 in The Athletic's updated college BB preseason rankings.
20. Illinois
Previous: NR
Projected starters: Kylan Boswell (transfer), Kasparas Jakucionis (freshman), Ty Rodgers, Carey Booth (transfer), Tomislav Ivisic (freshman)
Top reserves: Tre White (transfer), Ben Humrichous (transfer), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Jake Davis (transfer), Morez Johnson (freshman)
This could look like a reach to put Illinois this high, but Brad Underwood has earned the trust. Underwood has prioritized size and skill, and this roster is oozing with upside. Underwood got busy in the portal early and then topped off his class with two international signings whom I’m projecting will both start. Jakucionis, a 6-5 guard, is one of the best young prospects overseas. An NBA scouting contact mentioned Kirk Hinrich as a comp. If Jakucionis were an American, he’d likely be one of the five-stars in this class. Ivisic, a 7-footer, is the twin brother of current Arkansas and ex-Kentucky big man Zvonimir Ivisic. Illinois also added four transfers who play the three or four and stand between 6-6 and 6-10, all of whom can shoot. And the other two freshmen, Johnson and Jason Jakstys, are 6-9 and 6-10 power forwards. Jakucionis, Boswell and Rodgers will be the keys to making it work, as Underwood has gone to a strategy of spreading the floor and leaning on his guards to create advantages. Look for all three to get a shot at continuing the booty ball offense that the Illini adopted for Marcus Domask.
Men's college basketball Top 25: Alabama, Gonzaga, Houston lead updated rankings
With the NBA early-entry withdrawal deadline passed and the transfer portal mostly settled, we finally have some clarity on rosters.
Fan Since '70
- OBS, Florida
I mostly agree with that assessment. Think this team has a lot of potential and Brad has a deep talented bunch to work with. Rodgers may start but IMO White may get more minutes. Booth and Humrichous may split minutes, same for Johnson and Ivisic. DGL will back up Boswell and Kasparas, along with Rodgers.Illini checking in today @ #20 in The Athletic's updated college BB preseason rankings.
20. Illinois
Previous: NR
Projected starters: Kylan Boswell (transfer), Kasparas Jakucionis (freshman), Ty Rodgers, Carey Booth (transfer), Tomislav Ivisic (freshman)
Top reserves: Tre White (transfer), Ben Humrichous (transfer), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Jake Davis (transfer), Morez Johnson (freshman)
This could look like a reach to put Illinois this high, but Brad Underwood has earned the trust. Underwood has prioritized size and skill, and this roster is oozing with upside. Underwood got busy in the portal early and then topped off his class with two international signings whom I’m projecting will both start. Jakucionis, a 6-5 guard, is one of the best young prospects overseas. An NBA scouting contact mentioned Kirk Hinrich as a comp. If Jakucionis were an American, he’d likely be one of the five-stars in this class. Ivisic, a 7-footer, is the twin brother of current Arkansas and ex-Kentucky big man Zvonimir Ivisic. Illinois also added four transfers who play the three or four and stand between 6-6 and 6-10, all of whom can shoot. And the other two freshmen, Johnson and Jason Jakstys, are 6-9 and 6-10 power forwards. Jakucionis, Boswell and Rodgers will be the keys to making it work, as Underwood has gone to a strategy of spreading the floor and leaning on his guards to create advantages. Look for all three to get a shot at continuing the booty ball offense that the Illini adopted for Marcus Domask.
Men's college basketball Top 25: Alabama, Gonzaga, Houston lead updated rankings
With the NBA early-entry withdrawal deadline passed and the transfer portal mostly settled, we finally have some clarity on rosters.
Bro SoCal Illini ...
Yes it is the way ESPN wants the top 25 to be rated.
College bball DI ratings mean little until about mid January 12 to 15 games into the season
My thought is that Rodgers may start at the beginning of the season but may not towards the end. The reason is that he knows the system much better than others. This is his third year so he knows how things work, knows what the coaches want, etc. On the other hand, this year may mirror last year when he started but didn't finish usually. Covering my bases much?
Another reason I think he'll start is his attitude. With the other starters all newcomers, you want a guy with his tough, scrappy attitude to lead/influence the others. It's certainly possible that (like last year) he frequently doesn't finish games. But it's also possible that he extends his range beyond 5 ft and becomes enough of a threat to score that he doesn't hurt you in that regard.
Illini in OC
In. The. Alley.
Agree Ty needs to start as our culture guy and locker room leader. Expecting DGL to be right behind him.
I recall one of our insiders sharing an NBA scout's take on Ty as a "heat seeking missile" on the offensive boards.
I would think BU see this as especially impactful for a spread offense team to maintain spacing.
Ty will get his tick even if he only marginally extends his shooting range.
DGL should get plenty of PT. If, say Kylan and KJ both start and average 28-30 mpg, that leaves 20-24 mpg for DGL.
Ty might be the best rebounder for his size that I've seen since D. Rodman. With bigs like Ivisic, Hum, and Booth that like to step out and pop from 3, Ty can work quite well.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
That expresses the optimistic case for this team perfectly, I think. It *is* a reach, but a reach for clear and persuasive reasons.Illini checking in today @ #20 in The Athletic's updated college BB preseason rankings.
20. Illinois
Previous: NR
Projected starters: Kylan Boswell (transfer), Kasparas Jakucionis (freshman), Ty Rodgers, Carey Booth (transfer), Tomislav Ivisic (freshman)
Top reserves: Tre White (transfer), Ben Humrichous (transfer), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Jake Davis (transfer), Morez Johnson (freshman)
This could look like a reach to put Illinois this high, but Brad Underwood has earned the trust. Underwood has prioritized size and skill, and this roster is oozing with upside. Underwood got busy in the portal early and then topped off his class with two international signings whom I’m projecting will both start. Jakucionis, a 6-5 guard, is one of the best young prospects overseas. An NBA scouting contact mentioned Kirk Hinrich as a comp. If Jakucionis were an American, he’d likely be one of the five-stars in this class. Ivisic, a 7-footer, is the twin brother of current Arkansas and ex-Kentucky big man Zvonimir Ivisic. Illinois also added four transfers who play the three or four and stand between 6-6 and 6-10, all of whom can shoot. And the other two freshmen, Johnson and Jason Jakstys, are 6-9 and 6-10 power forwards. Jakucionis, Boswell and Rodgers will be the keys to making it work, as Underwood has gone to a strategy of spreading the floor and leaning on his guards to create advantages. Look for all three to get a shot at continuing the booty ball offense that the Illini adopted for Marcus Domask.
Men's college basketball Top 25: Alabama, Gonzaga, Houston lead updated rankings
With the NBA early-entry withdrawal deadline passed and the transfer portal mostly settled, we finally have some clarity on rosters.
It's the ooze of talent and upside on one hand and the youth and unfamiliarity with the staff, system and each other on the other hand. Which factor predominates will dictate our season.
I'm sure it's been lauded on here before if you were to tell me at the end of the regular season that DGL would be back this year, I would have thought you were crazy. He then proclaimed it, and stuck to his word.
Kudos to that young man for now being part of the needed on-court stability this team will need this season.
Kudos to that young man for now being part of the needed on-court stability this team will need this season.
Zorak
- Naperville
I have no idea why they think Booth will start over HumrichousIllini checking in today @ #20 in The Athletic's updated college BB preseason rankings.
20. Illinois
Previous: NR
Projected starters: Kylan Boswell (transfer), Kasparas Jakucionis (freshman), Ty Rodgers, Carey Booth (transfer), Tomislav Ivisic (freshman)
Top reserves: Tre White (transfer), Ben Humrichous (transfer), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Jake Davis (transfer), Morez Johnson (freshman)
This could look like a reach to put Illinois this high, but Brad Underwood has earned the trust. Underwood has prioritized size and skill, and this roster is oozing with upside. Underwood got busy in the portal early and then topped off his class with two international signings whom I’m projecting will both start. Jakucionis, a 6-5 guard, is one of the best young prospects overseas. An NBA scouting contact mentioned Kirk Hinrich as a comp. If Jakucionis were an American, he’d likely be one of the five-stars in this class. Ivisic, a 7-footer, is the twin brother of current Arkansas and ex-Kentucky big man Zvonimir Ivisic. Illinois also added four transfers who play the three or four and stand between 6-6 and 6-10, all of whom can shoot. And the other two freshmen, Johnson and Jason Jakstys, are 6-9 and 6-10 power forwards. Jakucionis, Boswell and Rodgers will be the keys to making it work, as Underwood has gone to a strategy of spreading the floor and leaning on his guards to create advantages. Look for all three to get a shot at continuing the booty ball offense that the Illini adopted for Marcus Domask.
Men's college basketball Top 25: Alabama, Gonzaga, Houston lead updated rankings
With the NBA early-entry withdrawal deadline passed and the transfer portal mostly settled, we finally have some clarity on rosters.
Y'all are sleeping on Ty's junior year 1st team all Big10 season preceding his senior year all American campaign.
On a serious note I don't think I've ever seen an extremely productive player on an elite 8 team get more hate than Ty has been getting this off-season.
Him playing is not about knowing the system. It's about him being the best defensive player and rebounder on the roster and a legitimate menace on the offensive glass. The only two games where he was a liability on offense were against two unicorn type bigs in Edey and Clingan that won't exist the in NCAA this year.
Even if he doesn't shoot the ball this year he can average double digits just from improving and developing his ability to finish around the rim where he sometimes missed bunnies.
Oh and I didn't even mention he can also handle and distribute the ball very well for a guy his size.
and Davis. We seem to always forget him.
Illini in OC
In. The. Alley.
Preach
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
If Booth develops and emerges enough to push Humrichous out of the starting lineup that would be very good news.
Booth, White and Morez are all super talented players capable of blowing up into stars, and none of them are penciled in as starters. That's a nice place to be.
that's awfully optimistic. I don't think we're "hating" on Ty, just recognizing his offensive limitations. He'll get plenty of minutes.
White is penciled in as a starter on my card. He brings an aggressive offensive motor.
Yup. We have 6 front court players who could start at a lot of good programs. None may be a standout at this time, but they’re all quality players.
Hum is the only one that’s highly likely to start. Along with him I’d say Ivisic and Ty, but it could just as easily be Morez and Tre.
Every guy on the roster should be working to be elite....at both ends of the court. How close they can come to that bar will determine their minutes...not board posters. Though I was born and raised not far from C-U, I now live in Missouri....so ya' gotta show me...and BU. DD was elite at the offensive end, but on defense and at the FT line, he was way below avg. White may be the same guy (although I believe a considerable upgrade at the FT. line). But defense is simply a matter off working your tail off, and that has not been proven in his two seasons. Yet, I expect BU to make every effort to motivate him to embrace that attitude...I sincerely hope he does.
blackdog
- Champaign
White was considered to be a very good defender his freshman year at USC. Don't base everything on last year at Louisville. He has the potential to be impactful on both ends.
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