I guess I don't read the messages on this site sufficiently carefully. I haven't seen anything negative about Ty, let alone "hate." The posts I've read are full of praise.
Illini Basketball
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The fact that we're talking about one of Tre or Riley not starting just speaks to what a great team this would be if we land Riley, in terms of just have numerous guys who are just plain and simply great ball players.
If we land him, IMO it should be Riley that starts over Tre. I think Tre has great potential but he's got put it together first.
The shooting does it for me with Riley. Think about it: Kylan, Kasparas, Riley, Ben, Tomislav - is there a better shooting starting five in the country?
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Riley is an offensive savant. He doesn't look particularly athletic, but he's just incredibly skilled at getting the ball through the basket in so many ways (w/o dunking!) I can't remember seeing a prep player who can do the things he does. You do have to wonder if defense would be an issue and also chemistry.
FWIW I don't think we'll get him, but he's so much fun to watch.
Very fairIllini 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.www.nytimes.com
Agreed. Sounds about right. But it will be a fascinating team to watch, these guys don't even know each other.
Dismissive might be a more appropriate word. Benching a guy that started on an elite 8 team is the sentiment of a lot of posts.
We won’t be able to guard a statue- but the offense will be glorious!
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