We are now #15 on kenpom, two notches above Mich. State. It seems like Pomeroy has replaced Jeff Sagarin. Jeff deserves a lot of credit for introducing fans to a new mode of rankings. For instance, his system was the first to factor in strength of schedule and location of games (home and away). I enjoy the Pomeroy rankings, but miss Sagarin. Is he retired? Still living? In good health?
Illini Basketball 2024-2025
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I’ve mostly defended BH, but at this point in season, we can look at Ben’s game log and see he’s put up 11 stinkers this year. That’s not good enough. With that said, I genuinely believe if he can put together a solid game or two in the tournament and contribute to wins when it matters, a lot will be forgiven. Same can be said for Riley.
I don't know the answer. But we are 9-2 when BH makes at least two threes and we are 5-5 when he doesn't.
My eyes tell me Riley is probably the better option right now but I think it's closer than it looks on first blush. When Riley scores in double figures we're 5-5. And all 5 of those wins came in buy games. So, I don't know that we play better as a team when Riley is more involved.
It would be nice if Ben could just do what we brought him here to do and make a couple open threes a game.
So far this board has oscillated, over the course of this season, between thinking Ben is terrible, to thinking he’s great and the key to our season, and back to thinking he’s terrible. I expect the roller coaster to continue and for Ben to string together some good games now that everybody is sufficiently down on him.
Some guys just do better coming off the bench. Lets see if Ben is one of those guys.
Like Goode last year, bring BH off the bench to see if he can hit some big threes. Less pressure on him since he's not starting.
Will the Mavs be in the lottery?Well, I guess I’ll post here for the Kasparas to Dallas Mavericks lottery watch now
Holy nuke trade
He's becoming a fan favorite. Can't see him leaving, but there aren't millions of dollars being waived under my nose. Morez is the one that's going to make an absolute fortune.
Bigtex
- DFW
Last I checked ray j never committed to Illinois. Fears veballed and committed to Illinois. When fears wanted to reclassify (right after taking Riley), it seems like Illinois staff said limited playing time in 24-25 for a talented guard
He wanted to be 'the guy' aka AJ Storr, RJ Dennis, et al from what I understood
He nope'd out just a couple weeks after KJ committed
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Just to be fair to him, Ayo also came in with an expectation of being "the guy" and that worked out OK for all parties. Wanting to be "the guy" is not necessarily a character flaw. Just means it wasn't a good fit.
Oh 100 percent, agree. He is a really good player and is actually likely to be drafted in the 1st round. I mean really that reason alone causes doubt that it was Illinois pushing him out as much as it was him looking at other situations after KJ committed.
Cory Bradford
PizzaHutParkingLot
- Vodice, Croatia
Considering egos and roles, and excluding superstars, Coleman taking Ben’s minutes would be a huge boost. His versatility, floor spacing, and defensive switchability would provide much-needed depth in the frontcourt when Tomi rests.
Beyond his skill, Hawkins brings leadership and continuity -- something this team is lacking (though DGL is starting to pick up the mantle).
Giorgi Bezhanishvili would also make an impact now that Tomi and Morez are starting together (amazing!), as he could step in if foul trouble arises.
All to say, not a huge fan of Carey Booth...
Fun question..the obvious answers are our superstars: Frankie, Deron, Dee, Augie, Cook, Ayo, Kofi, TSJ..
Bradford as a shooter would help.
Plummer would be great.
Roger at the 4.
Cook would be ideal as a big 4 man that can shoot.
Nice list.
Yeah I think his kind of size, strength, and versatility is what they’re missing most.
A mobile big that can: post up, and D up, and step out and shoot, would be ideal.
We’ve had so many great guards in program history…but this team is guard heavy. Cook would be perfect. He’s a power forward type that would blend well with the free flowing 5-out and 4-1 stuff Brad wants to do.
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Great question and lots of nice tries but the answer is always Kenny Battle....
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