I truly think/hope having 8 days after the Uconn game to get ready for Tennessee and the rest of the games is going to do this team well. That gives them a full week of practice with everyone back at practice being full strength. we have not had a full practice team yet. I am really looking for a breakout performance v Tennessee to propel us for the rest of the season.
Pregame: Illinois vs Tennessee, Saturday, December 6th, 7:00pm CT, ESPN
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Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Not to discount the dramatic hot streak the 2021 squad went on, but that really was a unique year. That team only played 6 non-conference games compared to 11 for the 2024 squad. So while we were all definitely starting to panic a little after we fell to 9-5 (5-3) after the OSU home loss on January 16, it was just a really weird season where we were entirely done with non-conference play by December 12, so it had more of a feel like way more of our opportunities were ahead of us in Big Ten play. After that January 16 loss, we still had #7 Iowa at home, #19 Wisconsin at home, #23 Wisconsin on the road, #2 Michigan on the road and #7 Ohio State on the road, plus all of our BTT matchups and several Quad 1 / Quad 2 road games vs. unranked teams.
I guess this is a long-winded way to say that our Big Ten results were going to literally have almost TWICE as much impact on our overall NCAAT resume that year compared to a normal year when you compare the schedule breakdown and whatnot, and the OSU loss only dropped us to 5-3 in Big Ten play ... so I guess at least to me it didn't feel quite as drastic, as we all knew the Committee was going to have to get creative in evaluating teams that year. With that said, we simply cannot understate what an awesome run that team went on after losing to OSU. 14 wins in 15 games heading into the NCAA Tournament, with 4 of our last 5 games being TOP 10 wins away from home!!
agreed, that can't happen. Can't miss open layups or easy shots. Still think this style of offense sucks but whatever. Love how we run an offense based on our ability to "shoot" but won't run defense based on our ability to defend haha.
Bigtex
- DFW
but Tenn is also playing top 15 opponent coming off a loss
Good news is we need it more so we should be hungrier one would hope
I'm admittedly reading in to 'need it more' (unsure how we define that), but Tennessee just dropped 2 in a row to unranked teams
Well then, let's make it three! We can pretend we are unranked; maybe that would help.
ptgrd23
- orange county CA
We have talent to be 3 seed
1. two 7' centers who can shoot
2. 20 ppg SF who can drive to hoop and create his own shot
3. 6'9" rebounding phenom who is also good passer and can post up
4. Veteran CG who is defensive stopper
5. Mature 6'6" Freshman guard who handles ball, rebounds very well and can score
6. 22 year old PG who can create for everyone
7. 6th year 6'9" F who can shoot from 3 and hardworking rebounder defender albeit physically limited
I am not worried about in losses in pre-conference - getting tested beats the heck out of playing only cupcakes (sorry Lou)
Team played well vs Florida, Texas Tech and Alabama. Even UConn was not bad after first 10 minutes.
Brad has to figure out roles and combinations to utilize all this talent. I love David because he is low usage but still gets his points and rebounds. Challenge is Andrej, Mihuelo, Kylan, Tomas and Keaton all appear to be high usage, They need to learn to make players around them better and not go 1 on 5.
1. two 7' centers who can shoot
2. 20 ppg SF who can drive to hoop and create his own shot
3. 6'9" rebounding phenom who is also good passer and can post up
4. Veteran CG who is defensive stopper
5. Mature 6'6" Freshman guard who handles ball, rebounds very well and can score
6. 22 year old PG who can create for everyone
7. 6th year 6'9" F who can shoot from 3 and hardworking rebounder defender albeit physically limited
I am not worried about in losses in pre-conference - getting tested beats the heck out of playing only cupcakes (sorry Lou)
Team played well vs Florida, Texas Tech and Alabama. Even UConn was not bad after first 10 minutes.
Brad has to figure out roles and combinations to utilize all this talent. I love David because he is low usage but still gets his points and rebounds. Challenge is Andrej, Mihuelo, Kylan, Tomas and Keaton all appear to be high usage, They need to learn to make players around them better and not go 1 on 5.
Too long to read, but I gave it a "like" for all that effort.
That's baby steps Grandpa...great job! Instead of saying get off my lawn you are transitioning to please remove yourself from my lawn, Thank you! j/k
AI summary of thread comments so far:
---Urgency and Trajectory
...Nashville Game is Crucial: The most consistent and emphasized point is that the Tennessee game in Nashville is a "must-win" or an "essential indicator" for the team's season trajectory and their hope for a top-3 NCAA Tournament seed.
....Seeding Concern: The team's poor start in marquee non-conference games has put their desired high seeding (top 3) in jeopardy. The current path feels like a #6 or #7 seed trajectory unless they start winning these key games.
...Braggin' Rights Indicator: The perceived trajectory of the team leading into the annual Braggin' Rights game (vs. Missouri) is seen as highly predictive of their eventual NCAA Tournament seed. Winning key games now is necessary to build a positive pre-Missouri perception, similar to the 2023-2024 Elite Eight team's strong push.
---Current Issues and Improvement Potential
...Clunkiness and Injuries: A major theme is that the team looks "clunky" and is not yet "gelling," which is primarily attributed to recent injuries and the resulting lack of practice time together as a whole unit.
...Shooting Woes: There is broad agreement that the team's bad shooting (especially three-pointers) is a key limiter to their ceiling, preventing a Final Four run. Specifically, making "just an average shooting night" (e.g., \approx 75\% FT, 33\%-35\% 3PT) in the losses to Alabama and UConn would have resulted in wins.
...Talent and Fit: The roster is acknowledged to have significant talent (two 7' centers, a 20 ppg SF, rebounding phenom, etc.), but there are unresolved issues with role definition and player combinations. Specifically, a perceived offensive redundancy between Tomi and Mirk, and ball dominance from Drej and Petro are noted concerns.
...Practice as a "Fix": The recent 8-day break, and future breaks, are viewed optimistically, as they offer the team a chance for full-strength practice to build rapport, cohesion, and potentially fix some shooting/execution issues. Coach Brad Underwood's teams typically improve as the season progresses.
---Historical Context
...Tough Schedule Acceptance: The general consensus is that a tough non-conference schedule is a positive thing for testing the team and ultimately improving their NCAA Tournament seeding, even if it leads to early losses.
...Path to a High Seed Still Exists: Despite non-conference losses, a very high seed (like the 2021 team's #1 seed despite starting 9-5) is still possible due to the quality of the Big Ten schedule, which offers numerous Quad 1/1A opportunities. This would, however, require them to perform exceptionally well in key conference matchups (e.g., running the table vs. Purdue, Michigan, and MSU).
---Urgency and Trajectory
...Nashville Game is Crucial: The most consistent and emphasized point is that the Tennessee game in Nashville is a "must-win" or an "essential indicator" for the team's season trajectory and their hope for a top-3 NCAA Tournament seed.
....Seeding Concern: The team's poor start in marquee non-conference games has put their desired high seeding (top 3) in jeopardy. The current path feels like a #6 or #7 seed trajectory unless they start winning these key games.
...Braggin' Rights Indicator: The perceived trajectory of the team leading into the annual Braggin' Rights game (vs. Missouri) is seen as highly predictive of their eventual NCAA Tournament seed. Winning key games now is necessary to build a positive pre-Missouri perception, similar to the 2023-2024 Elite Eight team's strong push.
---Current Issues and Improvement Potential
...Clunkiness and Injuries: A major theme is that the team looks "clunky" and is not yet "gelling," which is primarily attributed to recent injuries and the resulting lack of practice time together as a whole unit.
...Shooting Woes: There is broad agreement that the team's bad shooting (especially three-pointers) is a key limiter to their ceiling, preventing a Final Four run. Specifically, making "just an average shooting night" (e.g., \approx 75\% FT, 33\%-35\% 3PT) in the losses to Alabama and UConn would have resulted in wins.
...Talent and Fit: The roster is acknowledged to have significant talent (two 7' centers, a 20 ppg SF, rebounding phenom, etc.), but there are unresolved issues with role definition and player combinations. Specifically, a perceived offensive redundancy between Tomi and Mirk, and ball dominance from Drej and Petro are noted concerns.
...Practice as a "Fix": The recent 8-day break, and future breaks, are viewed optimistically, as they offer the team a chance for full-strength practice to build rapport, cohesion, and potentially fix some shooting/execution issues. Coach Brad Underwood's teams typically improve as the season progresses.
---Historical Context
...Tough Schedule Acceptance: The general consensus is that a tough non-conference schedule is a positive thing for testing the team and ultimately improving their NCAA Tournament seeding, even if it leads to early losses.
...Path to a High Seed Still Exists: Despite non-conference losses, a very high seed (like the 2021 team's #1 seed despite starting 9-5) is still possible due to the quality of the Big Ten schedule, which offers numerous Quad 1/1A opportunities. This would, however, require them to perform exceptionally well in key conference matchups (e.g., running the table vs. Purdue, Michigan, and MSU).
Yes, the threes are wide open. We have terific ball movement on the perimeter, especially when Petro is playing; that's a combination of good coaching and veteran players. It means you have to launch the shot. Our numbers are going to improve. We should keep in mind that the Ivisic brothers are nightmares to guard. Because of their ability to knock down triples, you have to guard them tight on the perimeter, which spreads the floor for guys like Stoy and Boswell who like to take it strong to the rim. And even though our 7 footers may not be the physical post players we'd like, I still believe in this team. They are going to gel. And soon. By the time we play Mizzou, I believe BU will have these pieces fitted together.
This list sounds good. But I noticed that 6'8" 267-lb Jaylen Carey was a very effective player for the Vols. Against Syracuse, he came off the bench to score 22 pts (on 10-16 shooting) and grabbed 9 rebs in just 23 mins.
Question 1: Is Underwood going to have Big Z on him, who, yes, is taller by 6", but is lighter by a whopping 22 lbs?
Big Z does block a lot of shots, but he jumps at everything and seems to get pushed around (if not down on the floor) by more physical bigs like Carey.
Your list above suggests that Mirk might be the better choice against Carey.
Question 2: Is Underwood going to start Mirk and have him matched up against 6'10" 207-lb Nate Ament, or will Underwood start Ben (or Big Z) to guard Ament and save Mirk to come in against Carey?
This matchup of the bigs might decide this game, since it's going to be close. If TN loses to IL, then they will likely drop 4 games in a row (since they play Louisville after Illinois). So, the Vols are going to trying very hard to win this game against IL.
I think we’re seeing (close to) the floor of the team currently (at least when fully “healthy”).
As others have pointed out, Underwood said we had 2 or 3 full practices as a team prior to the UConn game TOTAL. That’s insane. The disconnect on the court is clear especially defensively. I actually think our offense looks OK.
I also don’t think this Tennessee game is end all be all. Yes a loss would be really tough, but the big ten is strong this year, plenty of opportunities to come. That being said, I think UConn > Bama > Tenn > TT. Currently I’d say we’re close to even on Bama. No reason to think we can’t and shouldn’t win Saturday.
As others have pointed out, Underwood said we had 2 or 3 full practices as a team prior to the UConn game TOTAL. That’s insane. The disconnect on the court is clear especially defensively. I actually think our offense looks OK.
I also don’t think this Tennessee game is end all be all. Yes a loss would be really tough, but the big ten is strong this year, plenty of opportunities to come. That being said, I think UConn > Bama > Tenn > TT. Currently I’d say we’re close to even on Bama. No reason to think we can’t and shouldn’t win Saturday.
Hope it plays out that way. Really doesn't matter how hungry we are as fans, it's how the guys on the team feel. I can't say at this point I've seen much of a killer instinct come out. OTOH, they've fought through bad stretches to stay in the two losses, and they haven't really played down in the wins. I think some of being hungry comes with confidence and identity that we don't have yet, and time will tell if they can develop it with more time together on the floor. Lotta disruptions in the early season. Long way to go.
That’s kind of where I’m at. If 8 days off prepping for one game doesn’t fix blatant scouting report mistakes and short threes on tired legs, I’ll start to believe there are bigger issues at play this year.
Bigtex
- DFW
For me the losses are tolerable but the effort hasn't been to the level expected.
Losses to teams in the top 15 aren't going to hurt analytics but as fans and the team needs to win some of these tough matchups.
Others have said lot of opportunities to come but need to start turning opportunities into WINS
Losses to teams in the top 15 aren't going to hurt analytics but as fans and the team needs to win some of these tough matchups.
Others have said lot of opportunities to come but need to start turning opportunities into WINS
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Yep, I think there has been a lot of assuming that because our results on paper (e.g., losing to a top 5 UConn team in their backyard) are theoretically reasonable, so is the WAY in which we are losing. No one with eyes was impressed with the effort or focus during the UConn game, missed shots or not. I think far fewer people would be worried right now if we had gone down to UConn while looking kind of good doing it.
And just to show I am not being all doom and gloom, I attended the Alabama game at the UC and in no way came away worried. I thought we looked good, and I was actually encouraged after that one! Call it too subjective of an eye test or whatever, but for me the difference was simple. The Alabama loss did not remind me of last year's team ... the UConn loss did. Yes, we have lots of opportunities ... but win or lose, I want to see a squad on Saturday that doesn't have the same vibe as last season's team.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
You'll get an early preview tomorrow night when Kentucky and Gonzaga play there!
Also, I just looked at Bridgestone Arena's website, and it looks like there are a lot of tickets still available. While you cannot see individual seat availability like you can with our United Center game and Braggin' Rights, there are tickets available in nearly every single section of the entire arena. I could be wrong, but we might see a more sterile home court advantage than we had at the UC (nearly 18k) or UConn had at MSG (just over 16k). I would NOT hate that, haha!
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chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
As I used to advise my high school newspaper and yearbook editors in regards to their staffs: Constructive criticism builds, Destructive criticism destroys…
Is there an Illini side of the arena? I am looking to buy tickets and want to make sure we sit on the right side.
Excited for this one - and a really cool game to be playing in Nashville. If you were to stack the "4 big time" non-con games coming into year, I would have placed this one and Texas Tech as most likely to win. Even more so, in hindsight with the Tomi injuries/illness.
The past two years, I always have preferred Underwood teams going against stronger defensive minded teams, than offensive minded. For example, I actually liked the Iowa State matchup.
Keys as i see it:
1) Boswell x2 - Going against Gillespie, if he can really limit him, the offense for UT dries up fast. So no fouling (been a problem the last 2) and offensively get down hill, dude. We're so much better when you do. (I hate he has Maryland ties, anyone whose ever had just a cup of coffee in College Park terrifies me)
2) Please no Nate Ament legacy game... He's not efficient right now, hes a wirey freshman whose learning. But he absolutely has the ability to be far and away the best player on the court.
3) Between Estrella and Ament - One of our 4's need to step up. I imagine Mirk gets the shot again initially. Let's see it. If Estrella is out, I really think we should win this game.
4) Let's make some open shots, fellas. Make a few easy ones, get some solid vibes, and have some fun.
The past two years, I always have preferred Underwood teams going against stronger defensive minded teams, than offensive minded. For example, I actually liked the Iowa State matchup.
Keys as i see it:
1) Boswell x2 - Going against Gillespie, if he can really limit him, the offense for UT dries up fast. So no fouling (been a problem the last 2) and offensively get down hill, dude. We're so much better when you do. (I hate he has Maryland ties, anyone whose ever had just a cup of coffee in College Park terrifies me)
2) Please no Nate Ament legacy game... He's not efficient right now, hes a wirey freshman whose learning. But he absolutely has the ability to be far and away the best player on the court.
3) Between Estrella and Ament - One of our 4's need to step up. I imagine Mirk gets the shot again initially. Let's see it. If Estrella is out, I really think we should win this game.
4) Let's make some open shots, fellas. Make a few easy ones, get some solid vibes, and have some fun.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I'm sure there will be more Illini fans in Nashville for a Saturday game than there were Alabama fans in Chicago for a Wednesday game, but ... I'm guessing it will be a similar setup as our moved home game at the UC. In other words, the only actual "Illini section" will be behind our bench, and any other Illini fans in attendance will be in sections filled with mostly Tennessee fans.
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