And he's only a freshman, so I'm inclined to overlook a few of his TO's
Illinois 88, Ohio State 80 Postgame
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Petro will come around. He got here late and was injured up until recently. Once he understands and settles into his role he will be fine. He will help us win games once the Big 10 grind starts. He’s too talented and experienced..
I've said the same thing regarding Keaton being better at this stage then them both only to be mocked. How only ha 2 legit offers is unbelievable. Kansas has to be kicking themselves for letting this kid get away.
I agree but one minor contention with “a few bad turnovers each game” as he only has 19 turnovers on the season and I don’t know without seeing them all again if most of them are unforced, etc
Again oniy a minute nitpick with the way it was worded, he does need to be more careful when he wants to take off with the ball like he often does.
On that note, Keaton having only 12 turnovers all season while playing over 30 minutes per game and sporting a 21% usage rate would have to be made up numbers for a freshman, and they’re not, so I’m just amazed at how steady he is.
KJ almost had 12 turnovers in one game it seems last year
OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
- Des Moines, IA
The best way I can describe both Mirkovic and Wagler is they are “old souls” in terms of their skills and abilities. For their ages, they both have such a high basketball IQ and feel for the game. It really belies their years.
It give me hope that we can still have young players that just don’t rely on sheer athletic ability in basketball. It’s really enjoyable to watch both players play knowing how young they are.
I never felt like we were going to lose either, but it was always just close enough, to keep it interesting.
Hate to bring up the past but, this is the kind of game last year's team loses by 6-10 points, and we all go away frustrated, feeling like we let one slip away. More and more I feel like this team is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
You haven’t watched much then. Keith Anderson (lead official last night aka high knees) and Brian Dorsey are literally the two worst officials in division 1 basketball. The moment I saw Keith’s head shining brightly at the Schottenstein Center last night, I immediately began complaining. I lose years of my life anytime I see these two officiating Illini games.
For those saying Keaton should come back next year to improve his stock, I feel like the NBA drafts 75% on potential, 25% on actual performance these days. So even if Keaton came back, put on another 15 pounds or so and had a TJ first team all American type season, his draft stock may still be higher this year.
I don’t always understand it. But if Keaton gets a first round grade (which if he keeps this up how could he not?), he should absolutely go.
I don’t always understand it. But if Keaton gets a first round grade (which if he keeps this up how could he not?), he should absolutely go.
Will yes, KJ no. Go take a look back at KJ's stretch from late November to early December last season. Until his injury he was cooking at least as well as Wagler.
All that said, if Wagler stays consistent (with some leeway for freshman up/downs) we have an absolute gem on our hands.
Often compared to Riley but KJ seems more apt as playing the same position. Maybe not as good a shooter but we probably don’t know as he doesn’t force shots. Not sure about the passing because he doesn’t make bad passes. Rebounding similar and gets the action started much sooner. Both were better athletics than credited. Credit to the staff for getting a true 5
.Curbelo Fanboy
BERTBALL IS LIFE
That must have been the Friday night game. That shootout uses Quincy Notre Dame's gym for a few games on Friday as well as games at Quincy High School on Friday night & all day Saturday. I think most or all the teams get a 2 game weekend out of it. I went to the Saturday game. Think he had like 4 points & was less than noteworthy.
My track record of seeing high profile Illini recruits is less than stellar. Saw Ayo at the Highland Shootout his senior year. Sprained his ankle the night before. Played like 2 minutes at Highland. Nothing on the stat line. Of course I saw him plenty on tv cause Morgan Park made state seemingly every year of his career so I knew he was the goods.
I commend Thornton's loyalty to that program...but it's gotta sting. Right now that dude should be getting paid handsomely to play on a legit contender
Curbelo Fanboy
BERTBALL IS LIFE
Quick tactical question for the group - I understand why we kill clock with the lead late, but those possessions where we just stand stationary until the guard goes for a drive and kick at the end of the clock drives me nuts. Same with anyone else?
It worked but I've always been of the mindset that you run something so if a layup presents itself you take the gimme & then go play defense. Of course don't need to shoot right away but it's easier to score IMO if one appears to be trying to score.
It worked but I've always been of the mindset that you run something so if a layup presents itself you take the gimme & then go play defense. Of course don't need to shoot right away but it's easier to score IMO if one appears to be trying to score.
Jeffrey Anderson. You can follow his fan account at https://x.com/highkneesref
You have to remember that due to so many injuries the entire team only recently been able to have full squad practice. As players start getting back to full strength and the team starts to jell, IMO the ceiling is extremely high for this team.
We won in blue at Wisconsin in January 2023.
I don't think Mirk's turnovers are too high in quantity... it's just the type of turnovers are a bit frustrating. When he gets a board and tries to be a one man fast break, feels like it's almost always resulting in a TO.
As for Wagler, it's just crazy for a freshman guard with his usage/minutes to have those numbers. Everyone will look at those big shots... the decision making is second to none.
Yup, I completely agree. You can whip a pass up the court faster than you can dribble, and we desperately need more of a transition game as despite scoring almost 90 points per game we are 355th in the nation in fast break points at 5.6 per game. The Ivisic twins, Mirk and Ben are holding us back in that category, but we have guards and wings who can get up the floor so its just something I'd like to see a little more of.
Nope. We wore blue at home against Valpo 2 years ago I believe. And won.
Can Wagler sling it? He's got the height
Wagler may or may not be one and done. Don't know what is going to transpire between now and then. He could stay another year and get a nice bag. But and it is a BIG but, if he continues in the trajectory he is going in right now, barring injury, he could have a shot.
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