Bigtex
- DFW
really - Had always heard he didn't play AAU. Thanks for the update.
Illinois 88, Ohio State 80 Postgame
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Not happening
ptgrd23
- orange county CA
Z shoots 3's like Davis but adds shot blocking. Fantastic portal add - great backup center.
Kylan and Keaton should play 30 mpg not 38 mpg. We need to develop Petrovic as backup guard for injuries, foul trouble and stamina.
This is a deep talented team. It would be a mistake for Brad to go with 7 man rotation when we have talent to go 9 deep and be better team.
Is that Pittsburgh-speak for something?
Petrovic will get more minutes to work himself into more playing time, when we get a good lead and can rest Bowswell and Wagler. They’re going to need to be fresh every game in Big Ten games.
Would like to add that Keaton is not the only player on this team that has soaked up good coaching advice.
Stoya has shown patience and aggressiveness in his recovery and return to play. He is a huge piece of this team being successful and being able to score during cold streaks, something he has the skills to do anytime against most anyone. '
Big Z is taking better shots and I may not seeing him rush as often. When he gets his balance and rhythm, he is an exceptional maker from the arc for his size. Want to see more patience from him in shot=blocking and not falling for fakes as often, but he seems to be adjusting well and eager to get better.
Mirk has shown a willingness to become a complete player and getting better at everything. So many fall in love with a particularly successful way to score. Opponents will take that away or expect and attack your favorite movie with a double. Mirk, however, can score in many ways, and has also learned he does not need to if he can draw defensive assets away from other open teammates......all of whom can but the ball in the hoop from anywhere. He is growing his game and confidence quickly and will learn to down errors gradually. So glad to be able to watch him play and mature his game.
Ben....well what can one say? So valuable now to this team doing so many things in defense, rebounding, and shot blocking for which he was hammered last year. So happy to see his success and hope he has an NBA future where his skills are valued highly.
Boz...the "old man" of this team (though he isn't) has embraced the leadership roll which is Ultra important. We all know his skillset and he brings whatever is needed whenever it is needed.
Tomi is getting stronger every game. He has limited quickness but some many other ways to help this team. I would like to see him shoot with a bit higher and more consistent arc on his shot. but mostly get healthy and use the skills he does have.
As for Petro, he has suffered from injury as well as higher personal expectations than his experience level supports. I hope he has the patience and can couple that with determination to get to the point where he can play without blunders and use his talent wisely to help this team win. I know it is difficult to go to another country and adapt comfortably and quickly....Butler steel sharpens steel. Either he or Lee will be needed....are needed....to contribute. Hard work will pay off as well as cutting down on blunders to earn BU's trust.
In another month, we may get to see Ty Rogers take the court again with no one knowing what we will see but wishing him all the success in the world.
The bottom line is that this team finally showed last night their ceiling by beating a solid team that played quite well. They did it by getting contributions on both ends from the entire team and played their best 40 min. If they can find consistency and trust in each other, there is a new outlook for the season' success and the UConn game can be used as a floor, rather than and indicator. We will see....but we have seen what they can do collectively last night.
He has some pretty hilarious freshman moments and argues every call, but overall he’s been crazy productive.
Brad should send Victor a nice fruit basket.
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
How did they all get invited into the locker room? Are they part of the staff?
Demitri McCamey was an awesome player - many of his turnovers were no-look passes to another wide open player that wasn't paying attention; I really felt bad for DMac - he had to be pretty frustrated. He carried the team those years, and was a joy to watch.This has probably also been mentioned in the past, but KJ tied Demetri McCamey's record last year for most turnovers in a season. Not necessarily great but not terrible considering his company:
View attachment 45622
Here's a link to other single season record holders. It's crazy how many records TSJ took in 2023-2024:
Illinois Men's Basketball Leaders & Records - Season | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com
Illinois Men's Basketball Leaders & Records - Seasonwww.sports-reference.com
band camp
- STL City
Talk about a face for radio or even the table referee...DJ Carstensen...woof.
I'm not tied into the who's who behind the scenes but I have to assume there are some serious donors within this group?? To have both JW and Bret Bielema post on X about the group seems notable...
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
Broadcast said they were big donors so I'm guessing that's it?
Very happy with the result and road presence --they played like they should win and didn't let up when the game was still in doubt. That said, I didn't see good enough defense to think they played a complete game.
Btw, Michigan has looked insane --the next best defense on kenpom is 5 points higher. To my eye, they look every bit as good as that Baylor team that won the Natty
One works for DIA, guessing that's also how they got the seats.
He was a poor fit for Mizzou if you know anything about their programs. My youngest daughter is an alum so I know more than most.
Confidence is critical but too often leads to arrogance and self-importance...the avenue to failure.
hooraybeer
- Peoria, IL
and the tracksuits? haven’t seen those for sale anywhere
It looks like we are running 8 at the moment: Kylan, Keaton, Andrej, Mirk, Tomi, Ben, Z, Jake (he's getting 5-8 mpg in real games, and 15-20 in easier games).
I do agree that the lack of a 3rd primary guard is a major issue. Who should be the third?
- Mirk: The experiment with Mirk as a pseudo guard was interesting. I don't think it worked. It may work later in the season as he adjusts/matures. A guard needs to protect the ball. That lineup will have trouble with pressure/trapping.
- Brandon: Thus far I've been more impressed with Brandon than Petro. Is his energy and defense good enough to "eat time" while Keaton/Kylan rest? (And grow into more.)
- Petro: If it wasn't for the preseason hype, I'd have him in the same category as Blake right now -- fletch up, see you next season.
Unless something major changes, I'm concerned about the BTT. If we play to win, Kylan/Keaton may be dead come the NCAAs. Kids recover fast. Recovering from even 3 hard games in 3 days is a lot.
The rest of the roster (options to add to the rotation): Blake, Jason
TY - Team heart. Come back next year.
AJ - All the effort is appreciated
DJ Carstensen (2009) - Hall of Fame - Utica University Athletics https://share.google/eRjgpPGn281soT7lL
He went to high-school in Iowa City. You can't tell me he isn't biased against Illinois.
He went to high-school in Iowa City. You can't tell me he isn't biased against Illinois.
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
It's not that hard to have someone put a logo or patch on something, especially if they have the blessing (and possibly the resources) of the DIA.
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