If he comes back he could be a top 3 pick. Especially if ends up at 6'7''. I see a lot of Stephon Curry in his game and he is taller. Kendall Gill was projected to be a mid or late first round pick in 1989, came back the next year and moved up to the # 5 pick in the 1990 NBA draft.
Illinois 91, Missouri 48 Postgame
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I guess I'm not sure I understanding the question??? Are you asking if Big Z is only showing emotion b/c his playing time has had an uptick? If that's the question, I'd argue that even when he was playing fewer minutes he was showing great emotion. There was the technical after the dunk in the Nebraska game and games before that where he'd fly off the bench to jump and celebrate with his brother or others. I see passion and confidence in Big Z and again we need that height and length b/c we don't have a that stud muscle that cleans up everything in the paint (think Kofi).
I know Tomi has been sick and had injuries, but we've been saying that about him for over a year now. Again, I like Tomi and he should get his tick. But his brother is averaging about 6.5 less minutes a game and is only scoring 2.5 points less/game and averaging only less than 1 assist less than Tomi. Big Z is averaging almost a rebound more a game, is averaging 1.5 more blocks per game (and then there the silent stat of shots affected by his size/length), averaging the same amount of steals, averaging a full turnover less/game, and again, plays with fire and passion. I'm not saying Tomi loses a lot of time in this situation, I'm just saying Big Z should keep seeing sizable minutes b/c he seems to bring a fire to the team that is very positive. This could result in a little less time for Tomi, but maybe those extra 5-7 minutes/game just get spread out with others getting a little extra rest here and there. It just seems like right now if the team needs a spark Big Z seems to give it to them (Wagler obviously does that throughout the game, but he can't do it all the time, especially as a freshman. And I prefer to keep him as fresh a possible for a March run).
I think one of the reasons KJ struggled was that he was part of a really bad shooting team. I think that ratio would be a lot better if guys could make some of their open shots. When you're night in and night out, constantly shooting in the 20s from 3... makes it really difficult to win.
Fan Since '70
- OBS, Florida
Illinois played well with Keaton running the point and initiating offense, using Mirk and Tomi to keep ball moving and finding open teammates. Illinois is a complete team and everyone on the court can hit threes and be a an offensive weapon. But excellent D generates more offense and it showed against Missou.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTkfHdYX8Zs&t=1206s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTkfHdYX8Zs&t=1206s
It’s a fair rebuttal. I guess I wouldn’t argue with you too much on it - his HS stats and usage definitely indicate he’s spent atleast a bit of time on ball. No aau circuit makes it tougher to tell too.
My real point is, before he got to campus it seemed he was gonna be one of the offball wings and that was the goal. Clearly, he’s just too good for that at the moment.
They seem pretty cruddy, but I have a feeling they won't lose any more games by 40+. That wouldn't mean all that much, but still would be a data point when it comes time for us to play an SEC team as the higher seed in our second tournament game in the 3-6 matchup.
Our SOS was not as tough for KJ's year, IIRC, so that made it a little easier for him
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
And of course, the drop in KJ’s play wasn’t just due to the increase in competition. I’m sure his wrist injury played a role as well.
Good to see Petro smiling and engaging
Interesting you mention Steph Curry…
While I won’t put any prospects name up with Steph’s (I know that wasn’t your main point), the main reason Steph went back to school despite being a lottery guy, was to be the full time point guard.
If Keaton comes back to Illinois, I think that would be the primary driver, along with avoiding a stacked draft.
Disclaimer: I think he’ll be gone, and would advise him as such as well. But I’ll enjoy every second he’s here. He’s a joy to watch and cheer on.
Rest of your post is worthwhile. However, no kid shall have to bear being brought up in the same breath as Steph Curry.
Mizzou did beat minnesota...for whatever thats worth...probably just tells us how good (or not) Minny is...
From the reddit recruiting board someone linked....
"He didn't play AAU or EYBL which are the leagues most coaches focus their recruiting efforts on, especially since the regular high school season runs alongside the college season.
Also, it seemed like Kansas was thinking about offering him recently but he was already approaching decision mode."
Illini in Italy
- Illini HQ, Florida Panhandle
Reddit likely not the best resource for facts . . . He played his AAU ball for VWBAElite . . .
Hope Keaton returns, fact he chose lower tier AAU may indicate him abd family willing to defer for development. NBA is a men's league and you only have a window of time to show you belong.
Just like with Riley, feel coming back and locking in top 10 vs high 1st round would be better. Think Keaton should tighten the handle and get stronger. A 6'7 Keaton next year at PG would be a AA candidate.
Just like with Riley, feel coming back and locking in top 10 vs high 1st round would be better. Think Keaton should tighten the handle and get stronger. A 6'7 Keaton next year at PG would be a AA candidate.
Listed at 6’6 and we’re generally generous w listed heights. If we’re fantasizing, maybe he grows 5 inches and stays 4+ years and ends up the greatest player ever.
Dominant win, absolutely great to see and I don't have anything else to add...
Except for the fact that those uniforms that Mizzou wore were an abomination. Just hideous.
Except for the fact that those uniforms that Mizzou wore were an abomination. Just hideous.
would love to see him come back but not putting my hopes on it. the one good thing is his only glaring weakness thus far is size and strength and we have fletch. that and this draft class is loaded
Let's, for a second, say that he irrationally rolled the dice and turned down a first round draft position for another year in college. What makes anyone think he stays here? If Kansas throws a 5M bag at him and he gets to go home and play in front of friends a family, that doesn't sound like a bad deal.
The only way he comes out of the draft (based on the huge assumption that he keeps playing like this) is if he gets an insanely large offer from NIL.
We're programmed to just be worried about the NBA. Nobody is off limits when it comes to players other schools have developed. You have to start over and re-recruit your players again.
The only way he comes out of the draft (based on the huge assumption that he keeps playing like this) is if he gets an insanely large offer from NIL.
We're programmed to just be worried about the NBA. Nobody is off limits when it comes to players other schools have developed. You have to start over and re-recruit your players again.
Illini in Italy
- Illini HQ, Florida Panhandle
He played AAU ball with VWBAElite . . .
Not the shoe brand circuit. LaTulip talks pretty considerably about this as far as being overlooked.
And certainly not participating in tournaments our reporters typically go to.
Didn't see it posted....but who won the Cheerleader battle at the border war game this year? Video link? Pics?
If he is getting first round guarantees he would be nuts to come back. Being an AA at the expense of another year is great for the fans though.....
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