Zvonimir right now isn't on the Illini first team. He's been bad in 4 of the last 5 games, and has had plus games in just 2 B1G games (Northwestern and Ohio State). Andrej, Tomislav, Jake and Ben would probably get more consideration at this point.
Keaton Wagler, Big Ten Player of the Year?
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How many times did Garza win it without winning a regular season championship? Purdue is still a top tier team.
He won it in 19-20, Iowa finished 6th. Please enlighten me on who the hell was gonna win it that year? The Big 10 was borderline awful that year with only 4 teams making the tournament that year.
They finished 3rd the following year he won it.
My point again is there are many, meaning more than 1, players on better teams that are either having better than or equal seasons to Smith this year. Purdue right now is not a top tier team in the conference.
They finished 3rd the following year he won it.
My point again is there are many, meaning more than 1, players on better teams that are either having better than or equal seasons to Smith this year. Purdue right now is not a top tier team in the conference.
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Keaton so far in Big ten play: 21-4-5 and absurd 47% from 3
For DPOY?
That too but I was thinking Big Ten Honorable Mention
Without Smith Purdue may not win 6 games in the conference. Voters will look at that. Couple that with he is the returning POY he is more than deserving for this year's award.
This is not the MVP, the award is for PLAYER of the Year. That means the best player in the conference not the most valuable.
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Could see any of Wagler-Smith-Fears winning the player of the year without winning the conference.
If Michigan is able to get through rest of schedule losing only 1 or 2 games (still have neutral site game with Duke), I think Yaxel will win the award. I think Michigan will have to win the big ten for him to win it. His overall box score stats won't be as consistently impressive competing with Morez/Mara for touches/shots in the paint. Also what causes him to settle for a lot more 3s than he should
Sandfort's had a tremendous year and their best player but i think little Hoiberg is their most valuable
If Michigan is able to get through rest of schedule losing only 1 or 2 games (still have neutral site game with Duke), I think Yaxel will win the award. I think Michigan will have to win the big ten for him to win it. His overall box score stats won't be as consistently impressive competing with Morez/Mara for touches/shots in the paint. Also what causes him to settle for a lot more 3s than he should
Sandfort's had a tremendous year and their best player but i think little Hoiberg is their most valuable
Keaton? He’s not coming back next year. He’s the projected 6th pick in the nba draft lol
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
He’s gone.
On Werner’s podcast I believe they told the story. After his first week practice last summer the staff realized he was going to be one of the best players on the team. After his second week of practice, Brad called him and told him to get an agent.
He’s going to be a lottery pick and create generational wealth. Good for him.
pruman91
- interviewing new NL's daily....I really really am
going by my eye test there is zero chance , TO ME , of Cluff being anywhere but HM , if even that.............he's a stiff playing with a great PG and a decent TKR..........TKR has had a pizzy year because of the addition of Cluff and some stupid dirty play antics......
JMHO...................
If anything - Brad will be asking Keaton to donate some of that NBA contract to the NIL fund ... LOL
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
wut?
It's all over X and some Illini podcasts...
Keaton could come back and be a top 3 pick next year in a weak draft.....
Yes, he could make GREAT NIL next year but what's the difference in 2 or 3 draft spots? Not to mention starting his rookie deal clock...
I'm also past doubting Keaton's ceiling. He's going to be in a NBA 7-man rotation his first year, and I wouldn't bet against him cracking a starting spot.
Keep betting on yourself, Keaton!
Keaton could come back and be a top 3 pick next year in a weak draft.....
Yes, he could make GREAT NIL next year but what's the difference in 2 or 3 draft spots? Not to mention starting his rookie deal clock...
I'm also past doubting Keaton's ceiling. He's going to be in a NBA 7-man rotation his first year, and I wouldn't bet against him cracking a starting spot.
Keep betting on yourself, Keaton!
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this is the BTPOY.. question is, can he be 1st team all american
If I was picking a pg after Keaton it would be Smith, Thornton and then Fears.
Sir, you don’t understand. What if I want it more than him?
201154JC
- Rockford, IL
I get the whole money thing, however, why not stay another year, get stronger, win POY and go 1st in the 2027 draft. And, cover yourself with an insurance policy in your sophomore year.
We’ve struggled with comps on Wagler, but I got one I like. If someone else said it first, I missed it.
Devin Booker.
Not perfect, and actually Booker isn’t quite the high level shooter people think. But same size. Neither are crazy athletes (in NBA context). I think Wagler at the next level is more a playmaking, occasional point guard, like Booker, but probably a shooting guard.
But both are just calm and collected. And Booker has fit into so many winning teams, and consistently does what’s needed. Neither are awesome at defense, but neither are bad either, and probably closer to good
Devin Booker.
Not perfect, and actually Booker isn’t quite the high level shooter people think. But same size. Neither are crazy athletes (in NBA context). I think Wagler at the next level is more a playmaking, occasional point guard, like Booker, but probably a shooting guard.
But both are just calm and collected. And Booker has fit into so many winning teams, and consistently does what’s needed. Neither are awesome at defense, but neither are bad either, and probably closer to good
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