Illini Basketball 2025-2026
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And may he block Morez 5 times 
I think we all know who he's talking about...
Yep.
Illinois is scoring 1.290 points per possession since the Tennessee game onwards, which is an extremely efficient stretch. That’s 14 games against mostly above average defenses.
By the way, the KenPom offense number you see (currently 131.1) — it’s the points per 100 possessions (which is the same as points per possession, just times 100) you are PROJECTED to score against the ADJUSTED average college basketball defense.
So, 131.1 would be ridiculously elite, and rightfully so, is the highest rated offense in Kenpom history.
At first glance at the efficiency numbers, the Illini playing at a slower pace seems counterintuitive. But then you realize the reason for the efficiency is waiting for those “gold” shots. It also makes the opponent play defense for longer stretches. That’s when the eventual strangulation seems to just wear out opponents.
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
When you collect your own rebounds, the clock resets too, so you eat more clock for those possessions. So that gives the “appearance” stat-wise anyway, of being a slower paced offense. I’d be willing to bet there have been a few possessions where we had the ball for a whole minute.
Sometimes I wonder what KJ's turnover rate/numbers would look like if he played in this much slower-paced offense as opposed to, what as someone else pointed out, was an extremely fast-paced offense (74.4 poss/gm) last season. That has to help with all sorts of things: allows for more deliberate processing/decision-making, improves ball control ability, better spacing & passing lanes, reduced defensive pressure (when the offense is controlling tempo), reduced player fatigue, a focus on high-percentage shots due to more calm manner in which things are done, and not to mention just reducing the sheer number of overall possessions by a very significant amount.
EDIT: KJ's assist to turnover ratio for the Miami Heat in the freaking NBA is *double* what it was last season playing against college kids:
KJ a/tov at Illinois: 1.27
KJ a/tov at Miami: 2.48
EDIT: KJ's assist to turnover ratio for the Miami Heat in the freaking NBA is *double* what it was last season playing against college kids:
KJ a/tov at Illinois: 1.27
KJ a/tov at Miami: 2.48
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Bigtex
- DFW
Slowing down last years team (fewer possessions) would also mean that KJ and Will would need to play more defense....
Not disagreeing, just unsure what you mean. How does playing slower require more (maybe you meant better) defense?
Both faster and slower tempos require significant, but fundamentally different, types of defensive effort. Generally, fast pace requires a lot more cardio and general athletic ability to guard in transition, while slow pace (half court) requires more mental/technical ability.
I’m not sure either is necessarily more difficult overall, but requires different strengths to succeed.
ESPN is such a rag and has been for over 10 years. They have out their mid season top 10 coaches of the year. Coach Underwood checks in behind Hoiberg, Self, and May from Michigan at #6.
Last I checked we didn't spend 20million on roster, like Michigan and the other 2 being ahead of Underwood is a joke.
Last I checked we didn't spend 20million on roster, like Michigan and the other 2 being ahead of Underwood is a joke.
Uhhh, are you serious Clark?
Wasn't sure where to post this. Since we talk so much about offensive rebounding here and mentioned just recently above, so figured here. My brother-in-law from The Burgh is a big Underwood fan and coached at the lower level collegiately himself sent me this. We have discussed all the values of offensive rebounding. It's a fun watch and gives me something to pay attention to.
Bigtex
- DFW
I was making assumption longer possession (but fewer) and more opportunities to play defense and my eyes say that neither kj or Will was strong on thr defensive side
It made sense in my head. Not sure it does in writing
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
DICKnaggie
- Champaign
Feliz
Giorgio
Monte...
could be more but don't leave these three out. I'd take any of them back anytime.
Love all three but would any of the three play much/any on this team?
4 All Americans in 6 years very much a possibility.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Our schedule over the past few weeks has actually fallen perfectly our way.
— Kylan gets hurt. That’s a tough blow, but before our important match up @Purdue, we get a tune up game against Maryland.
— After the big emotional win @Purdue, we get 5 days off before Washington, which we needed, wind that game ended up being a bit tougher than advertised.
— We then travel to play @Nebraska. We played great and 100% earned that win, but it was probably a little helpful that they took their first loss of the season right before our game, popping their undefeated bubble.
— Before our tough game @Michigan St on Saturday, we get a tune up home against Northwestern tonight.
— Kylan gets hurt. That’s a tough blow, but before our important match up @Purdue, we get a tune up game against Maryland.
— After the big emotional win @Purdue, we get 5 days off before Washington, which we needed, wind that game ended up being a bit tougher than advertised.
— We then travel to play @Nebraska. We played great and 100% earned that win, but it was probably a little helpful that they took their first loss of the season right before our game, popping their undefeated bubble.
— Before our tough game @Michigan St on Saturday, we get a tune up home against Northwestern tonight.
This sounds ridiculous, but it is a legitimate question. Our 8 deep at full strength: Keaton, Boz, Stoj, Mirk, Tomi, Z, Jake, Ben.
So between Giorgi, Feliz, Damonte — I don’t think any of them is starting, but they would be competing for legitimate bench roles.
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Superstars: Keaton, Ayo, Kofi, Terrance
Stars: KJ, Riley, Trent, Boswell, Domask, Plummer
By superstar I mean jersey in the rafters — I think Keaton gets there this year. Criteria is B10 player of the year and/or 1st or 2nd team All American.
Stars: KJ, Riley, Trent, Boswell, Domask, Plummer
By superstar I mean jersey in the rafters — I think Keaton gets there this year. Criteria is B10 player of the year and/or 1st or 2nd team All American.
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