Illini Basketball 2026-2027

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#176      
logjam
PleaseMakeABowlGame said:
Even Keaton didn’t average 18 a game.

Mirk wasn’t even the second best scorer (Stojakovic).

The expectations have just been way over the top.
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Staring Star Wars GIF by Disney+
 
#177      
Kernal12
hoopsfan47 said:
Having professed to hoping that Brown proves to be a reliable diamond in the rough team player with passing, handle, and shooting skills valuable enough to be trusted when needed, I am happy to hear this "buzz".

However, after seeing tape of his play against a St. Louis team in his sr season, it was painfully obvious to me that his body was not sufficient to compete without some big time help from Adam Fletcher.

But a most recent tape shows maybe as much as 20 lbs. of muscle present that was not there before...and good for Ethan. We don't know much about his foot speed and movement in regard to defending B1G caliber guards though. Maybe he can hold his own in that regard at times which would certainly cause some "buzz".
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I sense the buzz relates to the fact that Brown is proving good enough to be playable on offense this year. Against certain teams, and certain defenses (e.g. zones), that might get him on the floor. The question will be who can he guard -- is he quick enough to handle smaller/quick guys, or big/strong enough to handle bigger wings. If an opponent has a weak offensive player then you can "hide" a weaker defender against him. Against the best teams there's nowhere to hide. My guess is that bigger or more athletic guys (e.g. Williams or Morillo) might be in line for the 8th man minutes against those teams.
 
#178      
hoopsfan47
Kernal12 said:
I sense the buzz relates to the fact that Brown is proving good enough to be playable on offense this year. Against certain teams, and certain defenses (e.g. zones), that might get him on the floor. The question will be who can he guard -- is he quick enough to handle smaller/quick guys, or big/strong enough to handle bigger wings. If an opponent has a weak offensive player then you can "hide" a weaker defender against him. Against the best teams there's nowhere to hide. My guess is that bigger or more athletic guys (e.g. Williams or Morillo) might be in line for the 8th man minutes against those teams.
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Good take on Brown...hope he proves valuable.
 
#179      
21ChampaignSt
Kernal12 said:
I sense the buzz relates to the fact that Brown is proving good enough to be playable on offense this year. Against certain teams, and certain defenses (e.g. zones), that might get him on the floor. The question will be who can he guard -- is he quick enough to handle smaller/quick guys, or big/strong enough to handle bigger wings. If an opponent has a weak offensive player then you can "hide" a weaker defender against him. Against the best teams there's nowhere to hide. My guess is that bigger or more athletic guys (e.g. Williams or Morillo) might be in line for the 8th man minutes against those teams.
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I've said for a few months now that Brown will be in the conversation for the 8th man.

Here's my case.
The staff likes shooters.
Brown is a shooter.
 
#181      
RandyfromTuscola
hoopsfan47 said:
Having professed to hoping that Brown proves to be a reliable diamond in the rough team player with passing, handle, and shooting skills valuable enough to be trusted when needed, I am happy to hear this "buzz".

However, after seeing tape of his play against a St. Louis team in his sr season, it was painfully obvious to me that his body was not sufficient to compete without some big time help from Adam Fletcher.

But a most recent tape shows maybe as much as 20 lbs. of muscle present that was not there before...and good for Ethan. We don't know much about his foot speed and movement in regard to defending B1G caliber guards though. Maybe he can hold his own in that regard at times which would certainly cause some "buzz".
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Totally agree that this is a good common assessment, but then you have Keaton Wagler who still looks like a senior in high school and had his year. Now he's the exception, but I think unless you are a big, size and strength is no longer a preerquisite to be successful, especially in the shooting area we have now. I'm not saying it won't help, but I don't think it is mandatory anymore.
 
#188      
Brosky
I would assume Mirk is ready to go by now. Healing and PT should have him ready. It's not likely he'll miss any games.
 
#189      
March2TheArch
#190      
NarrowJ
PleaseMakeABowlGame said:
We absolutely do. He's just not our starter.

Because he'll only play 15-18 minutes, it's just not as impactful on the overall game.
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I think it will be a crime against humanity (at least against our fanbase) if the staff doesn’t find a way to have him out there 22+ minutes this season. Someone had posted numbers and the twin towers lineup was very effective vs high major opponents last year.
 
#191      
lstewart53x3
NarrowJ said:
I think it will be a crime against humanity (at least against our fanbase) if the staff doesn’t find a way to have him out there 22+ minutes this season. Someone had posted numbers and the twin towers lineup was very effective vs high major opponents last year.
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I’ve never been a “get the tallest lineup possible on the court” guy, but if we ran this lineup for a few mins, would the other team ever get a rebound?

Mirk — 6’9
Vaaks — 6’7
Andrej — 6’7
Tomi — 7’1
Z — 7’2

I guess Vaaks wasn’t a great rebounder, maybe swap him out for 6’6 Jakey Davis?
 
#192      
ILLINI IN NE
lstewart53x3 said:
I’ve never been a “get the tallest lineup possible on the court” guy, but if we ran this lineup for a few mins, would the other team ever get a rebound?

Mirk — 6’9
Vaaks — 6’7
Andrej — 6’7
Tomi — 7’1
Z — 7’2

I guess Vaaks wasn’t a great rebounder, maybe swap him out for 6’6 Jakey Davis?
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Didn't QC average 10+ boards per game in FIBA this past summer?
 
#195      
JoeJ
ptgrd23 said:
Drove from CU to Bloomington with girl friend. Surrounded by IU fans good seats near mid court. Back then $75 could get you great seats from scalpers. Crowd went crazy when Jay Edwards hit the corner jumper with 3 second left to tie the game. Lou called the baseline pick play to free up Steve Bardos baseball pass to Nick near half court. The Assembly Hall went dead silent when it went in. We walked out cheering. Great drive home thru a wet snow. Got home in time to watch it again. Girl friends father had taped it.

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I had my sister tape (VHS) the game and mail it to me. Back then there were regional games and some Big East game was likely on where I lived in NH.

GO ILLINI!

:hailtotheorange: :ah: :hailtotheorange:
 
#196      
StuffHappens
Continue to think Mirk is on track for November 2nd.

Expecting a big year from Andrej Stojakovic. Think he could end up being the 2nd most impactful player on the team.

The Ethan Brown buzz has gotten louder the last couple weeks. Think he can get spot minutes this year if needed. Sounds like Stefan Vaaks has really started to come on strong in practice as well.
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There's NO way Ethan Brown is going to play!
Because SOMEONE said rankings matter and Brandon Lee was ranked 99 and Ethan Brown was 118 and that Keaton was the exception not the norm. That's why rankings are not what good staffs go by.
I don't believe one person on this site had a clue Keaton was going to be an absolute dog with the returning players we had coming back.
I thought the first clips I seen of Ethan Brown I automatically thought of Austin Reeves from a small high school in Arkansas. Hopefully he stays healthy and gets a little stronger and then watch out.
 
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