Illini Basketball 2026-2027

#179      
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.
 
#180      
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.
 
#181      
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?
 
#182      
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?
 
#184      
logjam
ILLINI IN NE said:
Didn't QC average 10+ boards per game in FIBA this past summer?
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High Five Best Friends GIF by reactionseditor
 
#185      
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.

www.facebook.com

124K views · 621 reactions | 3⃣0⃣ years ago today, Illinois and Indiana combined for one of the greatest finishes in B1G history. When the clock hit zero, it was Nick Anderson and the Illini celebrating. #OTD | Big Ten Network

3⃣0⃣ years ago today, Illinois and Indiana combined for one of the greatest finishes in B1G history. When the clock hit zero, it was Nick Anderson and the Illini celebrating. #OTD
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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:
 
#190      
March2TheArch
Dan said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/2104639560701370504
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Love to see Dre keep that downhill energy and love the volleyball contest from Z. Pending Mirk status not the worst thing for us to play Tomi at the 4 given his skills. And have Z just protect the paint/rim and play out of the dunker spot on offense. Teams won't be able to sag off if Dre can inch his 3pt rate into the 30s.

From everything we've been heading Q/Vaaks give us a top 10 backcourt in the country and top 3 in the conference (behind Michigan and MSU). They'll be tested early vs. more heralded backcourts in Foster/Blackwell and Demery/Mullins.

But I saved the most important piece for last. We need Superman Mirk. We have top 10 but not elite players at every other position. But Mirks has a strong case to be the best college-style PF in the country.
 
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