I think this will last until the games get tougher.
Illini Basketball 2026-2027
I think this will last until the games get tougher.Chicago to Louisville is the same as St. Louis; maybe even closer; add just over an hour to Minny. Both Omaha & Pittsburgh are only 45 minutes farther than Minneapolis. And from Champaign, Minneapolis is the farthest.
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
If there ever was a team where I believed him…, but I also think BU is a creature of habit.
“Other predicted Final Four teams
Illinois
Illinois is beginning the season a little banged up. But it's not how you start, it's how you finish. With four of the top 100 And 1 players, including CBS Sports preseason first-team All-American David Mirkovic, the Illini are poised to follow up their 2026 Final Four run with a repeat trip. Five players from last year's rotation are back, including the towering Ivisic brothers and wing Andrej Stojakovic, who shined in the NCAA Tournament. Between those three and Mirkovic, Illinois will again tower over the opposition. While guards Kylan Boswell and Keaton Wagler are gone, coach Brad Underwood landed high-caliber replacements. Five-star freshman Quentin Coleman and Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks are the headliners of the overhauled back court. Coleman was great during Illinois' exhibition slate. Three-star freshman Ethan Brown is going to make an impact, too, and will help keep the floor spaced as a great shooter. This program got a taste of the big stage last April, and it's got every ingredient needed to get there again.”
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
I know it’s a tongue in cheek question but we have sever legit solid players deep in the roster that would compete for that spot. I’m gonna assume Lincoln Williams is in the rotation but deeper, but we also have Jakstys, Morillo, Zens, and L Davis competing for the10th spot, all of whom showed promise in the exhibitions. I’m assuming the rotation would include (not necessarily trying to rank them, just listing them to keep things straight):
1. Mirk
2. Stoj
3. QC
4. SV
5. EB
6. TI
7. JD
8. ZI
9. LW
10. One of:
A. Jakstys
B. Zens
C. Morillo
D. L Davis
What an embarrassment of riches!
Joel Goodson
- 9th man conundrum
10th man conundrum?
Lincoln Williams is going to get A LOT of minutes, guessing 8th man.
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
Yeah the numbers are there for counting not ranking. But I agree with your comment.
Wow and we thought we had problems figuring out who the 9th man was going to be. Homework just got a lot more difficult.
He’s not likely to play over Vaaks, Coleman, Andrej, Brown, Mirk, Tomi, Z, Jake.
But it’s hard to imagine we won’t need his defensive impact at some point. We saw Sencire Harris make a significant impact despite being limited offensively.
Joel Goodson
- 9th man conundrum
Will Leitch for the win:
Actually he’s been the most willing to change of any coach I’ve followed. Changed his defensive philosophy. Has thrown out last years offense despite its historic success. Among the earliest and best with the portal. Leaned into international players and now has leaned the other way.
From what we have seen with him and our teams weaknesses so far, you could have this weird situation where he gets more time against the best teams due to elite guards especially if vaaks struggles defensively.
That is music to my ears. Wear teams down with our depth.
Joel Goodson
- 9th man conundrum
imagine if he had a clue
One more positive to note:
All the people for the last 5 years saying we don’t run any set plays will finally be right
You are 100% right. I’ll still believe it when I see it that Brad plays 10 guys. Well with the 9th and 10th guys getting extended tick at least.
Actions baby
Agree. I think we hear how deep the bench substitutions will be every year only for it to tighten up to 7-8 players with significant minutes. Coach, play as many or as few as you see fit, just bring home that National Championship.
I’m skeptical as well. Just saying he’s not been that stubborn.
Stubborn isn't really the right word. It's more that guys at the end of the rotation to prove defensively and on the boards why they deserve extended time
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
I don’t disagree with any of that. My comment was very narrowly about using roster depth.
BUs (and Tyler) ability to adapt and transform is so underrated. Though you better be gritty and be willing to rebound..don’t think that will ever change.