Recent content by EmeraldCityIllini

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    Illini Basketball 2026-2027

    Says a lot about the growth of this program that a loss in the 4/5 game in the BTT to drop from a 2 seed to a 3 seed in the ncaa tournament would even register as top 5
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    Ty Rodgers injury

    Heart legitimately drops. I love that dude and hope for the best. In this era, guys transfer. And each circumstance is different. But as odd as it sounds because it’s Boise state, I was excited to watch him as any kid who went elsewhere. Gutted for the kid.
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    Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

    To the extent of being matchup proof, I feel like our halfcourt offense is about as good as it gets. If a bigger “combo guard” is what keeps our edge on the glass elite, I’ll happily sacrifice some ball handling. Even though I really don’t think it was an issue anyway
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    Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

    Agreed. Although, there were many posters wanting musselman a few years ago. Including a prominent one or two.
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    Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

    I agree with that - no doubt. And no coach is above criticism. My point, is more related to when the board throws out a ton of “unacceptables” or “hot seat” or “move on” talk, and then conversely we hear a bunch of excuses for mussellman, miller, etc.
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    Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

    One of those “incredibly disappointing results” was a 6 seed and ncaa tournament win - which would be musselmans best result at USC. I’m not picking on anyone, it’s just hoops opinions. But the defense for musselman compared to what the knives come out for underwood on is exactly the point of...
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    Quentin Coleman on the USA U18 National Team

    Refs showcasing for college hoops with the obsession with charge calls that aren't charges... To be honest, happy that game didn't go OT. Players were slipping all over the place that game.
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    Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

    If Jalen Cox is playing behind both the Ratliff twins then ironically, that means USC’s guard depth has fallen off a cliff.
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    Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

    Levels to being the 8th/9th man as well. Backing up a player who isn’t as established or touted is still more appealing from a playtime perspective. As opposed to agreeing to back up say, Mirk.
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    College Sports (Basketball)

    when you underachieve, it's a lot easier to blame the players. But be careful, you can't just blame YOUR players, because that implies it could be your fault for recruiting them in the first place. It's imperative you say ALL American players so you have no choice. Throw in European players for...
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    College Sports (Basketball)

    Maybe I’d buy this if the broader point was on the portal and NIL. But everytime a coach or analyst says something like this, I feel like there’s a segment of bball fans who automatically agree and it comes off as very “my generation was better”. Yes, there is more Europeans, but that’s mostly...
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    Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

    Interesting post. I agree wholeheartedly illinois has made the new era advantageous to them (and I say Illinois and not staff, because it’s a massive group effort). But obviously, a few of those examples you cited extend to all staffs - like Euro eligibility and no-sit transfers, and for the...
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    Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

    On one hand, you have to have the funds to get your foot in the door with recruiting, which takes out competition. On the other hand, you have to compete with anyone and everyone who has the funds to recruit a single player. Personally, I’d argue this era has only strengthened my belief in...
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    Quentin Coleman on the USA U18 National Team

    Been pleasantly surprised with how tight the handle has looked as well.
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