Recent content by NJB Illini

Insiders, I have had a couple different people that have ancillary connections to the program say Ty is considering coming back. Any validity to this, or just a rumor? To me, it would address having some experience, defense, and versatility off the bench. I would welcome it. Matter of fact, it...

Kentucky is now a national embarrassment you say? My honest reaction

Makes sense and also changes my view on that call. Staff made the right decision.

Two open roster spots now. We know Vaaks, Coleman, Stoj, Mirk, Tomi, Z and Jake Davis will be big minute guys. Morillo and possibly some of the other freshman more spot-minutes. Need one impact guy and one developmental. Personally, if it isn’t a no-brainer grab like Blackwell, get a...

Just my observation, but I think the Vaaks, Blackwell, Stoj, Mirk, Tomi lineup was thrown around so much online that people, despite the incredible retention we just witnessed, feel a tiny bit letdown. There are things about the roster I have some questions about, but at the end of the day...

Vaaks is a PG in the sense Wagler was a PG, as well as the way the NBA uses a PG now. If you want a direct comparison to a Championship level team, I imagine Tyler views Wagler and Vaaks as Shai in the Oklahoma City Thunder system. Uber-talented big guards that will torch if you choose to play...

Blackwell left Wisconsin stating he wanted to compete for a championship. Well, Blackwell’s camp, you have to play with really high-usage, good players to do that. If that’s not the goal, stay at Wisconsin, Gard can make a guard pop.

It’s so nice to not have to sweat a decision like Blackwell’s anymore. Just shows how far this program has come. The way I see it, we are the championship favorite with him and Stojakovic, we are a championship contender with only Stojakovic. What a time to be an Illini fan.

Next years draft is one of the weakest I’ve seen in a decade. A 6’7” guy that has the bag Vaaks has on the offensive end in the Illinois system is going to shine like a gem.

Agreed... I think KW is the best player of the four, but Vaaks and Blackwell are both closer to KW than they are to Bam. I loved Boswell and his attitude through everything, but he kind of struggled. I am sure a lot of it was his injury, but Blackwell is multiple levels above him as a scorer and...

It seems there is an insider or fake insider on the Louisville side that is the reason they are all acting giddy. Supposedly called the Shelstad/Flory thing and claimed they (Louisville staff) talked to Blackwell and he said if they got those two he’s in. The problem is, it appears to be an...

I would just find it hard to believe we don’t check all the boxes Blackwell is looking for.. - SG need/ clear role - Winning program - Tons of money and resources - Loaded roster with proven track-record - His dad’s school He said he wants to win. Louisville is an unknown and has proven...

I have followed the mock drafts very closely; Stojakovic is on zero of them. He is on some top-100 boards in the 70-80 range. I could see a team taking a chance on him due to name and positional size, but he will be spending all his time in the G League, which would blow. I ain't him, but if it...

As much as it pains me to say it, Michigan hit a grandslam in hiring Dusty May and they aren't going anywhere. The Juwan Howard days are done 😢 I was watching that behind the scenes, "Made for March" show on Paramount, I left impressed with May. The good news is, Illinois is right there with...