Adam Miller transfers to LSU

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#401      

TheFameProtector

TheFameProtector
Champaign
TheFameProtector
I don't understand why AM's handlers think he needs to prove he can be a PG. There are plenty of high-level shot creators/scorers in the league with secondary playmaking/passing abilities that are his size (Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, heck Kendrick Nunn, and guys like Bouknight going in the lottery this year). I think AM would have had plenty of runway to show he can create his own shot, hit it from deep, make plays for others, and defend at a high level. In fact, I would go so far as to say its riskier to put yourself in a position where you have to be the PG -- lots of downside there if he isn't capable. At least when you have a Belo on your team, scouts can point and say "of course he wasn't the PG on his team b/c they have this guy, but we saw some playmaking ability, he was a PG in HS, and we think he can further develop those skills down the road." High potential for an Alan Griffin-like letdown, even though I think he will be much more productive and is far more skilled than AG.
 
#402      

IllinistuckinGopherland

IllinistuckinGopherland
IllinistuckinGopherland
From Miller’s (and his camp) perspective, this is not hard to follow. Miller committed thinking he was going to backfill Ayo (as did many here). Ayo stayed and Miller altered his game, worked on his defense, and resigned himself to being the MAN next year. I’m sure that was a disappointment compared to their plans on signing day, but he worked hard and did his job. Then Ayo got hurt, which gave a preview of next season even without transfers, Hutch, etc ... and Miller stepped up, but was not, the MAN.

It’s not unreasonable for him to think he can find a better nba showcase elsewhere. That was always the priority and that’s fine.

If we land a guy like Tyty, it’s the same thing. You’re either getting him to the league or you’re not - he’s not going to just be honored to play as part of a big ten team, nor should he be expected to.
 
#403      

Oldskoolkoach

O
Oldskoolkoach
But did we all miss Alan Grifin much this year? Did anyone ever say, if only Alan was here! Not many, and Alan had better numbers than AM did this year. We can replace 8 ppg, 2 rbg, and .08 apg.

Alan was NY POY I believe and could have blown up if he stayed.

Hutch, Goode, Melendez and transfers you're up, stay healthy and make us forget again
 
#404      

pruman91

pruman91
Paducah, Ky
pruman91
It still boils down to the make up of the individual player and how he was raised to balance that exposure with reality......Just because mom or uncle or aau coaches say you are the best and deserve yadda yadda yadda doesn;t mean that is guaranteed to happen.....being the center of attention from middle school throughout high school can and does work on one's perception of one self....How to manage that self perception usually determines the future course of events......

I will applaud Ayo for his grounded approach to the realities of being a star ......Never did I ever think of Ayo as self centered or egotistical at all...his comments were always about the team and staff helping him get better....and boy, he sure did......that's why he is and will be one of my 5 top Illini players..

I wish AM well, but something doesn't add up and the exit " stage left " would tell me he doesn't care about his teammates or coaches at all..

JMHO
 
#405      

EyeoftheIllini

EyeoftheIllini
EyeoftheIllini
IlliniFanHere said:
I like the irony.....ADAM MILLER LEAVING ILLINOIS...posted on IlliniLoyalty?

Quick thoughts: Miller 2021 Season....8 points per game, 2.8 rebounds.., .08 assists. I think our other players can match these stats.
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True, but I don’t think anyone was expecting AM to have those same stats next year. Most of the posts about next year prior to him making his announcement talked about Miller making that big jump from freshman to sophomore — probably a reasonable expectation given the team is losing Ayo and likely Trent and DMW.

I’m disappointed Adam is leaving and wish he wasn’t. BU and staff will find someone to take his roster spot, and hopefully that new player along with the other new players will help the team find more success next year and beyond. It may sound strange given that he’s leaving and “turning his back on the team,” but one place I think AM will be missed is that now there is one less player to show new players the Illini way of doing things that he learned from Ayo, Trent and DMW.
 
#406      

TarheelIllini

T
TarheelIllini
Honestly, Adam Miller is in a tough spot, and we should wish him the best. Adam was anointed the next great one from Peoria in middle school. This resulted in a move to Chicago for business purposes -- not for giving a teen a better high school experience -- but for business purposes. Over the course of his high school career he excelled, but there were rumblings of short comings. Was he explosive enough--like DJ Steward? Was he tall enough--like Ayo? Can you imagine what it is to be 18 years old, and people started analyzing you in the manner that he has been analyzed? For business purposes. To have so many people in your ear... And then you work hard, you play your role on a successful team, by all accounts you are a good teammate. But the analysis never stops, is he a point guard? Can you get to the league as a 6'3" shooting guard. Why is DJ Steward declaring and not me? So many voices. It has got to be tough on him.
 
#407      

Deleted member 747903

D
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Deleted member 747903
Zoelltron said:
I feel like there is still a good chance that he exits the portal and returns to Illinois. Like others have said, there are not many better opportunities out there to get the exposure and playing time like he would get next year with Belo at the point. It's sad to see all these posts about pressure from his mom, but you could tell from his lack of enthusiasm at times that he felt overshadowed. Ideal starting lineup next year: Papi, Nimari, Hutcherson, Hawkins, Georgi???
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He isn’t coming back. Especially with the statement Brad made.
How could the team accept him back?
 
#409      

Deep

Deep
Deep
GalloppingGost said:
Just shaking my head on this one.
Was recruited FOR YEARS by Illinois. Grew up in Peoria. Had this big unveiling ceremony about how he was COMMITTED to the university of Illinois. Started every game as a freshman and set a record for points in a single game as a freshman, won the big ten tournament and was a number 1 seed. And that wasn’t enough?
How frustrating it must be as a coach with all this transfer nonsense. This bs has to change.
What a slap in the face to your teammates!
And From a purely selfish fan standpoint it such a disappointment.
I do wish him well.
But honestly what is he looking for?
To be a starter(was one).
To play for a fan base that that will treat him with respect for life(he had that)?
To go to the league(Ayo and Kofi are doing just that)?
To be on TV every night?(had that)
To be on a winning team?(they win the big ten and were a number 1 seed)
To go to a great school and get an education (just kidding obviously that isn’t at all why any of them come to Illinois🤣🤣🤣)
Honestly I don’t know why he chose to transfer but it seems from all logical points of view delusional at best!
These kids that think they are above a Team and think they should all be number ones; that the coach isn’t supposed to develop them to have a chance to fulfill their dreams is short sided. What does he gain from transferring?If he stated he would gotten everything that he is going to get by transferring. He would have averaged more minutes, points, assists. He would have been featured more. He would improve his chances expenentionally.
so what is he gaining?
I hate to tell these kids that you are not as good as you think you are. In my opinion AAU has ruined or corroded many of these kids minds. Your only as good as a NBA scout thinks you are. That’s it!
It’s really a shame that getting an education is not valued by these kids or their parents. Illinois has every resource you need to become successful. It’s a great school with a loyal fan base.
He has free will and certainly can do what he is doing.
However it just makes little sense.
I really feel for the coaches who put tons of time, effort, and resources into the recruitment to just get jilted by a kid who they treated like family.
And his teammates! It’s a big F you to them as well.
I hope he gets his $$$.
Obviously that is what is most important.
I will root for those who want to be there.
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When egos get involved my friend then none of what you said so eloquently matters
 
#410      

Deleted member 747671

D
Guest
Deleted member 747671
TarheelIllini said:
Honestly, Adam Miller is in a tough spot, and we should wish him the best. Adam was anointed the next great one from Peoria in middle school. This resulted in a move to Chicago for business purposes -- not for giving a teen a better high school experience -- but for business purposes. Over the course of his high school career he excelled, but there were rumblings of short comings. Was he explosive enough--like DJ Steward? Was he tall enough--like Ayo? Can you imagine what it is to be 18 years old, and people started analyzing you in the manner that he has been analyzed? For business purposes. To have so many people in your ear... And then you work hard, you play your role on a successful team, by all accounts you are a good teammate. But the analysis never stops, is he a point guard? Can you get to the league as a 6'3" shooting guard. Why is DJ Steward declaring and not me? So many voices. It has got to be tough on him.
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This whole post is good. I have absolutely zero inside information, but I think he bolded was a much bigger factor than most would think. Those 2 were neck and neck, but DJ got the Duke offer. Then it turns out Adam was actually on the better team, while Steward got to do more at Duke than most probably expected. I bet Adam's camp was not happy about how that all played out. I think having the Mac Irvin Fire connection was smart, but don't forget that these are all business decisions. We were actually pretty lucky that Adam and Ayo were ranked really right in the sweet spot. We didn't have to beat out Duke, Kansas, or Kentucky. I honestly don't think we get either of them if they had those types of offers.
 
#411      

TheFameProtector

TheFameProtector
Champaign
TheFameProtector
nycillini said:
He isn’t coming back. Especially with the statement Brad made.
How could the team accept him back?
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I'm sure the guys are much better at knowing its not personal than (it seems) the majority of fans are, and are more aware of the outside pressures on players. Belo posted some pictures and a loving note on insta, for instance, and they were roommates. I'm sure it's motivation for some guys, and a big compliment to others.
 
#412      

Johnny Lawrence

Johnny Lawrence
Johnny Lawrence
illinitiger said:
I regret starting the "Illini forever" back and forth...

For all Loyalty subscribers: there is no real "Illini forever" roll or list..so I respectfully request we move on.

There are historical roster listings and each name will evoke different emotions and thoughts from individual fans.

names like... Wiiliiams (Deron), Hill, Black, Starks, Brown(dee), Richmond, Abrams, lucas(TJ), Latulip, Nunn, Cosby, Leonard

Again there is no unique "Illini forever" listing or roll. There are permanent rosters that you can all look up and have great or not so great memories of those former Illini bball players. At one time in the past they all played for our team and sacrificed as an Illini student athlete.

Enjoy your Good Friday and Easter weekend!
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But you will you regret it forever?
 
#413      

Deleted member 747671

D
Guest
Deleted member 747671
There's always the "never say never" aspect of the portal. Sure there's a better than 0% chance he could return, but it's also a time and effort thing for Underwood and staff. He has to build out this roster. I'm sure he reached out to try to convince him to stay, but BU has to do what's best for his team, and that's filling the roster with the best players he can find. He can't just hold the spot for AM. Silver lining is you sure have a lot to offer a Franklin, Burnett, or TyTy now.
 
#414      

Flight33

F
Flight33
Dbell1981 said:
I think alot of people are underestimating how close Ace was with Damonte and how big of a part that is playing. I know from previous posts that the 2 families are very close. With Ayo departing along with DWill I could see where he could want a fresh start. We are all also clueless to whats going down in the transfer in situation. Let the young man carve his own path, its his right no matter our opinions.
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Extremely well said. Bottom line, to us it is entertainment, but to him it's his life.
 
#415      

GalloppingGost

G
GalloppingGost
WINTer said:
This whole post is good. I have absolutely zero inside information, but I think he bolded was a much bigger factor than most would think. Those 2 were neck and neck, but DJ got the Duke offer. Then it turns out Adam was actually on the better team, while Steward got to do more at Duke than most probably expected. I bet Adam's camp was not happy about how that all played out. I think having the Mac Irvin Fire connection was smart, but don't forget that these are all business decisions. We were actually pretty lucky that Adam and Ayo were ranked really right in the sweet spot. We didn't have to beat out Duke, Kansas, or Kentucky. I honestly don't think we get either of them if they had those types of offers.
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If it is a business decision than it’s a bad one. He is not going to gain anything transferring other than more of the pressure you speak of, in my opinion.
 
#416      

Deleted member 747903

D
Guest
Deleted member 747903
Dbell1981 said:
I think alot of people are underestimating how close Ace was with Damonte and how big of a part that is playing. I know from previous posts that the 2 families are very close. With Ayo departing along with DWill I could see where he could want a fresh start. We are all also clueless to whats going down in the transfer in situation. Let the young man carve his own path, its his right no matter our opinions.
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Yea but... he knew this was Damonte's senior year. What did he expect to happen?
 
#417      

Mr. Roberts

Mr. Roberts
Mr. Roberts
Johnny Lawrence said:
But you will you regret it forever?
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the sandlot GIF
 
#418      

CoalCity

C
St Paul, MN
CoalCity
Zoelltron said:
I feel like there is still a good chance that he exits the portal and returns to Illinois. Like others have said, there are not many better opportunities out there to get the exposure and playing time like he would get next year with Belo at the point. It's sad to see all these posts about pressure from his mom, but you could tell from his lack of enthusiasm at times that he felt overshadowed. Ideal starting lineup next year: Papi, Nimari, Hutcherson, Hawkins, Georgi???
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Not a chance in hell he returns. He gave up his scholarship when he declared for the portal and BU isnt gonna give it back.
 
#420      

GalloppingGost

G
GalloppingGost
trtl said:
“AC ignored him.” Yeah, right. “Lack of basketball knowledge.” Dang, Roy Williams, you have a lot of free time on your hands nowadays.
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Wow! That is a pretty condescending post.
So as someone with such lack on bb knowledge I will say this. Adam Miller was on a TEAM that had two potential first round picks. If he Expected more than what he got (started every game) then I wish him well on finding what he is looking.
And both of those picks stayed more than one season through much greater sacrifices, like: losing 21 games (Ayo’ freshman year) or not seeing your family for two years (Gorgi), or an ACL tear (Damonte). And all the sacrifices his TEAMMATES went through.
Give me a break about sacrifices. His were no greater than anyone else’s.
He had nothing but things to gain in front of him. Now he is going to have to move, change schools, get acclimated to new teammates, coaches, an offense, classes (if that matters at all). Unless he goes to Bradley!🤣🤣🤣🤣
This transfer makes zero sense other than inflated egos being hurt and delusional people in his ear.
 
#421      

AirNeezy

AirNeezy
Orange Krush '13 -'14
AirNeezy
KevinC said:
Same here. Every time he took a mid-range shot he got snatched. AC throughout the year would deliberately ignore him. I have no problem with AC trying to get the ball to Kofi and GB but, he refused to bring anyone else, not named Ayo, into play. Miller was begging for the ball against Loyola and was completely ignored. I think that BU only wanted him to shoot perimeter threes. The first half of the game after Ayo's injury, Miller carried the team. AC proceeded to completely ignore him in the first five minutes of the 2nd half. It took TF to start directing passes towards Miller. I am glad that he is doing what is best for his interests. He sacrificed all season for the team. Those of you that have a limited understanding of high-level bb may not appreciate it but, quite a few others know he made a huge sacrifice for this team. BU said at halftime of the Drexel game that he didn't want any more mid-range shots. He kept snatching Miller to prove his point. That was the only shot the Illini had against Loyola without making adjustments. Those that consider it an inefficient shot (while correct from a scoring standpoint) need to watch how often Gonzaga uses it. Aaron Jordan's dad once criticized the self-importance and lack of basketball knowledge on this board. Sadly, he was correct.
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Lmfao, the absolute irony of saying that others have no high level basketball IQ while you're advocating for more mid range shots.
 
#422      

purcy51

P
Nappanee, IN
purcy51
Anybody interested in critiquing or spitballing ideas for managing the transfer portal? Is there a better way to do it than a one year exemption to the sit-out rule?
 
#423      

Deleted member 747671

D
Guest
Deleted member 747671
Preface: this is all completely my opinion

I think AM, or maybe more accurately, his family/camp, always saw him as a 1 and done future pro. I think that's why they were clearly hesitant to play with Ayo. I think that's why they probably did not appreciate DJ Steward being the McDAA and getting the Duke offer. I think that's why it sure appeared like he was given the starting spot. I'm guessing it was part of an agreement with BU when he signed. Williams and Curbelo played more minutes and could've easily started over him. And I think that's why there appears to have been so much friction between his family and the coaching staff. That's why he's transferring. His and his family's expectations have not been met here, through no fault of the staff or team, so he is moving on in hopes of reaching his goal, no matter how realistic or reachable it is. I just really hope he actually wants it and is not being completely pulled around.
 
#424      

purcy51

P
Nappanee, IN
purcy51
WINTer said:
Preface: this is all completely my opinion

I think AM, or maybe more accurately, his family/camp, always saw him as a 1 and done future pro. I think that's why they were clearly hesitant to play with Ayo. I think that's why they probably did not appreciate DJ Steward being the McDAA and getting the Duke offer. I think that's why it sure appeared like he was given the starting spot. I'm guessing it was part of an agreement with BU when he signed. Williams and Curbelo played more minutes and could've easily started over him. And I think that's why there appears to have been so much friction between his family and the coaching staff. That's why he's transferring. His and his family's expectations have not been met here, through no fault of the staff or team, so he is moving on in hopes of reaching his goal, no matter how realistic or reachable it is. I just really hope he actually wants it and is not being completely pulled around.
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Especially agree with the bolded sentence. Its so easy to speculate on his reasons for entering the portal, however, I really hope it is what he wants. I say that from experience as I was led into taking over a family business for which I knew I wasn't cut out.
 
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