Myke HenryKyle Wilson. Aaron Spears. Both did well after Illini.
Myke HenryKyle Wilson. Aaron Spears. Both did well after Illini.
I am confused about what is confusing re: this. Low-end salaries being in the millions vs. maybe getting a low six figure salary is a massive, massive, massive difference, particularly given that relatively few players come from wealth. I think if you were in Adam's shoes with his talent + people in your ear since you were a pre-teen saying 'you're making it to the league', you would feel that there is an enormous gulf between those two paths. And that is only counting money, not the cultural aspect of the NBA and its absolute dominance over everything these players live and breathe for much of their adolescence. Finally -- not saying this is necessarily the case but based on the rumblings we've heard -- if you had a mom that is banking on you making it to the league to set her up for life then that brings with it a whole other layer of pressures that I truly can't even begin to comprehend.I guess I just don't truly understand the NBA dream stuff. I mean I get it because it's potentially generational wealth
Why did you feel that it was in AM's best interests to steer him elsewhere?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.
I think the confusion is more in the expectations vs what's not to love about playing in the NBA. I went to U of I for Engineering, but I didn't expect to become GE's CEO. The NBA is the elite of the elite. Just because you're a solid basketball player doesn't mean it's a realistic expectation, it's a dream. The expectation to be a professional basketball player is very attainable. The dream to be an NBA player is extremely limited and nothing will be handed to you on the way unless you are blessed with insane athleticism, size, and ability. If you have a mom (or any family member) more interested in you making them rich than your own best interests, then I am truly sorry for you.I am confused about what is confusing re: this. Low-end salaries being in the millions vs. maybe getting a low six figure salary is a massive, massive, massive difference, particularly given that relatively few players come from wealth. I think if you were in Adam's shoes with his talent + people in your ear since you were a pre-teen saying 'you're making it to the league', you would feel that there is an enormous gulf between those two paths. And that is only counting money, not the cultural aspect of the NBA and its absolute dominance over everything these players live and breathe for much of their adolescence. Finally -- not saying this is necessarily the case but based on the rumblings we've heard -- if you had a mom that is banking on you making it to the league to set her up for life then that brings with it a whole other layer of pressures that I truly can't even begin to comprehend.
I told you guys 5 months ago that this would happen. Adam is a me first, i am the man kind of player. He wants to be the one.Does this bode poorly for others such as Curbelo or Hawkins? Is there a team chemistry problem? Or is it just that Curbelo outshined Miller, so he's moving onto someplace else? I think it's freaking VITAL that Undy lands Tyty at this point.
I’m with Kendall Gill’s uncle... can we please just stick to speculation about why Adam Miller transferred?14 pages of speculation why a freshman who started every game transferred and what defines “Illini forever”.....
You're ignoring the sophomore leap. Yea someone can give us what Miller did this year. But can someone give us what an improved Miller could give us next year?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.
would you expect the staff to come out and say they were expecting a freshman starter for every game on a top 10 team to transfer? I don't think so. They knew there were grumblings when AM was seeing less and less mins after starting. They can and should say what they did, but I think they were picking up the vibe.This might be a reach. It seems the staff & players weren't expecting this.
Final straw? What were the other straws?I thought he was one of the few options that seemed to work against Loyola. I yelled at the screen he got taken off the court near the end, and can't help wonder if that was a final straw for him (or his advisors).
I'm not so sure. Not an insider or anything. Just the fact that he hasn't made any kind of statement while Illinois twitter and message boards are blowing up doesn't strike me as someone keeping that option open. Add on to that there rumor about not telling teammates and staff in advance and this feels a little more dysfunctional than someone just exploring options. You don't burn bridges if you think you might want to use them again.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???
Spoken like a true young parent
“AC ignored him.” Yeah, right. “Lack of basketball knowledge.” Dang, Roy Williams, you have a lot of free time on your hands nowadays.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.
I'm glad he enlightened us with his galaxy brain of basketball knowledge. A lot of very bad takes in that rant.“AC ignored him.” Yeah, right. “Lack of basketball knowledge.” Dang, Roy Williams, you have a lot of free time in your hands nowadays.
Ace not in same planet as Smith imo. He is a much better player both offensively and defensively. Didn’t mind the Smith transfer as didn’t think he would help but Ace would have been an asset.Maybe Mark's mom should look how Mark Smith's transfer worked out for him. Mark should have stayed at U of I. And Adam's mom will realize this was not well thought out.
Completely agree. I really think he saw first hand that BU's system isnt right for his game. Ayo is the type of player that can take defenders off the dribble and drive to the lane. I saw AM try to do that many times throughout the season and it just wasnt there. Hes very athletic and is able to make great plays when things are in motion but he just cant create well enough for this system. Just my opinion.I believe that Miller sees the writing on the wall on the type of guys BU is trying to bring in. Miller thought he was going to be the guy next year but he may know who might be leaning this was and he might feel like another year of being a role player.
Sports create memories, and each fan watches the same games but often leave with different perspectives and memories.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!
This is all very rational and on point, but I think it's important to remember we're talking about teenagers. Some of us at that age would have looked at the landscape and been realistic with our expectations (like yourself), many would look at others in the field and think "I'm totally better than that person." It's also important to put yourselves in their shoes. Adam has been one of the best players in Illinois since he was very young. He may have been ranked ~30 by most national ranking sites, but within the world that he lived in day-in and day-out he was always the best. I imagine it would be difficult to think rationally about where you actually rank relative to every other player, even if you play against and get beat by those players on the summer AAU circuit, within that context. And finally, the only way you attain those dreams is by believing yourself capable. Nobody has made it to the NBA and thought "man I don't know if I belong here" -- they're there b/c they worked their tails off believing that they could get there.I think the confusion is more in the expectations vs what's not to love about playing in the NBA. I went to U of I for Engineering, but I didn't expect to become GE's CEO. The NBA is the elite of the elite. Just because you're a solid basketball player doesn't mean it's a realistic expectation, it's a dream. The expectation to be a professional basketball player is very attainable. The dream to be an NBA player is extremely limited and nothing will be handed to you on the way unless you are blessed with insane athleticism, size, and ability. If you have a mom (or any family member) more interested in you making them rich than your own best interests, then I am truly sorry for you.
Charlie VMyke Henry