JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
So if we add a couple of 5*s in the next few classes (or any of our 4*s get bumped up in the future), would that improve your perception of how desirable we are as a destination?I don’t disagree one bit
So if we add a couple of 5*s in the next few classes (or any of our 4*s get bumped up in the future), would that improve your perception of how desirable we are as a destination?I don’t disagree one bit
Sure, but to clarify again, I’m not saying we’re not a desirable destination. I’m saying that if the best recruiter in the country can’t get them then we must not be. Or alternatively, he must not be the best in the land. Both can’t be true.So if we add a couple of 5*s in the next few classes (or any of our 4*s get bumped up in the future), would that improve your perception of how desirable we are as a destination?
UNDERWOOD EATS SQUID FOR BREAKFAST!!!Calipari has failed a lot more than he has won especially in winning CHAMPIONSHIPS and getting maximum production from the many 5 star talents he had. Give BRAD UNDERWOOD THE SAME TALENTS over the past 10 years and I bet you ILLINOIS would be trophy winners to the 10th POWER and PIPED, READY AND PERFECTLY FINE for any Student/Athletes who want to win and play at one of the smartest, respected and Great Universities ever!
Don’t you dare try to “out Kenny”, Kenny.UNDERWOOD EATS SQUID FOR BREAKFAST!!!
We get it.Sure, but to clarify again, I’m not saying we’re not a desirable destination. I’m saying that if the best recruiter in the country can’t get them then we must not be. Or alternatively, he must not be the best in the land. Both can’t be true.
Sorry Johnny, this board hasn't used logic for years.
Nope, but are you gonna wait till 1700 on prom night for her to make a choice on her prom date?
John Groce, is that you?!I'm waiting on the hot girl 10/10 times. And if I don't get her than I just try again next year at my second senior prom.
Where are you figuratively from?
You say, " I’m not saying we’re not a desirable destination...(but) if the best recruiter in the country can’t get them then we must not be"Sure, but to clarify again, I’m not saying we’re not a desirable destination. I’m saying that if the best recruiter in the country can’t get them then we must not be. Or alternatively, he must not be the best in the land. Both can’t be true.
Who were 5*s on Loyola?The reason why we lost, that game... we did not play going down hill./rebounds (collectively Ayo,Trent and others did not stay home and allowed for LOYOLA to win most of the 50/50 balls). Brad Underwood and staff really hurt themselves by not pressuring full-court, you make it more up and down and it allows your defense to gather what angles to attack krutwig, we never ever should have played man to man throughout the game. WHY? Kofi guards krutwig 4 to8 feet Everytime down? No resistance on his jumpshot or even a pass? Bad coaching...... why, if we was not going to play Coleman Hawkins- and Damonte wasn't given the opportunity to really be a factor offensively, why didn't we run a 1-3-1 zone? If you knew that Kofi was a tough matchup..... again why not run a zone, like OREGON STATE DID. I am not sure if this is something that's going on in the discussions and negotiations between.... The AD, COACH UNDERWOOD & his assistants but Underwood needs to trust in his assistants in game play strategies as well as recruiting. I still have faith in coach Underwood but what was successful at Stephen f. Austin/ Oklahoma State will not work in a great conference with 5 star talents at almost every position and a world is the ELITE because they recruit, react, adjust, and don't accept the status quo. But become good at what got you their and never give an inch to your enemies, in fact..... EAT EM UP FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER.... no way I am letting them (kenbucky) fix my food---they didn't ask what I wanted and indeed they didn't BUY IT.
Great post..pruman91: “Is this the reality of us finally being considered "ELITE" ?
To Illini Nation – especially those go way back or have elders in their family that do – the Fighting Illini have always been considered “Elite”. Does this mean “elite” as in a Blue Blood for the past twenty years or so? Not if the on-floor performance is any judge. Nor would most of the nation consider the Illini an “elite” program in recent memory.
But the Illini ARE a Top Ten program in the words of The Coach. And he said that as a true historical reference, not as some wish list. The legacy and tradition and passion of the fan base are there. And always have been for generations.
It’s just that the nation’s memory is stuck in a flood of Duke and NC and Kentucky and Louisville (and such) bias for a generation or two. Then teams like Gonzaga and Baylor came along and grabbed the spotlight.
We see the Illini program as one thing and America (up until now) sees it as another.
The way to change that is what The Illini did this past year. A high, high ranking. A top tournament seed. Grabbing some coveted players. People noticing the program. People actually discussing Illini ball on national sports radio shows a time or two. Even Chicago media paying attention... miracle of miracles!
And next? Ayo shining brightly in The Association and showing off his Orange colors every night to the World.....“And NOW... from the University of ILLINOIS... AAAAYYYYYOOO... DO... SSUUUUUUNNMMMUUUUU!”
Champaign Blue... Just keep Doing What You’re Doing for the last two years. That’s how you get into the permanent National discussion. That’s when any debate over whether the program is elite or not ends.
We know it’s Elite. Then the World will finally catch up.
This thread... where's the fork for my eye
I actually don't know. . Just based on observing from a distance, Gentry seems to be a take charge type. We do know that former assistant Jamall Walker was moved to a support position; which created the opening filled by Gentry. Also, Gentry was apparently given responsibility for the shift from the spread to the ball screen offense. It's possible that created some tension?Why is it OA and Chin don't like Gentry?
You say, " I’m not saying we’re not a desirable destination...(but) if the best recruiter in the country can’t get them then we must not be"
Do you have a firm stance on the matter? You're not articulating what you consider worthy of being labeled "one of the best recruiters". And as others have noted, things are trending in the direction where it seems these results can be sustained/improved.
But again, What are we not getting? We've pulled in 4 top 50 kids in 4 years That's not even factoring talent that our staff evaluated well. Due to our wins and general perception, I DON'T think we were a desirable destination when the staff arrived. I think we are now.
Valid points. I'm more coming from the angle of the desirable destination. I don't think Orlando is irreplaceable. At face value, I think he's a good recruiter, but I would be interested to see other comparisons similar to the one you raised. Data aside, Kentucky's willingness to fight for him speaks volumes to me.Would you consider Knoxville a desirable destination? From 2012-2017, they made 1 NCAA tournament. They made the Sweet Sixteen in 2014 but they were in the First Four. Cuonzo left after that year and Barnes took over. Maybe Barnes plays the recruiting game a little differently than we do, but they've gotten 5 5-stars in the last 3 recruiting classes and 2 top-60 4 stars as well. All without Orlando Antigua.