Louisville says hold my beer.
Former Illini in College Hoops
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
DePaul is doing their annual counselor game against Georgetown this year. My husband and I are going, and now I'm even more excited
I'll say it for the millionth time if it needs to be said, Illinois recruited two highly touted Guards. They are playing for teams that are 2-10 and 1-10 respectively in their conference this season. But they're starters, they play 33 minutes a game, they have a green light to shoot and get their stats, whether their efficient (both are sub 40 % from the field and top 5 in their conference in turnovers), whether they play good defense (I would say they leave some to be desired there).. meh.... I don't know if it was deliberate that it turned out that way, but they've made their decisions to lead them to that, and hopefully they're happy.
Meanwhile, the Illini have a top 10 team, both could be contributing to that, they certainly have the talent to be starters. For one reason or another, they decided this wasn't the place for them. Frankly, I think the decisions these two young MEN (and they are adults) have made aren't the greatest. From my perspective, they've prioritized themselves over team success and I think that it's only hurting them from a longterm basketball development perspective overall. I don't think the NBA is going to be calling for either of these two based on their current trajectories.
I can see why Underwood is happier having a team of Super-Seniors that are willing to sacrifice and buy in. Not a lot of ego on the current team, even if the recruiting rankings aren't as high as some of the guys that have checked out. It would certainly be nice to have players that are ultra-talented and willing to buy in, but they didn't want to be here and so be it I suppose.
Meanwhile, the Illini have a top 10 team, both could be contributing to that, they certainly have the talent to be starters. For one reason or another, they decided this wasn't the place for them. Frankly, I think the decisions these two young MEN (and they are adults) have made aren't the greatest. From my perspective, they've prioritized themselves over team success and I think that it's only hurting them from a longterm basketball development perspective overall. I don't think the NBA is going to be calling for either of these two based on their current trajectories.
I can see why Underwood is happier having a team of Super-Seniors that are willing to sacrifice and buy in. Not a lot of ego on the current team, even if the recruiting rankings aren't as high as some of the guys that have checked out. It would certainly be nice to have players that are ultra-talented and willing to buy in, but they didn't want to be here and so be it I suppose.
BU has changed his style of play based on his available talent. Ie Kofi vs 5 out and switching 1-5. Can see players justifiable transferring when style doesn’t fit them as when the coach changes. Think he prefers current style and as it is NBA style would think it would be easier to recruit that type of player vs Painter’s giant at center. But I also can see him changing a style that fits a current recruit. Think of a truly gifted shooter who is not very good in single coverage. Would Dain transfer if he comes up with another Hawk in the portal? Think Dain might be top half of BIG centers on another team. Sencire is probably a good fit if he improves his shooting and therefore stayed and redshirted. Epps on the other hand was not going to see much time this year because he was a defensive liability and not a fit with the other talent.
Insert random inefficient Epps post...6-18 and gtown loses by 20+
DICKnaggie
- Champaign
Never want to see former Illinois players hurt (or any players). Sucks to see Mr. Clark's injury. Hope he recovers soon.
Didn’t see the game so what happened to young Mr.Clark ?.
Yikes. Rib injury sucks. I don't wish any core or back injury to anyone. They hurt so much when doing anything and are just taken for granted on your life when healthy
Epps shooting 37.6% on the season. That would not fly here.
Yikes. Scoring 17ppg at that percent means he’s just chucking all day.
Yeah but he makes up for it by not playing defense.
Per 100 possessions, he scores 101 but gives up 117.
Yeah I remember sneezing with a rib injury. That was bad enough forget about playing BB with one.
I saw Jayden Epps at the Maryland game on Saturday. He was there with another Georgetown player, Massoud.
Thought it was nice of him to come support the team.
He stuck around after the game and chatted with the team. Lots of guys seemed happy to see him—TJ, Goode, DD, Harris.
So maybe the bad blood, bad attitude wasn’t as big of an issue with him as some other guys last year? Maybe his decision was more financial, close to home, playing time related. And Georgetown is a great school—if anyone still cares about that sort of thing…
Thought it was nice of him to come support the team.
He stuck around after the game and chatted with the team. Lots of guys seemed happy to see him—TJ, Goode, DD, Harris.
So maybe the bad blood, bad attitude wasn’t as big of an issue with him as some other guys last year? Maybe his decision was more financial, close to home, playing time related. And Georgetown is a great school—if anyone still cares about that sort of thing…
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Our starting guards have each other, Epps has nothing, in a stronger conference.
No need to continue to litigate it, it's clear that BU and Epps had differing visions of what Epps ought to be as a basketball player and I wish him all the best.
Had a rib injury once and it was as painful as any....and yes sneezing was torture. Also had a good friend who pulled a rib cartilage on his last practice shot of the Illinois State Am golf tournament and tried to play but had to withdraw even though he was in top 5.
He went home, was fitted with a rib brace by his doctor, went to play the NCAA championship the following week....and finished runner-up...for the second time in that event. He said it only bothered him while putting and the rib brace was a godsend.
Moral of the story is avoid rib injuries at all costs!!!!
IlliniwekKDR
- Colorado Springs, CO
That's the kind of ratio you want your PG to have
Not sure anybody’s litigating it.