Love BU but am starting to question his strategist ability.
Houston 68, Illinois 53 Postgame
- Status
Screw Twitter and Facebook hate
sdfidaho
- Boise, Idaho
Yes it was
I’ve seen some comparisons to the 2000s teams and questions about coaching this year.
Let me point out a quick fact for everyone:
In 2005 we had 7 RSCI top 100 players, including 2 top 30 (a junior and a sophomore). Last season, we had 4 - one in top 30 (freshman). This season we had 6 but nothing better than Kofi at 43.
For the team we had, this team exceeded expectations. This team the last two seasons has won way more games than anyone would have expected with those recruits.
The 2010-11 team had 6 top 100s and 2 top 30s, but finished 4th in the big ten (9-9), 24-10 overall and was in the NIT.
Let’s not get greedy and become Kentucky fans. This team has come a long way. BU is putting this program in a place where we will continue to excel in the coming years, bringing in solid class year after year.
Let me point out a quick fact for everyone:
In 2005 we had 7 RSCI top 100 players, including 2 top 30 (a junior and a sophomore). Last season, we had 4 - one in top 30 (freshman). This season we had 6 but nothing better than Kofi at 43.
For the team we had, this team exceeded expectations. This team the last two seasons has won way more games than anyone would have expected with those recruits.
The 2010-11 team had 6 top 100s and 2 top 30s, but finished 4th in the big ten (9-9), 24-10 overall and was in the NIT.
Let’s not get greedy and become Kentucky fans. This team has come a long way. BU is putting this program in a place where we will continue to excel in the coming years, bringing in solid class year after year.
Wondering if you’ve checked the recruiting thread yet….
Disappointing end to a fun season. I was hoping to make it to sweet 16 but it's good to have a goal over the next year or two. Thanks to all our student athletes for the hard work they put and the adversity they fought thru this season. First season back after Covid and we had a blast. Loved being back in the SFC again. Best of luck to everyone moving on; we can't thank you all enough.
Last edited:
I tried reading thru this thread (and others) but simply cannot continue. Just want to say, fwiw, I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the contribution of ALL the players and coaches this year. THEY OWE US NOTHING! I owe them so much! I consider it a joy and privilege to be along for the ride, to cheer, to celebrate wins and grieve loses. I also want to thank those of you who contribute here on loyalty. The positive comments, insights, and entertainment (thanks Pruman) helped me get thru so many days and nights. I’m an old man, my life is not great, but Illinoisloyalty and Illini b-ball has been my friend. Thank you all! Be cool, and go Illini!
Dee’s jersey is up there
Last year we had Ayo who could create a shot or draw a foul. We do not have those type players this year and it really limited our offense. We were not difficult to game plan for. Hopefully BU recruits taller shot creators with high bb IQ. Like what I saw from our freshmen and hope incoming talent is better than advertised,\.
From the tape I've seen on at least a couple incoming Fr we have some much needed talent coming. I think at least one of them starts early on.
Agreed. He's special. Don't pay attention to the harsh critics of Curbelo. I challenge anyone to watch a film breakdown. Sure, he needs to get under control sometimes, but he'll learn, grow, and evolve. He's all over the court on both ends and in a way that is good for the Illini!
This loss hurts because for Trent, DMFW, in particular, this was the last game.
But I know that being on the court while they cut down the nets at SFC a couple weeks ago was the real curtain call.
And it was f#_-king glorious.
But I know that being on the court while they cut down the nets at SFC a couple weeks ago was the real curtain call.
And it was f#_-king glorious.
Cook
- Richmond, VA
This need could/should be augmented with a staff member and doesn't have to be any of the primary coaching staff. As a major program, some secondary level staff's full time responsibility should be 100% focused on strategic "war-game" options for every match up that they provide to the primary staff for use. I don't know the BB office, maybe they do this. If they don't, they need to start.
Last edited:
I would I agree with this! The Big Ten in general doesn't. Sure, I know we had some All-American caliber players, but the style in the Big Ten exposes us b/c Big Ten teams (for the most part) are easier to scout. The Big Ten needs a lot more athletes (and hopefully more for Illinois than others
. You have to improv at times - maybe more often than not when March Madness rolls around. The teams that adjust - whether it's players and/or coaches will be more successful.One last thought on today....
I've defended Curbelo on this site and largely love what he brings to the court. However, what was wrong with him the last 2 days?
1) He was eating a sandwich in a 5 minute press conference, which I felt was disrespectful. Can't wait 5 minutes???
2) He got into it with the refs BEFORE the game.... About "gear"? Why?
3) He was doing headstands on the court pregame. (Don't know the timing of it, maybe it was a concussion thing, and I get being loose,) But this is puzzling. Why not prep in some other way that is more productive?
4) Got into it with the coaches (allegedly) at half-time which led to him basically being unofficially suspended for the second half.
Not the definition of 'locked-in'. More of a distraction. Again, I am not trying to rail on a guy, but I would love to know out of curiosity what was happening? Maybe tired of the criticism? Something in his personal life? Hopefully he was just out of sorts and can regroup in the off-season.
I've defended Curbelo on this site and largely love what he brings to the court. However, what was wrong with him the last 2 days?
1) He was eating a sandwich in a 5 minute press conference, which I felt was disrespectful. Can't wait 5 minutes???
2) He got into it with the refs BEFORE the game.... About "gear"? Why?
3) He was doing headstands on the court pregame. (Don't know the timing of it, maybe it was a concussion thing, and I get being loose,) But this is puzzling. Why not prep in some other way that is more productive?
4) Got into it with the coaches (allegedly) at half-time which led to him basically being unofficially suspended for the second half.
Not the definition of 'locked-in'. More of a distraction. Again, I am not trying to rail on a guy, but I would love to know out of curiosity what was happening? Maybe tired of the criticism? Something in his personal life? Hopefully he was just out of sorts and can regroup in the off-season.
Last edited:
I‘ve always wondered if professional development is required of coaches by their A.D.’s in the off seasons. Seems like it would be. The money they spend on football & basketball they could afford to bring in a former (successful) retired coach to help broaden the coaching knowledge/skills.
I'm sure Underwood is familiar with every offense known to man.
SuperMetroid
- Evanston
It’s a toss-up for me. By seed it’s the worst, but it’s mitigated a lot by what the freshmen on that team would do 2 years later. I think it’s gotten mythologized a bit by our fanbase because of the whole Dickie V thing and the objectively goofy name of the opponent. If it’s Eastern Kentucky or Murray State it wouldn’t be remembered as much imho.
Yeah some stuff I get but I'm just going to be concerned about his sandwich habbits
Pretty much. I'm a huge Illini fan but if you looked at us objectively Houston needed to do two things to beat us. 1) crash the boards and grab offensive rebounds 2) play up tempo and create turnovers I think the analysts talked about this as well on CBS. Do those two things, make a few shots and you're playing downhill. Houston is going to double & triple team Kofi until we start hitting threes. You could see how soft they were playing Belo in the first half daring him to shoot. What did Chuck say at half time? If they're daring you to shoot and you're missing your shots... STOP SHOOTING. Drive to the hoop and create some offense. We weren't hitting anything until we went to Goode and Melendez (how nice was it to see our youth contributing big in an NCAA game?) I told my dad Saturday night... smart money is Houston to cover. Was still hoping to get to that AZ game, but no regrets. Our team fought hard all season long. We're so much better than five years ago. Thanks to all our seniors that stuck around and were part of that improvement!
Epsilon
M tipping over
- Pdx
I think having a full off-season with Tim Anderson will have a positive effect on all returning players.
Attachments
Ya know, in the win over PSU, Curbelo was -8, so guess the team is better when he’s not in the floor.
Same with TF, who was minus against Chattanooga. Those are just 2 examples.
IlliniRon
Illini Basketball Fan Forever
- Ft Worth, Texas
It was the coaches decision, but in my opinion he did not play well.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
He did this pregame last year, too, so I'm less inclined to view it as inappropriate. It's just what he does, like Kofi juggling soccer balls.
I think the press conference yesterday got to some of the guys. Those questions were rough and I think what's been said in the media has played on them since the Indiana game. Not saying it's an excuse -- players need to develop mental toughness -- but I think it's led to some of the testiness we heard about from Belo today and Trent's earlier tweet.
- Status