unless we finish last in the big 10 Groce is going no place, IF he does it will not only be Tilmon that we lose
I hope Groce makes it work here, but if he doesn't, I think Cuonzo Martin will be able to retain our 2017 recruits.
unless we finish last in the big 10 Groce is going no place, IF he does it will not only be Tilmon that we lose
First of all, you've defined "well" and are applying it as though you have some sort of sacred vision that overrules what I find to be obvious limitations relative to the other teams in the league. I think the team can do "well" this year, but I look at the roster, read the latest info, look at our past, and form an opinion. Probably same as you do, but with different insights.
Speaking of, I've been watching for a lot of years, and I can tell you there have been plenty of times where I've been more optimistic than the fan base, and I can make a very good case that history gives me a pretty solid track record --if you want some prescient stories, pm me.
I think it's hypocritical to put the dead horse out there. People repeat optimistic expectations ad nauseum in their posts. I get that the board is biased --hell it's a fan forum, and I'm glad to see the support. But when you get to the point where anything less than your personal opinion or critical thoughts aren't welcome, it really dumbs down the board and takes out a lot of the fun of watching what's actually happening, how the team is developing, etc.. When expectations are unrealistic, the team looks worse than it is, you don't necessarily see the positive strides, and at times honestly, it starts to look delusional.
It's a thread about the 16-17 season, is it not?
Heck, if folks chime in or pm me to stay out of this thread, I'll refrain. Honest. Not here to bring people down --just think it's fun to get different perspectives. YMMV
I have season tickets and drive appx. 2 hours each way to the SFC. Just wondering what distances other season ticket holders drive?
that's what im saying as well its going to take more then just missing the NCAA for Groce to be gone, if that's the only thing to get him fired he would of been gone this year, Most believe he is only still here do to the chance of him getting a big class, well I would say he is in on more top players for next year then this so I just can not believe not making the NCAA would make JW want to start looking for someone new
why are we discussing Groce being fired.....the season hasn't even started. Rome wasn't built in a day. Have some faith in the head coach. Cannot wait for basketball season!! ILL
All of this is somewhat undermined by the lack of continuity. There are really only three players on the team that have played together for the majority of the past two seasons: Hill, Morgan, and Tate. A combination of experienced players doesn't necessarily result in an experienced team.That said, I believe this is going to be a great year. We literally have 23/24 year olds on this team going up against 18/19 year olds. That's a huge advantage in wisdom, knowledge, experience, strength, etc.
Your personal opinion is certainly welcome, but that doesn't mean it's not fair game and open to criticism. That being said, your criticism of my post is also fair, and I completely understand why some fans have become jaded with the on-court performances.
I will say this though, you've mentioned before that you expect this team to make it to the dance. If you honestly believe that, then I don't see how you can believe that 11-7 is a stretch when it's just two wins away from a record that would likely put them on the bubble.
Finally, if I go off improvement, that would be asking for 6 more conference wins. I expect us to be better, but jeeze that's asking for an awful lot.
Seriously, if half of our roster hadn't been injured (and also DP, but I think it's fair to put that one on Groce) last year are we even having these discussions?
Yep. The amount of bad luck and freak accidents last year was almost comical. We had as much misfortune over the course of one season as most teams would over three. Even if we'd had the typical level of incidents last season I can almost guarantee we'd have won at least 5-6 more games, probably more, and we're at least on the cusp of making the tournament.Seriously, if half of our roster hadn't been injured (and also DP, but I think it's fair to put that one on Groce) last year are we even having these discussions?
If Thorne and black are manning the post grabbing boards, finke and Malcolm aren't playing out of position the entire season, Khalid Lewis isn't even on the roster because Abrams doesn't get hurt, tate plays backup minutes only, Kendrick doesn't miss the first however many games with his hand, JCL gets an actual off season and is up to speed for the start of the season, and Alex Austin isnt even being considered for playing time... where do you think that team finishes? Not to mention finke missed a few games with his hip (I think?) Lewis with mumps, Kendrick missed the MSU game for his kids birth, tate with his finger, which I don't think ever fully got back to 100%. I'm probably forgetting something.
I realize this is the thread for this season, but if we want to talk about what Groce has to do to save his job a month before the first exhibition, I think it's fair to bring up all the misfortune that was out of his control last season that ultimately led to a 3rd missed tourney in the first place. If we make the NCAA in 15-16 we wouldn't be having this conversation now.
Seriously, if half of our roster hadn't been injured (and also DP, but I think it's fair to put that one on Groce) last year are we even having these discussions?
If Thorne and black are manning the post grabbing boards, finke and Malcolm aren't playing out of position the entire season, Khalid Lewis isn't even on the roster because Abrams doesn't get hurt, tate plays backup minutes only, Kendrick doesn't miss the first however many games with his hand, JCL gets an actual off season and is up to speed for the start of the season, and Alex Austin isnt even being considered for playing time... where do you think that team finishes? Not to mention finke missed a few games with his hip (I think?) Lewis with mumps, Kendrick missed the MSU game for his kids birth, tate with his finger, which I don't think ever fully got back to 100%. I'm probably forgetting something.
I realize this is the thread for this season, but if we want to talk about what Groce has to do to save his job a month before the first exhibition, I think it's fair to bring up all the misfortune that was out of his control last season that ultimately led to a 3rd missed tourney in the first place. If we make the NCAA in 15-16 we wouldn't be having this conversation now.
gloom and doom calling for his head is absurd.
That said, I believe this is going to be a great year. We literally have 23/24 year olds on this team going up against 18/19 year olds. That's a huge advantage in wisdom, knowledge, experience, strength, etc. This team could be prime for a very good season (not going to even project what we can do in the post-season....not going to do it)! I like our chances and I like JG! Go Illini!
Good point! Theres a reason it is a scandal when a kid already shaving is playing in the little league world series. And maybe We can push around the MSU front court for a change
Has anyone heard if and when they will have the Illini All-In scrimmage? With college basketball season starting less than ten days away, figured it would be coming up soon.
Has anyone heard if and when they will have the Illini All-In scrimmage? With college basketball season starting less than ten days away, figured it would be coming up soon.