Illini Basketball 2017-2018
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Illini_1979
- Oregon
That was fun to watch (again). A special team for sure. Hopefully we are on our way back to that level.
The right guy ? Who cant we have it with ? TJL will have a year working with Fletch so I wouldn't even count him out
I'll be worried if Tim Finke is starting at the 5 next year [emoji6]
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does anyone play like that anymore? Gheesh they were awesome
I hope we do starting this fall.
Heaven forbid I made a typo that no one would know what I meant to put. Thank god , we have people who love to make sure to try to make themselves look good by pointing things out.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I remember...
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I won't, not a traditional 5.
Illiini
- In the land of the Nittany Lion
I'm almost afraid to hope...but--and I know this was a highlight reel--that looked like ballet. Most teams couldn't do that with no opponent on the court. What's cool is the reaction of the other teams' players, knowing that they've just been scrooed, blooed and tattooed.
Speaking of blue, it's time for new unis. Get rid of the "lightning bolt." We need to get rid of that short circuit. Don't bring back the Flyin' Illini, but definitely go old school.
No he definitely is not a traditional 5. He is a 2/3 and I imagine he will be playing a wing position in Champaign next season!
Mike Finke will probably be playing 5 in Champaign though!
Man I drink the Kool-Aid as much as anyone but let's slow the roll. The game is gonna move quick for the incoming freshman, and literally everyone but Tyler Underwood, who can't play, will be playing in a new system. Physically yes, our guys can dunk and catch lobs, but doing it for real at D1 game speed, vs B1G defenses, is a different ball game.
Now that our chances of adding major talent for next year are slim to none, what say the peanut gallery about the totals wins prior to the post season for next year?
I'd say over/under is 16.5 (obviously not knowing the schedule completely, but I see that as a good preseason baseline).
Also, is there some sort of rule for B1G teams we play twice? Ex. since we didn't play wisky twice last year does that mean we do this year?
I'd say over/under is 16.5 (obviously not knowing the schedule completely, but I see that as a good preseason baseline).
Also, is there some sort of rule for B1G teams we play twice? Ex. since we didn't play wisky twice last year does that mean we do this year?
IllinoisFan733
- Chicago
I don't understand this post. Illinois didn't add major talent? I would consider Mark Smith, Mark Alstork, Trent Frazier, Damonte Williams, and most importantly Brad Underwood & Staff a MAJOR talent infusion.
I don't understand this post. Illinois didn't add major talent? I would consider Mark Smith, Mark Alstork, Trent Frazier, Damonte Williams, and most importantly Brad Underwood & Staff a MAJOR talent infusion.
I believe OP was saying adding more fresh talent. There aren't many '17 croots left and the transfers have likely landed at their new forever homes.
I'll take the over on the 16.5. I see us falling somewhere in the 18-20 win range and this being our last bubble season for the foreseeable future.
IllinoisFan733
- Chicago
I assume so as well, just wanted to point that out. I re-read the post a few times to make sure I didn't miss anything. This is the most excited I've been about a team in a long time.
Until the B10 conference schedule gets released, I'm thinking they end with 21 wins (including B10 tournament play) but not including NCAA/NIT action.
I don't understand this post. Illinois didn't add major talent? I would consider Mark Smith, Mark Alstork, Trent Frazier, Damonte Williams, and most importantly Brad Underwood & Staff a MAJOR talent infusion.
Yeah sorry could've been clearer. I meant we aren't likely to see anyone come in who is gonna bump us another 2 or 3 wins. We've also added depth with Greg. Theres no more impactful guys out there for next year. I personally think we have more talent on this team, including coaches
, than we did last year. Its going to come down to how they all can come together.I see a bubble team as a 8/10 performance for this team. It's going to be tough, but again, itll come down to how well the players mesh in BU's system. If I was a betting man, I'd say we make the NIT.
The B1G is kinda in flux right now. Michigan lost a lot of talent, same with Wisc, Indiana, Maryland, and to an extent Purdue. Minny and NW seem to be top 4 teams. Then theres those teams that could take steps forward: UI, Iowa, and Penn St. Still think Maryland will be a player, IU might be the biggest question mark.
These are strange times that we live in.
I will gladly take the over on 16.5. I am in the 18-21 win range as well, with 20 being the most likely.
TJL
Smith
Alstork
Kipper
Black
First three off the bench: Finke, Frazier, DWill or AJ
Throw that lineup out there and tell me we can't compete! The hustle points will be off the chart if that is our starting five.
TJL
Smith
Alstork
Kipper
Black
First three off the bench: Finke, Frazier, DWill or AJ
Throw that lineup out there and tell me we can't compete! The hustle points will be off the chart if that is our starting five.
Trade Finke for Kipper and I totally agree, if DaWill is fully healthy the 2nd team would be pretty good as well with
Trent
DaWill
Aj
Kipper
Greg-E
Upcoming season might be an interesting opportunity for walk-ons. I don't mean actual playing time, but rather just to be a part of the team. We will need bodies to fill out the roster, and if someone has the talent to play at a smaller school, but decided to go to U of I and give up playing, it would be a good summer to work your butt off and maybe get a chance to spend next year with the team. (Unless I don't understand the timing or process of constructing rosters, which is entirely possible)
Dren1
- Glenview, IL
Yeah, I would also take the over. I would hope that our baseline is 10 or 11 wins in the non-conference and 7 or 8 wins in conference with potential upside.
Best case, 49 wins
Worst case, 33 wins
Go Illini!
Worst case, 33 wins
Go Illini!
Love everything that is happening with our team but I don't think 20 wins is reasonable.
Sure hope so. In my time as a fan, I can only remember a few teams that I'd call 'special'.
Flying Illin
HRF
Deron Williams
Each of those teams:
* Had multiple future pros.
* Were exciting to watch
* Had another gear
* Were relevant in the national championship discussion
From those 3 teams, we saw 2 Final Fours, one National runner up, and a Regional runner up.
I like the pieces being put together, but I think we're still in the early stages of returning to the big stage. Should be a fun ride.
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