I could be wrong but I think AJ is more of a rhythm shooter who needs time on the court and to be moving on the catch to feel right. I think the short stints of time combined with just standing on offense didn't do him any favors. I think an uptempo style and more movement on offense may help him
Illini Basketball 2017-2018
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DB11Headband
- Chicago Burbs
I'm thinking next year we'll see an eight man rotation-4 guards and 4 forwards/bigs. Lucas, JCL, Frazier, Smith in the backcourt with Kipper, Leron, Finke, and a big to be named later up front. I like DJW and AJ's potential in BU's system, but I just think it'll be very hard to keep Frazier and Smith off the floor.
blackdog
- Champaign
That's a pretty short rotation especially for a system as uptempo and with as much movement as BU's. DJW is going to have to see minutes if for his size if nothing else.
Plus we are probably not done adding players.
With the addition of Mr. Smith, we now have 4 guards who can take the ball to the hole and create something off the dribble. TeJon and the 3 freshman give us a dynamic we have not had in a loooong time. Lets see what Coach U can do with these creative players. Now if we can find some shooters and rebounders we are on our way. Oh yeah need some defenders too. Ready for tip off in November now.
I just can't wait till next year when DJ gets a clean cut from the top of the key and he catches an alley on someone. Start the body count.
Trent Frazier and Mark Smith have to start from day 1, rebuild this program with those two has are starting blocks. in my opinion.
I've seen nothing in the past 2 years to warrant all the love DJW gets on this board. I know he was a highly rated recruit and didn't receive much in the way of playing time, but he certainly didn't warrant more based on his play when he was in there. I hope everyone else is right and he thrives with the new system and start, cuz he would make a very niece piece to the puzzle.
Frazier will have a tough time starting over TJL IMO. TJL changed the entire team when he was on the floor, and really only got better as the year went on. I think a true offseason for him will make him even better (he was injured last year). Fraizer will have to fight for every minute, especially since he isn't a true PG, the 2 is also crowded.
He played behind a top 3 in history scorer who played about 38 minutes a game. He got very few opportunities to play and it was 2 minutes at most when he did so in my mind he had no opportunity to get in to the flow of the game. Some guys just aren't great coming in for short stints like that. I want to see some extended minutes before I make a final judgement. That is why I am saying I think HE CAN make a big jump this year. It is certainly not guaranteed.
Now that there are more good players to go against in practice they're all going to get better. Competition is good. And watching videos of BU practices vs the previous coach's practices there's quite a difference. Much intensity and teaching going on.
IMO it doesn't matter if he starts because Trent, TJL, Damonte, MS, and JCL will all have to play big minutes in this offense at the 1-3 which in this offense are the same thing for the most part. Similarly I think you are going to see DJW, LB, Kipper, Finke and whomever all getting big minutes at what I will call the 3.5 - 5 slots. Just my thoughts on what we will see because they are going to be getting up and down the court and will tire.
To add, I saw nothing in high school that would warrant the love either. He is possibly the most underwhelming Illini recruit I ever saw in HS (Jerrance was up there as well)
BLloyd2311
- Los Angeles
That Trent vs Lucas battle will be a good one. But I think Trent has NBA talent can get to the rim and shoot long range. The competition for mins will be at a all time high. Lucas is not going to give away his starting spot. If Trent beats him out will definitely be earned. I say Smith starts day one, both Smith and Frazier will be starting by big 10 play. Not because Lucas is bad but Trent will be that good imo.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
I would extremely surprised if TF starts over TJL to start the year. Not only was TJL the engine of our offense last year, but he plays quality defense. Next year's team will be able to score. The question is if they'll be able to stop anybody. TJL can stop people.
From day 1 not so sure. But I think those two will comprise our starting backcourt before the end of the season.
I agree wholeheartedly. It is true that TF is a formidable basketball player, but TJL has played (and played well!) in the crucible that is the B10 regular season. If TJL doesn't start at the beginning of the season my jaw will hit the floor.
Of course, once the season begins, players will play players. I welcome that with open arms.
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
I'm going to be looking for a new phrase more than a new pg even
frozenrope9190
- Aurora, IL
We have to come up with a nickname for the PG trio of Frazier, Lucas, and Smith.
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
How about a new nickname for the Whitman/Lovie/Underwood trio.
It's going to take 5+ guards to run the system . Look at others running spread, they shuttle guys in and out, you push to score in 7 secs, pressing. We need more bigs, that long athletic type. 3 scholly left and then you done till 2019. 5th yr grad or transfer seems to be a need.
I agree. I think the starting backcourt will likely be TJL, Frazier and Smith with JCL first off the bench at least until Damonte is fully back. If/when Damonte is fully back to health he will be a part of the rotation for sure. I just do not think JCL offers the full skills package that my starting three does and can offer an instant offense type spark off the bench. Also, I just think TJL, Frazier and Smith are just that good as well.
It's going to take 5+ guards to run the system . Look at others running spread, they shuttle guys in and out, you push to score in 7 secs, pressing. We need more bigs, that long athletic type. 3 scholly left and then you done till 2019. 5th yr grad or transfer seems to be a need.
There'll be more than three until 2019. Consider that every year this century, we've had attrition.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
If he hits north of 45% the next two seasons, I will buy it. But 42.2% and then 38% don't warrant such lofty praise.
Illiini
- In the land of the Nittany Lion
I just misread something in an article--funny font or something. And what I saw was "Frightening Illini." Though maybe we ought to save that for football, maybe the O-line or D-line or linebackers, whenever they're ready for it.
Peoria Illini
- Peoria, IL
TMT? Trent, Mark, Tejon...
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