If vessel plays 10 minutes a game we are not going to be very good. Our frontcourt should consist of Black/Finke/Nichols/Ebo and that's it. Let AJ/MS/Alstork/TJL/TF/DaW man the 1-3 spots accordingly.
Illini Basketball 2017-2018
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If vessel plays 10 minutes a game we are not going to be very good. Our frontcourt should consist of Black/Finke/Nichols/Ebo and that's it. Let AJ/MS/Alstork/TJL/TF/DaW man the 1-3 spots accordingly.
I think there's a strong chance AJ starts the first few games of the year.
You might be right on Vesel, but you have no idea. You can be sure that Vesel is not coming here with the idea that he will play less than 8 MPG as a Freshman. Kipper will split his time defending the 3 and 4. There is no difference between the two offensively in BU's system.
For the fishing team??
You're being Koi again...
For the fishing team??
Must be.
My starting 5 prediction would be
Lucas
Alstork
AJ
Kipp
Black
Finke will come off the bench and explode for some games, and in others he will hurt us in this system for some stretches, against certain opponents, for his lack of athleticism and defensive struggles...
Mark Smith i believe, will come in and replace Lucas as a starter mid-season at the PG position. Mainly because he will be a Jawun Evans clone in this system and that is the primary position he will play.
I also believe this will take place because Lucas will not be able to provide enough scoring in this system, and this system is predicated on namely just that, a point guard who can score in a variety of different ways! Therefore, Lucas will be reserved to a back-up role in my opinion, until he grows his offensive game to be highly functional and multi-faceted.
I know everybody on here loves TJL, and I do too! He does so many things right! But he's just not versed enough offensively yet to stay leading this system, unless he extremely grows his offensive game. Just MO.
But I believe AJ will be your breakout performer in this offense and straight fill it up!!
It's your opinion but I disagree with almost everything you wrote. Lol
IlliniDent
- Chicago, IL
yeaaa.. have to say I felt the same way
Captain Bubbles
- Fairfield, IL
Alstork will be a starter from day 1. He will provide a nice scoring punch and veteran leadership.
Captain Bubbles
- Fairfield, IL
Like combes, I disagree with the majority of things in your post. I'm assuming you were drunk on cheese when you posted this.My starting 5 prediction would be
Lucas
Alstork
AJ
Kipp
Black
Finke will come off the bench and explode for some games, and in others he will hurt us in this system for some stretches, against certain opponents, for his lack of athleticism and defensive struggles...
Mark Smith i believe, will come in and replace Lucas as a starter mid-season at the PG position. Mainly because he will be a Jawun Evans clone in this system and that is the primary position he will play.
I also believe this will take place because Lucas will not be able to provide enough scoring in this system, and this system is predicated on namely just that, a point guard who can score in a variety of different ways! Therefore, Lucas will be reserved to a back-up role in my opinion, until he grows his offensive game to be highly functional and multi-faceted.
I know everybody on here loves TJL, and I do too! He does so many things right! But he's just not versed enough offensively yet to stay leading this system, unless he extremely grows his offensive game. Just MO.
But I believe AJ will be your breakout performer in this offense and straight fill it up!!
My predicted starting five is:
TJL
Smith
Alstork
Black
Finke
I can also see Kipper being a spot starter, given the lineup of the opposing teams and/or sickness, injury, and suspension (hoping the latter three doesn't happen). Lineups can vary, but if you're looking for a consistent lineup for the majority of games next season, I feel like the one I listed will be it.
he doesn't have to be a breakout star, i never said he would be. But assuming he splits time at the 2/3, the only guys I see ahead of him are Alstork and probably Smith once we get into december. If he can't get an opportunity in November to prove himself over a freshman coming off a torn ACL,and another freshman who might be more skilled but hasn't played a minute of college ball then he may want to consider graduating early and transferring to a school where he can play because if we land Ayo and another wing AJ probably will spend 4 years here as a scholarship cheerleader.
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
So you think Alstork, a senior transfer with years of D1 playing experience won't start, but Smith will, as a freshman? Interesting. I would find that shocking. As good as I think Smith is and will be, he's still a freshman.
Don't back down on your opinion, one would think that we have a first 5 already, and I would bet we are way closer to who it is then anyone sayng Alstork will star day one. He isn't here, so as I said he will have to beat out who ever is in that spot at the moment, Heck who knows maybe we start Finke Black, Kipper Mark A and TJL
But I still would guess if you could see a practice right now the starting 5 is
TJL
Smith
kipper
black
Finke
well i'm just going by right this min, Smith is here, he is learning, so wouldn't you say he is ahead of Mark A, so maybe he does loss the spot, maybe Kipper does. but for now I think my line up is who we would be going with so they either can keep their spot or loss it
But think about what you just said, you have 2 guys, one who will be here for a year then gone, and one who Most look at as the poster child for you program if they are even close to the same talent who would you start ?
I don't think we have the depth at the 5 to start Black and Finke. I expect TJL's defense and passing vision will keep him as the starter this year.
Early in the season:
TJL
Alstork
AJ
Kipper
Black
By Early Dec:
TJL
Smith
Alstork
Kipper
Black
Finke will get his minutes. ~15 minutes at the 5, and another 10 minutes at the 4. I hope Trent is ready to push TJL by tourney time.
something unfamiliar crossed my mind randomly while checking this forum before going to bed and that's that...we have what we have this year, and that's what we are going to get.
We don't have a jaylon tate, or a dj williams, or an Austin colbert or mike thorne. We dont have a guy on our roster that we can say "he needs to play less" or "he needs to see the floor" because this year we will literally need everyone to contribute. no more watching jaylon tate dribble for 20 seconds, no more complaining hat DJ should see the floor and be "developed", or that Mike thorne needs to sit more. We don't have the depth, we don't have a guy when i look at the roster right now that i can predict will fit that mold. which is why this season is going to be fun, win or lose. we are who we are, and although we dont have many bodies, i think everyone can contribute and score the ball.
We don't have a jaylon tate, or a dj williams, or an Austin colbert or mike thorne. We dont have a guy on our roster that we can say "he needs to play less" or "he needs to see the floor" because this year we will literally need everyone to contribute. no more watching jaylon tate dribble for 20 seconds, no more complaining hat DJ should see the floor and be "developed", or that Mike thorne needs to sit more. We don't have the depth, we don't have a guy when i look at the roster right now that i can predict will fit that mold. which is why this season is going to be fun, win or lose. we are who we are, and although we dont have many bodies, i think everyone can contribute and score the ball.
Deleted member 633632
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I agree. The one thing that takes this team to the next level if TJL does excel in this offense like you say... imo, he has Rajon Rondo type court vision & passing skills. Elite! So the more he grows and expands his game to the next level, the longer he stays on the floor which gives him longer to pick apart and shred opposing defenses.
Trent is the wild card! ALL 3 of these pg's could end up being so good that by their soph/jr/sr years they could all have to be on the court at the same time together, b/c they're just that good! And it could compatibly work together position wise in this offensive because of the size, athleticism, and different skill sets and guard traits they all individually posses & carry!
... Now that's a problem I would love to have!
Deleted member 633632
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You guys are lining this team up like last year's. Vividly! But it's a new system and a new coach.
& just because coach raves about a player doesn't mean he'll start. He's an upperclassmen and a significant part of the team. Doesn't mean he'll start tho. The players that most efficitevtly and aggressively run this system will play.
Bubbles, I respect you and combes as posters. But like many on here, I believe we will be surprised how this man plays this team and runs this line-up. I could be wrong tho, and this is a very good and healthy debate to have!
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Mark Alstork Brings Scoring and Experience to Illinois Basketball
Many Illinois fans have been eager to know when Alstork will join his teammates and start working out with coaches and players. I think Illini fans will be happy with the answer.
“I am actually finishing up this week and will graduate on Friday,” Alstork said. “I am excited to join my teammates. I have been anxious to start leading and getting to know the guys so we can gel and get this thing going. I will for sure be in Champaign in less than two weeks. I want to leave this weekend but have to make sure I have everything transferred over in an appropriate manner.”
https://armchairallamericans.com/mark-alstork-scoring-experience/
Many Illinois fans have been eager to know when Alstork will join his teammates and start working out with coaches and players. I think Illini fans will be happy with the answer.
“I am actually finishing up this week and will graduate on Friday,” Alstork said. “I am excited to join my teammates. I have been anxious to start leading and getting to know the guys so we can gel and get this thing going. I will for sure be in Champaign in less than two weeks. I want to leave this weekend but have to make sure I have everything transferred over in an appropriate manner.”
https://armchairallamericans.com/mark-alstork-scoring-experience/
Wow what a coincidence publishing that while we all discuss whether he starts or not.
If he remains healthy, I have zero doubt Alstork will be the starter by the beginning of conference play (most likely sooner). I think he will lead the team in scoring. Would love to see TJL Smith, Alstork, Nichols, Black out there. Lots of grit and scoring should make up for most of the size deficiencies.
My only concern is if he isn't joining the team till now, a guy like Smith has a couple months lead on him. I think it's possible Alstork starts, just not what I'd bet on, though I'd say it's 50/50 between him and the field.
Great news about Alstork, sounds like he's been staying in top physical shape with working out 3 times a day and throwing up a thousand shots. He should have no problem fitting in with the other guys, looking forward to his leadership on the team.
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