My hope is that MA can't break the starting line-up. Not because he isn't good but because we have better. It seems to me we have at least six guys capable of taking it to the basket. Like to see this team against WVU and their press. We lost MH but we will be significantly better at every other position. (MF with another year and coached by OA will be better than MM.) MS a big improvement over TA, and LB and TJL with another year and better coaching. Do not agree with the people who think we will slip from last year.
Illini Basketball 2017-2018
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Man, Frankie was one of (if not the) best point guard I have ever seen at Illinois. Saw things before they happened. Special. Hope DaMonte can be a tenth as good, and we'll have another good player!
Dan
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Te'Jon Lucas 1-on-1: 'Need to be able to lead the team'
http://www.scout.com/college/illinois/story/1787086-lucas-need-be-able-lead-team
http://www.scout.com/college/illinois/story/1787086-lucas-need-be-able-lead-team
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Good kid. And more cerebral in that interview than I expected. I think he's still underestimated by Illini fans who always of course focus on new recruits.
Well ladies and gentleman, that is our starting point guard. Big TJL fan and I do not see how anyone would project him out of starting five. He brings key attributes (on-ball defense, quickness, court vision) to the team and I'm glad to see that he is an intelligent, good kid as well.
Well ladies and gentleman, that is our starting point guard. Big TJL fan and I do not see how anyone would project him out of starting five. He brings key attributes (on-ball defense, quickness, court vision) to the team and I'm glad to see that he is an intelligent, good kid as well.
I don't think projecting him out of the starting lineup necesarily makes it a knock on him. I could see him as the first guard off the bench, used like a change of pace back in the NFL. Something different than the starters but as effective in a different way.
Well ladies and gentleman, that is our starting point guard. Big TJL fan and I do not see how anyone would project him out of starting five. He brings key attributes (on-ball defense, quickness, court vision) to the team and I'm glad to see that he is an intelligent, good kid as well.
Looking more and more like TJ -M&M-Finke-Black as the starters. That means you have Frazier, Kipper, DWill et Al coming off the bench.
Man, that's a pretty well-rounded roster with plenty of talent. Still want Kipper to play 24+ minutes per even if he does come off the bench. He's could be the key if Black struggles with fouls again this year. And if he doesn't, then the rest of the conference should really start to worry.
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Betcha not.
I'm not saying it will happen, just that I could see it as a possibility. Fact is, he is a more willing and great passer, which he proved last year. Trent comes on with more of a scoring pedigree from the pg spot. They are a change of pace from each other either way.
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WHo knows how fast Frazier will adjust to the speed of the college game. I hope quick but I think Lucas was actually ahead of the curve as a freshman.
I think the 3 key guys to this team are Lucas/Kipper/Black
Lucas was one of the best defensive freshman I've seen at Illinois in years, along with his elite court vision and ability to attack the basket and finish. If he can work on getting a quicker release on his shot, and a little quicker I think he could be one of the best guards in the Big Ten as an upperclassman.
Kipper is probably the most underrated player on our team. He is one of the most athletic guys, plays tough, has a decent jumper, has a nice long-post game, and has the potential to be an elite defender. He needs to play 25 minutes a night at the 3/4.
Leron is the wildcard, can he stay out of foul trouble? Can he knock down 3's at a respectable clip? If he can do those two things, along with his tenacity on the glass and his energy he could be a 14/8 type guy for us.
I think this team is going to blow us away, everyone on our roster can guard multiple positions, we have big guards, versatile bigs who can play inside and out, a very athletic team and a coach who will push them and run a system that fits. I think one of our biggest problems last year was the fact that our best player was one of the least athletic players on our team. Not a knock on hill, but when we played teams with wings that had length,speed and athleticism he wasn't very efficient. Now with guys like MS, MA,Dwill,,Kipper at the 2-4 we can be matchup problems for other teams, instead of the otherway around. Can't wait for November
Lucas was one of the best defensive freshman I've seen at Illinois in years, along with his elite court vision and ability to attack the basket and finish. If he can work on getting a quicker release on his shot, and a little quicker I think he could be one of the best guards in the Big Ten as an upperclassman.
Kipper is probably the most underrated player on our team. He is one of the most athletic guys, plays tough, has a decent jumper, has a nice long-post game, and has the potential to be an elite defender. He needs to play 25 minutes a night at the 3/4.
Leron is the wildcard, can he stay out of foul trouble? Can he knock down 3's at a respectable clip? If he can do those two things, along with his tenacity on the glass and his energy he could be a 14/8 type guy for us.
I think this team is going to blow us away, everyone on our roster can guard multiple positions, we have big guards, versatile bigs who can play inside and out, a very athletic team and a coach who will push them and run a system that fits. I think one of our biggest problems last year was the fact that our best player was one of the least athletic players on our team. Not a knock on hill, but when we played teams with wings that had length,speed and athleticism he wasn't very efficient. Now with guys like MS, MA,Dwill,,Kipper at the 2-4 we can be matchup problems for other teams, instead of the otherway around. Can't wait for November
Alstork was recruited for Hill's job. Likely the leading scorer next season.
Probably right as he is scorer but if he isn't it means we have some great alternatives.
Illiini
- In the land of the Nittany Lion
Can't wait to take down Penn State and Rutgers...at their houses.
I can't see it any other way, but I know the freshman hype train is too hard to stop sometimes. It's interesting how he understands he has to step up as a leader with such a young team. Also, how defense creates offense. That's how teams go on runs. Love hearing that.
I expect a deep rotation, certainly for the non-conf, and probably all season. Starting isn't going to be a big deal with this team.
Your point is a good one although it's 3 juniors.
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Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
If ANY of our freshman come in and play as well as Te'Jon did on the defensive side of the ball, it will be a welcome surprise. They are all talented and all have potential, especially in Underwood's offense, but I'm anticipating the usual struggles adapting to real team defense. Greg may be an exception, as far as shot blocking goes, but big men still need to anticipate and understand team defense, so I expect he'll have a long adjustment period, too.
Encouraging article. Underwood has been big on Leron since he's arrived and him mentioning that he's the most improved is great cause he'll be our most important piece. Finke is someone who I think if can gain some sort of lateral quickness and speed can be a star in this offense. Lastly, love that he mentions Spicy G he really fits into what BU wants in a big man with his perimeter skills.
Good news just keeps on coming here with the team progression, great to hear.
It appears to me that this team has a lot of scoring options and with BU's offense, that will not be the problem. Playing time will depend on defensive capability. Can't tell about the new guys but last year's freshmen were our best defensive players. Will be tough to sit them in crunch time.
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