Pretty cool highlight mix for Ayo. Cant wait to see this kid in the O&B.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Haync7Xkk
The shot at the very end looked different to me.
A little more “traditional?”
Illini Basketball 2018-2019
- Status
The shot at the very end looked different to me.
A little more “traditional?”
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
BU at Busch Stadium
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colu...cle_3c8bb399-2861-542e-9a97-b5dbbd7d9a0a.html
"In 2005, they went to the national championship," Underwood said bluntly when asked what Illinois basketball should be. "It's the 11th-ranked program, according to the Associated Press, in the history of college basketball. No place has better fans than we do. They're passionate. They have tremendous pride. It's some heavy lifting, up front. That's any job."
It's this kind of talk that makes Underwood the right fit for Illinois. He does not hide from his program's grand history. He promotes it as a reminder of what he should be expected to deliver.
Before he made his way to the field for his toss, Underwood issued another pitch with conviction.
"Illinois athletics is turning," he said.
:thumb:
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/colu...cle_3c8bb399-2861-542e-9a97-b5dbbd7d9a0a.html
"In 2005, they went to the national championship," Underwood said bluntly when asked what Illinois basketball should be. "It's the 11th-ranked program, according to the Associated Press, in the history of college basketball. No place has better fans than we do. They're passionate. They have tremendous pride. It's some heavy lifting, up front. That's any job."
It's this kind of talk that makes Underwood the right fit for Illinois. He does not hide from his program's grand history. He promotes it as a reminder of what he should be expected to deliver.
Before he made his way to the field for his toss, Underwood issued another pitch with conviction.
"Illinois athletics is turning," he said.
:thumb:
Kane looks reasonably well built in this photo. Really believe he can make the difference this year. If he can be an avg. BIG defensive center we should be able to compete with any BIG team. Ebo will be a serviceable backup and offense should not be a problem with shooters like AJ, Kipper, Trent, Ayo, and hopefully DaMonte, Griffen and Jones. We also know Trent, DaMonte, and AJ can play defense. Holes but lots of possibilities to fill them.
I like Kane long term, but here's guessing Ebo sees more minutes.
He went through the "I don't know what I'm doing out here" phase last year and got through it. That's where Kane's gonna be in November.
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
That's what I'm expecting, too. Really looking forward to seeing upperclassmen Samba, though.
Hoping we see Ebo and Kane out there together, though their lack of offensive skill and our depth issues might make that a bad move. Still think Ebo will be better than Kane this year, but they will probably play similar minutes by the end of the year.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
They will have to display some serious passing chops to spend much time on the floor together in this offense. Maybe in some weird match up games, but I don't see it much.
Peoria Illini
- Peoria, IL
If they have the back door alley oop and pick and roll to the basket offense down pat, that's all I would need to see from them this season!!!
Throwing down a few rim rattlers!
Agree to start the season but Kane's height and reach give him a long term advantage. Just hoping he is a quick study.
For our first 5* player (not to mention point guard) in ages, it does seem like weirdly he is being underrated by the fan base. Seems like there was infinitely more hype for Mark Smith was a lower ranked player
Part of the Mark Smith hype was that Cal and Izzo were right there. Ayo was apparently such a strong Illinois lock that nobody else courted him too seriously.
Peoria Illini
- Peoria, IL
I agree.
Add to that Underwood's signing a month before the Smith commit and the fact we just lost Tilmon. It was a roller coaster time.
A new shiny coach brings in the first Mr. BB in ~5 years less than two months on the job? Count me in on that narrative.
People have known what Ayo should bring to the table for almost a year now. Some people propped Smith up as a messiah for this program. It's probably a combo of being let down by Smith, having a(nother) down year, and having Ayo committed for so long that has lessened the excitement (and what you mentioned above as well
).
For my two cents (or free), I see Kipper at the 4 backed by Jones. The other three perimeter positions will be handled by Frazier, Ayo, Feliz, DW, Griffin and Jordan, all mixing in and offering positives. That's the kind of mix BU seems to like. Even throw Jones to that perimeter at times if he is capable on the defensive end. That is 8 athletes who can score, pass, and maybe defend. BU has shown that you will get minutes if you give you all at both ends, improve, and do what he asks. The center position will be a mix...and a prayer with Ebo getting the most minutes to start and Kane getting the opportunity to learn and contribute. Don't know what Georgi can offer his first year, but everyone hopes he climbs the learning curve thinking he is Frank Kaminsky. He certainly is blessed with skills but no one knows what heart and determination will allow him to accomplish.
It will all be a process, a slow one at that and much slower than Illini fans want to see. But I feel this staff can teach and motivate. This season will have its ups and downs. It will prove that the talent can provide a few surprising moments which will hopefully exceed the times when success seems out of reach against some of the truly strong teams they will face. Every season is full of ups and downs but this one will tell a lot about what the staff can produce in the performance of the kids on the floor. Could be one of the most promising yet disappointing seasons in a long time. The fan interest, I hope, will be there and maybe some of the fair weather fans who are only interested in winning will see what can be done with solid coaching in spite of no high level experience. AFter all, if they don't like losing one bit, there is only one alternative.
It will all be a process, a slow one at that and much slower than Illini fans want to see. But I feel this staff can teach and motivate. This season will have its ups and downs. It will prove that the talent can provide a few surprising moments which will hopefully exceed the times when success seems out of reach against some of the truly strong teams they will face. Every season is full of ups and downs but this one will tell a lot about what the staff can produce in the performance of the kids on the floor. Could be one of the most promising yet disappointing seasons in a long time. The fan interest, I hope, will be there and maybe some of the fair weather fans who are only interested in winning will see what can be done with solid coaching in spite of no high level experience. AFter all, if they don't like losing one bit, there is only one alternative.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Any chance Tyler Underwood gets to play meaningful minutes? I have no idea of his talent level. Obviously, he knows the system. I would think, with the emphasis that his dad has on passing, that he would be able to do that well.
Sure, there's a chance.
But any scenario that has that happening is not a good one for Illinois basketball.
I'm sure Tyler is a great guy, but I don't think hes gonna get anything close to 1 meaningful minute.
I have buddies who've played with him (intramural) while he was at OSU and he wasn't anything special, even against the kids who just showed up to play ball probably half hungover. He could be great as a "second coach" for the players though
Deleted member 645583
D
Guest
Yes. I admire those who truly fast during Ramadan. I've seen it firsthand. I'm Catholic and most of us don't sacrifice like that. I don't know if I could fast, sunrise to sunset, like a devout Muslim. I'll have to try it.
Anyway, I like the approach Coach U has taken: he wants to be at Illinois, he's seen the Illini program at the top of its game. He came from a pretty decent program, Okla State. I think it's not all about money.
And yes, if a recruit is offered, visits and doesn't commit soon after, go after someone else.
Too many helicopter parents these days, I think.
Pretty cool highlight mix for Ayo. Cant wait to see this kid in the O&B.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Haync7Xkk
Silky smooth. He's gonna be a good one folks. Not to beat a dead horse but when comparing MS and Ayo's highlight tapes, you can really tell which one has been focused on basketball for longer. Ayo's not just overpowering kids in the lane, he's actually using some crafty dribble moves and using skill/finesse to score and create.
Extremely excited for this kid, also probably doubly excited to see how much better Trent will be off the ball (where he's more comfortable).
If one of Kane, Georgi, Ebo can become a serviceable big (also pls Whitney pls), with our burgeoning backcourt? Look out B1G.
That would be a real b*tch here in AK during the summer.
illini80
- Forgottonia
Usually you have to tell folks to pump the breaks on expectations for freshmen, but I think for some reason Illini fans are sleeping on Ayo.
Hendrickson is one of those who has probably tempered expectations with some of his comments. Nothing negative per se, but not expecting him to be a huge impact player right away. That's what I've taken away anyhow.
There are just so many question marks about next year's team.
I think you're also really starting to feel the weight of five straight years out of the tournament on the fanbase.
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
Indeed! lol
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
- Status