Count me as one person quite concerned with the number of transfers. I think we'll get worse before we get better. We've lost too much.
On one hand, we would bring back the same players. The downside is we would bring back the same players.
I heard all season how much time it takes to gel and learn a new system. Now we have to start all over again to gel and learn a new system. If they had stayed, we would have a roster with a year's experience with this system.
Having a roster with a year's experience, yet the same deficiencies in speed, length, defensive awareness and lack of passing ability, is not progress.
We now have coaches with a year's experience in the offense, and 4 main cogs, Trent, DMW, Kipper and AJ, that have experience, along with Tyler Underwood, to help the guys that hopefully have the speed, length, defensive awareness and passing ability that will help in this system.
Having a roster with a year's experience, yet the same deficiencies in speed, length, defensive awareness and lack of passing ability, is not progress.
We now have coaches with a year's experience in the offense, and 4 main cogs, Trent, DMW, Kipper and AJ, that have experience, along with Tyler Underwood, to help the guys that hopefully have the speed, length, defensive awareness and passing ability that will help in this system.
Don't forget Spicy G. They won't all be in the starting lineup but we have a player in each position, 1-5, that has a year of experience in the system.
Of course!!! Sorry to omit Spicy G. While many think he's just a place holder until Kane or possibly Okoro get up to speed, I think he'll make a big jump this offseason and provide valuable minutes and points/rebounds and defensive stops for the Illini next season.
If our coaching staff needs a year plus to learn a system, we either need a new staff or a new system.
If our coaching staff needs a year plus to learn a system, we either need a new staff or a new system.
If our coaching staff needs a year plus to learn a system, we either need a new staff or a new system.
I'm not sure he'll become a competent offensive force, but his defensive abilities showed in small flashes last year. His athleticism will take him far. I find it hard to believe Kane will uproot him without major improvement on Kane's end. Ebo should, at minimum, be serviceable as a 5 this year.
When he's beating wings and guards down the floor, he'll have a place in this offense!
Ebo and DMW both will make major strides, I don't understand why many sell them short. Both showed flashes towards the end of the season, and I only see up sides. Defense and offense they both provide good minutes, and alot of rim rattling.
I've played this game too many times over the last decade, but I guess I'm the schmo who's still on the corner thinking I'll pick the red card...I think next year is going to be both fun, and surprisingly successful.