Illini Basketball 2018-2019

Status
Not open for further replies.
#301      

RIVERCITYCHIEF

R
RIVERCITYCHIEF
FiveStar said:
I’m interested in Felix cause I think he’s such a question mark. Nobody ever knows what to expect out of a juco, but he brings age, maturity, apparently good leadership, and some pretty solid international experience. I wouldn’t be surprised if those qualities helped him did above the norm for a juco, but then the juco tapes don’t appear to be vs great juco comp IMO (could be wrong).

Here is his high school highlight tape for those interested. [YOUTUBE]aiw4m0O_Qdc[/YOUTUBE]
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback and the video. A couple reasons I see him playing more than others may. One reason IMO TJL left is he would've been behind newcomers at point. Largely due to shooting abiliyy. Secondly Feluz has played against better competition than the high school recruits both in JC and internationally. Plus, although I am not really into rankings ge was the #1 JC point guard. I love that he shoots at so effectively from all levels and passes so well. I'd love others thoughts. I think he will play more than other newcomers except AYo. I wouldn't be shocked if he played as much as William's.
 
#303      

FiveStar

F
FiveStar
RIVERCITYCHIEF said:
Thanks for the feedback and the video. A couple reasons I see him playing more than others may. One reason IMO TJL left is he would've been behind newcomers at point. Largely due to shooting abiliyy. Secondly Feluz has played against better competition than the high school recruits both in JC and internationally. Plus, although I am not really into rankings ge was the #1 JC point guard. I love that he shoots at so effectively from all levels and passes so well. I'd love others thoughts. I think he will play more than other newcomers except AYo. I wouldn't be shocked if he played as much as William's.
Click to expand...

I’m also not gonna discount Tevian with the caveat that he gets to 215 by the season. I think a final goal weight for him is probably 225-230. If he can get to where he is almost neutral and not a complete liability strength-wise, I think his length and athleticism bring another dimension to us.
 
#304      

RIVERCITYCHIEF

R
RIVERCITYCHIEF
FiveStar said:
I’m also not gonna discount Tevian with the caveat that he gets to 215 by the season. I think a final goal weight for him is probably 225-230. If he can get to where he is almost neutral and not a complete liability strength-wise, I think his length and athleticism bring another dimension to us.
Click to expand...

I do think that physical strength matters inside but given how the game has changed in terms of rules and officiating I don't know see it as nearly as big of a deal as it used to be. Trent was skinny but very quick and shifty. I think Mark Smith is a good example to reference. We all saw his body and thought wow! He couldnt be physical or stay in front or blow by defenders. Dont get me wrong I'd love a bruising inside presence from a big guy but on the wing I am not nearly as concerned with the changes in how the game is called today. I'd prefer speed, quickness and length in todays game. I do prefer a more physical style of play myself but that's all changed now.
 
Last edited:
#305      

illini80

illini80
Forgottonia
illini80
With a big incoming class, yes it's very possible there could be a nice surprise in there somewhere. I also think that it's even more likely a couple (or more) don't turn out to be as good as we hoped. Such is the case when rebuilding with unproven players.
 
#306      

RIVERCITYCHIEF

R
RIVERCITYCHIEF
illini80 said:
With a big incoming class, yes it's very possible there could be a nice surprise in there somewhere. I also think that it's even more likely a couple (or more) don't turn out to be as good as we hoped. Such is the case when rebuilding with unproven players.
Click to expand...
I can agree with that. What 17 or 18 year olds are proven? I feel Brad Underwood has a pretty solid foundation and has proven himself to get to the U of I. In year one recruiting was frantic and rushed. In year two what I am placing a lot of my thoughts on regarding these new recruits. He had more time and based on what I've seen of these young men I feel optimistic. They are different than in recent classes. Feliz played against some now NBA players internationally and played pretty well. I like the shooting, agility, and length of all of our recruits. However its BU's foundation that's the primary reason I'm excited about how our team is taking shape.
 
Last edited:
#307      

illinitiger

I
illinitiger
FC Illiniman said:
With the group we have, spreading the court, forcing TO, playing uptempo will negates the big issue. Adding a guy like Whitney only enhances this style of play. Poor shooting does cause you issues, and playing from behind when the other guys grind you inside. We play our style, keep pressure on, shoot well we will win a lot of games soon.;):illinois:
Click to expand...
sounds good....need our "potential rim protector"...i.e Kane to develop and perform early. Need Kane's best Egwu impersonation in a big way (pun intended)
 
Last edited:
#308      

RIVERCITYCHIEF

R
RIVERCITYCHIEF
illinitiger said:
sounds good....need our "potential rim protector"...i.e Kane to develop and perform early. Need Kane's best Egwu impersonation in a big way (pun intended)
Click to expand...
I hope Kane or anyone b.vfir that matter can step up. Who is the strongest physically of our new big recruits? I would guess Georgi but I dont know. I do think he played some talented bigs in NJ
 
#309      

yeahyeahyeah

Y
yeahyeahyeah
RIVERCITYCHIEF said:
I hope Kane or anyone b.vfir that matter can step up. Who is the strongest physically of our new big recruits? I would guess Georgi but I dont know. I do think he played some talented bigs in NJ
Click to expand...

Samba might not be super strong but he has the feet to put him in the right position. That works against most opponents not resembling Shaq.
 
#310      

illinitiger

I
illinitiger
yeahyeahyeah said:
Samba might not be super strong but he has the feet to put him in the right position. That works against most opponents not resembling Shaq.
Click to expand...
Samba 's development I believe are key to our success. Backcourt is obvious strength....I think our chances to surprise will depend on big guys being effective. Antigua knows the schemes now and hopefully will be able to train up these guys...and Ebo will need to lead.

Sent from my VS500 using Tapatalk
 
#311      

FC Illiniman

F
FC Illiniman
I would hope Kane will have handles, but I don't understand why everyone is counting Ebo out. He has experience, and size, I know he played hot potato last year but face it, he didn't have many options. If he passed ball for the most part he didn't TO ball, but would have liked to seen more around basket. With no Black to back the ball in, maybe he will have opportunity to show his stuff. Maybe a dunk or 2? ;):illinois:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
#312      

RIVERCITYCHIEF

R
RIVERCITYCHIEF
illinitiger said:
Samba 's development I believe are key to our success. Backcourt is obvious strength....I think our chances to surprise will depend on big guys being effective. Antigua knows the schemes now and hopefully will be able to train up these guys...and Ebo will need to lead.

Sent from my VS500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I hope Ebo surprises me this season. That being said I feel he will be a better defender and rebounder but as a scorer I think that may take a while. I dont recall him even attempting shots outside a few feet. I'm sure he did but not many. I hope one of these new recruits can score from the high post and be effective from the line when fouled. It will be great to have options should one of our new bigs challenge to becl astarter by the time the B10 rolls around. They should have ample opportunity to do so.
 
Last edited:
#315      

skyIdub

skyIdub
Winged Warrior
skyIdub
I think Spicy G is gonna' be just fine. Watching him run the floor last year was impressive. I think he's going to be a very serviceable player for us. :thumb:
 
#316      

SescIllini

SescIllini
SescIllini
Looking at videos of Kane I'm still impressed. Although not a big body he isn't thin either and looks like the type that can add weight/muscle. Also remember he grew up in the Sudan. What happens when you introduce him to a high calorie protein diet. Also add in Fletch. I think from his freshmen year to sophomore year will see him get bigger.
 
#321      

illinitiger

I
illinitiger
jcgoldie said:
giphy.webp


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.
Click to expand...
Message to Ayo and all the freshmen..."make rest of the team better when you are on the court!"

His highlights really show what a skilled passer he is. we can really use someone who can see open guys for kickout to perimeter or finish at basket. He will fit nicely.

Any scouting reports on Ayo or other Freshmen prowess on D?...any of them considered plus or lockdown defenders?
 
#322      

skyIdub

skyIdub
Winged Warrior
skyIdub
Some of those passes remind me of Frankie. Smooth. Great vision.
 
#323      

Sal Iacuzzo

S
Yonkers, NY
Sal Iacuzzo
Those three extra weeks fall during Ramadan so it will be tougher to add weight.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.