Agreed..if we don't make the dance this year, AJ will join a handful (Hill, Morgan, & Tate) of guys that stayed 4 years and didn't get to ever dance. Last group to have that dubious distinction was in the mid 70's.
Illini Basketball 2018-2019
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Agreed..if we don't make the dance this year, AJ will join a handful (Hill, Morgan, & Tate) of guys that stayed 4 years and didn't get to ever dance. Last group to have that dubious distinction was in the mid 70's.
Really hope he has the discipline to make it. He had scholis pulled because of this and it seemingly hasnt gotten better. That said it could all change now that he'll be monitored 24/7. If it doesnt, he wont be here long
Yeah...I think youre right, but I disagree with the Freshman halo. Starting Mr Basketballs over others who may be able to execute better, is a slippery slope started last year that is not healthy for player or team. That said I trust that Ayo is ahead of last years Freshman at this same juncture of preseason.
Agree with all.
BillyBob1
- Champaign
His dad would have had him transfer at the end of the semester.
Higgs is really looking forward to getting that Big Cookie he didn't get because he never visited.
think the only offensive game he needs to start is putbacks and alley oops...and effectively pass to open guys. we need him to be decent on D in the middle. I think his wing span positioned high in the air by itself will be a difference maker. I predict our dunks will increase greatly this year with the athleticism we added.
Higgs is really looking forward to getting that Big Cookie he didn't get because he never visited.
Yes, his physique currently is a big concern. Ray Rice was 270 lbs and got down to a .beastly 6'4 235.
However, that was during a full year off. I hope Higgs has that discipline to at least be in game shape to help by conference season for spot minutes. We could use a junkyard dog who gives the other team fits
Those photos that were linked are surprising. Is it just me or does LaQuill Hardnett look much taller than Higgs?
Wonder if there is a chance he will redshirt if DeLaRosa is healthy?
Shame he thought he was much better than was. Would have been a nice guard by his Jr/Sr season.
Deleted member 4960
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DeLaRosa won’t be healthy until December at the earliest. I think I’ve even seen somewhere late December. They won’t redshirt anyone again because of lack of depth.
Doubt Underwood starts Kipper at the 5, he’s one of our most valuable players and that’s a recipe for 2 quick fouls. Start one of the freshman and if they hack, then keep subbing in and out.
Agreed. Would love to see smaller lineups to close out games, but starting off that way could be rough. We're going to have to "pick our poison" with one of the unproven bigs and hope they can perform better than anticipated.
Unfortunately I’m not cool enough to have more than one.
Man higgs looks like he may have been hitting the
its the Draymond Green freshman look....regardless, his future is bright
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
As bright as he wants it to be. He has the talent, we will see if he has the will.
Draymond is a decent comparison. He has potential to be a versatile big in our system. Has the ability already to makes threes in games, but also has bounce that Draymond never had. Hopefully he can stay on the floor this year we will need all he can give us.
I think Damonte will begin the season and end it in the top 7 player list.
I don't understand the pessimism. This is the time of the year when I look at the roster and see Samba Thomas, Giorgio Augustine, Kipper Powell, Aaron Hill, Tevian Freeman, Alan Head, DFrank Williams, Trent Brown, and Ayo Fivestar. The biggest problem is managing playing time. Plenty of time to wake up from the Kool Aid hangover in Nov.
Haha, love this
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