Illini Basketball 2020-2021

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#76      
Can I pay to see more Gentry breakdown?

After listening to that you wonder if either our offense or defense would have been as good last year if Gentry hadn’t been hired. Another plus for BU in building a team.
 
#80      
Good reminder of how tough the conference is. Nothing's going to be handed to these guys.

Last year there were only 4 BIG TEN teams in the pre season top 25, MSU, Maryland, tOSU and Purdue.
 
#83      

altenberger22

South Carolina
#92      
Assuming that Kofi is back and Ayo is gone. How do people feel we match up against Florida? I don't know much about them.

All I know about Florida is they are losing Kerry Blackshear at the 5. I did a quick google and found this article which talks about the Gator's possible 2020-21 roster. It sounds like Sophomore Omar Payne would slot in as their starting 5 next season (3.8 ppg / 3.6 rpg). He's a 6'-9" ~220 lb 4star forward. Sophomore Jason Jitoboh is the only man on their roster with any height at 6'-11" and 300 lbs.

If Kofi expects to go pro after next season this should be no contest on the inside. The game (and our season) could hinge on who we play at the 4 and how well they play defensively.
 
#93      
Expecting Adam and DreC to fully replace Ayo and Dre is unrealistic in my opinion, particularly early in the season. They both may have a higher upside but they are freshmen replacing a senior and a sophomore. They are each 2” shorter than the players they are replacing and will not be as strong. On the other hand, I think they are quicker. Improvement from Kofi, Giorgi, and DaMonte will be necessary and not unrealistic. Defensive system was changed shortly before the season started and offense changed well into the season. Trent must return as a scorer, DaMonte contribute as a scoring threat and Giorgi find a groove as a four. Should be a fun bunch to coach but may take some time to develop chemistry. Can’t wait for the season to start.
 
#94      

skyIdub

Winged Warrior
There's just no way to replace experience that quickly. Especially the late game scenario where there's zero doubt where the ball was going. Ayo just has that killer instinct and drive.

On the other hand, it was crystal clear when the team improved when Trent moved on ball the majority of the time. Curbelo exhibits true elite play making ability, but will need time to get up to the speed at this level. If he can get to a reasonable comfort level by mid year (IMO he will).....look out.

I also believe Trent's shooting will improve significantly as he moves back to more of a 2. If his % improves just 5-10%, the options we have inside and out will make us extremely difficult to guard with two excellent ball handlers/distributors on the floor. I like the possibility of several options to temper the pain of not having the one no doubt (Ayo) option.
 
#95      

JJE

Bethalto, IL
Kind of random, but was there any effort to for BBV to get a medical redshirt this year? I don't know the rules, but he seems like he would be a candidate for one.
 
#96      

foby

Bonnaroo Land
Kind of random, but was there any effort to for BBV to get a medical redshirt this year? I don't know the rules, but he seems like he would be a candidate for one.
Delete. Thought he played in fewer than 9 games.
 
#97      
There's just no way to replace experience that quickly. Especially the late game scenario where there's zero doubt where the ball was going. Ayo just has that killer instinct and drive.

On the other hand, it was crystal clear when the team improved when Trent moved on ball the majority of the time. Curbelo exhibits true elite play making ability, but will need time to get up to the speed at this level. If he can get to a reasonable comfort level by mid year (IMO he will).....look out.

I also believe Trent's shooting will improve significantly as he moves back to more of a 2. If his % improves just 5-10%, the options we have inside and out will make us extremely difficult to guard with two excellent ball handlers/distributors on the floor. I like the possibility of several options to temper the pain of not having the one no doubt (Ayo) option.
Trent was 15 for 35 through the Miami game before he was changed to the PG. Does offer some hope for improvement if DreC takes over the point.
 
#98      
Expecting Adam and DreC to fully replace Ayo and Dre is unrealistic in my opinion, particularly early in the season. They both may have a higher upside but they are freshmen replacing a senior and a sophomore. They are each 2” shorter than the players they are replacing and will not be as strong. On the other hand, I think they are quicker. Improvement from Kofi, Giorgi, and DaMonte will be necessary and not unrealistic. Defensive system was changed shortly before the season started and offense changed well into the season. Trent must return as a scorer, DaMonte contribute as a scoring threat and Giorgi find a groove as a four. Should be a fun bunch to coach but may take some time to develop chemistry. Can’t wait for the season to start.
On the chemistry,...the great thing is we have great veterans on the team that can help in the development of our two guard newcomers. And I trust that they will work hard and learn quickly.
I still think coaches (maybe Gentry?) should work with CS department to develop an Illini system-focused virtual reality simulator to accelerate the learning and hone great habits....and I think a VR development supplement might be attractive to some recruits.
 
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