Illini Basketball 2020-2021
- Status
I really want to believe this.
I anticipate curbello as the starting day 1 pg. I think his skill set is unique for this team, and will make everyone else around him better.
I feel like his impact next year will be similar to what Kofi’s was last year.
I’m a little surprised he isn’t getting more hype in this thread.
I feel like his impact next year will be similar to what Kofi’s was last year.
I’m a little surprised he isn’t getting more hype in this thread.
Tacomallini
- Washington State
Bardo's picks for B1G:
1. Wisconsin
2. Illinois
3. Iowa
4. Michigan State
5. Ohio State
6. Rutgers
7. Michigan
8. Indiana
9. Maryland
10. Purdue
11. Minnesota
12. Nebraska
13. Penn State
14. Northwestern
Tacomallini
- Washington State
Rhetorical question, although I'm sure someone will probably post the actual answer - when was the last time we were picked to be within a game of the B1G championship preseason? Please, COVID, let us have a basketball season.
I don't think anyone is sleeping on Andre as a huge addition, and major building block for the future of Illini Basketball. Speaking for myself, I think its a pretty tall order for him to beat out a 3 year starter who is adept at taking care of the ball as well as an excellent on-ball defender. (TF) DMFW's positional versatility, defensive prowess, and all around hustle will make him a tough guy to wrestle minutes from, despite his shooting woes.
Obviously, a lot of the minutes distribution among guards will be greatly impacted by Ayo's decision.
I think Andre starting from day one will be dependent on 1. Ayo going pro, and 2. Him beating out Adam Miller.
The second one isn't a crazy notion by any means, but I think Miller's skill set is also unique on this roster. He can score form all 3 levels and has a reputation as a tenacious defender. Maybe Curbelo can shoot from outside, but it wasn't his M.O. in high school. I really expect this offense to run through the post a lot more next year, assuming the big man is really back. They won't need an elite ballhandler to break down the defense, as I expect Kofi will see a ton of double teams when he gets the ball. This will require the wings to be able to knock down open shots.
It's really going to come down to who BU and Co. trust to play defense. We know how good TF & DMFW are on that end. They won't have a lot of patience for freshmen who struggle to learn the rotations. (Ask the kid @ Mizzou...) I certainly don't want it to sound as though I don't think Curbelo can do these things. I just don't assume a lot from freshman players. The jump in competition, even from the highest caliber HS & AAU, to the B1G is huge.
There is also the great unknown in the two newly eligible transfers. I tend to believe part of the reason for the departure of Griffin and Jones is that one or both of these guys is ready to claim some minutes.
I certainly hope he makes it a very tough decision for the coaches. This team will certainly have a lot more depth at the wing than any Illini team in the last decade.
Dan
Admin
Brandon lieb commits.
Deleted member 380722
D
Guest
Lieb just committed to us on twitter. Wowzers.
Hilarious...kid is from my alma mater....last big time recruit that I can recall coming out of Deerfield was Ryan Hogan who started at Kentucky but then went to Iowa. Had great talent....body just couldn't handle the beating unfortunately.
If Ayo is back (and Kofi), the players are going to have to sort it out. The team depth will be spectacular, except possibly the 4. Will be interesting to hear practice reports.
We'll have 2 legit BIG centers in Kofi and Giorgi*
I don't know who plays the 4, but obviously the staff trusts DMW for his defense, ball handling, and decision making.
1-3, you almost have too many weapons. Freshman guards make mistakes, but both AC and Miller are going to be legit BIG TEN guards sooner rather than later. Makes me wonder if we see a lot of small ball line-ups early to see how well they work.
In my mind, every one of our guards brings something special to the table, and all of them will get significant minutes --it's just a question of how quickly the freshman adjust and compete.
I love that these guys are coming into an established winning culture. The expectations are being rebuilt to where we have to compete in a very tough conference. If the BIG has six top-25 teams, it's going to be brutal.
*Edit- I assume staff is still working on Giorgi playing the 4, but I think of him more as a 5.
We'll have 2 legit BIG centers in Kofi and Giorgi*
I don't know who plays the 4, but obviously the staff trusts DMW for his defense, ball handling, and decision making.
1-3, you almost have too many weapons. Freshman guards make mistakes, but both AC and Miller are going to be legit BIG TEN guards sooner rather than later. Makes me wonder if we see a lot of small ball line-ups early to see how well they work.
In my mind, every one of our guards brings something special to the table, and all of them will get significant minutes --it's just a question of how quickly the freshman adjust and compete.
I love that these guys are coming into an established winning culture. The expectations are being rebuilt to where we have to compete in a very tough conference. If the BIG has six top-25 teams, it's going to be brutal.
*Edit- I assume staff is still working on Giorgi playing the 4, but I think of him more as a 5.
Last edited:
I actually like this pickup. Kofi is an absolute beast and you take a player like him every time and adjust your system to fit his skills, as the coaches have done. But this seems more like the type of center they want. Skilled with the ball, can shoot, pass, and should fit into the pinch post nicely once he develops. Definitely a project and I think he is almost certain to redshirt barring injury. And, hopefully Giorgi stays all 4 years so we should be set at the five for the next 2 years. But this is the type of kid Wisconsin has been plucking out of the Chicago suburbs and eating our lunch with for the last 15 years or so. You have 13 schollies to play with, and a skilled, 7' project big seems a great way to use the 13th.
He was in between ‘20 and ‘21. Don’t think he picks us if he didn’t want to play. What my man concern is Kofi coming back and having to impress scouts with his outside game. I can see him dropping weight and never being dominate down low. It’s not what the nba wants. I hate that about college ball now a days. The testing the water thing always results in a worse player returning because they try to make the changes they were told. So they told Kofi he needs to be able to guard and shoot outside. That’s not the player he is. Just upsets me. Like Ayo shooting so many mid range shots last season to prove he could. I get it for the kids, but more often than not, the player isn’t the same and usually for the worse.
blackdog
- Champaign
Ayo shooting midrange shots is not what the NBA wants to see. They HATE the midrange game now and only wants people who can be efficient at the rim or shooting 3s. That midrange game from Ayo was more about the coaches here maximizing what he is good at because that's a deadly shot for him.
Brother “played” at Lehigh (he’s been out all 4 years with a broken foot and complications from it). But he’s 6’10 245.....get this kid to Fletch immediately and see if he can add 30 pounds while redshirting this year.
Sorry, this is in reference to Brandon Lieb committing today
All those shots from the elbow were the reason we were the 4 seed in the B1G. I’m not saying Kofi can do these things, but sometimes people prove themselves right.
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
it appears the staff has chosen their project big and we can finally put the BK saga to rest. Congrats and welcome Brandon
I agree, the interesting note is now we are at 13, noting BU’s comments about not putting pressure on the kid (s) in the draft to make a decision before he is ready. I think we have to hold a spot (s) for Ayo & Kofi...so all the reclass/ last minute transfers have maybe gone, unless they are tied to a Kofi/ Ayo decision.
If Lieb was going to go the prep route, this makes perfect sense to be a red shirt year and be ready in 2021 when (hopefully) Kofi goes pro. Now Lieb gets a year at a great school and still has 4 years to play and contribute on some solid Illini teams.
IbleedOandB2014
In BU we trust
- Chattanooga
Is it confirmed that Hamlin is coming back? Haven’t seen anything on him being on campus.
Also, what about Austin Hutcherson?
Also, what about Austin Hutcherson?
Of all the "projects" or "developmental players" in the last 30 years, which player really exceeded expectations and evolved into a first rate player. the proverbial "diamond in the rough?"
https://www.si.com/college/illinois...breaking-news-2020-brandon-lieb-verbal-commit
Brandon Lieb commits to the Orange and Blue
Brandon Lieb commits to the Orange and Blue
- Status