Definitely an MSU-like gauntlet. Bring 'em on!Anyone have any thoughts on our 1st 6 game schedule, it's on the 1st page of this thread, it's a gauntlet. We were 5-3 after 1st 8 games last year. We have to have the peddle down early this year...it's like a Michigan State schedule. Input appreciated.
I’m picturing a fast break with Belo, Hutch and Kofi…and it ends with someone getting dunked on or Belo ball faking someone into oblivion while doing a lay up with his eyes closedAny starting lineup that does not include Hutch is inaccurate.
I don’t know a ton about Marquette but if we can start the season with a strong road win against a P5 opponent, it could say a ton about what this team can doAnyone have any thoughts on our 1st 6 game schedule, it's on the 1st page of this thread, it's a gauntlet. We were 5-3 after 1st 8 games last year. We have to have the peddle down early this year...it's like a Michigan State schedule. Input appreciated.
I don't think that's necessarily the first six games of the season. Those are simply the games currently scheduled. I believe we'll next add 5 "less competitive" games to fill out the (31 game?) schedule.Anyone have any thoughts on our 1st 6 game schedule, it's on the 1st page of this thread, it's a gauntlet. We were 5-3 after 1st 8 games last year. We have to have the peddle down early this year...it's like a Michigan State schedule. Input appreciated.
It's crazy every team should be in the tournament, Marquette would definitely help the confidence.....but we're Illinois...they better be worrying about us.I don’t know a ton about Marquette but if we can start the season with a strong road win against a P5 opponent, it could say a ton about what this team can do
I’ve watched all the Kofi videos about 50 times with my kids. Excitement for this season is through the roof at my house!!! ILLA player like this...at least for Illinois...comes along once every 25 years. ENJOY NEXT YEAR!
Yet, from top to bottom, it is the most elite Illini roster ever....yet not as top heavy in talent as the Flyin' Illini or '05 FF team. Maybe they can be though...and that is why SFC will be filled and rockin' for every home game.
Thanks for your loyalty Hoopsfan.Well....for some reason, a few of my fellow Illini fans are not understanding what I mean when I say this Illini roster is the most talented ever Having seen every Illini team play for the past 65 years, I feel comfortable with that statement...but a reader must understand that it is irrelevant to how good this team performs on the court. There are 14 scholarship players and at least two pretty solid walk-ons on the roster and maybe more walk-ons. When comparing the top 7 or 8 players on this roster, the players that will and have played big minutes that will mostly determine a team's success, there are several Illini teams that are more impressive. But when comparing the bottom 8 players on this roster to any other, this group is the best. It means little, but it does mean that there are a lot of guys that will get a chance to prove they can perform consistently and contribute to this team's success.
I've thought about this as well lately, but I'm unsure who will be the one who does not start. Not sure if it will be one of the in-coming freshman, unless one of them lights the world on fire in the preseason workouts. But I have been leaning on Hutcherson starting at the 3 spot if he shows BU enough in practices to be that next starter. If Hutcherson is able to get one of the 5 starting roles, then I feel that would eek out DaMonte for the starting 3 spot and give Grandison the starting spot at the 4. I still am not ready to pencil in Hawkins at the starting 4 spot, but it wouldn't surprise me if he won that spot by the end of the season.I have a feeling Damonte and Grandison won't both start. I think BU will start one of them plus more of an offensive-minded/shooter/scorer as the other.
And DMW.That said, there are truly only 3 returning starters plus Curbelo of whom fans truly know and base their expectations.
I hope Grandy becomes a tad more offensive-minded this year either way. Makes sense that he would defer last year given his role and how he earned his starting spot, but he's been about as efficient as you can get in a very low volume. In the 50/40/90 club. Makes sense to increase his shots even if the efficiency drops off a tad.I have a feeling Damonte and Grandison won't both start. I think BU will start one of them plus more of an offensive-minded/shooter/scorer as the other.
I don't know if you meant it to be this way, but I couldn't not read this in Bill Lumbergh's voice...Ooooooooh...ahhhh....yeah...ummmmm.....lemme' help you out a little here......
This one looks good. A few small things (switch Podz and Goode, bump RJ up a level as he’s the only frosh who might break into the rotation slightly at some point) but otherwise I’m on board with this one.1: Curbelo/Frazier/Plummer
2: Frazier/Plummer/Hutcherson/Goode
3: Hutcherson/Williams/Grandison/Melendez
4: Grandison/Hawkins/Podz/Payne
5: Kofi/Payne/BBV
^^^ My guess at the rotation (@DB11Headband , I’m trusting you on the Hutcherson prediction)
I see your argument. I need to see more of him to fully assess, but I think he needs to gain weight before he can have a real impact. My guess is Luke Goode. Out of all the freshmen, he seems the most physically ready for early tickIMO, I'm not an insider, but this kid is going to be our Freshman of the year. He is long, quick, can shoot, and a great motor. I think he will feel at home with our lineup and turn in to a defensive stopper. I think he has the size and body for the next level too.
Agree. RJ definitely has the highest ceiling but I think is probably a year away, similar to Coleman last year. Goode seems most physically ready to contribute.I see your argument. I need to see more of him to fully assess, but I think he needs to gain weight before he can have a real impact. My guess is Luke Goode. Out of all the freshmen, he seems the most physically ready for early tick
I agree on lines 1 & 2 .1: Curbelo/Frazier/Plummer
2: Frazier/Plummer/Hutcherson/Goode
3: Hutcherson/Williams/Grandison/Melendez
4: Grandison/Hawkins/Podz/Payne
5: Kofi/Payne/BBV
^^^ My guess at the rotation (@DB11Headband , I’m trusting you on the Hutcherson prediction)
Do insiders know the future also!?IMO, I'm not an insider, but this kid is going to be our Freshman of the year. He is long, quick, can shoot, and a great motor. I think he will feel at home with our lineup and turn in to a defensive stopper. I think he has the size and body for the next level too.
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