Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
Melendez looking BIG.
Illini Basketball 2021-2022
- Status
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Whoever it is receiving the ally oop at the 5 sec mark, looks to almost have to duck to avoid the rim.
Please don't. Don't be that guy. Wear an Illini polo and cargo shorts like everyone else.
They will not. Save your money.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Payne is definitely an X factor this season. It's great to have multiple X factors.
Yep, with Kofi starting then getting substituted by Payne (and hopefully CH at the 4), that's really going to be something on defense. Maybe on offense too, with Curbelo and others feeding them the ball for dunks.
I can not wait for this magical season to begin.
Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
Looked like Grandison, who's almost been forgotten about with all the hype surrounding guys like CHawk and Hutch.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
FWLIW, I'm expecting Grandison to take another step beyond last season (which was pretty darn good, IMO). I'm hoping that increased aggressiveness, offensively, is part of the equation.
Thing I love about this team is that we have strong competition for tick across the board. That's the recipe for a great season.
Homecoming 2019
- Chicago
He's not super flashy, but he completely changed the outlook of this team last year when he took over the starting 4 spot. With a guy like Kofi on the team, you need a 4 who can spread the floor and knock down open threes. And along with tough defense, he's the type of player every team in the NCAA wants to have.
Yeah, I think Grandison gets too little respect on this board. From not being expected to start to being forced off the roster if he wants to come back after this season. The guy did all the little things and the team was better when he started last year. I'd honestly be surprised if he isn't starting at the beginning of the season, and if he plays like he did last season, I don't see how he loses his starting spot. #notaninsidertho
I’m really looking forward to Super Senior Trent.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Pretty much this.
I think it's gonna take a massive leap forward for someone else to start at PF. Possible? Sure. Probable? Doubt it. Real good problem to have.
As far as Grandison (and Hutch) leaving after the season, I think 90+% of the speculation is based on his age.
Tacomallini
- Washington State
Feel free to delete or move, this definitely isn't the appropriate thread.
I listen to Catalan language radio a lot (spouse from Barcelona) and I woke up today to an interview with Andres Feliz who's in the Spanish top league on Juventut de Badelona. He did the interview in Spanish (if it were in Catalan he'd reach deity status in my book). I think someone shared that news a while back, great to see him moving up. Brandon Paul also on the roster. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_Joventut_Badalona
I listen to Catalan language radio a lot (spouse from Barcelona) and I woke up today to an interview with Andres Feliz who's in the Spanish top league on Juventut de Badelona. He did the interview in Spanish (if it were in Catalan he'd reach deity status in my book). I think someone shared that news a while back, great to see him moving up. Brandon Paul also on the roster. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Club_Joventut_Badalona
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Unleashed Trent, with a chip on his shoulder (borne of disrespect), should be pretty good.
It's like nobody has ever heard of Jalen Coleman-Lands!
If he moves on, more power to him. But some posters were suggesting BU wouldn't let him come back if he wanted to. I find that a little hard to believe.
I'd be shocked if Grandison doesn't start in the beginning of the year, but I do think BU will give Coleman a legitimate shot at taking that role by the middle or end of the year. Obviously up to Hawkins to show enough improvement that he deserves it. Like you said, good problem to have
chrisRunner7
- Spokane, WA
I know it means nothing, but Illinois up to a #2 seed in ESPN's Bracketology update from yesterday. Somehow, Iowa got on the list of "First Four Out."
BU doesn’t worry as much about who starts. Grandison and Hawk will both be in the rotation and mins probably determined by matchups. To me they have a solid experienced line up with Belo, Trent, DaMonte, Jacob and Kofi. All of these players have heavy mins. experience and any replacements in that lineup will mean a stronger team. Defensive chemistry may be the difference as shown by who is playing at the end of the game rather than who starts.
First for out of the NIT maybe.I know it means nothing, but Illinois up to a #2 seed in ESPN's Bracketology update from yesterday. Somehow, Iowa got on the list of "First Four Out."
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Love Williams, but highly doubt he's a starter.
Soulberries
- University of Illinois
I think Williams starts the season at the 3, but if Hutch stays healthy, I expect him to be the starting 3 before long.
I would love a starting lineup of Belo, Frazier, Hutch, Hawkins and Kofi. If the opponent has tall guards then sub one of the frosh for Frazier.
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