Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
If Ty's middle initial isn't F, it should be.
Illini Basketball 2022-2023
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Curious to get people's thoughts on how Dainja's skillset compares to Kofi.
If Kofi leaves, is Dainja enough of a threat in the paint where he could draw some double teams (even if not at the level Kofi did)? And how is his ability to pass out of a double team?
Joseph Kerr
- Fort Wayne, IN
I think he will rebound well. be a better shot blocker and put up good points, but not Kofi numbers, but that may be good to spread the ball around. He is athletic enough to guard smaller mobile people and bigs with his wing span. Sometimes a great center leaves and a good center ends up better for the team aspect.
drsmitty74
- Rochester
It will be, here.
He's a more skilled big than Kofi is, can stretch the defense out a little bit, has a little bit of handles, and a little bit of touch. Brad is excited about him and he has been impressive in practice. Brad isn't worried if he has to start him at the 5.
To go off this.... There is a chance Dain starts next year if Kofi leaves even if we get another big man transfer. Brad likes him a lot and he’s been impressive in practice
drsmitty74
- Rochester
Then neither am I.
I’ll take your word for it, but practice reports have left a very bad taste in my mouth.
Either way, it’s growing increasingly harder to not think this staff is capable of putting the best team together that it possibly can. I’ll throw my trust behind BU and companies assessments.
Govoner Vaugn Fan
- New Orleans
I've heard that during practices, even after all these years, an Alex Legion shot will occasionally appear from the ether and drop in for three.
If Kofi stays we have a PU situation. Two good big guys. You don't have to play Kofi for 30 mins a game. We will be good this coming season. Go ILLINI. Oh yes, does Tejon or JCL have any eligibility left?
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
The poster with the most vile thoughts of Alex Legion was a poster on the old scout board named the Beast is Back....................legendary scorn of anything Legion'esque....................................memories............................
Cannot say about Kofi vs. Dainja and I do not think it matters
What matters is the team, and that I THINK will be far more entertaining and "better". I do not expect to see many close games - the margins (W/L) will be much, much larger.
These upcoming IL teams remind me of the 1961 movie "The Absent Minded Professor"
I've seen enough of Dain to believe he might be able to play the 4 from time to time, with his handles and jump shot. Underwood has said how good he is at beating defenders off the bounce from the perimeter and has the good pull up jumper. When BU talks, I tend to listen. It would be neat to see Kofi and Dain on the floor at the same time every once in a while. I sometimes wonder if BU's greatest strength as a coach is getting the right assistant coaches on staff.
Illini in Indiana
- Indiana
It sounds like it is possible that we will not return a starter for next year (max 2 return). We have definitely filled spots with talented kids. It will be tough to win the B10, but I do see us in the top 4. I also think we'll have a team that will compete better in the NCAA tourney.
As of today I see us a 14-6 for 3rd in B10, and a sweet 16 appearance (still a good year). What do you all think?
As of today I see us a 14-6 for 3rd in B10, and a sweet 16 appearance (still a good year). What do you all think?
Grain of salt with what Underwood says about specific players. BU is always extremely positive. Every player is elite.
He could have a 5’10 guard who can’t jump and is a poor shooter and Brad would figure out a way to make his skills sound fantastic.
Too early. Don't know what our roster will look like yet, not to mention the other 13 rosters.
One of these days, security is going to kick him out of the lighting rig and make him do something productive.
So you're saying I have a chance...
4 with the injury waiver, but you know the NCAA.
Lower floor, higher ceiling. Going to take some time to sync frosh and chemistry. Depends on Kofi return and transfer additions. If Kofi comes back and we get TSJ, I think we are better.
Kofi4 > Kofi3
Hawk3 > Grandison
RJ > DMW
TSJ > Plummer
Skyy ~ Trent (+offense, - defense)
Dain > Omar
Epps > Belo2
Goode ~ Hawk2
Ty > Podz
Actually think we compete without Kofi and TSJ but so much of that depends on Dain. He is more skilled than Kofi offensively (less powerful, better shooting range and handling) but defense is a big question. Either way there is a learning curve when you lose 4 starters and 6 of 8 rotation players.
BBV, Sincere,
The basketball managers told me they believe he is better than Trevion Williams. They said he’s been Fletched, his foot is all healed, and that he is definitely the real deal
Sounds good to me...now does he foul much? Need him to stay on the court.
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