Illini Basketball 2022-2023
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This is a dilemma staff need to make a decision. The tricky part is this might be the last year of Kofi. (We will see. If Kofi declares, it changes the equation a lot.) We might want to maximize our chances advancing in the tourney and hence, a veteran guard might help. The downside is the reduction of playing time from underclass talented players, which can trigger transfer, too. IDK. I think it is tough to find a fit with the reduced playing time anyway. A 3/D guy who values the ball, IMO, is the best fit.
IlliniKat91
- Chicago, IL
The best thing any program can do is make the depth chart as competitive as possible. As much as I may yearn for the days when a player enrolled you could generally count on them to only play out their college days in that uniform, you just have to accept it’s not the reality anymore. As others have mentioned, if Adam Miller can start every game on a top 5 team and still leave, it’s just a reality that even if you spoon fed minutes to freshmen, they may go anyways so there’s not a whole lot of point in letting that be a guiding principle. No matter what, some players will leave either because of minutes, or they’re not getting enough touches, or the type of offense isn’t best suited for them or they think someone else will better help them make the nba. If the freshmen are good enough, they will see the floor. If kofi does come back, the teams window is right now. You may never have a player like that again. If the portal can work against you, make it work FOR you as well. We have biases towards guys that come in out of high school. It’s natural. Those are “our” guys but you gotta take a more aggressive approach. If there is someone out there that can help the team win this year more than the guys already here, I want that guy on the roster if he wants to come here. That’s just the new reality of college basketball (and football) and you need to adapt or die. Period. Thankfully, underwood has proven he will bring in anyone and everyone that will help us win.
After your comment I went back and watched Kofi's highlights from 20-21, and holy crap were his buckets easier! He worked so much harder for his points this past season. I really hope our guards/wings can get him more of these easy baskets next year.
blackdog
- Champaign
His points were harder and he got more of them in a still very efficient fashion. We are so lucky to have a talent like him.
GrayGhost77
- Centennial, CO
Teams keyed on Kofi more (they could since no Ayo), plus less P&R with Belo, plus many teams figured refs weren't going to make every foul call on hacking him (and they were right) so of course that happened more often. All of that and he STILL scored more than last season. Dude is a legend.
GrayGhost77
- Centennial, CO
From what we saw of him at the end of the year, I believe it.
I agree. He has multiple ways of scoring as well as Luke does. We will be a better passing team which will give us easy baskets. With several scoring options, things will be easier for Kofi in the paint as well.
Whitmans Sampler
- Eastern Iowa
Bought it after the first two games I saw him play last season. Provided energy and athleticism every time he entered a game. Also had a few moments of freshman tentativeness but also expect a huge jump next season from him.
I agree. I think he is at minimum our third leading scorer.
Who you got at 1 and 2?
Kofi and Skyy? How about TSJ? If Kofi comes back and TSJ, I feel like we can average like 70 a game without the bench.
RJ was never afraid of the moment this year. Have to say that none of the freshman seemed tentative at all when they were in the game. Good sign for next year.
Except for the flood of dunk technicals in our future
If Kofi comes back, he’s 1. After that, RJ seems the most likely. If we get TSJ, he’s probably top 2-3 also.
Fingers crossed for Kofi returning
It’s just gonna be so weird without Trent next year. It will take a solid dozen games before it sinks in. Right around the Braggin Rights game
I really hope he's a guy who stays connected to the program. He's been such an awesome ambassador for illinois basketball. Would be great to see him in the future in O&B in some capacity.
We will definitely support Trent wherever he goes, hopefully he can get G-League love and can make an NBA roster. My boys will buy 3 of his jerseys and fly to see him. He’s beloved in the Illini Fam Home!
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