Illini Basketball 2022-2023

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#226      
James Franco GIF
the interview GIF by hero0fwar
 
#227      
I would look elsewhere for mock drafts.....all of ESPNs scouting services are bad.

I understand its always popular to knock ESPN, but Jonathan Givony is solid. He has been since his days at Draft Express. That's the reason ESPN bought him out. He was outscouting them (and pretty much every other place)consistently. Obviously no one is correct every time, but don't be surprised if Hawkins starts showing up in other mock drafts soon...now that they see Givony has included him in his.

Its pretty clear from little comments you have made that you do not personally care for Hawkins. You can say that's not the case, but its pretty obvious. Being a source of inside information or not, don't let that convince you that others don't see his value or talent. He has a lot of both.
 
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#229      
A lot of minutes talk in recruiting but I'll respond here. I really only expect big minutes (28-32) from Shannon and either Nance or Mayer. I think the rest is really up for grabs. Each of the freshmen-junior class players has limitations and none have really demonstrated themselves to be big time players. There are glimpses of ability but I think people are tending to overstate them.

I'm very optimistic about the season because I think with the talent assembled, we'll find 8-9 that really perform well. I just don't think you can say who those are with much certainty.
 
#230      
Curious why Shannon left his previous school?

Nobody knows, but article linked above suggests that he wanted to win a national championship. First two possible choices named were Kentucky and Illinois, and this was well before Kofi's decision. Plus, depending on who you believe, he was set to pull the trigger on Michigan, who have had top ten recruiting classes several years running.
 
#235      
I love CH and hope he breaks thru this year. He's an emotional player and I can see where he might of been tough to coach. I still remember him blowing up on the court after a missed shot and Brad had to calm him down on the sidelines. Forgot the team we were playing, but it was a close game
 
#236      

IlliniwekKDR

Colorado Springs, CO
I understand its always popular to knock ESPN, but Jonathan Givony is solid. He has been since his days at Draft Express. That's the reason ESPN bought him out. He was outscouting them (and pretty much every other place)consistently. Obviously no one is correct every time, but don't be surprised if Hawkins starts showing up in other mock drafts soon...now that they see Givony has included him in his.

Its pretty clear from little comments you have made that you do not personally care for Hawkins. You can say that's not the case, but its pretty obvious. Being a source of inside information or not, don't let that convince you that others don't see his value or talent. He has a lot of both.
It's also worth noting that the mock draft didn't include people who have declared this year but still have the option to return. That's going to push him further down (maybe even out of?) the list. Regardless, it's good to see him get some recognition. I was surprised to see national writers even consider him.
 
#238      
Still a vet non the less. Culture.. I’ve heard BU speak of that word a few times. Exactly what Coleman provides. 3 years in this culture with his potential should constitute a starting position. Haven’t seen Dainja practice but I can’t seem him uprooting CH from the starting lineup.
Hawk and Dainja don't play the same position.
 
#239      
Hawk and Dainja don't play the same position.
They both are guys who could play the 4 or the 5. If both are in, I suppose Coleman would be the 4 and Dain the 5. That said, I agree with LuckyIllini in that I don't think Dain would start and Coleman not start. Dain has played nine minutes of basketball in the last two years. If he can give us 20 mpg, I'll be happy.
 
#240      
Re: Epps, I am in the camp that his potential impact on next year’s team is being way undersold. Kid just gets buckets and wins.

Skyy is a great player, and I’m not necessarily predicting it, but wouldn’t shock me if Epps overtakes Skyy as lead guard at some point, a la Trent/Mark Smith.

Again, not saying Skyy has same attitude/work habits/disposition as Mark Smith or anything like that, just saying it’s entirely possible because I think Epps is that good.

Good news is, whatever happens I feel like Brad and staff have got this. For so long we were hoping for a white knight to come in and save the program, and were devastated if a kid committed somewhere else or it didn’t work out and he transferred. Will be rooting for both Skyy and Epps hard but we will be fine regardless.

Underwood really has incredible resolve. Losing the entire coaching staff plus Ace and Belo probably would have sunk the past 2 head coaches. But we have hardly missed a beat. We will bring in good players and we will win, that much I’m certain of. At this point it’s just a matter of degree.
 
#241      
Re: Epps, I am in the camp that his potential impact on next year’s team is being way undersold. Kid just gets buckets and wins.

Skyy is a great player, and I’m not necessarily predicting it, but wouldn’t shock me if Epps overtakes Skyy as lead guard at some point, a la Trent/Mark Smith.

Again, not saying Skyy has same attitude/work habits/disposition as Mark Smith or anything like that, just saying it’s entirely possible because I think Epps is that good.

Good news is, whatever happens I feel like Brad and staff have got this. For so long we were hoping for a white knight to come in and save the program, and were devastated if a kid committed somewhere else or it didn’t work out and he transferred. Will be rooting for both Skyy and Epps hard but we will be fine regardless.

Underwood really has incredible resolve. Losing the entire coaching staff plus Ace and Belo probably would have sunk the past 2 head coaches. But we have hardly missed a beat. We will bring in good players and we will win, that much I’m certain of. At this point it’s just a matter of degree.
I agree Epps is ready
I also think Harris is being undersold due to his offensive game not being polished yet - but his defense will play right now in the Big Ten his length and quick hands will be disruptive from the get go and we all know defense gets you playing time as a freshman, so I think he'll play more than some think
 
#244      
My scoring predictions

Skyy 16 ppg - score first mentality - used to being alpha dog and looking for his shot first
TSJ 14 ppg - upperclassman but played more complementary role at top 5 team Baylor. Hard to shift gears
RJ 12 ppg - More playing time will convert to more shot opportunities. Does not have a gunner mentality like Alphonso
Dain - 12 ppg - will be our primary inside scorer. Brad loves to feed the low post. See Giorgi then Kofi
Coleman 8 ppg - just does not look for his shot

Subtotal 62 ppg

Bench 10 ppg
 
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#245      
My scoring predictions

Skyy 16 ppg - score first mentality - used to being alpha dog and looking for his shot first
TSJ 14 ppg - upperclassman but played more complementary role at top 5 team Baylor. Hard to shift gears
RJ 12 ppg - More playing time will convert to more shot opportunities. Does not have a gunner mentality like Alphonso
Dain - 12 ppg - will be our primary inside scorer. Brad loves to feed the low post. See Giorgi then Kofi
Coleman 8 ppg - just does not look for his shot

Subtotal 62 ppg

Beng 10 ppg
You never cease to amaze me.
 
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