Illini Basketball 2022-2023

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#51      
I don't share the high expectations that a number of other posters have for CoHawk. I like his length and overall ability, but I'll be surprised if he has a breakout season. It's hard to put my finger on it, but for example, when I think of guys like Ayo or Kofi, there's at least one thing that jumps out that they do at an elite level, as well as a bunch of other things they do well. CoHawk checks a lot of boxes, and his style of play is what you look for in the NBA, but I think he still has a ways to go in terms of skill/execution and strength.

Just checking his soph conf stats, he had 4 & 4 in 16 mpg. 20% 3pt, 38% FG%, and 70% FT. His best game by far was the loss to Indiana in the conf tourney, when he was 4 of 7 from 3. Between his improvement and the way the roster is constructed, I expect he'll get more minutes this season.
 
#52      

ChiefGritty

Chicago, IL
I don't share the high expectations that a number of other posters have for CoHawk. I like his length and overall ability, but I'll be surprised if he has a breakout season. It's hard to put my finger on it, but for example, when I think of guys like Ayo or Kofi, there's at least one thing that jumps out that they do at an elite level, as well as a bunch of other things they do well. CoHawk checks a lot of boxes, and his style of play is what you look for in the NBA, but I think he still has a ways to go in terms of skill/execution and strength.

Just checking his soph conf stats, he had 4 & 4 in 16 mpg. 20% 3pt, 38% FG%, and 70% FT. His best game by far was the loss to Indiana in the conf tourney, when he was 4 of 7 from 3. Between his improvement and the way the roster is constructed, I expect he'll get more minutes this season.
I worry that if the light hasn't come on for him yet in terms of consistently applying the things he can do in flashes over more sustained minutes that it's not going to.

I am much more confident in projecting Melendez to break out with more playing time than CoHawk.

We've got more hope than certainty at both PG and C. That's keeping my expectations firmly in check, personally.
 
#54      
I worry that if the light hasn't come on for him yet in terms of consistently applying the things he can do in flashes over more sustained minutes that it's not going to.

I am much more confident in projecting Melendez to break out with more playing time than CoHawk.

We've got more hope than certainty at both PG and C. That's keeping my expectations firmly in check, personally.
Agree on all accounts. I will say I feel pretty good about Skyy, so not worried too much. If Dain can give us quality minutes at the 5, I think team can still be very good even if CoHaw doesn’t take a big step forward. If he can average 8 and 5.5 and stay active on D, we should OK.
 
#55      
I think CoHawk will get plenty of minutes based on his defense alone. He was doing things for us on defense at the end of last season that no one else was or could, based on his height, mobility, and effort/grit.
 
#56      

ChiefGritty

Chicago, IL
I will say I feel pretty good about Skyy, so not worried too much.
The fact that the progression of his knee doesn't really make sense is tough to feel great about.

And then even if he's 100% healthy, that's still a true freshman PG in the Big Ten, for whom we have basically zero cover. They aren't all Mike Conley.

I'm harshing my vibe here, I gotta go back to the football board.
 
#57      

skyIdub

Winged Warrior
I'm not getting off the CoHawk train until right before it plunges into Clayton Ravine.

ride-or-die-fast-and-furious.gif


back-to-the-future-train.gif
 
#59      
I don't share the high expectations that a number of other posters have for CoHawk. I like his length and overall ability, but I'll be surprised if he has a breakout season. It's hard to put my finger on it, but for example, when I think of guys like Ayo or Kofi, there's at least one thing that jumps out that they do at an elite level, as well as a bunch of other things they do well. CoHawk checks a lot of boxes, and his style of play is what you look for in the NBA, but I think he still has a ways to go in terms of skill/execution and strength.

Just checking his soph conf stats, he had 4 & 4 in 16 mpg. 20% 3pt, 38% FG%, and 70% FT. His best game by far was the loss to Indiana in the conf tourney, when he was 4 of 7 from 3. Between his improvement and the way the roster is constructed, I expect he'll get more minutes this season.
The truth is CH was just not a very skilled player at the offense end in his sophomore year. Skill takes time to develop. So if he truly works hard and smart in the offseason, he should improve his 3pt percentage, learn a way or two to attack the basket, and keep his intensity at the defense end. That might not create a breakout season per say but it might be good enough to help the team or even get to NBA.
 
#60      
I don't share the high expectations that a number of other posters have for CoHawk. I like his length and overall ability, but I'll be surprised if he has a breakout season. It's hard to put my finger on it, but for example, when I think of guys like Ayo or Kofi, there's at least one thing that jumps out that they do at an elite level, as well as a bunch of other things they do well. CoHawk checks a lot of boxes, and his style of play is what you look for in the NBA, but I think he still has a ways to go in terms of skill/execution and strength.

Just checking his soph conf stats, he had 4 & 4 in 16 mpg. 20% 3pt, 38% FG%, and 70% FT. His best game by far was the loss to Indiana in the conf tourney, when he was 4 of 7 from 3. Between his improvement and the way the roster is constructed, I expect he'll get more minutes this season.

CoHawk does need to become more consistent & execute. I hope to see him put it together and become a stud here, but I wouldn't be shocked if he cleans up some things, has a solid but-not-great year and declares. His defense projects really well at the next level as a dude who can guard 3-5. If he improves his 3-point shot, he gawn
 
#65      

NEIlliniFan

No longer in New England
The lightbulb comes on for players at different times, from never to early.

My favorite example is Tina Charles whose play gave Auriemma gray hairs for 2 1/2 seasons. Her inconsistency drove him (and we fans) nuts.
Midway through her junior year, it clicked. Like a light switch.

CoHawk's time may yet come
 
#66      
We have a lot of new faces on the team this year as well as a few returners...everyone ...,including me, sees a lot of potential in this team.....just how much of that expected or hoped potential will be realized by season end is the real question....will CoH take that next step...will Melendez pick up where he left off and dazzle....how much of an impact will the freshmen make....will Rodgers, Epps, Clark, and company play up to expectations or will they struggle...will Dain be able to play meaningful minutes....alot of question marks....but if this team would finish in the top 3 in the BIG, win the bargain rights game, got a 6-7 seed in the tourney....makes the sweet 16.....how many here would say that this team had a successful season and has meet their expectations??? I am hoping for more...but I think this would meet my expectations
 
#68      

skyIdub

Winged Warrior
The lightbulb comes on for players at different times, from never to early.

My favorite example is Tina Charles whose play gave Auriemma gray hairs for 2 1/2 seasons. Her inconsistency drove him (and we fans) nuts.
Midway through her junior year, it clicked. Like a light switch.

CoHawk's time may yet come

This has to be one of the most random player comp./references in Loyalty history?

Not mocking at all....just.....a UConn girls player reference is literally out of right field!
 
#70      
The fact that the progression of his knee doesn't really make sense is tough to feel great about.

And then even if he's 100% healthy, that's still a true freshman PG in the Big Ten, for whom we have basically zero cover. They aren't all Mike Conley.

I'm harshing my vibe here, I gotta go back to the football board.
I think you are underselling Epps. Also the Montverde experience should lessen the transition from HS to college ball
 
#71      
The truth is CH was just not a very skilled player at the offense end in his sophomore year. Skill takes time to develop. So if he truly works hard and smart in the offseason, he should improve his 3pt percentage, learn a way or two to attack the basket, and keep his intensity at the defense end. That might not create a breakout season per say but it might be good enough to help the team or even get to NBA.
He has always been one of the most gifted and skilled players on the team,his major problem has always been his confidence. When and if he turns on the light you will see something special.
 
#72      
He has always been one of the most gifted and skilled players on the team,his major problem has always been his confidence. When and if he turns on the light you will see something special.
I really think the confidence issue came from his immaturity of skills. How many times have you seen him take the ball to the basket by himself or after the P&R? He did improve on that by the end of the season but that was not good enough for Houston. He was trying to put it together but still needed time. Same token for his 3 pointer. It’s there but not quite arrived yet. Have you seen Ayo’s mid range pull up and Goode’s 3 pointers? That’s what I call skills. The skills you have not put together aren’t real skills.
 
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#73      
He has always been one of the most gifted and skilled players on the team,his major problem has always been his confidence. When and if he turns on the light you will see something special.
Confidence and check his emotions a little. Passion is good but it can have neg impact for some players.
 
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