Illini Basketball 2022-2023

grue2 · Nov 12, 2022

21ChampaignSt said:
The Trent Frazier Loyalty Award for student athletes whose immense personal sacrifices contributed to outstanding team success.

If this gets amended to: The Trent Frazier Loyalty Award for student athletes whose immense personal sacrifices contributed to outstanding __Men's Basketball__ team success. I'll chip in. (Someone official can message me on the board.)

Sorry, I just don't care about the rest of the IL sports. I'm not contributing if the pool of potential recipients is larger.

rtbritt · Nov 12, 2022

combes said:
As long as Kiwane Garris, second all time scorer, goes up, too.

A special criteria is the only way it will happen.

Players selected to have their jerseys hung must have achieved any of the following criteria:
1) National Player of the Year
2) Enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame
3) Big Ten Player of the Year
4) Consensus First- or Second-Team All-American
5) Illinois All-Century Team Member
6) Individual whose pioneering efforts made a significant impact on Illinois and international basketball

Could #6 get Trent up there?! Seems like that is the point of #6; to give them the flexibility to give it to someone like Trent.

Amelot · Nov 12, 2022

redwingillini11 said:
Gross. There is no way a rivalry with this kind of history between teams from the Power 2 should be relegated to a regional network.

From 2003 (as far back as I could track it) to 2015 we played on ESPN2 every year, except once we played on ESPN. Since then, we have played once on ESPN2, and twice on each of ESPNU, BTN, and SECN. This is one of the top annual non-conference rivalries in the country. Why has this turned into a TV _______ match between the B1G and SEC? Ridiculous.

Sorry, but this significantly over-estimates the idea of annual non-conference rivalries. Who cares about such a thing. People will tune in for a Duke-Michigan State game whether its annual or not because of the brand names. The national brands of Illinois and especially Missouri don't carry that same reputational draw. Hopefully BU will turn that around, but it will take sustained excellence and likely a national championship.

combes · Nov 12, 2022

rtbritt said:
Players selected to have their jerseys hung must have achieved any of the following criteria:
1) National Player of the Year
2) Enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame
3) Big Ten Player of the Year
4) Consensus First- or Second-Team All-American
5) Illinois All-Century Team Member
6) Individual whose pioneering efforts made a significant impact on Illinois and international basketball

Could #6 get Trent up there?! Seems like that is the point of #6; to give them the flexibility to give it to someone like Trent.

What did Trent pioneer? An example of this criteria is Tal Brody. He was drafted 12th in the NBA draft but passed it up to go to Israel and play in the new pro league in Israel to elevate the league. Kind of like Red Grange popularizing the NFL.

I don’t think Garris will make it since he doesn’t qualify. I mentioned him because if you put Trent up there, there are others like Garris who should go.

To use an old baseball analogy, only the very best go into the rafters. It’s not the Hall of the Very Good. It’s the best of the best.

Name an award after Frazier. That’s the best idea.

lstewart53x3 · Nov 12, 2022

Amelot said:
Sorry, but this significantly over-estimates the idea of annual non-conference rivalries. Who cares about such a thing. People will tune in for a Duke-Michigan State game whether its annual or not because of the brand names. The national brands of Illinois and especially Missouri don't carry that same reputational draw. Hopefully BU will turn that around, but it will take sustained excellence and likely a national championship.

Or just a ranked Missouri team.

EyeoftheIllini · Nov 13, 2022

rtbritt said:
Players selected to have their jerseys hung must have achieved any of the following criteria:
1) National Player of the Year
2) Enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame
3) Big Ten Player of the Year
4) Consensus First- or Second-Team All-American
5) Illinois All-Century Team Member
6) Individual whose pioneering efforts made a significant impact on Illinois and international basketball

Could #6 get Trent up there?! Seems like that is the point of #6; to give them the flexibility to give it to someone like Trent.

No. Number 6 is there to get players like Mannie Jackson and Governor Vaughn honored. Love Trent and what he helped team accomplish, but what were his “pioneering efforts.”

Oops, Combes beat me to it. And agree with what he said.

IllinoisssssssVarsity · Nov 13, 2022

FromTheLogo said:
Early gut feel and observation:

I like the soft full-court press concept, but don't love it. It may be too vulnerable when teams throw over the top of it, which leads to open 3's or them aggressively attacking the basket.

I know Underwood says it is only to disrupt or delay the other team getting into their offensive sets but there were a few occasions when 3 of our guys at the top of the press didn't get back in time. That worries me when playing a more gifted team.

Any credence to this?

The fact that it’s soft is generally what prevents the throw over the top because we’re not super aggressive on the back line. We’re not rotating up to steal passes and leaving shooters (most of the time).

I think we have a call for it when we want to be more aggressive because we do trap with certain guys (Sencire) out there a little more, but for the most part we just put a buffer between them and their basket for about 8 seconds.

There have been a couple times I think we’ve trapped harder out of our “soft” look just because the offense made the mistake and made it so easy for us, it was the right thing to do. That’s still pretty safe imo because we didn’t get ourselves out of position to make it happen, it just did.

Guest · Nov 13, 2022

In regards to the free throw woes of some of the players, Mike LaTulip in an Illini Inquirer podcast had some interesting comments. I imagine this isn't new to most people but LaTulip said that it isn't a matter of just getting into the gym and shooting free throws for hours and hours (although I suppose that would help) but is more of a mental challenge. One has to go to the free throw line thinking along the lines of "You fouled me, so now you will pay for it with my two free throws". In other words, a positive attitude where you approach the line eagerly to make those free throws. You can't even say, "I can't miss these free throws" since the word "miss" is now in your brain and it will affect your shot. Okay, I am probably not doing him justice so if you want to hear exactly what he says go here. I don't know how to insert a podcast URL or even if it is legal.

Mike LaTulip

And then scroll down to Ep. 526 and go to just before the 49 minute mark. Of course, you may want to listen to the whole thing or maybe skip the first part that concerns recruits/class of 2023. I find LaTulip very interesting, knowledgable and good listen.

illinitiger · Nov 13, 2022

Guest said:
In regards to the free throw woes of some of the players, Mike LaTulip in an Illini Inquirer podcast had some interesting comments. I imagine this isn't new to most people but LaTulip said that it isn't a matter of just getting into the gym and shooting free throws for hours and hours (although I suppose that would help) but is more of a mental challenge. One has to go to the free throw line thinking along the lines of "You fouled me, so now you will pay for it with my two free throws". In other words, a positive attitude where you approach the line eagerly to make those free throws. You can't even say, "I can't miss these free throws" since the word "miss" is now in your brain and it will affect your shot. Okay, I am probably not doing him justice so if you want to hear exactly what he says go here. I don't know how to insert a podcast URL or even if it is legal.

Mike LaTulip

And then scroll down to Ep. 526 and go to just before the 49 minute mark. Of course, you may want to listen to the whole thing or maybe skip the first part that concerns recruits/class of 2023. I find LaTulip very interesting, knowledgable and good listen.

A good listen....

so my synopsis, ML would say Dainja needs a new sports psychologist...not more reps.

combes · Nov 13, 2022

illinitiger said:
A good listen....

so my synopsis, ML would say Dainja needs a new sports psychologist...not more reps.

Too much movement in his free throws. Needs to make it simpler.

amillini#2 · Nov 13, 2022

Guest said:
In regards to the free throw woes of some of the players, Mike LaTulip in an Illini Inquirer podcast had some interesting comments. I imagine this isn't new to most people but LaTulip said that it isn't a matter of just getting into the gym and shooting free throws for hours and hours (although I suppose that would help) but is more of a mental challenge. One has to go to the free throw line thinking along the lines of "You fouled me, so now you will pay for it with my two free throws". In other words, a positive attitude where you approach the line eagerly to make those free throws. You can't even say, "I can't miss these free throws" since the word "miss" is now in your brain and it will affect your shot. Okay, I am probably not doing him justice so if you want to hear exactly what he says go here. I don't know how to insert a podcast URL or even if it is legal.

Mike LaTulip

And then scroll down to Ep. 526 and go to just before the 49 minute mark. Of course, you may want to listen to the whole thing or maybe skip the first part that concerns recruits/class of 2023. I find LaTulip very interesting, knowledgable and good listen.

Thanks for the link, Mike. We enjoyed watching you in Orange and Blue.

Joel Goodson · Nov 13, 2022

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1591853730898509824

Joel Goodson · Nov 13, 2022

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1591841313426661376

tcb13 · Nov 13, 2022

Heard a couple of places, including BU's postgame interview, that the reason Trent got the video was he doesn't qualify to have his jersey in the rafters. What are the qualifications? What did he miss doing? I assume it is something related to All American selection, but curious what the criteria is.

Dan said:
The full Trent Frazier video is within this video (starts around 9:00)-

Big Jack · Nov 13, 2022

combes said:
Too much movement in his free throws. Needs to make it simpler.

Houston Rockets Underhand Throw GIF by NBA

chiefini · Nov 13, 2022

tcb13 said:
Heard a couple of places, including BU's postgame interview, that the reason Trent got the video was he doesn't qualify to have his jersey in the rafters. What are the qualifications? What did he miss doing? I assume it is something related to All American selection, but curious what the criteria is.

HONORED JERSEYS

The University of Illinois has honored its most decorated basketball players in school history by hanging a banner with their name and number from the rafters of State Farm Center. A total of 34 men’s players have earned a spot on this distinguished list.

Players selected to have their jerseys hung must have achieved any of the following criteria:
1) National Player of the Year
2) Enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame
3) Big Ten Player of the Year
4) Consensus First- or Second-Team All-American
5) Illinois All-Century Team Member
6) Individual whose pioneering efforts made a significant impact on Illinois and international basketball

Joel Goodson · Nov 13, 2022

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1591943996078637057

dish3 · Nov 13, 2022

Joel Goodson said:
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1591853730898509824

Floor to flush

tcb13 · Nov 13, 2022

chiefini said:
HONORED JERSEYS
The University of Illinois has honored its most decorated basketball players in school history by hanging a banner with their name and number from the rafters of State Farm Center. A total of 34 men’s players have earned a spot on this distinguished list.

Players selected to have their jerseys hung must have achieved any of the following criteria:
1) National Player of the Year
2) Enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame
3) Big Ten Player of the Year
4) Consensus First- or Second-Team All-American
5) Illinois All-Century Team Member
6) Individual whose pioneering efforts made a significant impact on Illinois and international basketball

thank you - I understand there have to be parameters, but there should be a #7 setting up a nomination/voting situation. They're not retiring numbers, 6 of the 10 facing one direction are either 25 or 33.

chiefini · Nov 13, 2022

tcb13 said:
thank you - I understand there have to be parameters, but there should be a #7 setting up a nomination/voting situation. They're not retiring numbers, 6 of the 10 facing one direction are either 25 or 33.

You are correct in that the university is honoring these elite players by hanging their jerseys in the rafters, not retiring their numbers. No Illini has a number retired in basketball.

WyattEarp · Nov 13, 2022

chiefini said:
HONORED JERSEYS
The University of Illinois has honored its most decorated basketball players in school history by hanging a banner with their name and number from the rafters of State Farm Center. A total of 34 men’s players have earned a spot on this distinguished list.

Players selected to have their jerseys hung must have achieved any of the following criteria:
1) National Player of the Year
2) Enshrined in the National Basketball Hall of Fame
3) Big Ten Player of the Year
4) Consensus First- or Second-Team All-American
5) Illinois All-Century Team Member
6) Individual whose pioneering efforts made a significant impact on Illinois and international basketball

Damn that’s some steep standards. I’m glad it’s prestigious AND…

You have to draw a hard line somewhere I guess. I see why Trent wouldn’t make the grade based on that…but man he’s meant SO much to us in so many intangible ways it’s almost unfathomable. I see why Underwood feels the way he does.

pruman91 · Nov 14, 2022

Gordo ranks area hoops: Illini, Billikens, Tigers prepare for bigger tests

The region's top Division I teams made good use of their early games to continue season preparations. Meanwhile SIU Carbondale scored a major upset on the road.

www.stltoday.com

Jeff Gordon

College basketball’s first week featured mostly mismatches and a few startling upsets as teams tried to get their bearings.
Major conference teams continued their earlier preparations while mid- and low-major teams took to the road to make money for their athletic departments.
Illinois, SLU and Missouri handled their business as expected during their busy first week. Between them, the Illini, Billikens and Tigers rolled to a 7-0 start with home victories.
The Illini used their victories to start seasoning freshman guards Skyy Clark and Jayden Epps ahead of their tough games against UCLA and either Baylor or Virginia later this week in Las Vegas.

First-year Tigers coach Dennis Gates used his first three games to implement his offensive and defensive principles and challenge his players – especially Isiaih Mosley – to earn their place in the rotation.
The region’s first-week highlight was SIU Carbondale scoring a major non-conference upset by winning 61-60 at Oklahoma State. Marcus Domask hit the winning 3-point jumper with 21.6 seconds to play off Lance Jones’ drive and dish to the corner.

Illinois (2-0): The Illini opened their season by drubbing Eastern Illinois 87-57 and Kansas City 86-48. In the latter game, massive Baylor transfer Dain Dainja came off the bench and did a credible Kofi Cockburn impersonation by producing 20 points and 15 rebounds. Go-to scorer Terrence Shannon Jr. poured in 38 points in the two victories and breakout candidate Coleman Hawkins had 29 points and 15 rebounds. But the Illini will need more from graduate transfer Matthew Mayer, a 6-foot-9 forward coming off a strong all-around season at Baylor.

combes · Nov 14, 2022

WyattEarp said:
Damn that’s some steep standards. I’m glad it’s prestigious AND…

You have to draw a hard line somewhere I guess. I see why Trent wouldn’t make the grade based on that…but man he’s meant SO much to us in so many intangible ways it’s almost unfathomable. I see why Underwood feels the way he does.

There are some really good players not in the rafters. Kiwane Garris. Dave Scholz. James Augustine. Doug Altenberger. Frazier. Heck, Garris is the second all time leading scorer. Scholz was the all time leading scorer when he graduated and averaged over 20 a game for his career (teams were only allowed 24 regular season games a year then and only the conference champion went to the tourney or Scholz would likely be the all time leading scorer today). Augustine has the most total rebounds in school history. They don’t qualify.

Frazier deserves some recognition. Just not the jersey in the rafters. Name an award after him. Illini Loyalty Award or something like that. Did it with Matt Heldman who was another hard nosed competitor who played on a couple of bad teams before being the heart and soul of a BT championship team as a senior. Like Frazier, he was never the best player on his team, but his grit and tenacity was huge.

Frazier’s legacy is not about being a great player. It’s about his loyalty and dedication to the program when it was down and he could have bailed. He was here for the journey and fans have a special place in their hearts for him.

WyattEarp · Nov 14, 2022

combes said:
There are some really good players not in the rafters. Kiwane Garris. Dave Scholz. James Augustine. Doug Altenberger. Frazier. Heck, Garris is the second all time leading scorer. Scholz was the all time leading scorer when he graduated and averaged over 20 a game for his career (teams were only allowed 24 regular season games a year then and only the conference champion went to the tourney or Scholz would likely be the all time leading scorer today). Augustine has the most total rebounds in school history. They don’t qualify.

Frazier deserves some recognition. Just not the jersey in the rafters. Name an award after him. Illini Loyalty Award or something like that. Did it with Matt Heldman who was another hard nosed competitor who played on a couple of bad teams before being the heart and soul of a BT championship team as a senior. Like Frazier, he was never the best player on his team, but his grit and tenacity was huge.

Frazier’s legacy is not about being a great player. It’s about his loyalty and dedication to the program when it was down and he could have bailed. He was here for the journey and fans have a special place in their hearts for him.

That all makes a lot of sense. I can’t argue
with any of it. I think you’ve got the situation pegged. Superb post.

Butters · Nov 14, 2022

illinitiger said:
A good listen....

so my synopsis, ML would say Dainja needs a new sports psychologist...not more reps.

Dainja needs a coach to tell him to change everything about the way he shoots free throws. I can barely watch when he does it. It looks like Charles Barkley trying to swing a golf club. He doesn't need a psychologist, he needs a shooting coach.

Illini Basketball 2022-2023

HONORED JERSEYS​

HONORED JERSEYS​

HONORED JERSEYS​

HONORED JERSEYS

HONORED JERSEYS

HONORED JERSEYS