I get it’s not an exact 1:1, but TU has worked professionally for what 2 years now? Gotta imagine a school that wants to be a top 25 program can do better.
That being said, I’m not upset at it, just disappointed.
Illini Basketball 2023-2024
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That being said, I’m not upset at it, just disappointed.
HoopCity
- Huntsville, AL
I see Thad brought in Diebler and Oden to be on his support staff.
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lol. not even close
These new coaches can’t recruit off campus so it makes sense to hire younger guys that are more tech savvy and familiar with the program’s culture. Most schools are going to promote volunteers that have shown dedication to their respective programs or recent alums that didn’t go far in their pro careers. It’s not like schools are going to significantly increase their staff budgets from this tweak. The biggest change is that a few more desperate programs are going be able to bring in a player’s dad or high school coach to help with recruitment but that’s not much different than it is now.
Fun debate about Frankie vs. Deron. But you pretty much lost all credibility with me with this statement.
I guess you're saying this because you believe TU's basketball ability exceeds Smith's football ability. But as much as you insiders might love TU and the coaching staff, no one is buying that the University of Illinois can't go out and do better on this hire.
There was some excitement about this change in the coaching rules.
Oh well. Same old.
I agree. Deron was the best player I’ve ever seen play at Illinois. He could’ve scored 25 points a game if he wanted to but he knew the team was better when everyone was involved. He could get an open shot for himself any time he wanted in about 2 seconds. But the thing that made him so good was his IQ and getting others involved. And he was a lock down defender. There has been a lot of great basketball players in Illinois history most noteably Aoy, Gill, Anderson, Harper, Ken Norman Eddie Johnson, Brian Cook, Frank Williams, Luther Head & Dee Brown. But Deron contributed more to Illinois than any other player in history. He made that Illinois team click like no other. It’s why he was drafted so high (though I thought he should’ve went #1 overall). It’s why he was so successful in the NBA and why he won an Olympic gold medal.
I love Dee. He was the heart and soul of that team and the face of that era of college basketball.
However, Deron was the better player.
Me too.
I loved the play of every one of these guys. I think with very little argument, your opening sentence is correct. However, having said that, and perhaps it's just my preference, but Derek Harper was a quarterback. He controlled the tempo, spacing, and even defensive sets. To me, (IMHO), he was the quintessential floor general; the coach on the floor. I wish you younger guys could have seen him play. And by younger I mean you youngsters under 60. One more thing: It was fun to watch him grow as a complete player each year. He kept on getting better and better each year right into the NBA where he continued.
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Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
While Harper definitely improved over his 3 seasons, if he had his outside shot down he would've gone to the NBA sooner. All the other facets of his game were ready. We were fortunate to have him as long as we did.
Ok. Just based on one stat, Frank almost doubled up Deron in steals. 212-115. Frank was a ballhawk. In fact, I think what is getting lost in translation is the realization that I think Deron was a very good defender. Frank was that much better.
In the pros. Not on that team., IMO.
Pretty much every team is hiring guys internally for these roles this year. Not like we are doing something outlandish
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
He might be a better coach, but he's not better qualified.
The right way to handle this sort of thing is for Dad to use his connections in the game to get Son a plum entry-level gig with a friend in the profession.
well, this hiring was on our news page for the official site.
I checked the same for Duke, Kansas, Indiana, and Iowa. They have no hires yet announced. So I guess we'll see. Perhaps you can give some examples of programs we want to be compared with that have hired like we just did.
Clearly we should have used these spots to get Gentry and OA back. /s
Loyalillini10
- Urbana, IL
Yes. It makes perfect sense. However, Falcon is still disappointed…enough to say it twice.
Better qualified than Miles….yes. Better qualified than other people in the industry no. But okay
Meh….. what if the plum entry level gig is at Illinois? We are making a lot out of nothing.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I don’t really think you can treat Frank’s alpha status on that team as something working AGAINST him in this comparison but rather something in his favor - at least for those stats. No disrespect to those great early 2000s squads, but Deron shared the ball and spotlight incredibly equally with Dee and Luther, and that’s what made that team so great. Senior year Deron on the 2006 team had he come back would have had some crazy stats.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I will always depressingly wonder where the 2021 would rank if we just survived Loyola and at least made the Final Four. Do I think that team was better than 1989 or 2005 or even that close? No … but do I think their level of play in early March through the BTT final was among the best I’ve ever seen from an Illini team for a span of time? I might quite honestly say yes.
InDaAZ
- Eugene, Oregon
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
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