Illini Basketball 2023-2024
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Cazzie Russell. (Another) one of the great Chicago players who left for other environs.
Man that’s an even tougher question….tough cause he was only here for 2 years. Trent is in there for me though.
Big Jack
- Decatur
Said it before. Don't care what the criteria is or ever will be but Trents Jersey should be hung in the rafters. He earned that right!
Trent was the fork in the road when the Illini fortunes turned from misfortunes to heading back toward the Promised Land. When he brought his Florida Sunshine floor flair and embraced Prairie State ball... everything began to change to the good.
When Ayo came in, that sealed the Illini transition. But it was Trent that first led the way. Trent will always have a treasured place in Illini history just for his role in that alone.
Ryllini
- Lombard
When fully engaged, Frank Williams was special.
Yep. Trent is a value added guy. He helped change the culture.
Bigtex
- DFW
First look will be for a scoring guard
2nd look will be for a scoring wing
Completely depends on what you mean by “best player”.
However, my choices: Kenny Battle, Dee Brown and Trent Frazier.
They each brought desire and love of the program.
For me, it's Frank Williams. That guy was a site to behold when he got out into the open floor. He had game winners to remember and he ran point for some outstanding teams. That sequence that he had vs Iowa at home..... absolutely incredible. I thought Dickie V was going to fall out of his chair.
The greatest that I can remember us playing against....there were a bunch, but the one guy that I remember sticking it to us was Glen Robinson. I think it was a late February/early March game and he hung about 50 on us. Just an amazing college player.
Anyone tell you what needs to happen for that to change? Do we just need a deep run in March so national spotlight is on him?Nope ... Everyone I talk to NBA wise is saying second round as of now ...
There are a few teams who do not have him on their board for one reason or another ...
Coleman is one of the most misunderstood guys ... I have had to sell him to a few scouts ... Which is just crazy to me but that's the NBA nowadays ...
It's always good when I get to remind these guys and GMs that I tried to tell y'all about Ayo and you didn't listen ... Might want to listen now ...
BillyBob1
- Champaign
I also was going to say Nick. He only played here for 2 years too.
That’s what makes it tough. I mean they probably are if you really get down to it.
chrisRunner7
- Spokane, WA
I was gonna say Glen Robinson too… I was just a kid but I remember THAT game… he was unstoppable
According to T-Rank, our ADJO, ADJD & Tempo sportingly similar to 2018 Xavier (1 seed), 2018 UNC (2 seed), 2015 Gonzaga (2 seed), 2017 Kansas (1 seed), 2011 Kansas (1 seed), 2008 Notre Dame (5 seed), 2010 Xavier (6 seed), 2013 Missouri (9 seed) & 2014 Iowa (11 seed)
Our average seed is a 2.5 according to T-Ranks similar resumes… including all top 3 seeded teams.
This team, especially w TSJ at an AA level & Coleman playing like an NBA Draft pick…looks like a group that can be the “underseeded” team for once … a la UConn of last year as a 4…
This is a top 10 team, I think we can beat anyone.
Our average seed is a 2.5 according to T-Ranks similar resumes… including all top 3 seeded teams.
This team, especially w TSJ at an AA level & Coleman playing like an NBA Draft pick…looks like a group that can be the “underseeded” team for once … a la UConn of last year as a 4…
This is a top 10 team, I think we can beat anyone.
I can only go off of the guys I remember seeing, Sorry Derek Harper.
Its one of 4 guys.
Deron
Frank
Kendall
Nick
I lean Deron. I think he was such a great teammate he really sacrificed for the team. As much as I love Dee, he was the reason we were destorying America and he had no problem letting Dee be the face of the program.
Frankie was so good, just couldn't shoot it quite like Deron.
Its one of 4 guys.
Deron
Frank
Kendall
Nick
I lean Deron. I think he was such a great teammate he really sacrificed for the team. As much as I love Dee, he was the reason we were destorying America and he had no problem letting Dee be the face of the program.
Frankie was so good, just couldn't shoot it quite like Deron.
Still need a true point guard.
I've been watching about as long as you. I hope if your list went to 5, it would have Ayo on it. One of the most clutch players in Illini history. Too bad his teams didn't perform well in the tournament (or have a chance in one year). His status would have been elevated if there were better tournament results.
Absolutely Priority #1 and player with proven success at point, preferably with two years of remaining eligibility
Our guards next season, excluding Moretti who I think will transfer, will be young, inexperienced and not point guards
Yep, Ayo to me isn't quite with those guys because he won one torunament game. He's similar to Meyers.
We likely go after:
1) True point guard
2) Secondary scoring guard
3) Scoring wing-high profile guy
4) A 4 or 5 man
I expect us to land at least four transfers in the offseason
Yes next year will be the biggest portal challenge BU has faced IMHO. Need to bring in some serious studs to replace what we are losing. Really need to bring in 4 guys who are plug and play starters and/or closers.
Think we will do well in the portal. We’ve got a track record of success with transfers and are a pretty significant player in NIL. We may not get the sexiest names, but I’m confident we will bring in some good players.
Illinicpa14
- Chicago
I know it likely depends on the actual person, but do you sense Brad will look for more of the Domask/Harmon/Feliz background based on this years results (gritty, lower tier known guys) or Power5 ex-top recruits/talents (Shannon, Mayer, Dain, Payne).
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