Illini Basketball 2023-2024
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Errors occur but the mental/emotional crap on calls has been going on for years. I get ticked off when he doesn't get back on defense because he looks back at the ref, throws his hands, etc. He hasn't learned by now how to control his emotions than doubt it happens before he leaves here. Young man that wears his heart on his sleeve....sometimes for better sometimes for worse.
I think our sucess with with 5-out offense,CH as the five is obvious.Defensively he is not a rim protector or solid post defender.Think CH was pushing earlier in year for 2-big lineup with DD.,to ease some difficult post matchups.Would like to see CH more aggressive in ball screen coverage but we lack other rim protection.Sitting back in drop coverage with CH not working.
Illini in Indiana
- Indiana
Defense, we better learn it again. Without it we are playing a game of PIG.
Defense can cover a bad day, offense can only win you a coin flip game.
Give me defense and rebounding everyday over 90 point scoring.
Defense can cover a bad day, offense can only win you a coin flip game.
Give me defense and rebounding everyday over 90 point scoring.
Talk about Big Ten schedule had me look at other conferences
We play 2/17 2/21 2/24 2/28 3/2 3/5 3/10
PU plays 2/18 2/22 2/25 3/2 3/5 3/10
UNC plays 2/17 2/24 2/26 3/2 3/5 3/9.
KU plays 2/17 2/24 2/27 3/2 3/5 3/9
UCONN 2/17 2/20 2/24 3/3 3/6 3/9
Basically same amount of games in same time period
I have noticed that the ACC have games periodically in a two day period throughout their season play Saturday then Monday for instance The Big Ten and other conferences normally has a minimum of 3 days rest.
The ACC forces teams to play with a quick turnaround so when it becomes tournament time they are used to it. Last time we played 2 games with a day rest was November (Southern and Valpo).
But looking at the schedules going down the stretch a Big Ten ACC Big East Big 12 all look the same and all play similar tournaments. So I don’t think schedules are the issue
We play 2/17 2/21 2/24 2/28 3/2 3/5 3/10
PU plays 2/18 2/22 2/25 3/2 3/5 3/10
UNC plays 2/17 2/24 2/26 3/2 3/5 3/9.
KU plays 2/17 2/24 2/27 3/2 3/5 3/9
UCONN 2/17 2/20 2/24 3/3 3/6 3/9
Basically same amount of games in same time period
I have noticed that the ACC have games periodically in a two day period throughout their season play Saturday then Monday for instance The Big Ten and other conferences normally has a minimum of 3 days rest.
The ACC forces teams to play with a quick turnaround so when it becomes tournament time they are used to it. Last time we played 2 games with a day rest was November (Southern and Valpo).
But looking at the schedules going down the stretch a Big Ten ACC Big East Big 12 all look the same and all play similar tournaments. So I don’t think schedules are the issue
"The Facts Ma'am, Just the Facts"
Out of the 19 wins Illinois has this season, only four of those victories came against teams who currently have fewer than 10 losses. Those wins are against Florida Atlantic (20-6), Nebraska, (19-8), Northwestern (18-8), and Colgate (20-8).
The Florida Atlantic win was the second-best victory for the Illini, according to the NET Rankings. The highest NET Ranking Illinois beat this season is Michigan State, which is ranked No. 23 in the NET Rankings. They are projected as a No. 7 seed in the NCAA tournament and boast a 17-10 record overall.
Only eight out of the 19 wins for the Illini this season currently rank inside the top 100 in the NET Rankings. We only have three wins against teams ranked inside the top 50 in the NET Rankings as well.
writingillini.com
Out of the 19 wins Illinois has this season, only four of those victories came against teams who currently have fewer than 10 losses. Those wins are against Florida Atlantic (20-6), Nebraska, (19-8), Northwestern (18-8), and Colgate (20-8).
The Florida Atlantic win was the second-best victory for the Illini, according to the NET Rankings. The highest NET Ranking Illinois beat this season is Michigan State, which is ranked No. 23 in the NET Rankings. They are projected as a No. 7 seed in the NCAA tournament and boast a 17-10 record overall.
Only eight out of the 19 wins for the Illini this season currently rank inside the top 100 in the NET Rankings. We only have three wins against teams ranked inside the top 50 in the NET Rankings as well.
5 painful observations from the Illinois basketball loss to Penn State
It is the next morning, and the Illinois basketball disaster that took place on Wednesday night still has yet to wear off. In true Illini fashion, we came out a
writingillini.com
Having taken a couple days to digest (choke down) the collapse at PSU, I have recalibrated my expectations just a bit. I know it was just a perfect storm to which every player on the floor contributed. There was the way too quick 3-point attempt with an 8-point lead and just 120 seconds left, the quick turnover against the press, another missed layup, backing off a 3-point shooter on a 3-on-1 breakout when a dunk would have been far less damaging and, of course, the worst 10 seconds of Coleman's really good career.
A few weeks ago, I posted I thought this team was built for a deep run because it had so many veteran players willing and able to step up in crunch time compared to recent Illini teams. Now I must admit I am baffled by their inability to close out games they had been controlling. I still think this team can beat anyone on a given night, but I am far less optimistic it can do so for 5, 4, 3 or even 2 games in a row. Still the most entertaining Illini team for me to watch in recent memory...but I guess I just really like offense.
A few weeks ago, I posted I thought this team was built for a deep run because it had so many veteran players willing and able to step up in crunch time compared to recent Illini teams. Now I must admit I am baffled by their inability to close out games they had been controlling. I still think this team can beat anyone on a given night, but I am far less optimistic it can do so for 5, 4, 3 or even 2 games in a row. Still the most entertaining Illini team for me to watch in recent memory...but I guess I just really like offense.
Bigtex
- DFW
Lot similarities to last year in that Illinois beat who they should beat but don't play very well against better competition."The Facts Ma'am, Just the Facts"
Out of the 19 wins Illinois has this season, only four of those victories came against teams who currently have fewer than 10 losses. Those wins are against Florida Atlantic (20-6), Nebraska, (19-8), Northwestern (18-8), and Colgate (20-8).
The Florida Atlantic win was the second-best victory for the Illini, according to the NET Rankings. The highest NET Ranking Illinois beat this season is Michigan State, which is ranked No. 23 in the NET Rankings. They are projected as a No. 7 seed in the NCAA tournament and boast a 17-10 record overall.
Only eight out of the 19 wins for the Illini this season currently rank inside the top 100 in the NET Rankings. We only have three wins against teams ranked inside the top 50 in the NET Rankings as well.
5 painful observations from the Illinois basketball loss to Penn State
It is the next morning, and the Illinois basketball disaster that took place on Wednesday night still has yet to wear off. In true Illini fashion, we came out a
This version of Illinois basketball is better than last year's team but still baffling the end of game collapses and this "old" club not getting up for each and every game.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
So we were a solid #4 seed in the eyes of the Committee before we won at Maryland, correct? Since then we have picked up one Quad 1 win (at #71 Maryland) and one Quad 2 loss (at #97 Penn State). While you could argue those might cancel out on paper, the Maryland result is very precarious ... if they drop out of the top 75, all of a sudden that is a Quad 2 win and we also have a bad Quad 3 loss to them at home. Either way, this is what we have remaining to try to improve our seed (Illini are #16 in the latest NET Rankings).
vs. #63 Iowa (Quad 2)
vs. #72 Minnesota (Quad 2 ... Quad 3 if they go below 75)
at #21 Wisconsin (Quad 1)
vs. #2 Purdue (Quad 1)
at #63 Iowa (Quad 1)
If we really can still figure out this defense and win out, a #3 seed is still VERY much on the table. Depending on other teams, we still might be flirting with a #2, before any wins in the BTT. However, I don't really know what to think about the scenarios worse than that.
vs. #63 Iowa (Quad 2)
vs. #72 Minnesota (Quad 2 ... Quad 3 if they go below 75)
at #21 Wisconsin (Quad 1)
vs. #2 Purdue (Quad 1)
at #63 Iowa (Quad 1)
If we really can still figure out this defense and win out, a #3 seed is still VERY much on the table. Depending on other teams, we still might be flirting with a #2, before any wins in the BTT. However, I don't really know what to think about the scenarios worse than that.
But we have 1 more game in that same period.
Lack of a good inbound play is baffling.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
It literally seems like Brad being SO stubborn with an attitude like, "Good players shouldn't have to run a planned play to get the ball in bounds!" and he refuses to budge. Like, getting the ball in bounds should N-O-T be stressful, let alone lose us games when we are winning.
We do but that is how our big ten schedule worked out. PU has one less. If you look at PU schedule it looks like any other conference
Not even counting the baskets they made on inbound plays
This is why there is great uneasiness about how The Beloved will do in the Tourney. As you climb up the ladder there is nothing but better competition. And even after the first Dance matchup if you win that one... if you then get matched up with a team with a lesser-looking record that upset somebody you can be in trouble because now your opponent is riding high and feeling really good about themselves like all the traditional Cinderella teams do it. They start to believe in themselves and that is a powerful roundball force.
We know that Shannon can play against anybody, anywhere and have his way. But everyone else is a question mark from game to game. That's been a problem for most of the year about which version of the other guys are going to show up in any given game. And right now the Illini are feeling (or should be feeling) a bit unsettled about themselves based upon how they have responded (or not) to challenges by opponents who have not been awed by the Illini win-loss record.
Some wins down the stretch will make the Illini and Illini Nation feel better about themselves. But the underlying issues that have plagued this team still will be there.
Time to dig down deep and find more heart and grit to the floor.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
I hope Daddy Brad had a 1 on 1 sit down with CoHawk. I love his playfulness, but after that airplane skit with the "#1" salute, you can't come out with your antics in a game like that.
I know BU seems to have a more peaceful temperament these days, but these guys need their a$$es kicked. Starting with CoHawk.
I know BU seems to have a more peaceful temperament these days, but these guys need their a$$es kicked. Starting with CoHawk.
If we learn how to finish we will be successful in tourney...I call "success" making elite 8. In Feb we lost two road games we really should have won (MSU and PSU)...should be tied for b10 1st place now..but we need to let that go and push that behind us.
We have two excellent playmakers and great team cohesion.....which is rare. Finish each remaining game, including tourney game " strong and smart" and we will like the results!
This is what has me scared. We really don't have a marquis win. I thought it was FAU, but they are not and cold. Tennessee or Marquette would have been nice."The Facts Ma'am, Just the Facts"
Out of the 19 wins Illinois has this season, only four of those victories came against teams who currently have fewer than 10 losses. Those wins are against Florida Atlantic (20-6), Nebraska, (19-8), Northwestern (18-8), and Colgate (20-8).
The Florida Atlantic win was the second-best victory for the Illini, according to the NET Rankings. The highest NET Ranking Illinois beat this season is Michigan State, which is ranked No. 23 in the NET Rankings. They are projected as a No. 7 seed in the NCAA tournament and boast a 17-10 record overall.
Only eight out of the 19 wins for the Illini this season currently rank inside the top 100 in the NET Rankings. We only have three wins against teams ranked inside the top 50 in the NET Rankings as well.
5 painful observations from the Illinois basketball loss to Penn State
It is the next morning, and the Illinois basketball disaster that took place on Wednesday night still has yet to wear off. In true Illini fashion, we came out a
To me that means we struggle to get out of the first weekend of the tourney, but it just all depends on matchups.
This team is basically who I thought they would be all season. Top 15is that can play with anybody he but also lose some odd ones.
I worry about Underwood's stubbornness at times. I believe that he believes in his team, maybe too much at times. Sitting on a 4 seed line really hurts since we are likely to face UConn or Houston in the S16 if we make it there.
No matter our struggles, this team isn't last year's team. They were a messy jumble of incompatible parts that could never get unless someone went on a heater. We are struggling on defense as of late, but our offense rarely looks stagnant or takes bad shots. We have multiple options from 3 and getting to the basket.
The defense doesn't need to be great, just good enough in the tournament. Sadly, everything generally tightens up and scores seem lower and shots don't fall as often once the tournament starts. It will be interesting to see which team we see out there each night.
I worry about Underwood's stubbornness at times. I believe that he believes in his team, maybe too much at times. Sitting on a 4 seed line really hurts since we are likely to face UConn or Houston in the S16 if we make it there.
No matter our struggles, this team isn't last year's team. They were a messy jumble of incompatible parts that could never get unless someone went on a heater. We are struggling on defense as of late, but our offense rarely looks stagnant or takes bad shots. We have multiple options from 3 and getting to the basket.
The defense doesn't need to be great, just good enough in the tournament. Sadly, everything generally tightens up and scores seem lower and shots don't fall as often once the tournament starts. It will be interesting to see which team we see out there each night.
Its bizarre that it’s neglected consistently. I don’t get it either. I’m gonna hopefully stay in my lane because I’ve only just been a JR High & HS coach in Podunk BFE little towns in the Midwest…and not some bigtime coach. NO I don’t think I know better…but I’m worthy of an opinion…and I do know this much:
As a coach/educator you have to first decide “what” you are going to teach. You have to consider your philosophy and what stuff is really the most useful/most important to cover/get through..due to time constraints and all that. Then you have to teach it, review it and get them to execute it. At least one of the 3 isn’t happening.
I think you very well may be right that he’s somewhat apathetic about it OR trying cover what he deems most important first…then runs out of time??
Maybe it’s some form of Keep. It. Simple. Stupid.? And then the OOB stuff gets neglected?? (like every year) ??
OR he just weirdly doesn’t value it enough to devote the time and energy towards it. lol.. It’s bananas. We have seen it for a while now. (How many guys does he have working for him? )
As a coach, it really is it’s what you stress…and he just doesn’t stress it for whatever reason. Lol. It’s like, hey… Lets’ just get in….maybe?
I do think there’s a time and a place for the whole Phil Jackson: “I’m not callling a TO right now because I dont wanna bail them out right now… They need to learn to think for themselves.” But THAT is MOST definitely not this!! This has been on-going for going on 7 years; some of it.
As you can see other teams do pretty well with BLOBs. Penn State, Iowa, and Michigan State…others too.
Not being able to beat the press on a somewhat frequent basis is probably more embarrassingthan the lack of execution on SLOBS & BLOBS though, honestly.
IMHO If they did these simple things on their press breaker consistently they would have nary a problem…like probably ever. Surely most of this has been taught:
-Look up, try not to pass back…pass forward
- maintain spacing
-stay out the damn coffin corner
-pass fakes (especially against zone)
-This One works against just about any press: have someone long, have someone middle, have someone sideline…have a safety valve
-Set a screen if need be-screener can then and relocate back to ball…maintain spacing
(Not being able to beat a press can you seriously get fired from the most piddly of coaching jobs at the lower levels…sorry…but it’s it true.)
-stay out of the damn coffin corner
-try to catch first pass free throw line extended
-if you get trapped be strong in it…and remember someone is open
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We have multiple options from 3 and getting to the basket.
If we are going to continue to play "chase em to the basket" defense, than both these offensive engines need to be firing to win in March.
Surely if the collective of amateurs on this board can figure these things out, a college basketball staff should have no problem. Is Brad really that stubborn? If so, that's even more frustrating/irritating than if it was just simple incompetence.
Do most college coaches operate with complete autonomy or do AD's ever chime in? I mean, we are ranked after all so I don't think Whitman is likely to get in the middle of it, but after seeing the same "stubbornness" over and over especially with some of these losses, would he ever just call and say, "Brad, WTF man?"
He doesnt have to call him, he attends games. And the fastest way to get a high achiever to turn into a middling achiever is try to tell him the nuts and bolts of how to do his job. Give them goals, give them deadlines, give them the tools they need, but don't tell them how to do their jobs.
If they fail, it's your option to retain them and mentor their improvement or get rid of them and start over.
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