You know how to read between the lines!
Illini Basketball 2024-2025
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Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
more of an indictment of the ratings services. KJ is on most of the projected NBA first round lists (from the people worth paying attention too, anyway).
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
killer (and free) article:
Watched a couple media days videos and we have a helluva coach. You can see the guys at media days who don't really enjoy dealing with the media and some of the questions they get. Underwood is prepared and seems to have a great feel for messaging. For example, the Maryland coach was complaining about the portal. Totally understandable, but the wrong messaging, and maybe says they're struggling with it. I'll take Underwood at his word that the defense isn't there and may be a problem.
As talented and high ceiling as this group is, it's hard in the preseason to imagine what identity might emerge. Looking at last year, TSJ was elite putting it on the floor and in transition (& Ayo before him). 276 FTs! Domask had 149. They put pressure on opposing teams and could pile up fouls on opponents (7th in the country). Makes me wonder how this team will attack.
As talented and high ceiling as this group is, it's hard in the preseason to imagine what identity might emerge. Looking at last year, TSJ was elite putting it on the floor and in transition (& Ayo before him). 276 FTs! Domask had 149. They put pressure on opposing teams and could pile up fouls on opponents (7th in the country). Makes me wonder how this team will attack.
Only because of the Euro angle. KJ is a projected 1st round pick and possible lottery.
Not anymore…
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
I hereby bring a motion to consider the possibility that we are collectively too low on BOTH KJ and Rez.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
mama told me if you snooze, you lose
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
I don’t like to quote myself, generally… but this writer seems to agree with me.
Illini Basketball Wins Big Ten Media Day With Bingo Card
Without a doubt, the Illini basketball program won 2024 Big Ten Media Days with their Bingo card. This was a brilliant idea.
www.thesportsbank.net
Bigtex
- DFW
My comp on Hansberry is RPowell Jr to the upside and MShaw (or numerous other comps) to the most likely.
My comp on Rez is TBD want to see minutes in O&B first.
Bigtex
- DFW
You mean like him comment about Goode being a 1500 point scorer?
Battle89
- Cary-Grove, the better Trojan team
You all can correct me, but his explanation of Daddy Brad does not mesh with my memory of it. Agree that it originated from Sleepers but it was far more about how Brad owned Michigan overall, and specifically Juwan and Hunter. Not Brad's 'lively demeanor and aura'.I don’t like to quote myself, generally… but this writer seems to agree with me.
Illini Basketball Wins Big Ten Media Day With Bingo Card
Without a doubt, the Illini basketball program won 2024 Big Ten Media Days with their Bingo card. This was a brilliant idea.
The Hunter stuff also related to Kofi of course...one of my all-time favorite images is Kofi carrying baby Hunter on his shoulders.
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
You’re spot on. Greg came up with Daddy Brad as he was lamenting Brad and the Illini owning Michigan on the court.
I get why Boilers love him, but I don't get the national Braden Smith love.
Without Edey he seems like he'd be extremely lucky to have Dee Brown's follow up year.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Called this the moment he first entered the conversation and I saw a highlight video.
We're going to love watching this kid play.
sacraig
- The desert
I guess we'll see. That's why we play the games, which start in (check's calendar) less than 1 month.
I can not wait. With Chicago sports being so bad the Illini have a real opportunity to open some eyes.
I mean, almost any player would be extremely lucky to have Dee Brown's follow up year.
Consensus All American
First Team All Big Ten
Bob Cousey Award
Naismith Award
Big Ten assist leader
Led us to 12 weeks ranked in the AP Top 10
Final KenPom ranking of #9
1 game shy of a Big Ten championship
The idea that Dee was just the beneficiary of a good supporting cast his first few years has gotten a little overblown. He was still really really good his senior year.
Agree with your overall point though. Don't understand the hype with Smith.
His shooting went down 10%, turnovers went up & his efficiency went way down (14 ppg on 13 attempts).
Dee was an all time great. His Sr year was not his best and was a reasonable outcome of losing DWill & Luther.
..Purdue is also losing 2 of their 3 top scorers and Smiths stat line & stature are pretty darn similar.
Dee was a far more dynamic and explosive athlete and better defensively than Smith. Also yeah similar height but I'd disagree on stature(Dee was built).
I get the similarities in losing good players around him but Dee never had someone like Edey who created a ton of easy assists simply by making an entry pass and then drew a ton of double teams to create wide open shots.
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