Illini Basketball 2025-2026

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#51      
That fanbase is stuck in the 1980s.

People Starz GIF by The Serpent Queen
I guess that makes the Huskers "Indiana West". Wasn't sure if that was the case or if the hoo hoo Hoosiers were "Nebraska East". Timeline clears it right up though. 😂
 
#52      
Locked On has a podcast for every team and every headline is the most dramatic click-bait possible, both good and bad.

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It's funny that I watch a lot of Illini YouTube videos and for whatever reason I was turned off by the Locked On brand and now it makes sense that it's just kind of artificial compared to the rest.
 
#53      
Love that Brad is building a reputation as a guy to play for if you are a big playmaking guard. Those guys are huge difference makers at this level and what can propel a team from good to great.
I’d also add that he has to have a good reputation for developing players to be potentially solid professionals. Ayo, TSJ, Will, KJ, even someone like Domask who will make a good living playing overseas for some time. That has to be a positive when players are looking at a school and what’s in it for them.
 
#54      
The negativity about Brad has silenced, hope Ben has a season to silence it about him. About 10 minutes a game worth unless he is on a heater.
 
#55      
Typical BU exaggeration, but he is a way better run-jump athlete than Tomi. Tomi the better overall player.
In his season with Arkansas, Z scored a season-high 27 points against Alabama and 25 points against LSU. During the NCAA Tournament, he had a total of 2 points in 26 minutes across three games. He also recorded 16 double-digit scoring games throughout the season. I watched most of the tournament games and he was used sparingly but did not play as well. Looked out of sync. The thing is, when he got real minutes he played exceedingly well. Tomi and Z are two different kind of players. Tommy looks to be a better 5 out but in my opinion Z is a lot more flexible and I would not be shocked if we saw him at the four sometimes.
 
#56      
In his season with Arkansas, Z scored a season-high 27 points against Alabama and 25 points against LSU. During the NCAA Tournament, he had a total of 2 points in 26 minutes across three games. He also recorded 16 double-digit scoring games throughout the season. I watched most of the tournament games and he was used sparingly but did not play as well. Looked out of sync. The thing is, when he got real minutes he played exceedingly well. Tomi and Z are two different kind of players. Tommy looks to be a better 5 out but in my opinion Z is a lot more flexible and I would not be shocked if we saw him at the four sometimes.


He can be a high level player. Seems he was hurt at the end of the year.
 
#57      
I am looking forward to seeing how we utilize big Z. he's got a quick(er) twitch component than his bro, which should enable some interesting D moves. hoping Fletch can bring out more, I think Z has it in him
 
#59      
I watched Big Z's first game @ UK after getting clearance to finally play 2 years ago.......One of his first interactions with the ball was a perfect behind the back pass to a teammate for a layup bucket.........hit some 3's also in that game......I was impressed with his play....didn't watch him much at ARK. except for his game against us........

I fully expect him to be a valuable asset for us this coming year and provide us with depth at the 4/5.........I really really do.......
 
#61      
Could part of Z's performance be on coaching? Orlando came here last year, did Coach Cal have anyone on staff that could develop Z?
 
#62      
I watched Big Z's first game @ UK after getting clearance to finally play 2 years ago.......One of his first interactions with the ball was a perfect behind the back pass to a teammate for a layup bucket.........hit some 3's also in that game......I was impressed with his play....didn't watch him much at ARK. except for his game against us........

I fully expect him to be a valuable asset for us this coming year and provide us with depth at the 4/5.........I really really do.......
Yeah didnt he go 3 for 4 on 3's in about 5 minutes or something crazy like that? He was on a heater as soon as he stepped on the court that day.
 
#63      
Yeah didnt he go 3 for 4 on 3's in about 5 minutes or something crazy like that? He was on a heater as soon as he stepped on the court that day.
seems like he did , but my mind is hazy going back that far........lol......I do remember the UK fans went crazy over his play that day................
 
#65      


He can be a high level player. Seems he was hurt at the end of the year.
I am predicting right now that Big Z will be a 1st round pick
 
#66      
I don't think he's a guy that you want switching onto guards but he is way more mobile than Tomi and you don't have to just stick him in drop coverage.

He's capable of sliding his feet but the couple times I watched Arkansas, I thought he had a tendency to get lazy with his footwork when switched into a smaller guard and basically just plan to try to bait said guard into a shot attempt he could block.

He's 7'2, has long arms, and is a quick leaper so he will provide rim protection that has been sorely missing. He hasn't been a good rebounded but rebounding seems like it's Brad's specialty so I expect he improves there and if he gets in early and works with Fletch I think the footwork and mobility will improve.
i guess i'll wait and see but the Arkansas- Illinois match up early in the season made Tomi look like the far superior
talent. not even close.
 
#75      
At first when I first watched it I thought it was a mix up with a Will Riley highlight video. Looks like he will be really good.
Yeah his mannerisms and play style really remind me of Will. Also played on two state championship teams so he knows how to win. I agree, some time with Fletch and getting used to the physicality of college ball will be his main objectives early on. Oozes potential.
 
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