Can’t get over how much Jason Jackstys has filled out from the time he arrived. Fletch working his magic and JJ obviously putting in the work.
Illini Basketball 2025-2026
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Z undoubtedly moves better. But now you advance to the next question. When Z is out blitzing or hedging (not switching), do we trust the other guys in long closeouts due to help and rotation required as Z recovers?
Personnel wise, my answer is still no. We have some absolute cones out there in 1 on 1 defense.
Jerry Sloan and Norm Van Lier were the best defensive backcourt I have ever seen back in the days when you were actually allowed to play defense. Three point shooting percentages would be in the 20% range at best once one of them had put the shooter on their backsides with a hard foul once or twice in the first quarter. Even Steph would be hearing footsteps as he went up for his shot and that's all it takes to impact a shot successfully: the fear of hard contact. I miss that kind of defense.
I confess that I think that basketball was a better team sport before the 3 point shot was introduced so thank goodness that Sloan and Van Lier did not play during today's modern era with the three point shot and the games' emphasis on offense. They both would have fouled out by halftime!
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Qualifier almost goes without saying - I don’t think he’ll play much.
That said, credit to Jakstys man. Dude looks like he just continues to get into fantastic shape.
I had know idea about that history. It’s fascinating. Have always thought Sloan was a good coach, didn’t realize he had area connections. Anyone know how Painter ended up with it? Is there some secondary connection to him or Keady?
Noblesville Illini
- Nappanee, IN
If you watch old interviews of Jerry as the Jazz coach, he was always repping the Mcleansboro John Deere dealer and other stores around town with their hats. I noticed because I was in high school at the time in Mt. Vernon. The guy had a nice farm just outside Mcleansboro (family farm, I believe.). Pru? Family owned? @pruman91
Checked and think he was related to the Sloan Implement family big John Deere dealers who also started GSI (a bin manufacturer).
Area connections? Some of the youngsters here might not know that Jerry was an Illini. Recruited by Harry Combes to play with Downey, Small, Colangelo et al. Unfortunately, Jerry (allegedly) had an aversion to attending class and lasted only a few weeks on campus. Never returned after Thanksgiving break.
pruman91
- interviewing new NL's daily....I really really am
Family farm with @ $ 3 million mansion and a lot of land.................don't really know who owns it now..........
Brian Sloan , his son , is now a Doctor back in Mcleansboro and treats my 94 yr old mom sometimes.....she told me " he sure is a tall one "..........lol.............
Losing Morez is going to haunt us if he fixes his foul problems.
I love the Illini media team..but they maybe should think twice about their video naming
Honestly, the fact that he ended up at Santa Clara more than likely means that a lot of programs whiffed as well. Big time programs weren't exactly beating his door down.
I'm happy for Podz and completely understand both sides.
Exactly…just like the flagship program in his home state for example.
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