the thing with him is rebounding. he has not been a good rebounder for a 7"2 guy with hops.
Illini Basketball 2025-2026
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Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
oopa!
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
Interesting. Someone mentioned that Petrovic is currently in Greece. I wonder if this is a coincidence.
How possible is it that Wagler is the best player after the starting group? (Boz, Mihailo, Andrej, the twins)
The sleepers video was basically that Wagler is above Mirkovic in the newcomer pecking order. Not sure if I'd view it as an indictment on Mirk.
The sleepers video was basically that Wagler is above Mirkovic in the newcomer pecking order. Not sure if I'd view it as an indictment on Mirk.
If he is it likely means there's major depth concerns with our current roster.
May be … but they’ll sure be uncomfortable on those planes.
I am not so sure about this. Last year at this time, the rumors included Ben being a potential NBA draft pick. My take would be that they expect him to make significant contributions and quite possibly be ahead of Mirk on the depth chart. But unlike last year when the fan base had unrealistic expectations for Ben due to the preseason hype, they are not going to put that pressure on him. I am not much on making predictions and there are no guarantees but I think this year most fans are going to be pleasantly surprised with Ben's play compared to that of last year. Anyone questioning his ability to play defense at the 4 should go back and look at the Purdue game and his play against TKR - he improved a lot during the course of the year.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
guessing that beach has good scenery:
Right now everyone is talking like this dude is a diamond in the rough. He’s real slim, so my guess is his playing time will balance between his ability to defend and not be bullied, vs his 3 point shooting and creation without turning it over.
People will say well, that’s everyone. But not really, younger players usually have shorter leashes.
Ben is no doubt a hard worker on defense. And he wins some matchups, but he's gonna lose a lot, too. He's a bit slow at times.
They've wanted him to become that Aaron Jordan three-and-D type. Honestly, I don't think that works for him.
Although looks may be deceiving, Z looks closer to 7'3-4. It appears that he has somehow gotten taller. The reason I say that is standing next to BIG T, he looks more than just an inch in height taller. Maybe I am just hoping that he hits 7'7" before he leaves. A guy can dream.
Hopefully another full year with Fletch has him improved on the quickness front.
Bigtex
- DFW
Petro < Kasparas For me it is hard to make this comparison. Good KJ is different level than Petro.
Wagler << Riley Love the pre season Wagler hype and position of need but Riley was special
Lee = DGL but I was never a DGL fan and the minutes played won't have significant impact on team
Tough to replace 2 first round picks
Kasparas was the late in the game go to, IMO Stoj will be this years late in game/late in shot clock go to
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Or Boswell. I won't be surprised if Boswell ends up being the best player on this year's team. He got better and better as the year went on last year.
Nov and Dec:
11 pts and 4 assists / game
Jan and Feb:
12 pts and 3 assists / game
March:
18 pts and 4 assists/ game
Even more than that, I want to see him utilized better. He had a couple of games where he went inside and made plays off the bounce and that got him going.
I just think, unless you're Cory Bradford, being only a pick-and-pop guy really limits where you can impact the game offensively. Because everyone scouts you as the guy to stick to on the outside that will never drive it.
I think Ben's main problem on D was that he was soft. People backed him down too easily.
I think he is depth. I personally hope he doesn't paly a whole lot.
Illinicpa14
- Chicago
If his shooting gets back to the 35-37% from 3 at AZ, he’s going to have a great year.
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
That Boswell beach flex needs to be someone's avatar NOW. Because that is some serious badass Troy Polamalu beach hair!!
I can't retire flying the W just yet....
Disagree with Big Z > Rez. Morez - much more valuable at the 4 spot, and much better rebounder. The more productive overall option IMO.
Agreed with Petrovic ~ Kasparas. The highs won't be as high, but the lows won't be as low. There's tons of value in a steady point guard. My expectation/comp for him this year is Elijah Hawkins (at least stats wise).
I think Morez has played closer to his ceiling than Z has throughout his college career. If we can unlock Z and he stays healthy he'll be better than Morez, but those are big ifs. Cal might've ruined him.
Cut out that last sentence and a half and this post has 10+ likes.
The only concern with Morez would've been can he play 25 minutes. It's a concern... but it's the lone concern.
With Z there's a ton more to unpack.
With Z there's a ton more to unpack.
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