Illini Basketball 2025-2026
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Assuming Petrovic is starting out with online classes?
I really hope there aren’t any issues getting him on the court. I got bored and rewatched his highlights, and this might be a hot take, but his tape looks the most impressive out of all the new recruits and transfers. He feels like the difference between being a solid top-25 team and a true top-10, championship-caliber team.
He just seems like he’s going to be a beast. For context, last year Braden Smith averaged 8.7 assists in 37 minutes (0.24 assists per minute), while Petrovic put up 7.3 in only 27.5 minutes (0.27 per minute). Say what you want about the ABA league, but it’s hard not to be very high on Petrovic. If his defense isn't quite there, it seems like he has the natural burst and athleticism to quickly make improvements on that end of the floor to get there.
I really hope there aren’t any issues getting him on the court. I got bored and rewatched his highlights, and this might be a hot take, but his tape looks the most impressive out of all the new recruits and transfers. He feels like the difference between being a solid top-25 team and a true top-10, championship-caliber team.
He just seems like he’s going to be a beast. For context, last year Braden Smith averaged 8.7 assists in 37 minutes (0.24 assists per minute), while Petrovic put up 7.3 in only 27.5 minutes (0.27 per minute). Say what you want about the ABA league, but it’s hard not to be very high on Petrovic. If his defense isn't quite there, it seems like he has the natural burst and athleticism to quickly make improvements on that end of the floor to get there.
I think you forgot about Brandon Lee
I'm trying to hold myself back from overhyping him, but he's a really good veteran professional basketball player. Tempered expectations be damned, he's going to be awesome.
I’ve felt the same way since I first saw his highlights. Think he has a similar impact this year as Tomi had last year, an under the radar pickup who winds up being our second or third best player.
And I also think he pushes us to a top 10 type team. And unfortunately without him I don’t think we are top 25. We would have no other primary ball handler than Kylan and he’s really best suited as a secondary ball handler. I think the swing is that big with/without Petro.
Getting him here and cleared is vitally important.
Without Petrovic, we quite literally do not have enough guards on the roster.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
can't wait til we're on to the next
Agree, he has the pedigree and the skills to contribute right away. So much hype about Wagler that I think Lee is being underestimated.
Before Petro is going to be awesome, is he going to show up?
And IF he does show up, is he going to be able to hold his own on the defensive end? I have seen a couple of his highlight films that show strengths and weaknesses. What he can do in B1G level competition I will withhold judgement until he shows what he can and cannot do. But most importantly, I hope he can be compared to Braden Smith in his team contribution.
What I find interesting is the way the hype train for our two frosh has wavered between them. First, it was Lee being touted providing a major contribution when another guard was clearly needed. Then Wagler interest seemed to spike as we found out he can hit a jumper or two. Now, Lee is beginning to be praised once again.
Both these kids are far from chopped liver or roster fillers. My hope for them both is that they stick with the program and are determined to outwork everyone else, becoming major contributors on a FF run one day. They are relatively skilled athletes...the kind you see 3 or 4 of on most FF teams. May they both work their tails off to develop all their skills and needs and lift the team to new heights in the near future.
10 points, 6 assists would be my expectation. Really not much of a stretch when you look at his pedigree.
Building is right. Ayo looks yoked these days.
He should be arriving this weekend.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
crikey, what the hell are we gonna worry about?
No way we're "sold top-25" without him. We have little depth at guard as it is.
I was there...up there with beating Magic and MSU..
I was at the MI state game when Eddie hit that game winning jumper. Everybody remembers Earvin Johnson, but Eddie Johnson (same class) also had a big time NBA career, sort of in the shadows. It wouldn't surprise me if the Illini's Johnson outscored Magic (in the NBA) if you dropped the playoff numbers. I'm too lazy to look that up.
Any chance there will be an all “IC” line up? Not sure if they could defend but would be a beast of a group on offense with Mirk on the glass, Z and T running high-low and A&P breaking down the defense.
Absolutely.
Ive been off the board for a while...realing from the way illini athletics are treating their loyal longtime season ticket holders. Its really sad they are just money grabbing from the loyal fans.
Update on Ty? Anything?
Update on Ty? Anything?
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