Illini Basketball 2026-2027

#427      
We've had six 17ppg scorers the last 6 years.

And nine 15ppg scores the last 7 years.

I think it's very likely.
You are correct...dunno what my thought was but AS should be expected between 16-20 and Vaaks could as well as Mirk. But my overall point is that no single player will be depended upon to lead the team as they all are proven scorers against elite competition. This team should be as offensively efficient as last year's team. But a big key will be AS improving his % from the arc significantly...as well as a couple or three frosh getting confident and consistent....which is always a crap shoot. I would love to see Jake continue to improve on both ends.
 
#428      
No? You aren't going to score on every single one of your possessions. At best you're probably going to score on 50-60%? (estimated guess; assuming we're very efficient). Last season we were at 65.7 poss per 40 -- let's say that creeps up a little and this year we're around 68.

But regardless.... that would only mean 35-40 possessions per game where you actually score a point.

Add in the factor of role identification, what shots players are/aren't allowed, how many shots, etc... there's definitely a constructed sample to work from.

MAYBE in hockey or soccer that would make sense... "score as many goals as you possibly can." But even then there's player value.
I still don’t see how there is a limit. Some teams want to make it a grind game and keep possessions and shots low and others want to run and get shots up within a certain time on the shot clock.

If they’re made baskets that’s a different story. Then there are other aspects to the sport, like rebounds, creating turnovers with the defense.

The number of possessions can be manipulated.
 
#429      
You are correct...dunno what my thought was but AS should be expected between 16-20 and Vaaks could as well as Mirk. But my overall point is that no single player will be depended upon to lead the team as they all are proven scorers against elite competition. This team should be as offensively efficient as last year's team. But a big key will be AS improving his % from the arc significantly...as well as a couple or three frosh getting confident and consistent....which is always a crap shoot. I would love to see Jake continue to improve on both ends.
I think Andrej has that shot from distance, but it seemed to me that he was often hesitant to take it, even with an open look. Maybe confidence is the only thing lacking. Somebody has to help him flip a switch.
 
#430      
This, and I also feel Blackwell got massively overrated and overhyped. Plus shooter, good but not exceptional 2nd and 3rd level scorer, average defender, below average playmaker. 2nd best player on… Wisconsin?
Think they have a real shot to go undefeated in the regular season. There’s just nobody in the ACC that matches up with that talent and depth of talent.

There’s really no premise to support Blackwell’s overrated. He averaged 19 a game in the BIG on a very good Wisconsin team, which was a top 10 offense. Just had a brutal first round loss.

He was the second best player since Nick Boyd was phenomenal. In reality, there’s no player in the portal who was as good as Boyd last season.
 
#431      

Not so much related to Illinois basketball and I'm cheering for the Spurs but this set by OKC was absolutely gorgeous.

Would love to see Illinois start to incorporate more off ball movement and screens to put more pressure on defenses. You have a roster with a bunch of veteran players and good passing bigs so you can be a lot more creative than just running dribble hand offs and two man game at the top of the key.
 
#432      
Think they have a real shot to go undefeated in the regular season. There’s just nobody in the ACC that matches up with that talent and depth of talent.

There’s really no premise to support Blackwell’s overrated. He averaged 19 a game in the BIG on a very good Wisconsin team, which was a top 10 offense. Just had a brutal first round loss.

He was the second best player since Nick Boyd was phenomenal. In reality, there’s no player in the portal who was as good as Boyd last season.

Let’s make a friendly wager on them coming out of the regular season 31-0. Highly, highly doubt that.

Also we’ll see on Blackwell. Like I said the only thing he does at a high level is score the basketball. Not really close to being a great defender and has shown next to zero playmaking ability.
 
Last edited:
#433      
Think they have a real shot to go undefeated in the regular season. There’s just nobody in the ACC that matches up with that talent and depth of talent.

There’s really no premise to support Blackwell’s overrated. He averaged 19 a game in the BIG on a very good Wisconsin team, which was a top 10 offense. Just had a brutal first round loss.

He was the second best player since Nick Boyd was phenomenal. In reality, there’s no player in the portal who was as good as Boyd last season.

Let’s make a friendly wager on them coming out of the regular season 31-0. Highly, highly doubt that.

Also we’ll see on Blackwell. Like I said the only thing he does at a high level is score the basketball. Not really close to being a great defender and has shown next to zero playmaking ability.

I mean, Duke plays the #4, #6, #7, and #9 teams in Torvik in just their OUT OF CONFERENCE schedule, and #8 and #10 IN conference. They will have played 6 of the top 10 teams this year. I mean, yes, I think Duke is going to be good, but it'd be hard to wager on them going undefeated in the regular season.
 
#434      

Not so much related to Illinois basketball and I'm cheering for the Spurs but this set by OKC was absolutely gorgeous.

Would love to see Illinois start to incorporate more off ball movement and screens to put more pressure on defenses. You have a roster with a bunch of veteran players and good passing bigs so you can be a lot more creative than just running dribble hand offs and two man game at the top of the key.
Incredible ball movement - reminds me a bit of our 2005 team.

I still love watching the NBA.
 
#435      
i think (hope) we have sufficient ball handlers. If we are going to add a piece, I wish it were a strong 6-9, 250 lb
ish super senior who could come off the bench to defend a big 4 or post man and take a few of Z and Tomi's fouls.
Also push those two around in practice, help them develop their post games under some physical duress. Oh,
and if this a true holiday wish list, make a Humrichous % from 3. A particularly good fit against Wisconsin, Iowa,
Mich. st.
 
#436      

Not so much related to Illinois basketball and I'm cheering for the Spurs but this set by OKC was absolutely gorgeous.

Would love to see Illinois start to incorporate more off ball movement and screens to put more pressure on defenses. You have a roster with a bunch of veteran players and good passing bigs so you can be a lot more creative than just running dribble hand offs and two man game at the top of the key.
that set results in a good shot 10/10 times
 
Back