this is a 72-75 ppg team. we're not a fast break team with 2 of Tomi, Z, Mirk on the floor
together.
Illini Basketball 2026-2027
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together.
I think it was Warren’s decision not to grant Illinois a share of the Big Ten title in 2021. Illinois finished the COVID-19 season with the most conference wins at 16-4, beating Michigan on its home court, but the Wolverines won the outright regular season championship with a 14-3 record. Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman advocated last March for the Illini to receive their due.
hooraybeer
- Peoria, IL
pru i know you spend enough time on this board to know this has been a frequent topic of discussion
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I remember that, but I could swear there was something that happened at media days one year. Thought it was getting the schools name wrong. Maybe it was mispronouncing a name like Bielema. Maybe I’m crazy.
Well, he did talk about it at the following year’s basketball media days. Maybe that is what you are thinking of? Here is something I found: Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren doubled down on his decision, along with league leaders, to not award Illinois a share of the Big Ten basketball title last season. Warren was asked about the situation during his opening remarks of the conference’s basketball media day at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Thursday morning (this was in early October of ’21).
Last 3 years we were 83-84 ppg. Last year 84.4 ppg. Should see numbers like last year.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
You might be combining two memories, as I’m pretty sure when he was (awkwardly forced to be) presenting us the 2021 BTT Championship onstage after that game, he was being booed the whole time and (IIRC) did accidentally say “Illinois University.”
I usually try not to give TOO hot of takes on a Saturday afternoon, but I truly don’t understand the perspective that Warren was not a total moron and a half.
That must be it. Thought it was at media day, but was pretty sure it was him saying Illinois University. Thanks.You might be combining two memories, as I’m pretty sure when he was (awkwardly forced to be) presenting us the 2021 BTT Championship onstage after that game, he was being booed the whole time and (IIRC) did accidentally say “Illinois University.”
I usually try not to give TOO hot of takes on a Saturday afternoon, but I truly don’t understand the perspective that Warren was not a total moron and a half.
Do not agree with that analysis.
Coleman is not coming off the bench, and we have not upgraded our bench (though I won't say it's a significant downgrade). We lost Ben, and replaced with Morillo.
Overall, it implies the view of someone who isn't deeply in-tuned with our team.
Talk about ignorance LMAO.
2026: 83.2ppg
2025: 83.6ppg
2024: 83.4ppg
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Our offense would need to be massively disappointing for this to be the case (even if we play a similar pace to last year).
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
Although neither Tomi or Mirk are fast they would both be effective at starting the fast break as good rebounders and passers. Dre would be the best we’ve had since TSJ in speed and finishing. I expect us to look more like that team with Vaaks looking like Domask at times. However can’t picture QC as Ty Rodgers.
I believe we've averaged 83+ points each of the last three seasons. This team has scorers all positions. Defense will likely be a much bigger concern than putting points on the board.
Those in glass houses...
Let's talk about ignorance.
CJ Moore, the author of that article, went to the same high school as Keaton Wagler who was classmates with his son. I guarantee you he followed our team as much as most of our own fans.
$$$
Illinois’ Keaton Wagler was No. 261 in his class. Now he could be an NBA lottery pick
Wagler went mostly overlooked as a high school recruit, but is the leading scorer for a Final Four contender as a freshman.
www.nytimes.com
Agreed. Hopefully the coaches can focus on defense. With a top 20 defense this coming season, the Illini can compete for a final four. If they can get to a top 10 defense...
Yes. Vaaks is a downgrade from Wagler, but not the biggest downgrade on the roster.
Coleman is a downgrade from Boz, but not the biggest downgrade on the roster.
The biggest downgrade is going from Ben to Morillo in our second unit. Everyone will push back saying they’re different players - to which I’d agree. However, fact is we’re returning everyone on our bench other than Ben, and Morillo’s the guy filling in. It’s a 1-out-1-in scenario.
Hummer was a good shooter, 36% from 3. Morilllo will likely have the lowest 3pt attempt rate on the roster, and it’s difficult to see a high percentage. I worry what a complementary role looks like for a 3pt liability, given our style of play.
I hate to ask but how have previous preseason #1's in this poll ended the year?
Is Brad gonna save an open slot to possibly fill in Dec like he likes to do?
When you put it in your Illinois BB box to justify, I guess it’s not hard for you to grasp to make yourself right.
Guess we disagree.
I think the guy who plays more than people expect is Jake Davis.
I don't think he'll start, because Coleman's really good. But predictions about him being in the 17-18min range I just don't get.
Firstly, go look at our rotations... we always play six guys over 20 minutes. Secondly, our offensive efficiency with him on the court was extremely high last year.
I think it's way more likely we see him at 21-22min rather than 17-18.
I don't think he'll start, because Coleman's really good. But predictions about him being in the 17-18min range I just don't get.
Firstly, go look at our rotations... we always play six guys over 20 minutes. Secondly, our offensive efficiency with him on the court was extremely high last year.
I think it's way more likely we see him at 21-22min rather than 17-18.
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