Illini Basketball 2026-2027

#526      
Det_Illini_fan
LvilleILL1 said:
Some of the incoming freshman are further along than expected. Going to be some tough calls.

This isn't just from the staff, so not just your typical "rose colored" assessment during the summer.
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Celebrate Vice Tv GIF by STICK TO SPORTS
 
#527      
Fly Illini Fly!
lstewart53x3 said:
I don’t know. As the lead guard, Vaaks will likely be the highest usage player on a projected 1 seed. 3rd team All American equivalent is definitely in play.
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Vaaks / Mirk / Andrej are the engines to our offense.

Tomi and QC are a slight step below, but will be very productive.
 
#528      
lstewart53x3
LvilleILL1 said:
Some of the incoming freshman are further along than expected. Going to be some tough calls.

This isn't just from the staff, so not just your typical "rose colored" assessment during the summer.
Click to expand...
Cracking the top 7 won’t be easy.

Vaaks
Coleman
Andrej
Mirk
Tomi
Z
Jake

^^^ That’s an incredibly established top 7. Even Jake, who could be described as the weakest of those 7, was a starter on a Final Four team last year.

8, 9, and 10 are completely up for grabs. With Morillo being the highest ranked recruit of the remaining freshman, you’d think 8 would belong to him. But it sounds like there’s gonna be a battle for that spot.
 
#529      
EmeraldCityIllini
Really hoping for one of Morillo or Williams to pop. Both offer different upsides in the immediate if either one do.

Williams on one hand gives you an element of speed and athleticism defensively and in transition we really only have from Andrej currently. While Morillo with his height and versatility and onball skills seems like a perfect match offensively for what this group does.

With news of Kitt putting together a monster summer i think the talent evaluation of this staff is just operating at an insanely high level right now. Brad gets a ton of credit for adjusting to his personnel, as he should. But I'm thrilled he's settled into a bit of a style and type here - doubling down on strenghts.
 
#531      
EmeraldCityIllini
ugottabjoshinme said:
Say What GIF by NBA


Somebody needs to sell me on Michigan State because I don't see it. They have 1 really good player.
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Sadly, I think i do. I'm a big Scott fan, and Glenn is a really nice player. Their backcourt and depth along with it is good.

Gotta replace a strong frontcourt though, so for sure flagging that.

I'd take them second at present moment over Michigan though.
 
#535      
OrangeBlue98
LvilleILL1 said:
Some of the incoming freshman are further along than expected. Going to be some tough calls.

This isn't just from the staff, so not just your typical "rose colored" assessment during the summer.
Click to expand...
Approximately 320 Division 1 men’s basketball coaches would give a body part to have this problem…….
 
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