Illini Basketball 2026-2027

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#1,601      
Det_Illini_fan
DeonThomas said:
Q. Coleman -- based upon our early "peeks" I think he's going to be quicker, faster and more athletic than Wagler. He will be in the starting lineup no later than game #5. Also predicting he will not reach Keaton's prolific 3-point shooting efficiency, even though he's going to be equally adept at creating his own shot via the step-back, or getting into the paint at will.

As a team, our overall guard play just might exceed what was on the floor this past season from an OFFENSIVE perspective (primarily Vaaks + Coleman). Not sure we're going to match Boswell's defensive contributions, however.
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Gotta be honest, I think QC will give us some athleticism and “chip on your shoulder” grit on defense as well. Vaaks will have an improved system, along with a Crocker Defensive Scheme the others are far more acclimated to. Add to the mix Williams off the bench, a speedier tempo, and continued rim protection from the Ivisii, we could see a noticeable improvement in defense over last year.

Maybe not #1, but I don’t see why we can’t be top 10 there. And really, that feels about what we just need given the offense. Metrics don’t like our style of play though going after rebounds more than steals and slowing opposing offenses, so it might skew things, but more balance could help.

I will say though, this is the side of the ball I’ve been most nervous about in the off season. Offense I feel strong with the playmakers and shot creators we have. Defensively, if we can create more literal stops this year we are a definitive natty contender.
 
#1,604      
Bucktown
DeonThomas said:
Q. Coleman -- based upon our early "peeks" I think he's going to be quicker, faster and more athletic than Wagler. He will be in the starting lineup no later than game #5. Also predicting he will not reach Keaton's prolific 3-point shooting efficiency, even though he's going to be equally adept at creating his own shot via the step-back, or getting into the paint at will.

As a team, our overall guard play just might exceed what was on the floor this past season from an OFFENSIVE perspective (primarily Vaaks + Coleman). Not sure we're going to match Boswell's defensive contributions, however.
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I see it that QC is a Boswell replacement. Vaaks replaces Wagler.
 
#1,606      
HoopsterMan
Juju said:
Y'know what'd be nice? If we could just get ONE stinkin' game against Duke in Champaign. Counting this upcoming game, we'll have obviously gone to Durham 3 times and they've NEVER come to Champaign. We've played them like, 8 or 9 times since the '80s and besides the 3 in Durham, all the other games have been neutral site games. Can we PLEASE get one in Champaign or do they always get home court advantage in games that aren't scheduled on a neutral court simply because they're Duke?
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They have been elitists about this. Other than these conference preseason challenges, I don't know if they ever play away on campus OOC games, or home and homes. Last three years they've played one each, at MSU, Arizona and Arkansas. With NIL and the advantages of playing neutral site, is gonna be really difficult. They're doing the return with Florida this year. Arizona was part of a home & home.
 
#1,607      
HoopsterMan
Not sure logic enters into a question about most satisfying. Even if Hurley wasn’t a jerk and I didn’t have a couple of acquaintances who are UConn fans, it isn’t really close for me — UConn. Win over Duke (NET) and/or Michigan (conference) might have more impact, but turning the table on UConn would be more satisfying. And if we meet UConn in tourney again, finally having a win over them could help the psyche.
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82K likes, 3,545 comments - maxisnicee on July 23, 2026: "Accurate ? Tag a UCONN Fan! 😂😂😂😭😭😭😭🧑🏼‍🦲".
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How could you not want to beat this?
 
#1,609      
Juju
pweo said:
How is December 4th, 2027? https://fightingillini.com/news/202...return-game-the-following-season-in-champaign
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Didn't know about that. Good stuff! Although, admittedly, I'd rather the home and home be reversed, with the Champaign game being this year instead of next, as next year is probably gonna be a bit of a step back, considering Andrej, Tomi, and Jake are guaranteed to be gone through the draft/graduation and Mirk is virtually a lock to be in the draft after this year. But hey, at least we are finally getting a game against them in Champaign!
 
#1,610      
SescIllini
Believe Q starts game 1 for multiple reasons, most because of his ability but also optics for top tier recruits. Q gives us speed we dearly lack, he will be in starting line up.
 
#1,611      
Fly Illini Fly!
DeonThomas said:
Q. Coleman -- based upon our early "peeks" I think he's going to be quicker, faster and more athletic than Wagler. He will be in the starting lineup no later than game #5.
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No later than game #1.
DeonThomas said:
As a team, our overall guard play just might exceed what was on the floor this past season from an OFFENSIVE perspective (primarily Vaaks + Coleman). Not sure we're going to match Boswell's defensive contributions, however.
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Last year’s backcourt scored 30.2 points per game.
 
#1,612      
Fly Illini Fly!
IMG_1271.jpeg
 
#1,618      
WyattEarp
Combo said:
Brad doesn't just tinker with his approach - he overhuals it almost yearly depending on the strenghths/weaknesses of his players. That's a pretty rare quality in the coaching world. I'm guessing many would argue that it's better to be more stubborn and stick with one style.
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I agree. That adaptability is arguably Brad’s greatest strength as a coach. AND it sure seems like he does it better than most. I mean technically he started out as “system” guy himself. (The spread/Johnny Orr) That’s about as old-school-continuity as it gets….but fast forward to now…

With the portal and roster churn and the uncertainty of the now…it makes perfect sense to be that way.Also, I would argue that being a 100 % dyed in the wool “system” coach is starting to go the way of the 🦤 dodo.

For example: Bo Ryan ran a swing offense and a ball screen continuity offense year in and year out…and he recruited with that in mind. Gary Williams ran his brand of a flex offense. Those purely “system” coaches are far less common these days. You still some of that…like Kampe has his unique amoeba D at the mid major level. (Where quirky & exotic makes sense.)

But, also there’s always been guys like Huggins that was never afraid to mix it up year to year…even back in the 90s or whatever.
 
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#1,624      
JoeJ
Wagler + TSJ = Plenty of comps.

Kofi + Plummer= No player in the history of the world like him. Closest would be Patrick Ewing. Embiid would be another reasonable comp.
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Keaton is still the better player as he >> to start with
Kofi is much more improoved
 
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