My friend last time you went on an extended rant it ended with the 1LL1NO1S jerseys being sunsetted...
Coaching is a serious grind. He could be the most knowledgeable basketball mind on planet Earth and I wouldn't blame him for passing on that opportunity.
I really hope Mirk isn't crushed under the weight of expectations. He wasn't even on all B1G team last year due to Keaton's high usage. And now his floor seems to be 1st team All B1G / third team All American. We still have no idea how much that injury set him back in terms of his body transformation and the 2026-27 scheme (with 3 new starters besides him).
UConn / MSU sould be fun.
I remember that game well, I was in the Orange Krush (called the Orange Krunch, back then) and we were undefeated until Steve Lanter's injury. We were riding high until he got hurt, but after losing him, it was all downhill from there. The next time I saw him play was at McKendree College, and he was wearing a huge knee brace. Even though his injury sent the 1978-79 season to hell in a handbasket, Steve's company did make a 2.5 donation to the Illinois Basketball program in 2021...helping to build the program we have today.... https://fightingillini.com/news/202...nus-lanter-gives-2-5-million-to-ubben-project
It is part of what separates the good from the great! You either lean in or fade. He doesn’t seem like the type to fade.
www.cbssports.com
So, so excited about the team.Projected starting lineups, biggest preseason battles for each high-major team as first practices get underway
What are the biggest lineup questions and position battles to know as college basketball practices begin this week?
“Illinois
Projected starting lineup
Top reserves: F Jake Davis, C Zvonimir Ivisic, G Lincoln Williams, F Landon Davis, G Ethan Brown, G Lucas Morillo, F Jason Jakstys
- G Stefan Vaaks
- G Quentin Coleman
- G Andrej Stojakovic
- F David Mirkovic (when healthy)
- C Tomislav Ivisic
Biggest preseason battle: What is the offensive hierarchy without the brilliant Keaton Wagler? David Mirkovic was trending toward being the big man on campus before his summer foot injury. That's opened the door for Andrej Stojakovic and Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks to audition for the keys to an Illinoisoffense with immaculate spacing, thanks to the nation's best-shooting frontcourt.”
All I am looking to get from Mirk is improvement in efficiency in all facets. It can be slight, but what in the world should expected from him at an elite level? He showed his value as a teammate last year, especially in the clutch and keeping the team out of long scoring droughts. With the talent this team possesses in the returners and adding another all-around team player like Coleman, no one has to be a super star. But they all have to use their talents when others are shut down...which always leaves opportunity for someone...and there will be a someone of talent to pick up that opportunity and run with it at all times. We will see, but I expect, just as was the case last season, to see talents shine and team play to be spectacular most of the time. The big upside will be if we can get both Ivisic brothers healthy, confident, and aggressive at both ends. Their potential has seen glimpses of success and is spectacular, but those glimpses must become steady performances every night for another FF march...er...April. (See what I did there?)
I sat through the John Groce years just for some randoms who will not make any noise to get them instead
