Illini Basketball 2026-2027

#102      
Illiniguy13
illini55 said:
Christian---

Enjoyed the interview very much. As your skill set improves with time, I'd suggest more pointed questions. You do have a tendency to think out loud while you're composing the interview inquiries. Keep at it, you're going to be great as experience rounds your edges.

Why isn't MLT coaching somewhere?
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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.
 
#105      
RollChief
For those interested and starved for some college hoops, here is a list of notable P5 exhibitions in October:

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#106      
March2TheArch
Fly Illini Fly! said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/2102118038321451153
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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).
 
#108      
CrazyIlliniLady
DC bearcat said:
Many people do not remember this but one of the worst injuries was back when Steve Lantern the point guard back with Eddie Johnson and company. We never recursion that one. And that team was rolling!!!
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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
 
#109      
CrazedUIFan
March2TheArch said:
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).
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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.
 
#113      
Illinisnake
Just a reminder

1. QC
2. Vaaks
3. Andre
4. Mirk
5. T-Ivisic

6th - Jake Davis
7th - Big Z
8th - Ethan Brown
9th - Morillo/Williams
10th - Zens
 
#114      
ptgrd23
CrazyIlliniLady said:
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
Click to expand...
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Greatest Illini games I have attended

Upset Magic Johnson (eventual NCAA champs) at home 1979
Beat Missouri at 1989 Bragging Rights - Flying Illini
Beat Indiana at Bloomington on Nick Anderson 1/2 court shot at buzzer - Flying Illini
 
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#115      
Fly Illini Fly!
www.cbssports.com

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?
www.cbssports.com www.cbssports.com

“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

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.”
 
#116      
March2TheArch
Fly Illini Fly! said:
www.cbssports.com

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?
www.cbssports.com www.cbssports.com

“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

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.”
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So, so excited about the team.

Not worried once we get into our half court sets or leverage Dre, Coleman, and Williams getting downhill in transition... BUT I do wonder how we will fill the Wagler-sized gap in ball handling. Many times he would progress the ball against Yaxel and UConn hounding him the full length of the court. Rarely TO'd the ball despite all that pressure.

I do trust our coaching staff to solve those scenarios knowing an Izzo, Boynton, Hurley, etc. will throw those defensive looks at us at some point in the game. But will be reassuring once we see it executed in high stakes games/situations.
 
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