lets put it this way : as official as it can be without it being official
I would like an explanation for why Epps is transferring because I'm upset about yet another highly recruited guard, hyped big time by Underwood and his coaching staff, leaving after only a year or so in the program. Epps started every game after Clark bailed, took over the most demanding position in basketball, point guard, as a freshman despite not being a PG before and played it well, provided good outside shooting before hitting a bad slump near season end, was one of only two players (with Shannon) able and/or willing to consistently drive inside for layups. Playing time was not an issue, but perhaps he became increasingly frustrated at having to play out of position, especially when his shooting fell off.
Much has been written on this board at his apparent resentment at being profanely criticized by Underwood more than once during games for all to see and that his attitude gradually soured. Most players today aren't going to endure for long getting reamed out publicly, especially if they feel they aren't being appreciated for taking over a key role that they don't feel comfortable in.
It's not a stretch to believe Epps somewhat saved the season by playing as well as he did at the point because Illinois had no one else able to. Hawkins and Shannon were turnover machines when trying to do so.
Yes, Epps was weak defensively, but he was recruited for his shooting ability, not his defense.
What's most disturbing is that Underwood has now lost five highly recruited guards in the past two seasons (Curbelo, Miller, Podziemski, Clark and Epps). There have been different reasons, and many posters here have said "good riddance" after initially gushing when the kids signed on about how great they would be. But that's a big turnover even in this wild new world of college hoops and it is not a good look for the program.
There was a post a little while ago that Epps didn't listen to the coaches, was lazy and "poison" in the locker room. Hard to believe he would've played such a large role this season if that were true, but if so, why weren't the coaches aware of that reputation during his recruitment? What's more, except for Podziemski who clearly wanted more PT, why were the character/maturity issues of the other four unknown or overlooked by the staff?
Most importantly, should we have confidence that Underwood and his assistants will be able to stop this churn trend and get high school guards who will stay and develop in the program?
