Illini in the Pros (Basketball)

#61      
hoopsfan47
Jon said:
Hummer went 2-5 from 3 for 6 pts, 2 stls, 1 blk in NBA Summer league. Nothing flashy, but interesting to see if he could 3 and D himself to beyond an exhibit 10 contract.
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IMHO, Ben is the kind of guy that can bank 50 million dollars over the next decade simply by doing the things at which he is good. 3 and D for sure, and he can do both as well as most.

What I enjoyed most about watching Ben over his two seasons at Illinois was his growth on the defensive end and his confidence, determination, insight, and effort to grab rebounds...especially possession saving/extending rebounds that take a chunk out of an opponents spirit. We know he is a talented shooter and with NBA coaching and putting in the work, he will become consistent and dependable from the arc.

After watching his first season in C/U, I had little regard for his chances to ever make an NBA roster. His defense was poor and his rebounding lacked passion and understanding. But in his second season with the Illini, we saw a completely different player it both areas. A light turned on and he became a B1G warrior at both ends of the court. In addition, is shot selection and rhythm became much better as he became a go to guy when the team was struggling to score...making huge momentum turning/sustaining shots in come from behind efforts.

Not that anyone cares, but it makes me quite confident and hopef that Ben will make the Nets roster (or some NBA team's roster) and be around for a long time. The league needs bench minutes from guys they can depend upon, and Ben's talents meet those needs. Good for him, a true EDG Illini.
 
#63      
WeWillWhen
Ten former Illini signed to NBA Summer League Teams (so far):

Kylan Boswell - Charlotte
Dain Dainja - Brooklyn(?)
Luke Goode - LA Lakers
Justin Harmon - Utah
Coleman Hawkins - Denver
Ben Humrichous - Brooklyn
Morez Johnson, Jr. - Dallas
RJ Melendez - San Antonio
Keaton Wagler - LA Clippers
Tre White - Miami

(Dainja had an edit of himself in a Nets jersey on his IG, but has since taken it down)
 
#64      
IlliniHardwood
#67      
JKR
IlliniHardwood said:
Alfonso Plummer is certainly in the conversation, but not the definitely the best in Illini history. See pages 166-168: https://fightingillini.com/documents/2025/11/5/2025-26_ILLINI_MBB_Record_Book.pdf

I would give more of a nod toward players who played their entire career here: Cory Bradford, Sean Harrington, Derek Harper, Luther Head, Dee Brown, Rich McBride, Brandon Paul, DJ Richardson, etc.
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and your list only includes players since the adoption of the three-point line in '86(?). Illinois basketball predates that by 80 years. Probably some pretty good shooters in that period.
 
#68      
IlliniHardwood
JKR said:
and your list only includes players since the adoption of the three-point line in '86(?). Illinois basketball predates that by 80 years. Probably some pretty good shooters in that period.
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My/"your" list only refers to my opinion or sample of the official records posted on fightingillini.com. Like I said, AP is in the conversation, but not without-a-doubt the best shooter in Illinois history.
 
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#70      
Fly Illini Fly!
IlliniHardwood said:
Alfonso Plummer is certainly in the conversation, but not the definitely the best in Illini history. See pages 166-168: https://fightingillini.com/documents/2025/11/5/2025-26_ILLINI_MBB_Record_Book.pdf

I would give more of a nod toward players who played their entire career here: Cory Bradford, Sean Harrington, Derek Harper, Luther Head, Dee Brown, Rich McBride, Brandon Paul, DJ Richardson, etc.
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Every one of those guys played on a 19ft 9inch 3pt line.

Plummer did on 22ft 2in.

Also, “playing their entire career here” has no bearing on a player’s ability. Only thing it differentiates is who fans love more.
 
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#72      
nichi
#73      
IlliniHardwood
Fly Illini Fly! said:
Every one of those guys played on a 19ft 9inch 3pt line.

Plummer did on 22ft 2in.

Also, “playing their entire career here” has no bearing on a player’s ability. Only thing it differentiates is who fans love more.
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Your bolded statement is exactly right, and your original statement is opinion only. There's nothing wrong with you loving AP more...but, that doesn't make him the "Best shooter in Illinois history." TSJ is also listed in the PDF previously, linked, and he played after the 3 pt distance was extended. Exclusive 3-pt makes or percentage also "has no bearing on a player’s ability" when it comes to gauging overall shooting.

The list of players to whom I would give a nod is not comprehensive. But, if you're going to say a player is the best in Illinois history in any category, I am certainly not going to favor a player who played in only 33 games as an Illini no matter how much I liked him, and I liked AP a lot.
 
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