Illini in the Pros

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#151      

Battle89

Battle89
Battle89
It was postulated for years on this board that Kofi's game did not translate to the modern NBA. Now that has been shown to be true.

3-point shooting is part of it, but it also his defensive quickness, or lack of it. And while I agree that he would likely have more money had he stayed, I disagree that he would have further developed for the type of game needed in the NBA. He said as much himself in that interview a few months back.

I also don't think you ever push an All-American 'out the door', but point taken. I think Brad had seen the good and the bad about this style of team play and was ready to move in another direction. Meaning he 100% keeps Kofi and the offense if Kofi had wanted to stay, but also was excited for a new style too.

All the usual and well-deserved disclaimers, I love Kofi and wish him the best in Japan. But man that team does sound awful.
 
#153      

Goillinikobd

Goillinikobd
Southeastern US
Goillinikobd
Battle89 said:
It was postulated for years on this board that Kofi's game did not translate to the modern NBA. Now that has been shown to be true.

3-point shooting is part of it, but it also his defensive quickness, or lack of it. And while I agree that he would likely have more money had he stayed, I disagree that he would have further developed for the type of game needed in the NBA. He said as much himself in that interview a few months back.

I also don't think you ever push an All-American 'out the door', but point taken. I think Brad had seen the good and the bad about this style of team play and was ready to move in another direction. Meaning he 100% keeps Kofi and the offense if Kofi had wanted to stay, but also was excited for a new style too.

All the usual and well-deserved disclaimers, I love Kofi and wish him the best in Japan. But man that team does sound awful.
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I think you got it exactly. I don’t think BU was unhappy to see him. It was going to happen in one more year anyway and I don’t see any way Illini win the big one with a team built around Kofi.
 
#156      

the juiceman cometh

T
the juiceman cometh
chiefini said:
9/10 & 4/4 for 22 points 6 RB & 2 assists in the 120-102 win over the Celtics!
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Larry David Hbo GIF by Curb Your Enthusiasm
 
#164      

IllinoisssssssVarsity

I
IllinoisssssssVarsity
the juiceman cometh said:
Hitting the occasional 3pt shot is not going to cancel out his shortcomings in defending the pick-and-roll. That's what the NBA is these days, and nobody is going to let Kofi go out there and get eaten alive just because he learned to shoot decently from range. I'm sure he knows this and will be working hard on it in Japan.
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Exactly. I’m interested to know which nba guard/wing folks think kofi can switch onto in a p/r? Or which nba guard/wing besides Westbrook are you comfortable playing drop coverage against? Nba guards have gotten so good at pulling up quick when their defender goes over the screen to force contact it’s almost impossible to play drop anymore.

And to the idea that BU pushed kofi out the door. Idk man. How many pressers has BU said something like “I woke up knowing I had 20 and 10 from kofi last year and that was comforting.” As a coach one of the things you most desire is consistency. BU had it with Kofi.
 
#165      

HensonHall71

H
HensonHall71
The best college basketball coaches are honest with their athletes and tell them when they have nothing left to prove in college and give them the advice that is best for them, not the team - I'm sure BU did this- Kofi could have come back and dominated again, gotten NIL money and enjoyed college life, but it would have only delayed his professional career. He would be the same player more or less, but a year older. His game will change a lot more in Japan - I do think he'll dominate their in the paint, but he'll have to guard stretch big men and defend pick and rolls, etc. he'll get to work on those things and get his game NBA ready

I think he will be an NBA player one day - his work ethic is too strong not to be. He is athletic, but his lateral quickness and defensive awareness need to improve and he'll get better at those things
 
#167      

Calvin

C
Calvin
mysterio2525 said:
Love seeing that second gear blow by
in the half court by ayo... Looking much more in control this year!
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One of the things that's elite about Ayo's game was his attacking style, and how many fouls he could generate. Got to the line a ton, and put guys in foul trouble. For perspective, Trent's super senior year he had 66 free throw attempts. Ayo's junior year, 143.

And as good as that is, Kofi topped 200... we're going to miss that. I don't expect anyone on this year's squad to be as much of a load on opposing defenses.
 
#169      

EyeoftheIllini

EyeoftheIllini
EyeoftheIllini
Saw that Ayo made ESPN’s top ten plays yesterday. Unfortunately it was him getting stuffed on a layup attempt against Pacers.
 
#170      

spillini

spillini
spillini
EyeoftheIllini said:
Saw that Ayo made ESPN’s top ten plays yesterday. Unfortunately it was him getting stuffed on a layup attempt against Pacers.
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He had a pretty good outing yesterday but finishing at the rim when defended is not his strength
 
#171      

illini80

illini80
Forgottonia
illini80
I wonder when Kofi joins his new team? I look forward to watching some highlight videos!!
 
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