Grandison is so perfect in his role right now. Giorgi too.
This was not a great Illini game...nor is anyone with 18 turnovers. But it was a horrific shooting performance by Wisky who shot air ball after airball (yes most drew iron but most did not even hit inside the cylinder). But they kept shooting and when you are hitting 17% of them, you WILL GET YOUR TAIL WHIPPED. If Illini take care of the ball better, they win by 25+ easily.
Yet there were several good areas of performance and I would rate the overall performance as a bit above normal.
Wisconsin is a tough matchup for him. They play a pack line defense. And when they do allow penetration they try to force the guard to finish instead of allowing the dump off to the big.Curbelo had a difficult game. He will get it back together.
Haven't seen a box score but my impression was Miller had a solid day. Couple of nice hustle plays, steals, rebounds.Can't say that this was a total laugher but it is the closest we have gotten to one in a while.
Not to be negative but our 2 freshman were not good today. Especially Curbelo.
Well, this is on the heels of a 2-11, rough outing vs IU. Ayo is a GREAT player, but 16 years later and the farther that team gets in the rear window, it's gets easier for people to discount how truly elite and consistent that DW was. Now, I said the same thing in 2005 about the 1989 team. After 16 years, people started to discount how incredible that team was. The 1989 team beats the 2005 team by 20 points+. It's borderline criminal that team didn't win it all.Yeah, I hear you. And I don't say this lightly. I've laughed off when others have brought this up but after this game.............i don't know. We'll have to see how Ayo preforms in the tourney
Yeah, other than Ayo and Kofi, Miller, DMW, Georgi and Grandison were all plusses offensively. Trent just couldn't get the shots to fall today but completely shut down DavisonHaven't seen a box score but my impression was Miller had a solid day. Couple of nice hustle plays, steals, rebounds.
And also nut punchless most likely!First time in 36 games that Davison has been held scoreless
Please don't start this, I know several former players don't like these "whose better" discussions. Enjoy Deron, Dee, Frank, Bardo, Gill, and Ayo while they play for IllinoisIt might be time to at least *consider* that Ayo is having a better junior year than Deron '05. I'm at least willing to entertain a debate. Damn.
If you really think Deron and the company lose by 20, thereās just no way. They shot the three way too well.Well, this is on the heels of a 2-11, rough outing vs IU. Ayo is a GREAT player, but 16 years later and the farther that team gets in the rear window, it's gets easier for people to discount how truly elite and consistent that DW was. Now, I said the same thing in 2005 about the 1989 team. After 16 years, people started to discount how incredible that team was. The 1989 team beats the 2005 team by 20 points+. It's borderline criminal that team didn't win it all.
Anyway, great win, great performance by Ayo, Kofi and Co.....my heart rate stayed below 150 bpm for the first time in a couple of weeks.
Come on Sesc - I love the conversation. Think about it. "We are debating if we are watching the most impressive Illini season ever". BeautifulPlease don't start this, I know several former players don't like these "whose better" discussions. Enjoy Deron, Dee, Frank, Bardo, Gill, and Ayo while they play for Illinois
Listening to a Brad Underwood presser is like talking to a friend over a beer....
This.... my all time favorite match-up would be that team playing against the `90 UNLV Runnin` Rebels squad of Johnson , Augmon , Hunt , Anthony and company ,,, a "man" can dream right ?Well, this is on the heels of a 2-11, rough outing vs IU. Ayo is a GREAT player, but 16 years later and the farther that team gets in the rear window, it's gets easier for people to discount how truly elite and consistent that DW was. Now, I said the same thing in 2005 about the 1989 team. After 16 years, people started to discount how incredible that team was. The 1989 team beats the 2005 team by 20 points+. It's borderline criminal that team didn't win it all.
Anyway, great win, great performance by Ayo, Kofi and Co.....my heart rate stayed below 150 bpm for the first time in a couple of weeks.
Curbelo will play, when other teams pressure the ball more you will need his handles. When Trent and Adam's shots are off and Ayo is being denied the drive you will need Andre.Yep, March bench roles being defined. Solid minutes from Kofi and DMFW. Curbelo will need to work hard to earn tourney tick...outside of foul trouble for Ayo, Miller, Trent and DMFW. Gonna be tough to trust freshmen in win or go home games. I like BU allowing Curbelo some tick to work through his TO's in a game like this that is manageable, but that ain't happening in March.