Illinois 83, Lewis 50 (Exhibition) POSTGAME

#27      
If anything, today proved we have a solid 8 - 11 man rotation. Not everyone will be a star, but capable of being a solid role player.

BBV - Giorgi 2.0?
Alan - IMO the biggest question mark. He seemed frustrated. Showed some good and bad.
Hamlin - Seemed like he’ll be able to try and fill the role samba would’ve played this year.
Tevian - Announcer said he’s on academic suspension. So what does that mean with respect to playing time?

We have 10 players... what 11 man rotation are you seeing? Hamlin was okay defensively but he’s going to need a lot more work to do more than provide a breather for Kofi and giorgi.
 
#28      
We have 10 players... what 11 man rotation are you seeing? Hamlin was okay defensively but he’s going to need a lot more work to do more than provide a breather for Kofi and giorgi.

Which is the role Samba would’ve played this year. Also, we have 11. Tevian is still on the team as far as I know.
 
#29      
I hated our defensive scheme last year because we gave up so many layups. But now when opponents try to backdoor us Kofi will be waiting for them. It might actually work this year. And the Kofi/Giorgi high-low game had me thinking Self was back on the bench. Loved it.
 
#30      

Tacomallini

Washington State
33-0 from here, excellent team play, but Ayo continues to average 5 pts. and has no choice but to come back for his Jr. year.
Don't think it's been mentioned - Jones was on the bench in street clothes for the game. Not sure what's up with his suspension, but better than him not being there at all.
BBV the surprise of the day. Kofi is going to destroy inferior players. Everything else has already been stated. Gonna be a fun team.
 
#33      
Rough start but man Kofi is going to be such a beast! Really dominate on both ends and he obviously has good bball IQ and some skill to go with that size. So impressive. He altered SO many shots and he only had ONE foul! That will probably go up against better teams but still so impressive.

Also BBV is going to be a legit player. Looks like a guy with high skill level who is not afraid to make plays
I was watching Kofi and thinking he may be our first rounder in 2020... It is a joy to have a beast in the middle. His high post feeds to Giorgi down low can work on most every team we will face.
 
#34      
33-0 from here, excellent team play, but Ayo continues to average 5 pts. and has no choice but to come back for his Jr. year.
Don't think it's been mentioned - Jones was on the bench in street clothes for the game. Not sure what's up with his suspension, but better than him not being there at all.
BBV the surprise of the day. Kofi is going to destroy inferior players. Everything else has already been stated. Gonna be a fun team.
Challenge for BU ...He has to groom Ayo for the NBA....but Feliz may be our most effective PG. Both will shine I think. My favorite lineup after 1st game is AF, TF, AG, Giorgi and Kofi.
 
#35      
Lots of positives but biggest for me was the play of the bigs. One foul on Kofi and positive play from Ben and Jermaine.

Negatives were the slow start and the free throw percentage. Those will cost us dearly in a game like Arizona. Hopefully they will be fixed.
 
#36      

Deleted member 29907

D
Guest
I don't think BBV will be able to maintain that 3 pt shooting percentage :( :cool:
 
#37      
I hate to be the turd in the punch bowl but I don’t think you can play Giorgi and Kofi much together. Offensively it’s a nightmare. Giorgi clearly still can’t hit 3s so he’s never going to suck his man out away from the lane. I just don’t see how you ever manage to maintain spacing with both of them in there at the same time. Defensively, it’s a plus. But I suspect against good competition it’s going to kill the offense.

As has been mention above, I’d assume they combine to fill the 5 spot, with rare appearance together at the same time just to throw some different looks at teams.
 
#38      
I hate to be the turd in the punch bowl but I don’t think you can play Giorgi and Kofi much together. Offensively it’s a nightmare. Giorgi clearly still can’t hit 3s so he’s never going to suck his man out away from the lane. I just don’t see how you ever manage to maintain spacing with both of them in there at the same time. Defensively, it’s a plus. But I suspect against good competition it’s going to kill the offense.

As has been mention above, I’d assume they combine to fill the 5 spot, with rare appearance together at the same time just to throw some different looks at teams.
As long as Kofi can hit the 15 footer, Giorgi has a smaller man to take to the board. High/lo going to be very effective. Think they will play together as much as minutes allow.
 
#41      

mattcoldagelli

The Transfer Portal
Trying to keep it reined it after one exhibition game, but there was so much to like about Kofi in this. In addition to what you'd expect (especially against Lewis) in terms of boards and altering shots, he was under control (minimal fouls), easily getting up and down the floor, had a soft touch both around the rim and on some passes.
 
#42      
Lots of positives but biggest for me was the play of the bigs. One foul on Kofi and positive play from Ben and Jermaine.

Negatives were the slow start and the free throw percentage. Those will cost us dearly in a game like Arizona. Hopefully they will be fixed.
On negatives....turnovers too. They were forcing too many passes to Kofi when he wasn't open/ready. Loved Kippers pass at rim for Kofi dunk. I liked Kippers energy too.
 
#43      

ilphotog

The camera never lies
Champaign
A couple of you always complained of the Band's set up, here is their new set up.
 

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#44      

Deleted member 654622

D
Guest
The depth that we have this year will allow us to play against any style we see without a big drop off
I loved the Bulls team with the Bench Mob
See the source image
Any computer dudes on here that can draw up an IL version of this, would be awesome
 
#46      
Didn't see the game, just read through the comments. Not worried about Ayo. We saw enough last year to know what the kid will bring. He is a big piece of the puzzle for Illinois becoming relevant this year, so I understand the angst. But it is one exhibition game. I would like to see a game where Ayo and Frazier both go on a tear together, that would be a plus.
The players I do worry about after one game are the ones who haven't showed much yet and continue to.
 
#48      

Dan

Admin
Replay today on BTN, 11:30am CT
 
#50      

pruman91

Paducah, Ky
Basketball replay at 11:30. Football game we are actually all looking forward to at 2:30. Sounds like a nice little Saturday.
Yep...already got on my orange Illini shirt and blue sweatpants, ready for a great Illini day....ribeye, baked potato and salad for lunch and booze of my choice for dessert....LIFE IS GREAT !!!(also paid off my car 2 weeks ago, YEAH !!!!):cool: