I’d love for everyone to be able to sit in a film session with basketball and football…….heads would be spinning
Illinois 86, Wisconsin 80 Postgame
- Status
I'm not being critical of Ben here. Generally, I think people are just frustrated he's missing shots right now (that happened to Plummer early on, too).
But just to be clear, we aren't talking about grading high in standard, publicly available advanced metrics, right? It's more like Ben is assignment sound, executes the defense the way Brad asks him to, always in the right place, no mental lapses sort of thing?
Illini in Italy
- Illini HQ, Florida Panhandle
Our FT defense is indeed ELITE
Not disputing that at all. And I totally appreciate that he has internal stats that obviously have served him and his teams well. He has earned the benefit of the doubt given his success at every stop. I can't speak for everyone who is questioning Ben's minutes, but I (and I believe there are many others) am just going by the eye test and some of the advanced stats from Torvik, Evan Miya et al. that would indicate Will's and Morez's statistical value is higher than Ben's at the current point in the season. I think I can speak for all true Illini fans that we value and support Ben as an Illini and hope he gets out of his offensive slump as soon as possible. If he is a threat to stretch the defense from deep, we are a much more dangerous team. And I know you know that already.
Interesting…..he’s had a few big blocks but I genuinely don’t get how he is graded that high otherwise…
DB11Headband
- Chicago Burbs
Going to be?
I would say it's been Boswell, by a mile. That is why I asked what the measurements are? Just curious, IMO Kylan is one of best defenders all the way through 1-3. He's been a pit bull.
OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
- Des Moines, IA
I guess I'm struggling to understand what the analytics are saying that my eyes are missing. I'm a finance guy, and I'm a BIG fan of and believer in data. When you have the right data and use it the right way, you make more rational and less emotional decisions. All else equal, data is a very good thing. But if the analytics are really saying Humrichous really was the best-performing defender the last several games, I question the validity of those analytics. I just don't see it when you have someone like Boswell who is absolutely locking good players down while Humrichous is in the middle of a lot of defensive breakdowns. I get basketball is a team game and 1v1 defending isn't the full story, but it's hard to reconcile what I'm watching with the commentary that Humrichous is analytically the team's best defender.
It would be like me spending half of my day looking at a bank balance that's really low and vendors screaming at me for the company to pay its bills while the company is showing very high profitability. Something just doesn't add up.
It would be like me spending half of my day looking at a bank balance that's really low and vendors screaming at me for the company to pay its bills while the company is showing very high profitability. Something just doesn't add up.
Imo he has a much higher ceiling,think he’s just scratching the surface.
Illini in Italy
- Illini HQ, Florida Panhandle
Reffing was some of the worst I’ve seen in recent memory. Luckily it didn’t cost us, but it was rough to watch. Announcers agreeing with that position is telling as well.
Agree.
You don’t have to be a coach to observe a player’s struggles. You don’t have to be a player to observe bad coaching decisions.
Seems this game had plenty of both but we pulled it off.
I just don’t understand how coach can just tell Ben to get more rebounds when he’s clearly struggling just to get the free throw rebounds. Reminded me of the time coach continued to put freshman Damonte Williams to inbound the ball during critical times in a game. We lost at least one, maybe two because of that.
Illini in Italy
- Illini HQ, Florida Panhandle
His problem is rebounding. Brad even said it.
His other problem is making shots. Brad said it in a positive way.
That most of our eyes aren't as reliable as we think they are. At least, not as reliable as a D1 coaching staff who has a cumulative 75-100 years or so of experience doing this at this level.
Ben having a mini slump right now and the villagers are out with the pitchforks and torches. When he gets going again he's going to be instrumental in our success as the season goes on. His shooting stroke is pure and won't be misfiring for long.
pruman91
- interviewing new NL's daily....I really really am
Kasparas Jakucionis scores 24 points and Tre White has 23 as Illinois beats No. 20 Wisconsin 86-80
Kasparas Jakucionis scored a career-high 24 points, Tre White had 23 points and eight rebounds and Kylan Boswell added 19 points and six assists to lead Illinois to an 86-80
I believe Ben will get back to where he should be. Hopefully his shots start to fall and it brings more confidence on defense as well.
sacraig
- The desert
He's turning into a Chester Frazier who can also fill up the hoop. I like it.
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
I always assumed this was a feature of our scheme. We don't want to give up 3s, so we are funneling opponents to the basket and meeting them there with a shot blocker to force midrange 2s.
Law of averages! Evanston to IL is quite the jump. He will come around with more time and go on a heater.
sacraig
- The desert
Having said that, your dad has resurrected our program and he can make up whatever he wants and I'm prepared to buy it for at least a little while.
blackdog
- Champaign
Hes in the middle of breakdowns but they aren't his breakdowns, he just gets left holding the hot potato at the end of it. He's not a disruptive defender but he's sound.
- Status