Tacomallini
- Washington State
Illinois 92, Minnesota 65 Postgame
Larry Bird was said to just watch his teammates shoot so he could tell when they missed where it would go and then be there in the game..
Larry had height but was not particularly quick or had great ups. He was a great rebounder. Maybe Belo's court vision helps him be in the right place to rebound.
Larry had height but was not particularly quick or had great ups. He was a great rebounder. Maybe Belo's court vision helps him be in the right place to rebound.
Dee was a great ball player with all the intangibles, but he had one flaw - left hand layups. IIRC he almost always shot them right handed through his entire college career. Used to drive me nuts.
Dee was a legend, definitely, and a fantastic player. And the magical season of 05 is one of the best in college where those 3 guards absolutely dominated, any and all takers. I think they're one of only 2 teams in NCAA history to lose a game and retain the #1 ranking in the polls. #1 overall seed, and so close to that national championship too....
If I'm being critical, he was ok as a 3pt shooter, and didn't get to that elite level where he could create his own shot. He got open looks from being a relentless guy that understood how to run the offense, and make plays that others couldn't, but maybe not at the level that proto-typical PGs in the NBA draft get to. Lotta people said he wasn't 6'- either. Great taking care of the ball, and finding guys for open looks. Got down the court whenever there was an opportunity to push it. Not as insanely good in the open court as Ayo, but money with his speed. Huge part of a once in a lifetime team.
In Illini history?
AirNeezy
Orange Krush '13 -'14
Yes.
Its been 15 years and they still bring him up on national games when a player has an unbelievable fast break or pops his jersey.
Good to know I have at least the one basketball characteristic in common with DB.
Overall, his 3pt shooting could have been better, but I never worried about Dee shooting the 3 in a close game. He was a big time player that would come up with the big play when you needed it, whether it was a steal or a 3, or a defense stop.
Yes.
When the camera followed the ball and Bird came down with the rebound I was always surprised that his man was out of bounds under the basket. Just guarded by a lot of clumsy players I guess.
Dee is the only one who was a consensus All-American and National POY.
Quickness, bounciness and ability to anticipate the rebounds....Curbelo has similar rebounding traits that AG had/has. I think it can be something that can be improved
One thing curbelo also does is change gears really well. I think he is more quick than fast, but he knows when to ramp up, which makes him appear faster than he is as well.
Sometimes difficult to differentiate but I agree. Believe he is as quick as Dee but probably not as fast. Actually think the quickness is more important but tough to say that when you see Ayo on the break. Believe rebounding is a combination of attitude and an ability to know at a glance where the ball will bound. Experience helps this but some players have it naturally. Sometimes block out assignments also affect the nos.
Phillip was a three time All-American in basketball (once in baseball). He also won the same Sporting News player of the year that Brown did.
Weatherspoon was All-American his senior year.
Thomas was honorable mention All-American as a senior.