Illinois Basketball 2016-2017

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#27      
I dont know, i think they could be pretty good. Just need to avoid injuries. I would definitely feel more comfortable if Groce was able to get another big through the transfer wire however.
I'm with you here. I look at next year's roster and I'm pretty happy with it... as long as the Curse of the Chief doesn't continue. I'm looking for a bubble team next year that ends up making the cut.
 
#29      
I'm really not sure. I thought i saw on twitter that he wouldn't qualify because he played in the second half of the season.

On Saturday sportsline, Tate said that IF he did not play again this year, the staff would appeal for another year. The rule states 30% before the midway point of the season, but it also says that the team and player have to make every effort to get him back. They would appeal saying that they did everything they could, and he tried but couldn't go.

That being said though, Tate said look for him back in the next couple weeks.
 
#30      
Oh great, so he'll have his career ended by an NCAA bureaucrat at the last possible moment before next season after he's probably already enrolled in classes and practicing with the team. Super. :tsk:
 
#31      

Ransom Stoddard

Ordained Dudeist Priest
Bloomington, IL
While TA's leadership will be crucial, we've still got PG issues. He wasn't at an all-conference honorable mention level before the injury, it's doubtful he's going to get there post-injury. To compete in the B1G we need someone of that caliber, and to hang everything on a 6th year senior and a true freshman....I'm just not that confident. Hopefully Lucas develops into the PG we deserve.
 
#32      
While TA's leadership will be crucial, we've still got PG issues. He wasn't at an all-conference honorable mention level before the injury, it's doubtful he's going to get there post-injury. To compete in the B1G we need someone of that caliber, and to hang everything on a 6th year senior and a true freshman....I'm just not that confident. Hopefully Lucas develops into the PG we deserve.

The Abrams/Lucas combo is shaky, but it's still night and day from what we have now.
 
#33      
I'm with you here. I look at next year's roster and I'm pretty happy with it... as long as the Curse of the Chief doesn't continue. I'm looking for a bubble team next year that ends up making the cut.

Looking at the B1G for next year, IU(if Bryant and Williams leave), Purdue, and Maryland should all take a step back but will still be pretty good. Iowa loses 4 senior starters so i dont really see them doing much at all. Wisconsin should be good but if Gard gets let go i would expect them to lose some players to transfer. MSU will be the favorite most likely. Northwestern will be very good. I think as long as we can stay healthy and Groce can find a good way to mix Lucas into the rotation, we should compete for a top 4 B1G finish. We're due.
 
#34      
Looking at the B1G for next year, IU(if Bryant and Williams leave), Purdue, and Maryland should all take a step back but will still be pretty good. Iowa loses 4 senior starters so i dont really see them doing much at all. Wisconsin should be good but if Gard gets let go i would expect them to lose some players to transfer. MSU will be the favorite most likely. Northwestern will be very good. I think as long as we can stay healthy and Groce can find a good way to mix Lucas into the rotation, we should compete for a top 4 B1G finish. We're due.

I like you, post more.
 
#35      

illininks

Shawnee, KS
I love this thread, and I love this post.
This season is lost. It was lost a long time ago. Let's move on and focus on the positive future that lies ahead. :illinois:

This. And for just a short while, let's do so without talk of firing our HC.

I like what we have in place for next year. A lot. I think it could be the year we need including a decent (2nd weekend at least) tourney run with a decent seed and top-4 or 5 type of BIG finish.

If we're healthy, of course!
 
#37      

Foggy Notion

San Francisco
While TA's leadership will be crucial, we've still got PG issues. He wasn't at an all-conference honorable mention level before the injury, it's doubtful he's going to get there post-injury. To compete in the B1G we need someone of that caliber, and to hang everything on a 6th year senior and a true freshman....I'm just not that confident. Hopefully Lucas develops into the PG we deserve.

Let's not forget that Abrams led us to within a hair's breadth of the Sweet Sixteen as a sophomore. He was also team MVP as a freshman. The injuries may or may not hamper him physically next year, but I have no doubt that his basketball IQ has increased substantially during his two-year rehabilitation. His presence on the court will make a huge difference next year, and he will be a great mentor for Lucas.
 
#38      
I'm with you here. I look at next year's roster and I'm pretty happy with it... as long as the Curse of the Chief doesn't continue. I'm looking for a bubble team next year that ends up making the cut.

THAT makes you pretty happy?? :tsk:
 
#39      
I'm with you here. I look at next year's roster and I'm pretty happy with it... as long as the Curse of the Chief doesn't continue. I'm looking for a bubble team next year that ends up making the cut.

If healthy, I am looking for a much better team than that.
 
#40      
THAT makes you pretty happy?? :tsk:

Making the tourney would make me pretty happy. Of course, I'd rather not have to deal with the anxiety of living on the bubble but as long as they make it in, I'll be happy. Once they're in, anything can happen. With our past few years, it's understandable for fans to be cautiously optimistic. Personally, I think we'll be better than a bubble team but a safe prediction is probably best considering that we don't know what changes we'll see in the off season.
 
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#41      
I agree that Tate should basically get no time next year unless we need some help breaking presses at the ends of games. I am not willing to say yet that Jordan won't be a contributor. He seems to have tremendous work ethic and a father willing to help him improve any way he can. I wouldn't be shocked to see Jordan come back next year with at least 20 extra pounds of muscle. He has good size and a good shot. There is a lot to work with there.
 
#42      
THAT makes you pretty happy?? :tsk:
Absolutely, a tourney team will make me happy. I don't care how we get there, I want the Fighting Illini to be dancing in March. But I'm very much a "expect little, hope for much" sort of person. If I weren't this way, I'd be hitting the Kool-aid a little harder for a top-4 finish in the B1G. Most of the Kool-aid I drank for this season has turned to ashes in my mouth.
 
#43      
On Saturday sportsline, Tate said that IF he did not play again this year, the staff would appeal for another year. The rule states 30% before the midway point of the season, but it also says that the team and player have to make every effort to get him back. They would appeal saying that they did everything they could, and he tried but couldn't go.

That being said though, Tate said look for him back in the next couple weeks.

Tate clarified this morning that Thorne doesn't qualify for a red shirt by the rule but "you can appeal anything", so this doesn't hold much weight for me. And it looks like Thorne will play Saturday anyway.
 
#44      
I feel like Kipper and Black and key for next years team just because of their physical play. Are you high on them?

Me likey high motors and bangers. The BiG is a rugged conference and currently we are extremely soft.
Don't let the Tulane thing fool you. Xavier, Butler and tOSU all had genuine interest in him at one time.
I saw Kipset once in HS and he was overall way beyond Sneed (who I isolated on in the game streamed the other night).
Speaking of Ohio HS BB, Simpson just broke his school record of 59 the other night with a 65 pt. performance.
 
#46      
Me likey high motors and bangers. The BiG is a rugged conference and currently we are extremely soft.
Don't let the Tulane thing fool you. Xavier, Butler and tOSU all had genuine interest in him at one time.

Yeah I agree, we need some of that on our team for sure. I wonder how Kipper and DJW affect each other's playing time. They both seem like big impact guys eventually. Anyone with more info on either of them?
 
#47      

blackdog

Champaign
Thorne has to qualify first for a medical redshirt and second for a sixth year waiver. Among the requirements for the medical redshirt are that he played in less than 30% of the season's games (he meets that with ease) and he must have suffered a season ending injury in the first half of the season.

His major injury was in the first half of the season. He played in the Indiana game in the second half of the season. Does that mean he did not have a season ending injury in the second half of the season? I don't think the answer is open and shut.

I also think MT is going to do all he can to play this year and that he does not want to come back next year. It might be better for Illinois if he played next year, but only MT can decide what is best for MT. If he does come back and play, then there is no chance of having him next year, too.

You keep bringing this up but I just watched a video with Jeremy Werner and the staff has said that Thorne is not eligible for a 6th year after playing against IU. If he had not played in that game he would have been.
 
#48      
You keep bringing this up but I just watched a video with Jeremy Werner and the staff has said that Thorne is not eligible for a 6th year after playing against IU. If he had not played in that game he would have been.

Yes, and Werner has checked with the UI compliance folks to get that answer, but some don't want to accept it. :)
 
#49      
Yes, and Werner has checked with the UI compliance folks to get that answer, but some don't want to accept it. :)

Lot of variables to consider, but if:

1) that's true
2) Groce was aware of that; and
3) Thorne would have been willing to come back for another year

then this is legitimately malpractice on the part of Coach Groce to play him in that IU game. Center is a GLARING hole for next year, and we won't be getting a transfer as good as Thorne. Again, impossible to know without knowing Thorne's desire to come back for another year, so I won't light the torches and bring out the pitch forks just yet. :)
 
#50      
Lot of variables to consider, but if:



1) that's true

2) Groce was aware of that; and

3) Thorne would have been willing to come back for another year



then this is legitimately malpractice on the part of Coach Groce to play him in that IU game. Center is a GLARING hole for next year, and we won't be getting a transfer as good as Thorne. Again, impossible to know without knowing Thorne's desire to come back for another year, so I won't light the torches and bring out the pitch forks just yet. :)


It's a moot point. Thorne was cleared to play. A kid can't get a medical red-shirt if he is healthy and capable of playing in games. Thorne was cleared to play so Groce played him.
 
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