Smultronstallet
- Urbana, IL
I wonder how Tate will feel about playing on a team without Nunn. They've been teammates for something like 5 years now, right? That has to be a little bittersweet.
Illinois Basketball 2016-2017
- Status
I wonder how Tate will feel about playing on a team without Nunn. They've been teammates for something like 5 years now, right? That has to be a little bittersweet.
We certainly have the roster to make the tournament, barring terrible injury luck -- it would have to be even worse than the luck we've had recently.
I don't think Groce can keep his job if we don't make the tournament, nor should he.
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
The Illini are a tournament team - fact
Groce can keep his job w/o a tourney appearance - fiction
The only way that he can keep his job w/o making the dance is to land a top 5 class. And that just seems so far fetched that I label the whole thing fiction.
Thanks for the link, btw.
Obviously not.
Even with a tourney appearance, I think he needs a win or two OR a dynamite class.
Or something else amazing, like a conference championship.
Why sweet at all?
Bro everybody's defense regressed last year did you see the blowouts on ESPN , Tate wasn't the only one that didn't play defense last year lol.
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Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
I predict another year of Illinois missing the Big Dance and a new coach in place for 2017-2018
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
Dare we say, "Chastain-like" athleticism?
Some very very small problems I had with the article: One, Kendrick was not "without doubt" our best 3 pt shooter. JCL was and would have been this year too regardless of Nunn's presence. Two, DJW actually understands floor spacing very well. How many points did he score by making well timed back cuts along the baseline? He needs to work on HELPING space the floor with improved shooting, but I'm not worried about his court awareness. Lastly, Finke should not be glazed over. He's going to start over Black the rest of their careers here, I guarantee it.
IlliniDent
- Chicago, IL
I really don't think finke starts over Black because what Black does well is what we miss most on this team- rebounding. If Black can progress as a player from the last time he was healthy and we saw him play (Europe) he is going to be one of our best players. I love Finke but our team has good 3pt shooting and poor rebounding, and as a result I see him being a huge part of the team but not a starter guaranteed.
We were actually a pretty decent rebounding team with Finke at the 4 last year. Our rebounding problems mainly occurred when Finke played as a C and/or when Hill played at the 4.
I don't know who will start but you can never have too much shooting. I'm guessing Finke will start simply because that allows Black to play with the weaker rebounding Morgan.
Either way both players will get plenty of minutes.
Mike Thorne solves a lot of those problems. Finke's shooting next to Thorne's low post play is what works in modern day basketball.
IlliniDent
- Chicago, IL
Really what it comes down to is lineups. Both will get good minutes and honestly don't think that whoever starts will have a significant time advantage at the end of the season.
If you're referring to Piper's comments, he said Nunn was the second best 3 point shooter.
As an eternal optimist, I predict a tourney team, and that Coach Groce will keep his job. Barring another slew of injuries, this team has enough experience, shooting, and depth to make the tourney.
We have our unquestioned #1 option in Malcom Hill. We have an elite 3 point shooter in JCL to open up the court. We have legit post players in Thorne, Morgan and Black. Finke could become a tough match-up with his ability to stretch the floor, and his exceptional vision and passing ability.
If we can get average PG play, we have a tourney team. Abrams should be well-rested
I would imagine that Jaylon's shot will improve. After his rough off-season, he might be a little more focused than others, and let's not forget that his injury affected his shot last season. I think he'll surprise Illini nation next season and become quite a valuable player.
I haven't even mentioned DJW (really came on strong late last season, great energy) AJ (he was lost admittedly, let's hope this off-season helps) Tajon (a true PG, will be a nice back-up PG option at the very least) Kipper (intriguing potential) Alex Austin (pretty nice 12th or 13th guy to have around. He's certainly serviceable and can help this team win if the younger guys don't develop.
Groce will be able to throw a lot of different line-ups at the opposition. And just having average PG play this year, will allow the Illini to run a version of Groce's offense, which has not happened the last two seasons.
Fingers crossed, but I'm rooting for a Sweet 16 run and will be ecstatic for our guys if they achieve it. Please note that I am not predicting a Sweet 16, just saying that it is achievable if the guys buy into each other. Keep in mind the Illini beat a decent tourney team in UAB when we were at full strength last year. There is reason to be optimistic.
If the team comes together and has good chemistry, as fans we are going to enjoy this upcoming season more than any other in recent memory. Granted that is a fairly low bar that has been set.
On a side note, I really hope Groce doesn't add any more 5th year transfers. With everything that has happened over the last nine months to this team, I don't think we need to add any more players.
We have our unquestioned #1 option in Malcom Hill. We have an elite 3 point shooter in JCL to open up the court. We have legit post players in Thorne, Morgan and Black. Finke could become a tough match-up with his ability to stretch the floor, and his exceptional vision and passing ability.
If we can get average PG play, we have a tourney team. Abrams should be well-rested
I would imagine that Jaylon's shot will improve. After his rough off-season, he might be a little more focused than others, and let's not forget that his injury affected his shot last season. I think he'll surprise Illini nation next season and become quite a valuable player.I haven't even mentioned DJW (really came on strong late last season, great energy) AJ (he was lost admittedly, let's hope this off-season helps) Tajon (a true PG, will be a nice back-up PG option at the very least) Kipper (intriguing potential) Alex Austin (pretty nice 12th or 13th guy to have around. He's certainly serviceable and can help this team win if the younger guys don't develop.
Groce will be able to throw a lot of different line-ups at the opposition. And just having average PG play this year, will allow the Illini to run a version of Groce's offense, which has not happened the last two seasons.
Fingers crossed, but I'm rooting for a Sweet 16 run and will be ecstatic for our guys if they achieve it. Please note that I am not predicting a Sweet 16, just saying that it is achievable if the guys buy into each other. Keep in mind the Illini beat a decent tourney team in UAB when we were at full strength last year. There is reason to be optimistic.
If the team comes together and has good chemistry, as fans we are going to enjoy this upcoming season more than any other in recent memory. Granted that is a fairly low bar that has been set.
On a side note, I really hope Groce doesn't add any more 5th year transfers. With everything that has happened over the last nine months to this team, I don't think we need to add any more players.
I like the optimism but UAB was in the NIT and got destroyed in the first round. I agree that this should be a tourney team though.As an eternal optimist, I predict a tourney team, and that Coach Groce will keep his job. Barring another slew of injuries, this team has enough experience, shooting, and depth to make the tourney.
We have our unquestioned #1 option in Malcom Hill. We have an elite 3 point shooter in JCL to open up the court. We have legit post players in Thorne, Morgan and Black. Finke could become a tough match-up with his ability to stretch the floor, and his exceptional vision and passing ability.
If we can get average PG play, we have a tourney team. Abrams should be well-rested
I haven't even mentioned DJW (really came on strong late last season, great energy) AJ (he was lost admittedly, let's hope this off-season helps) Tajon (a true PG, will be a nice back-up PG option at the very least) Kipper (intriguing potential) Alex Austin (pretty nice 12th or 13th guy to have around. He's certainly serviceable and can help this team win if the younger guys don't develop.
Groce will be able to throw a lot of different line-ups at the opposition. And just having average PG play this year, will allow the Illini to run a version of Groce's offense, which has not happened the last two seasons.
Fingers crossed, but I'm rooting for a Sweet 16 run and will be ecstatic for our guys if they achieve it. Please note that I am not predicting a Sweet 16, just saying that it is achievable if the guys buy into each other. Keep in mind the Illini beat a decent tourney team in UAB when we were at full strength last year. There is reason to be optimistic.
If the team comes together and has good chemistry, as fans we are going to enjoy this upcoming season more than any other in recent memory. Granted that is a fairly low bar that has been set.
On a side note, I really hope Groce doesn't add any more 5th year transfers. With everything that has happened over the last nine months to this team, I don't think we need to add any more players.
As an eternal optimist, I predict a tourney team, and that Coach Groce will keep his job. Barring another slew of injuries, this team has enough experience, shooting, and depth to make the tourney.
We have our unquestioned #1 option in Malcom Hill. We have an elite 3 point shooter in JCL to open up the court. We have legit post players in Thorne, Morgan and Black. Finke could become a tough match-up with his ability to stretch the floor, and his exceptional vision and passing ability.
If we can get average PG play, we have a tourney team. Abrams should be well-rested
I haven't even mentioned DJW (really came on strong late last season, great energy) AJ (he was lost admittedly, let's hope this off-season helps) Tajon (a true PG, will be a nice back-up PG option at the very least) Kipper (intriguing potential) Alex Austin (pretty nice 12th or 13th guy to have around. He's certainly serviceable and can help this team win if the younger guys don't develop.
Groce will be able to throw a lot of different line-ups at the opposition. And just having average PG play this year, will allow the Illini to run a version of Groce's offense, which has not happened the last two seasons.
Fingers crossed, but I'm rooting for a Sweet 16 run and will be ecstatic for our guys if they achieve it. Please note that I am not predicting a Sweet 16, just saying that it is achievable if the guys buy into each other. Keep in mind the Illini beat a decent tourney team in UAB when we were at full strength last year. There is reason to be optimistic.
If the team comes together and has good chemistry, as fans we are going to enjoy this upcoming season more than any other in recent memory. Granted that is a fairly low bar that has been set.
On a side note, I really hope Groce doesn't add any more 5th year transfers. With everything that has happened over the last nine months to this team, I don't think we need to add any more players.
After reading your run down of players, I have found myself saddened by the loss of Nunn more than I expected. I agree that he had to go due to his own stupidity. But I will miss seeing him play with his teammates.
As an eternal optimist, I predict a tourney team, and that Coach Groce will keep his job. Barring another slew of injuries, this team has enough experience, shooting, and depth to make the tourney.
We have our unquestioned #1 option in Malcom Hill. We have an elite 3 point shooter in JCL to open up the court. We have legit post players in Thorne, Morgan and Black. Finke could become a tough match-up with his ability to stretch the floor, and his exceptional vision and passing ability.
If we can get average PG play, we have a tourney team. Abrams should be well-rested
I haven't even mentioned DJW (really came on strong late last season, great energy) AJ (he was lost admittedly, let's hope this off-season helps) Tajon (a true PG, will be a nice back-up PG option at the very least) Kipper (intriguing potential) Alex Austin (pretty nice 12th or 13th guy to have around. He's certainly serviceable and can help this team win if the younger guys don't develop.
Groce will be able to throw a lot of different line-ups at the opposition. And just having average PG play this year, will allow the Illini to run a version of Groce's offense, which has not happened the last two seasons.
Fingers crossed, but I'm rooting for a Sweet 16 run and will be ecstatic for our guys if they achieve it. Please note that I am not predicting a Sweet 16, just saying that it is achievable if the guys buy into each other. Keep in mind the Illini beat a decent tourney team in UAB when we were at full strength last year. There is reason to be optimistic.
If the team comes together and has good chemistry, as fans we are going to enjoy this upcoming season more than any other in recent memory. Granted that is a fairly low bar that has been set.
On a side note, I really hope Groce doesn't add any more 5th year transfers. With everything that has happened over the last nine months to this team, I don't think we need to add any more players.
Most paragraphs well-taken yet the last paragraph is definitely up in the air and needs well thought out by the coaching staff. The team may be the healthiest and well stocked it's been in months, but it's a fragile healthy at best. Any one of the players' previous injuries could be re-aggravated and throw the 2016-2017 season into a tizzy. Here's hoping that's not the case, so it would be good to have another player/transfer available if a knee or ankle injury re-occurs. What we don't need to hear in the next few months are the deja vu words, "Here we ago again with more injuries."
As an eternal optimist, I predict a tourney team, and that Coach Groce will keep his job. Barring another slew of injuries, this team has enough experience, shooting, and depth to make the tourney.
We have our unquestioned #1 option in Malcom Hill. We have an elite 3 point shooter in JCL to open up the court. We have legit post players in Thorne, Morgan and Black. Finke could become a tough match-up with his ability to stretch the floor, and his exceptional vision and passing ability.
If we can get average PG play, we have a tourney team. Abrams should be well-rested
I haven't even mentioned DJW (really came on strong late last season, great energy) AJ (he was lost admittedly, let's hope this off-season helps) Tajon (a true PG, will be a nice back-up PG option at the very least) Kipper (intriguing potential) Alex Austin (pretty nice 12th or 13th guy to have around. He's certainly serviceable and can help this team win if the younger guys don't develop.
Groce will be able to throw a lot of different line-ups at the opposition. And just having average PG play this year, will allow the Illini to run a version of Groce's offense, which has not happened the last two seasons.
Fingers crossed, but I'm rooting for a Sweet 16 run and will be ecstatic for our guys if they achieve it. Please note that I am not predicting a Sweet 16, just saying that it is achievable if the guys buy into each other. Keep in mind the Illini beat a decent tourney team in UAB when we were at full strength last year. There is reason to be optimistic.
If the team comes together and has good chemistry, as fans we are going to enjoy this upcoming season more than any other in recent memory. Granted that is a fairly low bar that has been set.
On a side note, I really hope Groce doesn't add any more 5th year transfers. With everything that has happened over the last nine months to this team, I don't think we need to add any more players.
I also like your optimism. I keep it simple and look at whether I think we can win the FG%, rebound and turnover battles. Rebounding should be much improved, but it has to improve a lot. We were incredibly bad on the boards. Without looking up the statistics, I'll say Groce's teams have done pretty well in the turnover battle and expect more of the same next year.
To win the fg% battle, you have to defend as well as shoot. I thought we had a pretty average team offensively last year but teams consistently shoot well against us. I blame that on our defense and more specifically on the defensive scheme. It seems like we give up defending the paint and attempt to defend the three which we don't do all that well either. I'm a believer in defending the paint and extend the defense from there, but what do I know?
I think the team's top priority or focus should be on the conference regular season. If they do well there, the tournament bid will come. If they can finish in the top four of the conference, I'd probably keep Groce even if they got upset in the first round of the tournament.
+1. I want to see Nunn's scholarship filled by the best available player, and I don't want that to turn out to be Alex Austin. I think this can be a very cohesive team after all it went through together last year.
Big thing for me is PG play and on that I'm worried. If somehow, someway, we get competent PG play from one or more of Abrams, Tate, or Lucas, I think we make the tourney (in fact fairly easily). Of course assumes no crazy string of injuries to the rest of the lineup like last year.
The thing is none of those three IMO are likely to give us competent PG play. Abrams - two serious injuries and hasn't played in two years.
Tate - opponents don't have to guard him making it four against five. Very poor defender.
Lucas - lightly touted FR still recovering from injury.
Honestly I think Lucas might be the most likely, and that's not saying much!
The thing is none of those three IMO are likely to give us competent PG play. Abrams - two serious injuries and hasn't played in two years.
Tate - opponents don't have to guard him making it four against five. Very poor defender.
Lucas - lightly touted FR still recovering from injury.
Honestly I think Lucas might be the most likely, and that's not saying much!
As an eternal optimist, I predict a tourney team, and that Coach Groce will keep his job. Barring another slew of injuries, this team has enough experience, shooting, and depth to make the tourney.
We have our unquestioned #1 option in Malcom Hill. We have an elite 3 point shooter in JCL to open up the court. We have legit post players in Thorne, Morgan and Black. Finke could become a tough match-up with his ability to stretch the floor, and his exceptional vision and passing ability.
If we can get average PG play, we have a tourney team. Abrams should be well-rested
I haven't even mentioned DJW (really came on strong late last season, great energy) AJ (he was lost admittedly, let's hope this off-season helps) Tajon (a true PG, will be a nice back-up PG option at the very least) Kipper (intriguing potential) Alex Austin (pretty nice 12th or 13th guy to have around. He's certainly serviceable and can help this team win if the younger guys don't develop.
Groce will be able to throw a lot of different line-ups at the opposition. And just having average PG play this year, will allow the Illini to run a version of Groce's offense, which has not happened the last two seasons.
Fingers crossed, but I'm rooting for a Sweet 16 run and will be ecstatic for our guys if they achieve it. Please note that I am not predicting a Sweet 16, just saying that it is achievable if the guys buy into each other. Keep in mind the Illini beat a decent tourney team in UAB when we were at full strength last year. There is reason to be optimistic.
If the team comes together and has good chemistry, as fans we are going to enjoy this upcoming season more than any other in recent memory. Granted that is a fairly low bar that has been set.
On a side note, I really hope Groce doesn't add any more 5th year transfers. With everything that has happened over the last nine months to this team, I don't think we need to add any more players.
I agree that barring injuries like last year and average point guard play, we should be in the tournament. However, I wouldn't mind a 5th year transfer, if it was the right fit. Having an experienced 2/3 player who is solid defensively could be an asset. I definitely don't want to mess up any team chemistry either, but having another body to fill an otherwise unoccupied scholarship, in my mind, is a good thing.
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