Keaton is undoubtedly the best player of that bunch. No question about it. I also firmly believe Vaaks & Coleman is a better offensive package than Wagler & Bos. This is not a knock on Kylan, I think that hand injury really derailed him, but let’s be honest - He was tough to watch offensively in the back half of the season
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
Great points, but what I think Illinois might miss next year is someone who has no problem getting to the hole like KB. Yes, Wagler was able to get to the hole, but it was more methodical and got pounded on the way.
I would just like another PG who has those skills to get to the hole without getting mauled, so he can dish for easy layups and score some baskets, too. There are going to be times when the offense gets stagnated, and when it does, a guy like KB can break it down. That's all.
I think most of us are disappointed because with how spread out our success as a program has been, next year is a once in a lifetime chance with what we have returning. We were hoping for proven pieces to complete the team, instead of hopes and prayers to get lucky with another late blooming star other programs missed on. Most of the time, the proven pieces will win out.
Two years from now I'll be thrilled to keep our 20 wins and tournament run going with all the turnover. Was hoping all the chips were on the table and no stone left unturned this year. Tired of being in the 2nd tier when we have the ability to be in the first.
We will be cheering them on. Hope we won't be found wanting at the end of the year.
biglug58
- Chicago, IL
This. I was very impressed by Morillo in the Nike games. Strong, tough, under control. Didn’t force anything, let the game come to him. Has some Dawg in him, OA connection, reminds me of a bigger Feiiz with better shot. Super excited to see him in the O & B next year!
Andrej gets to the hole pretty consistently. Coleman can as well.
I agree with your general point, but as of now, Vaaks is our PG, and he's not a freshman. Would be nice to add Cox to have another capable ball-handler, who also happens to be quick and athletic.
Fair enough. I just loved how KB can handle the ball effortlessly and whenever he wanted to get by his guy without a problem, he did.
I dont think it is likely either but when healthy Wagler/Bam played a ton, probably 70 minutes or more. I would think Vaaks plays a ton like Wagler but AC/Morrilo combined to equal around the minutes Bam played. As a group they can do that in the 70 or so minutes those 3 play. Plus, we still may add a guard.
And I agree with you. Not adding a veteran point guard is extremely high risk (and foreseeably high risk).
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
We’ll be ranked higher in the pre-season polls than both Michigan and UConn were last year. Not sure I’d call a Final Four / Top 5 finish along with a pre-season top 5 squad second tier.
It's not a ridiculous take because we haven't seen what Vaaks + Coleman can do. If someone told you last year at this time that Wagler + Boswell was going to be better than KJ + Boswell you would have laughed them right of this forum and you would have turned out to have been wrong. We just don't know until we see it.
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Having made a post supporting the same thing, I will say there are no guarantees of what kind of improvement comes year to year.
But that said, it is rare that motivated kids, like this group of Illini, work in the weight room and at improving their skills and do not get significantly better when given the chance as well as motivated to show such improvement. In fact, it is quite rare. So based solely on the returners, all having significant numbers as starters, this team could be improved on the basis of 6 veteran returners. Add a couple of frosh with skills and promise, and we have a potentially elite team. Add another vet transfer and let Illini Nation boost this team to a title.
I have always realized that the biggest challenge in the success of the last handful of seasons was the ability for BU to figure out the chemistry. But in the coming season, that will be a minimal problem.
Can't do this an entire offseason (again) after we just spent 15+ million on this roster.
Kid shot 65%fg/50%3/90%FT last season, won the state championship & was Mr.Basketball in MO, and people are like, are we sure he’s good?
pruman91
- interviewing new NL's daily....I really really am
I think that this freshman class is VERY special. The are the foundation for a great team in years to come if they stick together. Add a big or two next year and they may be world beaters.
But they're FRESHMEN. Counting on them to carry the team like Keaton did is asking a lot. Acquiring Blackwell as the second guard would mean that we wouldn't have to count on any freshmen. We'd have 7 players who are proven performers at every position with 5 freshmen being initiated into Illini basketball by years end. talent? yes! experience? no....
Love this team....but we're short one scorer at guard.
I. E. we're not quite done...
P.S. In my 70 years of watching Illini basketball, we've NEVER had a freshman before like Keaton Wagler. Should we count on that two years in a row??
It is a good team. Not a stand out team. Relying on some luck with help and a lot of faith in Freshman. I get 1 but counting on 2, 3 or even 4 is a tall task. Hopefully they pick up a vet because Brandon looked unplayable last year. At the end of the day do I wish we went for the jugular sure, but Brad has earned my wait and see approach.
6’4” combo guard ranked in the top 30 nationally with both excellent shooting and athleticism and was the teams 5th leading scorer?
Hmmmmmmmm
"Most of us"?
Speak for yourself! They had an amazing off-season. They just went to a Final Four, two years after an Elite 8 and they'll be one of the favorites to win the whole thing this year.
Take that crap out of here. Seriously. That BS is old.
They are literally getting preseason number one shouts on social media by national writers.
A lot of people in here are overestimating what the talent landscape in college basketball looks like next year. Look at other rosters and the lack of tons of high level players left.
Yeah we'll barely get to 20 wins and into the tournament with any luck
