To me the primary worth of a basketball player is in the name. He must be able to put the ball in the basket...against anyone at anytime. I love having a team that can do that, not only from every position, but also from every level at every position. But I came to understand the importance of defense in order to win, as well as rebounding when the ball does not go in. These guys do that at a pretty high level, and Vaaks seems to be from that mold.
This team certainly has the talent and depth to do all those things at every position. Depth may come to haunt if major minute players get injured or get taken out of their contributing mode by opponents game plans.
Can't wait for Nov. to see what this puzzle offers when completed. I truly enjoy watching Brad fit the pieces together as well as watching the players meld into a team that is willing to fit together. Seeing them perform like clockwork and with a high level of confidence and competence is a salve to my passion. Should be another riveting season of watching Illini basketball, my 71st. It never gets old or does the passion wain.