IU 67% from 2 pt. Just not acceptable. Defense is coachable.
Indiana 78, Illinois 68 POSTGAME
IU 67% from 2 pt. Just not acceptable. Defense is coachable.
Disagree. I don't see it as a dependence but a commitment. I have more confidence in his basketball beliefs than those of the posters on this board.
That can also lead to less rhythym, depending on the player. Starting higher can be simpler for some guys because there is less motion from start to release. That can make it easier for some to get the same motion/release every time. All just a matter of comfort.
Deleted member 547530
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Guest
Add a legit big man rim protector and we will see those numbers go down. No bigs to defend the paint will give you what we have seen this year in opponent 2pt%
I get the strong feeling that Underwood's dependence on this defense will look a lot smarter when we are able to do things like put the ball in the basket on the other end.
This defense is unorthodox which leads to unorthodox stats. The Michigan State game is example 1A.
I'm actually pleasantly surprised by the defense this season. Having a young team, new system, and no rim protection I was expecting the defense to be horrible. We're currently 95th according to Kenpom, which is nothing to brag about but I was expecting 150+.
Or have someone who can protect the rim without fouling.
True. One more recruit could make a huge difference. Fill the roster holes and stick with the process. Small changes will lead to big improvement in results.
Man, poor you. That must've been terrible.:hand:
If you can't get behind a first year coach who has his team playing hard and trying to implement a fun brand of basketball then I don't know what to say.
Nicely played. I can't understand why people come here to complain. If you don't like the program then go away.
RedRocksIllini
- Morrison, CO
I was very impressed with the effort tonight, especially after the last game and being very short-handed. This team has had very little quit (PSU and Wiscy the exceptions). Glad to see some fight tonight. I'm travelling 1000 miles to see them play Nebby and I would be a little bummed if I thought they were just going to phone it in. Hope we can get one or both of the injured guys back before Sunday.
We get it. You don't like Underwood.
It kind of looks like a form shooting drill i’ve used with youth players. I believe there is video about it on USA basketball.
Impressed with his demeanor and candor on what he expected, what he took over, the history and the fandom that makes Illinois a great gig, and an awesome school to play at.
Illinois may never have been as Elite as we all may have wanted it to be, but it has historically been damn good and much better than the vast majority of schools. This is the coach that wears the ILLINI on his sleeve, we do not have to worry about it being a stepping stone position, and is implementing the "Flyin Illini" days again in time.
If you have followed through the misery, we all have, then hang on to rope to be pulled out again, it is happening, we are all being pulled in again. Thank goodness. Keep fighting ILLINI, I am so looking forward to the next 3-5 years of growth and wins!
KrushCow31
Former Krush Cow
- Chicago, IL
Some people just don't want to sit behind a screen for 2 hours and watch bad basketball. I tune in for games when I can, but it currently isn't a priority. That doesn't mean I don't like discussing things, watching highlights, posting on here, and following the team. Not watching the game isn't "not getting behind a first year coach". It's just having more important priorities.
And what else is he able to depend on? Our offense? Lol. He’s orchestrated a super efficient offense in the past. Our pressure defense is literally the only thing this team can possibly depend on as an identity. You’ve made it clear you don’t like underwood. We get it
I have to agree with the common theme after tonight's game. We do not have the ATHLETES required to run Underwood's system right now. Almost every game this year I see a new wrinkle in the offense that hasn't been seen. We seem to be running better offense every game. But.... We do not have a single player that's over 6'1" that can finish AT the rim. Trent and Tejon are our best at finishing, but they can only finish by making a tough layup with their dominant hand. Ebo is arguably the best big finisher we have and he was the 510th ranked player coming out of HS. Leron has been incredible this year with his shooting but lets me honest he isn't great AT the rim. I don't want to disparage the other players and list their weaknesses but, we all know by now with 4 games left in the regular season what they are.
Deleted member 631370
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Guest
Good to see the effort and improved execution. That's a plus. It wasn't exactly the gut check response we were hoping for, but it's promising that they didn't lay down and die.
But at the risk of sounding repetitive......0 points combined from Mark Alstork and Mark Smith. 34 minutes combined. 0-6 from the field, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 fouls combined.
We just can't win games without production from the 2 spot.
But at the risk of sounding repetitive......0 points combined from Mark Alstork and Mark Smith. 34 minutes combined. 0-6 from the field, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 fouls combined.
We just can't win games without production from the 2 spot.
GortTheRobot
- North Bethesda, Maryland
So it's an Alaskan or Norwegian Darkness.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
Good effort overall. You can see a few minutes here and there where the offense looks great, there's just no consistency from the guys we have. IF we're able to upgrade the team with athletes and shooters, you can see where we'd be a lot of fun to watch.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
It’s tempting to point the finger at this, but I think forcing TOs is literally the only thing keeping us competitive right now. I can’t help but feeling we’re in a least bad option scenario on this front.