altenberger22: “I seem to recall hearing all of the following from Brad prior to the start of the season:
1. Mark Smith is an elite talent
2. Trent Frazier is an elite shooter
3. Michael Finke is an elite passer
4. This squad should be a tournament team come next March.”
1. Mark Smith IS an elite talent... in the minds of his family and ‘handlers’... and himself.
2. Trent Frazier IS an elite shooter... or at least HAS been at times.
3. Finke IS an elite passer... for every pass that did connect successfully.
4. The Squad should be a tournament team EVERY March. Even when they are less than talent-laden. This is Illinois Basketball... where Illini Nation deserves an ELITE team (or at least elite effort) every season so that they can do an ELITE job during The Time of Madness.
It’s a coaches job to instill confidence in his players. Even if it means exaggerating a bit. In his heart, the coach knows what’s he’s got out there. He’s sees them every day in practice and on film (and maybe even in his nightmares). What he’s trying to do is give these guys a target a bit beyond their reach so that they can grow into it. Sounds ‘Elite’ to me.