Dan
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Welcome to the Looking ahead to the 2020-2021 season thread
Illinois in the 2020 Emerald Coach Classic (Nov. 27-29th)
Illinois in the 2020 Emerald Coach Classic (Nov. 27-29th)
agreedIdeally we return 5 of the top 8, have a healthy BBV, and get contributions from at least 4 of the 5 dynamic newcomers. Starting the season ranked in the top 15 is very reasonable and making the Sweet 16 this year would probably make that top 10. We will be very, very good.
We will have good guards but not as seasoned as Dre and Ayo on the defensive end. Tough to replace that toughness with frosh. Going to need the front court to get better. Should be possible with Kofi, Giorgi, BBV, and Hawkins. Definitely have more depth but will be surprised to see us ranked above 20. Who will be the new Alpha? Trent? DaMonte? Alan? Or one of the newcomers? Team chemistry will be completely different.Ideally we return 5 of the top 8, have a healthy BBV, and get contributions from at least 4 of the 5 dynamic newcomers. Starting the season ranked in the top 15 is very reasonable and making the Sweet 16 this year would probably make that top 10. We will be very, very good.
we'll take a step back on defense
I am totally fine with DMW doing what he has been lately. If he lets the game come to him and takes quality shots i feel he will shoot a good percentage going forward. So much of his issue imo was mental. He just needed to see the ball go in. He shot well in high school and the shots he takes are open now so he should be able to hit them. I always had faith he would come around and it is good to finally see that. If he can hit that open 3 pass like he has lately then i look forward to seeing him at the 3 next year.Really wonder if we will see a much different offensive player in DMW. Never have believed he wasn’t capable but more that it wasn’t his role. Really like to see him aggressively taking the ball to the hoop. Summer project for Gentry.
I agree with this post. We will really miss Ayo's ability to create a good shot on his own in late games and shot clock situations. I am not sure anyone comes close to him in that regard. Hopefully, AC will create that with quickness, passing and his vision.I like that of that last 10 or so posts, people realize that though we have a very good recruiting class coming in it will still be a process next year. Just can't replace a guy like Ayo has been this year. Sure can likely replace the stats, but not the Alpha toughness to close out games and stop an opponent run. And Feliz brings his own set of intangibles. He and Ayo are for the most part the two players that can drive for baskets. Add in his hustle and toughness -- again, going to take time next year to figure out from whom that comes. Next year's team will be good, but different. Just how good remains to be seen. I can't imagine me liking next year's team as much as this one for several reasons, but I'm looking forward to being proven wrong.
What ? 13 posts in and no starting lineup predictions yet?
Even the slightest possibility of Ayo and Miller playing together in the O&B is enough to give me the chills.Trent, Ayo, Miller, DMW, Kofi
Trent, Ayo, Miller, DMW, Kofi
Don't see him displacing Trent and we really need his shooting plus the assumed promise we gave him of starting to secure his commitment.I think Curbelo will crack the starting lineup before Miller. Although I believe both are top notch. Curbelo can create for himself and others right now as well as anyone in the country
Well.......that would sure be something. We'd have to be ranked top 15 pre-season you would think? If Garza stays (like most Iowa fans seem to be expecting) what a war the B10 will be.Trent, Ayo, Miller, DMW, Kofi
This is the second thread you have hinted about this in. Don't toy with my emotions.Trent, Ayo, Miller, DMW, Kofi
This is the second thread you have hinted about this in. Don't toy with my emotions.