Looking ahead to 2021-2022

Ress · Apr 12, 2021

Dave Wischnowsky

@wischlist

Assuming Trent does indeed return, you have to think that bodes well for the return of Da'Monte, Kofi, and even Adam Miller. We'll have to see of course, but the Illini may very well end up getting most of the band back together besides Ayo and adding several talented new pieces.

11:32 PM · Apr 11, 2021·Twitter Web App

201154JC · Apr 12, 2021

Joel Goodson said:
Tiny could go anywhere, was a great distributor, and an excellent shooter. Fully expect big strides in Papi's outside shot, but Archibald-level is a bridge too far, short term. Good comp though.

Only player to ever lead the league in scoring and assists. Quite an accomplishment.

skyIdub · Apr 12, 2021

Ress said:
Dave Wischnowsky
@wischlist

Assuming Trent does indeed return, you have to think that bodes well for the return of Da'Monte, Kofi, and even Adam Miller. We'll have to see of course, but the Illini may very well end up getting most of the band back together besides Ayo and adding several talented new pieces.

11:32 PM · Apr 11, 2021·Twitter Web App

GallopingGhost · Apr 12, 2021

If Ace does return instead of transferring, I don’t want to hear any of you “good riddance”-ers talking any trash. Welcome the guy back with open arms, he will make us better.

TheFameProtector · Apr 12, 2021

rtbritt said:
I like our chances much better since we are replacing AM for TF! Now if we get AM back and either he or Hutch need to come off the bench....dang!

I know Lville said it shouldn't have an impact but if TF is back I don't see how/why AM would be back. If his mom was upset that he wasn't featured more when Ayo went out and it's now looking like a lot of the gang may be back + Hutch, then she'll probably see a path forward that hasn't changed all that much. I would love to be wrong here, of course.

Ress · Apr 12, 2021

skyIdub said:

That's very funny. lol

Ramrod2010 · Apr 12, 2021

Ress said:
Dave Wischnowsky
@wischlist

Assuming Trent does indeed return, you have to think that bodes well for the return of Da'Monte, Kofi, and even Adam Miller. We'll have to see of course, but the Illini may very well end up getting most of the band back together besides Ayo and adding several talented new pieces.

11:32 PM · Apr 11, 2021·Twitter Web App

Joel Goodson · Apr 12, 2021

TheFameProtector said:
I know Lville said it shouldn't have an impact but if TF is back I don't see how/why AM would be back. If his mom was upset that he wasn't featured more when Ayo went out and it's now looking like a lot of the gang may be back + Hutch, then she'll probably see a path forward that hasn't changed all that much. I would love to be wrong here, of course.

Maybe, maybe not. lol

I don't think we're setting up for an alpha (Ayo role), even with Trent back. Miller will get plenty of minutes and shots, and perhaps most importantly, will have the opportunity to expand his offensive game. Obviously, the primary point is gonna be Papi, but Miller is gonna have it just as much as anyone else, maybe more. If that isn't enough, oh well.

I very much doubt that Underwood made promises to Frazier, to entice him to come back.

Chieeeeffffff · Apr 12, 2021

TheFameProtector said:
I know Lville said it shouldn't have an impact but if TF is back I don't see how/why AM would be back. If his mom was upset that he wasn't featured more when Ayo went out and it's now looking like a lot of the gang may be back + Hutch, then she'll probably see a path forward that hasn't changed all that much. I would love to be wrong here, of course.

In a weird way I think having Trent back is a better selling point for the concept of “positionless ball handlers.” Adam is not a “shooting guard” if Trent is back, he is one of three guards who can handle the rock and distribute.

Probably wishful thinking on my part.

Joel Goodson · Apr 12, 2021

Follow up on my previous post:

Think our O is gonna be a "share the sugar" type deal (which is not a knock on Ayo: he was very unselfish for an alpha). Our team should be better for it. If we have 3 shooters and a much improved Papi, shooting wise, we're gonna be tough.

Fighter of the Nightman · Apr 12, 2021

GallopingGhost said:
If Ace does return instead of transferring, I don’t want to hear any of you “good riddance”-ers talking any trash. Welcome the guy back with open arms, he will make us better.

If every player in question returned at this point, we would quite simply be a top 10 team again, even without Ayo ... I think we'd all welcome that with VERY open arms.

Illwinsagain · Apr 12, 2021

Fighter of the Nightman said:
If every player in question returned at this point, we would quite simply be a top 10 team again, even without Ayo ... I think we'd all welcome that with VERY open arms.

Any update on the all-time records? Did we catch PU?

TheFameProtector · Apr 12, 2021

Joel Goodson said:
Follow up on my previous post:

Think our O is gonna be a "share the sugar" type deal (which is not a knock on Ayo: he was very unselfish for an alpha). Our team should be better for it. If we have 3 shooters and a much improved Papi, shooting wise, we're gonna be tough.

I definitely hope we have a more balanced offense (though still not sure that impacts AM's decision -- think that is more emotional than rational). Would love to see a guy like Grandison get more shots up, for instance. He was insanely efficient with the ones he took (plus FTs). Not to mention Hutch, Hawk, and whomever else we add to the equation.

Joel Goodson · Apr 12, 2021

TheFameProtector said:
I definitely hope we have a more balanced offense (though still not sure that impacts AM's decision -- think that is more emotional than rational). Would love to see a guy like Grandison get more shots up, for instance. He was insanely efficient with the ones he took (plus FTs). Not to mention Hutch, Hawk, and whomever else we add to the equation.

A more assertive Jake would be great. Has more to give, IMO. Everyone here knows how I feel about Hutch. He's going to be dynamite, IMO (fingers crossed on his back).

BRucks · Apr 12, 2021

Chieeeeffffff said:
In a weird way I think having Trent back is a better selling point for the concept of “positionless ball handlers.” Adam is not a “shooting guard” if Trent is back, he is one of three guards who can handle the rock and distribute.

Probably wishful thinking on my part.

Maybe not so much on the 'distribute'. He had 25 assists over 31games this year.

Chieeeeffffff · Apr 12, 2021

BRucks said:
Maybe not so much on the 'distribute'. He had 25 assists over 31games this year.

I think that’s more a byproduct of him not being asked to run the P&R with Kofi than him not being a skilled passer.

chrisRunner7 · Apr 12, 2021

Xavier Pinson transferring from Missouri to LSU. Not really recruiting so I'm not posting this there, but I am glad we won't have to face him next year. Seemed to always play really well against Illinois.

Now they just need to get rid of Javon Pickett. Edit: Lol, just checked out of curiosity. His high last season was 14 points... against Illinois. High his sophomore year was 17 points... also against Illinois. Ugh.

TheGMan · Apr 12, 2021

A little off subject, but not sure where to place this, is there a deadline for which we will know whether Kofi is staying or going? Like if he has to declare for the Draft by a certain time?

feelthepaignbaby · Apr 12, 2021

I live in a small college town in Kentucky that is notorious for basketball and I spoke to their programs head coach while eating lunch today and asked if he was hitting the portal hard. The program recently got a fair transfer player from South Carolina. He knows I’m an Illini fan and says “yeah I personally reached out to Adam Miller and was turned down without question haha, but the word in the portal amongst coaches is that he’ll be back in Champaign”.

feelthepaignbaby · Apr 12, 2021

feelthepaignbaby said:
I live in a small college town in Kentucky that is notorious for basketball and I spoke to their programs head coach while eating lunch today and asked if he was hitting the portal hard. The program recently got a fair transfer player from South Carolina. He knows I’m an Illini fan and says “yeah I personally reached out to Adam Miller and was turned down without question haha, but the word in the portal amongst coaches is that he’ll be back in Champaign”.

He also said he heard Coach Cal had him marked but that’s probably only if the Wildcats miss out on both Carr and Hardy.

RockfordIllini · Apr 12, 2021

If Trent is indeed coming back that’s a huge piece towards a successful 21-22 season. I’m high on all of the freshman (including hopefully Podz) and really like the direction we seem to be going in with length and shooting. However I think both (all 3?) are probably at least a year away from really contributing.

I really think if we can 2 out of AceWolf, Kofi, and unnamed impact transfer (either guard or stretch 4), we are legit top 10 again next year. If we get 1, I still think we are top 25. As is, I still think we are a tournament team right now with Trent. Hopefully we continue to improve the roster over the spring/summer.

illini27jake · Apr 12, 2021

Would seem impossible a few days ago but with Trent back is it possible Curbelo goes back to his 6th man role?

Joel Goodson · Apr 12, 2021

illini27jake said:
Would seem impossible a few days ago but with Trent back is it possible Curbelo goes back to his 6th man role?

I'll eat my shorts and hat if that happens.

WhiteHorseWings · Apr 12, 2021

illini27jake said:
Would seem impossible a few days ago but with Trent back is it possible Curbelo goes back to his 6th man role?

Redshirt all the way

LvilleILL · Apr 12, 2021

illini27jake said:
Would seem impossible a few days ago but with Trent back is it possible Curbelo goes back to his 6th man role?

come on Curbelo will be on an all big ten team next year

Looking ahead to 2021-2022

Winged Warrior