Mark Smith transferring from Illinois
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Deleted member 8632
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Did you happen to watch the 2nd half start of that game???
That's exactly what I looked like yelling at my TV. It was like Ralphie vs Scud Farkus part 2.
GortTheRobot
- North Bethesda, Maryland
Spot on with coach K, I have seen that in a Duke huddle often. I have also seen it with Good Ole Roy and a bunch of others. It's ridiculous to think this is some major issue with BU.
I’m not sure I understand many of the comments. Who besides posters here have raised the issue of Underwood’s demeanor or coaching style ? I don’t recall Mark Smith — or, for that matter, any player — raising that as an issue, much less a reason to transfer. Now, if someone can key such observation to a player or parent comment . . . .
GortTheRobot
- North Bethesda, Maryland
Seen Izzo do this too many times to count.
Maybe I'm misunderstanding you, but I think he is face palming the idea that people are blaming the coaches style. If it is true he couldn't handl BU, there are few coaches he will be able to play under.
PostersLastStand
- Wayne County, IL
It is disapointing, but you could see that he didn't get it or fit the system. Just like any type of team sport at this level is about matchups, some recruits aren't matched or suited for this style of play. Some can adapt and stay, some don't and transfer. hopefully he goes somewhere that he can get the most out of his talent. Good Luck. (Please go to SIU).
PostersLastStand
- Wayne County, IL
If the team get an invite to a post season tourney, and accept it, will Mark Smith be eligible to play?And yes, I know it will not be the NIT.
Deleted member 3875
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This is not on Underwood. Frazier envy and a helicopter family are driving this decision.
Deleted member 3875
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Incredible? C'Mon Man.
haasi
- New York
It’s not crazy. A lot can happen between true freshman year and redshirt senior year. He’s got a great frame. If his game develops, he could be very effective.
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About handling and developing freshmen .
Underwood took over a conference winning SFA loaded with upper classmen perimeter players to install his offense . Someone mentioned Thomas Walkup earlier well Walkup was there when Underwood took over and was a sophomore. Underwood left 3 years later as walkup graduated .
He stepped right into a Oklahoma state program that had a nba caliber sophomore pg in Evans and 4 upperclassmen starters .
Where out of these scenarios did it become some undisputed fact that Underwood could coach a young team and teach his system successfully to a bunch of freshmen ?
People say he had to change the culture and I agree but the freshmen only know what Underwood is showing them they had nothing to do with what happened in previous years .
So yeah contrary to what you guys think Underwood can certainly learn a thing or two about system implementation and expectations when dealing with a such a young team .
haasi
- New York
I also feel like, in light of Smith’s short career so far as a b-ball player, his obvious desire to be top dog, and Illinois and blue blood schools relative positions, I am almost sure that we told him he’d have the ball day 1, whereas Kentucky and MSU probably viewed him as more of a four year player/significant contributor as upperclassman. If that’s right, I’m sure part of the draw for him at Illinois was being immediate stud, and when that didn’t happen (not due to Illinois’ fault in any way shape or form) he wanted out.
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Deleted member 3875
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We'll discuss in 2022.
haasi
- New York
Sounds good. Putting it on my google calendar.
I don’t think it’s likely smith becomes “incredible,” but it’s not insane to think that could happen as the game slows down for him and his skills develop. I think the major variable will be his mindset. If he’s coachable, willing to work, and willing to learn how to play within team concepts, he could be excellent.
If I had to guess, he turns into a good starter at a high major school or a top dog at a mid major, possibly a good mid major.
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Let me clarify I don't think Mark Smith leaving is because of Underwood yelling or Frazier envy . I said earlier in the season that I didn't see a quality 3 guard offense out of this system as it seems to focus too much on the ball handler dribbling back and forth with very few premium touches for the wings .
When Ayo shows up next year we will revisit this I just think that Mark wants the ball in his hands and will go some place where the coach will put it in his hands.
Deleted member 8632
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Rubbish. BU wants leadership and tenacity on the court. One senior and a handful of juniors had the opportunity to take that position but they didn't. Guess who did......a freshman.
The main offense that Illinois runs utilizes 4 perimeter players and 1 post player. The reason the ball was in Frazier’s hands and not Smiths hands for set plays or shot clock expiring sets is because Frazier earned it. The reason you saw so many set plays is because they didn’t have the players to execute the spread offense Underwood loves. When Underwood gets his guys in this system the double high post screens trying to get one guy a shot will disappear.
I would argue that it was harder to implement his system with a group of upper classmen. Though more mature it is also a case of them being old dogs. And you know how that saying goes.
Your argument that they only know underwood is moot. These guys have played for many coaches with many styles. They should be able to assimilate.
The biggest positive I took from this God awful season was how the players fought in just about every game but were for the most part inexperienced and undermanned. And now we're complaining that BU is too hard on the players? Good grief. 
Drives me crazy.
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