This is in no way meant to be the only problem with this team as god knows we have many (coaching not being the least of them), but Ayo is a major issue for the team and Underwood. It is clear that he loves the UofI and really is doing his part to try to revitalize a dead program, but he simply is not an NBA guard at this point in his basketball career. He does not have a particularly good shot, nor good handles, nor an ability to set up his teammates, nor a midrange game, nor does he play tremendous defense. He is very good in the open floor no question, but is he in the league of Westbrook, Hardin, Curry or even our own Deron? Not a chance, he could be but not with just 2 years of college.
Here is the real problem, if Underwood puts him on the bench for any amount of time or does not let him have the ball in his hands at the end of the game the Chicago media and coaches kill him. Underwood is completely responsible for not getting him to the NBA. Anyone who is slightly objective can see there are major flaws in Ayo’s game, but that can’t be corrected or pointed out without a huge backlash. Hell, there is a backlash here on this board for even questioning his game. A honest person looking at where Ayo is now versus say a Deron Williams, Frank Williams, or a Bruce Douglass can not honestly feel Ayo is at the same level at a similar point in career. Yet, Underwood must continue with the facade that Ayo is a lottery pick or else the wrath of Chicago falls totally on him.
Really hate this as Ayo is clearly a great kid, super student and is trying to make Illinois relevant again, but boy do I wish he was not pressing to make the NBA yet. He has the ability to get there, but it probably will take another year or maybe two. Without that hanging over him, and the team he could just play I feel.