The open practice was great. A few of my observations. (my 2 cents might only be worth a penny).
This team looks really good. This team has some depth, great experience, and really good team chemistry. I spent a lot of time with the 04-05 team and they had incredible camaraderie and chemistry. This team seems to have that as well. Loved seeing them interact with each other. They laughed, smiled, joked and gave each other funny looks, while at the same time they encouraged, challenged, pushed each other. They have a competitive edge and a good intensity. The depth is awesome because they are going against great talent every day. No doubt some on our bench would be starting on many other D-1 teams. Coach got on them some to push themselves even harder and they responded each time. I can tell Underwood really likes this team, but I believe he's determined to push them farther than they think they can go. The shooting today was great. They hit a high percentage in all of their drills.
Kofi looked great. Omar gives him someone to practice against. It was clear Kofi owns him 1 on 1, but I think Omar will give us some good minutes whenever Kofi needs a rest and we will still have a big presence in the paint.
Curbelo is absolutely awesome. His energy and acumen equal Dee Brown. He was amazing today in all that he did, including his outside shooting.
Trent looked like Trent. Very confident. Didn't hit all of his shots. I hope he doesn't get cocky at all and channels his energy on being even better than he has been. He's great, just not Ayo great.
Demonte looked like a stud. Muscles budging like a linebacker. Incredible physique. He is a presence too. Not the most talented on the team, but definitely the elder statesman. His leadership and toughness is huge for this team. Highly respected by all.
Luke Goode looked Goode.
hit some big shots in the scrimmage. Hope he will be that guy this year that can play an important role as a deep ball threat. Not sure how strong he is though.
Plummer. He was impressive. Great resume, but seemed like he was trying to hard to be cool out there. Hope he is is more humble than I think. Great talent tho.
I really liked what I saw out of RJ Melendez. He seemed hungry and humble. Hard worker and definitely has some talent. Looks like he has some toughness that will help him and us in the Big Ten. reminds me of those no-name Wisconsin, Iowa, Purdue players that just play tough.
Can't say much about Ben Bos-Verdunk as I cant remember that much from today. He shot well, and he seemed to blend right in. I think he will be a great player for us.
Loved what I saw out of Podziemski. He's gonna be good. Probably won't get much pt this year. Hope he sticks around as he has a high ceiling.
Hutcherson looks like a real talent. He might be as good as well all have hoped. NBA sized guard. Not great today, but hope he surprises.
Coleman Hawkins seems ready to blossom. He's a little goofy off the court, but looks good once he steps inside the lines. I sense a little hesitancy from him and think the only thing holding him back is confidence. Plays a little soft in my opinion. If he can get past that he could be a great player.
Loved what I saw from the coaching staff. Chester looked like he could take any one of them on. He is definitely an asset to this staff. Alexander ran things and I was impressed. He kept the energy and tempo up and commanded everyone's attention. Anderson seems to play the good cop role slapping backs and giving high fives. He was also working the crowd along the sideline, interacting with the recruits and coaches sitting courtside. Underwood guarded his tongue (didn't cuss much), stepped in from time to time to remind everyone he was there, and did well working the crowd.
Other than Illinois not offering any parking options for attendees, the open practice was awesome. Can't wait to see this team in action. It's going to be a special season. Go Illini!