I agree with one statement and that is Goode and Podz should get more minutes at the expense of Monte.
Pregame: Illinois at Maryland, Friday, January 21st, 6:00pm CT, FS1
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In hindsight, I believe Belo learned the game from being on the bench and the game has slowed down for him. He is not as reckless and is in more control of his skills.
My hope is that he will continue to show this newfound ability to be more in control of his game and that this wasn't a product of it being his first toe dipped back into the water. I have no real reason to believe it won't be a lasting effect, but I guess it was just a bit shocking how much his game seems to have matured. Calm, cool, and collected Belo is clearly the best version. I enjoyed every second of seeing him back on the court and playing the way he did against PU.
Chad Fleck
- Eureka, IL
I think it's hilarious that that the kid has owned the "schmack" name.
Post of the decade
IIRC, DFW is hitting 3s at about 50% in conference play
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
Completely agree about Turge. As for their methods, they always struggled to keep pace with Tobacco Road. I found Lefty D a bit sleazy. My buddy played on the same team with Gary Williams in the late 60s. Same vintage as you
RedRocksIllini
- Morrison, CO
As if we need more proof that the crows have eyes.
InDaAZ
- Eugene, Oregon
Slow motion replay reveals that the sounds were not, in fact, cheering. The crows were screaming as they were being eaten by the many “fans” who had written off the best PG in the B1G.
MDchicago
- Lake Norman NC
To what end? Love Goode and Podz, but analytics say that Damonte is one of the five in what is (based on season to date) the Top 5-Man Lineup in the country from an offensive efficiency perspective (evanmiya.com), and taking out Damonte certainly isn't going to help things from a defensive standpoint (which, while solid, is where we have the most room for improvement relative to other teams with Final 4 potential). Not to mention playing with five years of D1 experience/lessons already learned as you go into the heart of the Big 10 schedule and play in tournament games where a misplayed possession or two can make a big difference....
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
Agree, but as I taught my former student editors when critiquing their staffs, a major difference exists between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. One builds up; the other destroys.
If you have the time, I would highly recommend listening to Belo's "Welcome back" presser. It's a great window into the Belo Experience, as well as his journey in coming back from his injury.
His explanation behind the game tying reverse layup is awesome. I often tell people that the most overlooked part of MJ's game is basketball IQ - he knew what the opposing team was going to do before they ever did it. So while they were reacting to what was happening in the moment, he was reacting to things that hadn't even happened yet.
This is exactly what Belo is explaining. And the amazing thing is that he was processing all of that information in a matter of just 2 or 3 seconds. Savant.
Turpin & Tate in 2008!
- Addison, IL
Yes, both Loren and I were there. I also did a segment on the team on Penny for Your Thoughts.So did Loren Tate cover those games…?
- Jim
sacraig
- The desert
I love that he says he was inspired by an instagram post, haha.
Lol that he saw the night before, no less
sacraig
- The desert
Just absolutely ridiculous. First time even trying it and it's against the #4 team in the country on his first game back off of an injury... AND IT WORKED!
You think Brad is playing DMW out of loyalty? He's got millions of reasons to play the guys who give him the best shot at getting the W. Fans are too enamored with what's shiny and new.
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
Yeah, that's insane. The ability to watch a video clip, internalize the move, and then, with the game on the line not much more than 12 hrs later (and, oh, BTW, it's his first time playing in a game in EIGHT WEEKS) implement it while processing the split-second adjustments he needs to make, that's remarkable talent and poise.
As a fan I'm really fond and protective of our players, but there's something truly special about Belo... his incredible basketball gifts and his unusual extroverted enthusiasm. He just communicates infectious joy, as Raftery pointed out in the BTT final last season. Am so thankful he has recovered and is able to play again.
- Status