Pregame: Illinois vs Jackson State, Tuesday, November 9th, 7:00pm CT, BTN
- Status
Hopefully the Illini can bring down the turnovers significantly in this game and have a full, healthy roster again (possibly less Kofi, unfortunately).
Illini_1979
- Oregon
Long wait until the next game. 
I can see a few reasons why BU might have done this.
1) There is a big drop from Kofi to Payne. IUP kept it close enough that removing Kofi might actually put the game in jeopardy. (10% chance?) Putting Kofi back in might not counter the momentum.
2) There were multiple players to be tested at the 4. Testing them may have had higher priority than testing Kofi/Payne as a pair.
3) Having Kofi on the floor allowed BU to explore the offensive options for when the opponents pack the lane.
4) Payne looked pretty lost most of the time he was on the floor.
5) Rebounding. Or lack thereof.
If so, I hope Payne can step it up as the year progresses. We will need someone to at least hold Kofi shoes some time this year.
I am also surprised he didn't see more time in the last exhibition game, considering Kofi may be out the next few games. You would think you'd want to get him as much time as possible to get him ready to play real minutes.
He averaged like 15 mins a game at Florida. IMO, there is no reason to think he minutes won't go down from there considering he is playing behind the best big man in the country. At Florida, he was playing behind....Castleton?
I am happy Payne is here and think he will be a solid 5 when Kofi is gone, but Underwood suggesting Payne is going to play next to Kofi and talking him up, is Underwood doing Underwood thing...at an elite level.
6) BU getting Kofi as much tick as possible before his looming suspension starts.
This is what I thought was behind the big minutes. Allow him to shake some rust off as well put him in a good place heading into what looks like a suspension.
MDchicago
- Lake Norman NC
Jackson State program overview:
- HBCU located in Jackson, MS
- Conference: SWAC
- 3 NCAA appearances (0-3), most recently in 2007
- Coach Wayne Brent: entering 8th season at JSU; hired from the HS ranks, where he was very successful HS coach (e.g., 4 MS state titles between 2007-2013); previously served as an assistant at Ole Miss for four years.
- In 2020-21, JSU finished 12-6 overall and 11-0 (co-champions) in the SWAC.
- History vs. Illini (0-4):
- 2008 South Padre Invitational: 78-64 Illinois victory (Mike Davis with 20 points and 6 rebounds; Dominique Keller with 16 points on 8-8 FG).
- November 2006: 76-55 Illinois victory (Warren Carter with 16 points and 15 rebounds; Chester with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists and 7 tos in 40 minutes; McBride, Randle and Jamar Smith all sat out)
- December 1993: 79-63 Illinois victory (Deon with 24 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks)
- December 1992 Illini Classic: 85-81 Illinois victory (heroic effort by Lindsey Hunter of JSU with 43 points, 5 assists and 5 steals).
- Most recent NBA draftee: 1995. (Tristan Jarrett, JSU’s leading scorer (21.1 ppg) and SWAC POY in 20-21 season, went undrafted but is currently on the Raptors G league team.)
- Alums with NBA service include:
- Lindsey Hunter (1st round to Pistons, #10 overall in 1993); and
- Purvis Short (1st round to GSW, #5 overall in 1978)
- Most rotund alum: Snacks
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
How have we not heard anything more on Kofi??
Because it has not been decided yet is my guess.
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Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Seems crazy. We play in a few days! Would be sooooo NCAA/Illinois for Kofi to somehow play in our first two games and then still get suspended and have those not be a part of the games he has to miss…
Great background info on JSU basketball.... also, JSU head football coach is Deion Sanders.
In addition, Sweetness.... My all time favorite football player.
frozenrope9190
- Aurora, IL
I love any time Walter Payton is mentioned. He was a childhood hero.
We'll have to watch out for Snacks from the 3
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Jackson State was picked 3rd in preseason media poll. Jayveous McKinnis, their 6-7, 225 pound center, was voted first team all-conference team and pre-season defensive player of the year. Last year he averaged 12.5 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 2.1 bpg and 1.1 spg. He’s their top returning scorer, with Tristan Jarrett (21.1 ppg) having graduated. He was drafted by the Raptors G-League team.
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
Can we get "time served" for Kofi by voluntarily suspending him for a handful of games beginning with this one? The NCAA has known about Kofi's situation since way before this season began. It is inexcusable for them to still be dragging their feet on what they intend to do. This unresolved situation is hurting Kofi's earning potential now and in the future, Illinois specifically, and college basketball in general.
Get your house in order, NCAA.
Get your house in order, NCAA.
there are many reasons why Kofi should not be suspended.
Illinois should definitely not be proactive here. Not reason to be.
Illinois should definitely not be proactive here. Not reason to be.
One of my favorite basketball clips.
Thanks for the reminder he played for Jackson State!
Maybe someone in Kofi's camp....like his attorney or the University it's self could tell the ncaa that the longer this decision drags out, if a suspension is issued, then it's very likely that Kofi and the University will seek an injunction against the suspension and that Kofi be allowed to play until a court/judge can determine the legality of the suspension....with compensate being sought for Kofi during this time....enough of this BS
- Status