Pregame: Illinois vs Kansas State, Tuesday, November 23rd, 6:00pm CT, ESPNews

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#26      
That makes no sense. Drawing crazy conclusions based around what? BUs teams get better? Guy got mopped up by Loyola. And now has gotten beat by two unranked teams, one by 20 points. Must be digging deep for positives.
It makes perfect sense.

Last year, we were 5-3, lost a horrible game at Missouri and much like you today, people wanted heads to roll. They went 22-4 from then on out and won the Big Ten Tournament Championship. If all you took out of last year was the 2nd round loss to Loyola, well that's on you. You missed a lot.

The year prior, we got beat by 30 at Arizona, we were down 30 vs Miami and again...people wanted answers. Well, they ended up 21-10, had the double bye in the BTT and we're, by far, playing their best ball of the year.

Why is it so unlikely that they'll figure it out and do the same as the two years prior?

They looked BRUTAL from the 10 minute mark of the first half on. Absolutely no doubt about it. That said, BU has more than enough capital built up, in all aspects of his program, to have the "fans" trust what he's doing because he's done nothing but succeed, everywhere he's been.... including here.
 
#27      
It makes perfect sense.

Last year, we were 5-3, lost a horrible game at Missouri and much like you today, people wanted heads to roll. They went 22-4 from then on out and won the Big Ten Tournament Championship. If all you took out of last year was the 2nd round loss to Loyola, well that's on you. You missed a lot.

The year prior, we got beat by 30 at Arizona, we were down 30 vs Miami and again...people wanted answers. Well, they ended up 21-10, had the double bye in the BTT and we're, by far, playing their best ball of the year.

Why is it so unlikely that they'll figure it out and do the same as the two years prior?

They looked BRUTAL from the 10 minute mark of the first half on. Absolutely no doubt about it. That said, BU has more than enough capital built up, in all aspects of his program, to have the "fans" trust what he's doing because he's done nothing but succeed, everywhere he's been.... including here.
Matt Richards GIF by HQ Trivia
 
#31      
I'm starting to think Underwood knows how to funnel basic how to attack info for the first 8 minutes...then an accurate defense takes place by the opposition and the Illini cannot figure out how to stop the opponent from toatally defending us and hittng every frigging shot they take. I love Underwood, he seems smart, tells us his players are smart...but we perform as if we haven't got a clue how to to adapt to in game circumstances...,do the players not get it, or are the coaches not getting through to these guys? We can ask these questions because we are ranked nationally among the best.
 
#32      
Curbelo has taken over this team with his "Smoke and Mirrors" style and the other team has pulled back his "curtain". He talks the talk but this year, for some reason, has not walked the walk. Maybe he's trying too hard? Maybe he's trying to be Ayo? But for whatever reason, he's forgotten his role on the team? And other players have taken notice. I would set the tone of the game then bring Curbelo in off the bench and demand he stop with the crazy 1 against 5 playground ball. BU needs a team first game plan where everyone has their part and contributes a positive effort for the team and not for himself.
 
#33      

skyIdub

Winged Warrior
So far I’ve seen two good defensive teams get in our face and smack us around. Our response last night was pitiful.
With two Super Seniors, and two AA candidates, that is 100% on the players.

We’ll find out how tough they are tonight. Championship teams respond when they get punched, even during a loss. Last nights response was tepid bath water.

Trent has to step up without stepping on Curbelos confidence. Belo going through some growing pains.
The egos have to be long gone after last night.

We love no other….
 
#35      
It makes perfect sense.

Last year, we were 5-3, lost a horrible game at Missouri and much like you today, people wanted heads to roll. They went 22-4 from then on out and won the Big Ten Tournament Championship. If all you took out of last year was the 2nd round loss to Loyola, well that's on you. You missed a lot.

The year prior, we got beat by 30 at Arizona, we were down 30 vs Miami and again...people wanted answers. Well, they ended up 21-10, had the double bye in the BTT and we're, by far, playing their best ball of the year.

Why is it so unlikely that they'll figure it out and do the same as the two years prior?

They looked BRUTAL from the 10 minute mark of the first half on. Absolutely no doubt about it. That said, BU has more than enough capital built up, in all aspects of his program, to have the "fans" trust what he's doing because he's done nothing but succeed, everywhere he's been.... including here.
you missed the last season at OSU, where a similar pattern played out.

Is there ever a world in which we have our $h!t together early in the season? You realize that some coaches get that done pretty routinely?

I really can't recall the on-court demeanor those other losses. But I don't like what the team brought to the floor against Loyola and then this year.
 
#36      

IlliniKat91

Chicago, IL
you missed the last season at OSU, where a similar pattern played out.

Is there ever a world in which we have our $h!t together early in the season? You realize that some coaches get that done pretty routinely?

I really can't recall the on-court demeanor those other losses. But I don't like what the team brought to the floor against Loyola and then this year.
We looked utterly listless in Columbia last year. It was pathetic. Plus, we couldn't buy a bucket.

I'm holding steady, but I vote we trash the orange Illinois unis. Orange Fighting Illini or bust.
 
#39      
It makes perfect sense.

Last year, we were 5-3, lost a horrible game at Missouri and much like you today, people wanted heads to roll. They went 22-4 from then on out and won the Big Ten Tournament Championship. If all you took out of last year was the 2nd round loss to Loyola, well that's on you. You missed a lot.

The year prior, we got beat by 30 at Arizona, we were down 30 vs Miami and again...people wanted answers. Well, they ended up 21-10, had the double bye in the BTT and we're, by far, playing their best ball of the year.

Why is it so unlikely that they'll figure it out and do the same as the two years prior?

They looked BRUTAL from the 10 minute mark of the first half on. Absolutely no doubt about it. That said, BU has more than enough capital built up, in all aspects of his program, to have the "fans" trust what he's doing because he's done nothing but succeed, everywhere he's been.... including here.
I agree with most of what you're saying. And I do trust BU. Just know this.... If we have a Cincy like effort against Arizona, they will beat us by 40 and enjoy doing it :eek:(
 
#40      
It makes perfect sense.

Last year, we were 5-3, lost a horrible game at Missouri and much like you today, people wanted heads to roll. They went 22-4 from then on out and won the Big Ten Tournament Championship. If all you took out of last year was the 2nd round loss to Loyola, well that's on you. You missed a lot.

The year prior, we got beat by 30 at Arizona, we were down 30 vs Miami and again...people wanted answers. Well, they ended up 21-10, had the double bye in the BTT and we're, by far, playing their best ball of the year.

Why is it so unlikely that they'll figure it out and do the same as the two years prior?

They looked BRUTAL from the 10 minute mark of the first half on. Absolutely no doubt about it. That said, BU has more than enough capital built up, in all aspects of his program, to have the "fans" trust what he's doing because he's done nothing but succeed, everywhere he's been.... including here.
Right.

Although this start has been atrocious after a good nights sleep, I’m going to try to be optimistic.

Marquette we had a 12 point lead. Cincy we started 23-8. It’s in there. We just have to find a way to be mentally tougher and more consistent.

I don’t like excuses, but Underwood did hit on what I was thinking last night too. With all of the injuries/suspensions etc we just haven’t had the practice time to really gel as a group and figure out roles. We are probably about 2 weeks behind where we want to be. And we’ve played 2 physical teams that play great defense, muck up the game, and can stress an offense. Maybe the worst possible matchups for us right now.

Bummed, but not panicked yet. Hopefully Kofi will learn to pass out of double teams, guys settle into their roles and we start to have some offensive cohesion. Still think our bread and butter is the Belo/Kofi PnR and kick out to open shooters as needed. I think we will get there it’s just going to take time.
 
#41      

Retro62

North Bethesda, Maryland
I say this with some trepidation, but we have the makings of a very good team. The problem is the team stinks right now...not the players. I do believe they will gel and find their roles, but it is very painful to watch right now. It seems like the plan is go to Kofi and see if he can do anything with it, and if you can't get it to him...improvise.
 
#42      
Right.

Although this start has been atrocious after a good nights sleep, I’m going to try to be optimistic.

Marquette we had a 12 point lead. Cincy we started 23-8. It’s in there. We just have to find a way to be mentally tougher and more consistent.

I don’t like excuses, but Underwood did hit on what I was thinking last night too. With all of the injuries/suspensions etc we just haven’t had the practice time to really gel as a group and figure out roles. We are probably about 2 weeks behind where we want to be. And we’ve played 2 physical teams that play great defense, muck up the game, and can stress an offense. Maybe the worst possible matchups for us right now.

Bummed, but not panicked yet. Hopefully Kofi will learn to pass out of double teams, guys settle into their roles and we start to have some offensive cohesion. Still think our bread and butter is the Belo/Kofi PnR and kick out to open shooters as needed. I think we will get there it’s just going to take time.

This is what I'm holding onto. It's wild to me how we go from looking so dang sharp to straight up lost on offense. But like you said, it's there.
 
#43      
If you're a glass half full person, the good news is that it's almost impossible for the team to play worse than they did last night. Watching the game was brutal, but looking at the stats this morning just blows my mind.
Kofi/Curbelo shot 11/25 - 44%. The remaining starters + DMW went 1/18 - 6%...for a total of 3 points.
Rest of the team in total shot 5/32 - 16%. Two of the 5 made shots were by BBV and Melendez...who are probably 9 and 10 on our depth chart.
 
#44      
Wow last night was bad, we actually looked really good in the beginning and just forgot to run an offense. We really dont have that guy right now who can drive and make his own shot when we are struggling on offense. Need Trent to pick his game up and Demonte to start making shots again.

The model thinks we will win but not cover

ILL 71 77.2%
KSTATE 62

Todays Game:


Season Outlook as of now:
 
#46      
Some moron at the game kept yelling to “run an offense!” It was hilarious because of the person’s obvious ignorance. The offense was not the problem. The execution was to problem. The offense got numerous people opportunities to attack the basket going downhill only to over pass. They just needed to keep going to the basket. The offense got people a lot of catch and shoot opportunities only to pump fake themselves out a good look into a contested interior shot. The offense got Kofi good position only for people to look at him and then not give it to him. The design of the offense was not the problem. The execution, yes. Is that an Underwood problem? Sure he needs to address our inability to make good decisions at this point and time. I have zero doubts that it will get corrected.
 
#47      
Wow last night was bad, we actually looked really good in the beginning and just forgot to run an offense. We really dont have that guy right now who can drive and make his own shot when we are struggling on offense. Need Trent to pick his game up and Demonte to start making shots again.

The model thinks we will win but not cover

ILL 71 77.2%
KSTATE 62

Todays Game:


Season Outlook as of now:
"Need Trent to pick his game up and Demonte to start making shots again."

The pt. gd's job is to find these guys and get them involved. I think that will happen. When it does, we'll be fine.

Some of you Illini guys and gals give me optimism for a really great year coming soon to a city near me; the others of you, I wish you will hold your comments at least till after non-con season so as not to cause me to implode from the coming economic earthquake and other assorted disasters in the universe.

I mean... if everything in the world is coming unraveled, but our Illini are playing great, I can cope. Otherwise... well, you know.
 
#48      
Curbelo has taken over this team with his "Smoke and Mirrors" style and the other team has pulled back his "curtain". He talks the talk but this year, for some reason, has not walked the walk. Maybe he's trying too hard? Maybe he's trying to be Ayo? But for whatever reason, he's forgotten his role on the team? And other players have taken notice. I would set the tone of the game then bring Curbelo in off the bench and demand he stop with the crazy 1 against 5 playground ball. BU needs a team first game plan where everyone has their part and contributes a positive effort for the team and not for himself.
Not sure why Curbelo is the only whipping boy after that game last night. You can point to how great of defenders Trent, Coleman, and Damonte are. But, if they combine for under 6 points we can’t win. No one can defend that well.
 
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#49      

BlindLoyalty

FartNoiseMotivation
Don't find fault, find a remedy.

Kansas State is the remedy. It will be sweet to curb stomp Bruce Weber. I hope the boys have a funeral for him while smoking their victory cigars.
 
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