pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
Pregame: Illinois vs Michigan State, Tuesday, January 25th, 6:00pm CT, ESPN
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People last year were convinced CoHawk was going to transfer because he didn't play enough...then it was AM, who started every game, that ended up transferring. These things are unpredictable. I think BU's best approach is to coach up all these guys as if they're going to be here, but put guys on the floor that can win this season. If he doesn't feel the freshmen are his best bet for that, he shouldn't play them just to avoid a transfer.
That being said, I do think a few more minutes here and there would help keep our other guys from getting too fatigued, so I hope he does give them some opportunities for that reason.
I mean, we have a 9/10 man rotation. Same as MSU. Only difference is we have a few guys who average 30+ minutes. But of those guys, who are you trying to keep off the floor in favor of the freshman? I do feel for the freshman on an empathetic human level. But the reality of being on a skilled, veteran laden team is that the new guys get less tick.
But if it were me, I would never take Grandison out.
He's added that slashing component to his game, and I love it. He's turning into a multi-dimensional player on offense. His growth has been a lot of fun to watch.
For the ML or spread?
Hard to argue with keeping a 47% 3pt shooter out there, but man he looks gassed on D sometimes. He's having a great year so far though, and being asked to do a whole lot more than he did last year.
And he feeds Kofi well.
He ain't great defensively.
All the above
Read between the lines - he's just saying that Kofi (or someone else) will be out. Any current odds don't account for that
GallopingGhost
- Denver, CO
Wow. That’s as close of a prediction as I think we will see. If we don’t have Kofi it doesn’t feel like it will be that close….
I am not in the “play the freshmen more” camp per se. But one thing I’d like to see is if they’re ready enough to get some time in the first half give them some time in the second half. Of late it seems we see Podz and Goode get a few minutes in first half, but then nothing in second half. And usually in first half the time is not at least directly tied to foul trouble of other player(s). A few extra minutes in second half would help with their development and give a needed breather to some of those playing big minutes.
As to RJ, he certainly seems to be a guy who could help on offense some. The fact that so many of us believe that leads me to assume that he just isn’t getting it done on defense when he’s in or overall at practice. BU is trying to win games and he puts expectations on his players in order to earn his trust. Obviously RJ isn’t doing what is needed in that regard. As fans it can be frustrating to see the potential in a player and not see him get some playing time, but I highly doubt the abbreviated playing time is BU just not liking RJ. It is up to RJ to earn the trust and minutes, not just up to BU to give them to him.
It is sounding like we could be down some players tonight. Here’s hoping the freshmen help the team get a win over MSU.
As to RJ, he certainly seems to be a guy who could help on offense some. The fact that so many of us believe that leads me to assume that he just isn’t getting it done on defense when he’s in or overall at practice. BU is trying to win games and he puts expectations on his players in order to earn his trust. Obviously RJ isn’t doing what is needed in that regard. As fans it can be frustrating to see the potential in a player and not see him get some playing time, but I highly doubt the abbreviated playing time is BU just not liking RJ. It is up to RJ to earn the trust and minutes, not just up to BU to give them to him.
It is sounding like we could be down some players tonight. Here’s hoping the freshmen help the team get a win over MSU.
I know what they’re saying, just getting all of the information I can before tip-off. Gotta ask questions to get answers.
Fully expected Kofi to be out in an effort to avoid a repeat of what happened to Curbelo.
Just want to take a moment to thank B10 officiating for failing to protect yet another First Team All American that wears the orange and blue.
Have a bad feeling we may be without Kofi and Curbelo tonight
Beating No. 10 Michigan State would be statement win for No. 24 Illinois
Illinois is coming off back-to-back losses for the first time since November and is still in search of its first win over a ranked team.www.stltoday.com
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois basketball was without star Kofi Cockburn, and had an uncharacteristic performance.
Without the star big man, the Illini lost by 15 to a Maryland team that was tied for last in the Big Ten before the contest. The defense failed to get stops while the offense went cold down the stretch.
“We had no fight,” coach Brad Underwood said. “Over my damn, dead body will that happen again.”
That puts Illinois on a two-game losing skid after a 6-0 start in conference play. It also gives the Illini a bad loss on its resume that still lacks a win over a ranked opponent after close home losses to No. 4 Purdue and No. 3 Arizona. No. 24 Illinois will get a chance to put an end to both of those streaks when it hosts No. 10 Michigan State on Tuesday at the State Farm Center.
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I like our chances WITH Kofi..........
WITHOUT Kofi we will get killed in the paint........Rocket Mort-gaggers have too many thugs to unleash in the paint if Kofi sits............I still don't think the gaggers are a top ten team but we need to get this win to keep our title hopes alive.....
WITH Kofi...................
Illini 74
gaggers 68
WITHOUT Kofi................
gaggers 70
Illini 62
GO ILLINI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe only one of them
I think this is slightly unfair without more context. Grandison rarely makes mistakes defensively, but he’s a skinny 6’6” playing against bigger wings and 4s. Of course he’s going to get bullied by bigger opponents. He’s no Trent Frazier on defense, but he’s not the reason we aren’t the team we were last year on that end.
he's playing. I expect Kofi and Trent to end up playing
Love Grandy but he sometimes gets lost out there defensively and forgets stuff from the scout(as does Plummer) he also isn't the quickest laterally.
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