Pregame: Illinois vs North Carolina Central, Friday, November 24th, 6:30pm CT, BTN Plus
- Status
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
After Fri, one more game on 12/30 against GC.
EfremWinters84
- S. Carolina
This should be an easy one....vs. a multi-directional NC squad.
ILL 92
NCCU 70
I'm shocked at AJ's peformance thus far. I recently made a comparison of AJ to fellow late-bloomer Kevin Turner. With another couple of 15 point games, it might be time to officially make that claim. (Lou's guys used to peak very frequently in their SO or JR seasons. Ken Norman and Kendall Gill are two more that come to mind. Perhaps we finally have another coach who can truly develop talent and make his players better!)
ILL 92
NCCU 70
I'm shocked at AJ's peformance thus far. I recently made a comparison of AJ to fellow late-bloomer Kevin Turner. With another couple of 15 point games, it might be time to officially make that claim. (Lou's guys used to peak very frequently in their SO or JR seasons. Ken Norman and Kendall Gill are two more that come to mind. Perhaps we finally have another coach who can truly develop talent and make his players better!)
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
6-0 would sound nice!
Good points, Efrem. But I must say that it is probably more likely that John Groce and his staff failed to understand what they had in Aaron Jordan and he languished on the bench. Basically a waste of two years. Coaching malpractice.
NCCU is a HBCU like Chicago State and Southern. It’s not a NC directional.
AJ’s first two years were not a waste. It’s all been a part of the process. Basketball is a lesson in life, and AJ has benefited from the whole process.
Agreed. Hopefully the media will understand this and stop asking him the same questions about the past two years and “what’s changed?”.
AJ has the patience of a saint.
Joel Goodson
- ties will be resolved
There are many sweet stories unfolding, but none sweeter than AJ's. His perseverance and faith, in the face of adversity, augers very well for his future.
All i know is after tomorrow's win... The season is going to get "real" real quick and real fast...
We have all talked about potential Div 3 schools beating this group, Kip being an NBA prospect, Alstork finding his way & AJ hitting 3s and getting a chance....
After tomorrow BU is going to make some high level decisions based on the first couple of games but just know "we" are going to see who can play Power 5/B10 basketball because all the peanut butter cups are done!
So it's who is who now!
We have all talked about potential Div 3 schools beating this group, Kip being an NBA prospect, Alstork finding his way & AJ hitting 3s and getting a chance....
After tomorrow BU is going to make some high level decisions based on the first couple of games but just know "we" are going to see who can play Power 5/B10 basketball because all the peanut butter cups are done!
So it's who is who now!
You are the perfect sports parent! Kudos to your character and the incredible job of parenting you must be doing! As a coach for 30 years, I can say parents like you are few and far between. I always liked AJ but now he might be my favorite player!
He is definitely my favorite player! He is not a finished product...it is a process and Underwood has only just begun.
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
I love the outlook! Count me among those who enjoys watching AJ. The kid doesn't have any quit in him, and that's a trait I generally attribute to solid parenting. Good for you, and good for him!
Here, here......well said Donkey. AJ has handled everything like a true gentlemen and is reaping the benefits of growth and increasing confidence. Very happy for AJ, his family and of course the program. Thanks for keeping the faith with the Illini, Mr. Jordan!
EfremWinters84
- S. Carolina
Quick 5-game analysis:
Inside Game:
* The two starting BIGS are presently our anchors. Off to good starts, and playing well following the EIU debacle.
* Kipper is a really solid back-up for the two aforementioned guys
* BU truly wants Greg E. to be a contributor; he'll continue to get important minutes, but he still looks raw; Guessing he will put on 20+ pounds before his SO season; Matic would have been a great red shirt candidate
Outside Game:
* Mark Smith leads the way and is our top guy at guard; sure hope his outside shot starts to improve, though
* Alstork is improving after a really slow start; I'd settle for 7-8 pts a game the rest of the way; also like his hustle and defense
* Trent is probably my new, favorite Illini; fun and exciting! many good things to come from this young guy and if his defense improves, I can see him starting at PG in the Big Ten; He's the closest thing to Dee Brown......since Dee Brown
* AJ is the surprise of the 2017-18 season! Love his size; love his shooting; love his hustle; Will be very strong off the bench for us and his conference minutes should exceed 20 per game
* DaMonte & Te'Jon -- very capable out front, and of course it's possible that Te'Jon continues to start for the entire season (I just think that PG's need to have range outside of 5-6 feet from the basket). Would love to get 10-12 points from them, combined, in the Big 10.
Looking for more progress from the team tonight!
Inside Game:
* The two starting BIGS are presently our anchors. Off to good starts, and playing well following the EIU debacle.
* Kipper is a really solid back-up for the two aforementioned guys
* BU truly wants Greg E. to be a contributor; he'll continue to get important minutes, but he still looks raw; Guessing he will put on 20+ pounds before his SO season; Matic would have been a great red shirt candidate
Outside Game:
* Mark Smith leads the way and is our top guy at guard; sure hope his outside shot starts to improve, though
* Alstork is improving after a really slow start; I'd settle for 7-8 pts a game the rest of the way; also like his hustle and defense
* Trent is probably my new, favorite Illini; fun and exciting! many good things to come from this young guy and if his defense improves, I can see him starting at PG in the Big Ten; He's the closest thing to Dee Brown......since Dee Brown
* AJ is the surprise of the 2017-18 season! Love his size; love his shooting; love his hustle; Will be very strong off the bench for us and his conference minutes should exceed 20 per game
* DaMonte & Te'Jon -- very capable out front, and of course it's possible that Te'Jon continues to start for the entire season (I just think that PG's need to have range outside of 5-6 feet from the basket). Would love to get 10-12 points from them, combined, in the Big 10.
Looking for more progress from the team tonight!
The apple does not fall far from the tree. I can see where AJ gets his determination, maturity and character.
I️ cant find a line for any nccu game so far this year so there might not be
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
He has been an exceptional student.
I'm smiling because BU still wants 40 minutes...I absolutely love his attitude and this team. Go Illini!
Tejon shot 38% from 3 last year(32 shot is not a huge sample size but is enough to gauge a bit)...his shot does look funky but I think he does have some range. Certainly has range beyond 5-6 ft
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