Speaking of Lou getting Eddie Johnson. In 1977 Eddie’s sr yr. I spotted Lou and Les Wothke at a JC game at IVCC in Oglesby. They were recruiting Johnny Robinson (Mich) brother. I went over and sat by them and probably made a pest of myself asking about recruiting. Lou kind of avoided answering. But when he got up at halftime Les leaned over and whispered to me “We got Eddie Johnson.” Made my night!!!
Illini Women's Basketball
Fan Since '70
- OBS, Florida
I have watching women's teams since Grentz coached and they have been mostly frustrating last 15-20 years, though I enjoyed watching players like Jenna Smith, Lacey Simpson, Karisma Penn, Alex Wittinger, etc. Was glad to see Coach Greene hired and Whitman indicate he expects Illini to become a championship contender. Obviously the program is not generating a lot of revenue yet but NIL and money deals are mostly from outside donors, advertisers, paying athletes directly if I understand that correctly. So I understand if Illinois can not compete with established blue bloods in acquiring elite portal talent. Seems the last two years and next season will be similar and just finish in top half of conference and barely make NCAA tourney. I know their biggest weakness is having a strong athletic two-way center that can guard and finish at the basket. Also Illini have had trouble guarding bigger and athletic opponent guards and wings and getting stuffed inside, so a taller more athletic 2-way wing would be a great addition. I believe the better player should get minutes no matter seniority or whoever works better depending on matchups. I would like to see Coach Green really utilize Wallace, Dolan, Allen, Brown-Haggar when a taller lineup is indicated to match up better. I believe they are all ready to contribute and hopefully players are team players. Hope between seasons Bollin made some leaps in her game (if not Shup-hill as well) as she gives Illini a taller SF or a 5 out capability. Magassa I hope gets coached up and can become a better Hobby replacement, especially on the defensive end. I don't believe I am being unrealistic to expect significantly more progress in Green's 3rd year and not play almost the same as her first year (which would not be progress). I hope the core of Bostic, Cook, Bryant and McKenzie will be consistently good this season and good leaders and also encourage and support their younger teammates to succeed on the court. I have enjoyed watching the women play, especially the last two years and will continue to watch and support them. I am rooting for Coach Green to succeed at Illinois in a big way and stay on for a long time to come.
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Good call. I expect photos will surface soon of Shauna relaxing in the whirlpool every day instead of working her tail off to land some impact transfers to elevate the program. If only she wasn’t happy being just a borderline tourney team.
I really don't understand the negative vibes from some of the posts. We have more talent and size on next year's roster right now than we have hade in decades. The recruits we are getting have improved every year since coach Green arrived. 6 of our top 7 are returning we replaced Hobby with more size have a 5 star recruit and another center with good skills. I fully trust coaches to put the best combinations on the court and am excited for the rapid growth this program has had the last 3 years. Great job coach Green!
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
Cool story!
DeonThomas
- South Carolina
Thank you Tony Yates!
(Proud to mention that while in HS I guarded one member of Eddie's first Illini team --- and held him to 8 points.)
Realistic fans know Green is doing a fantastic job. The negative vibes have been going on since the beginning of the past season with the slow start. Bunch more people have been coming to this thread.....mostly for the good with some bad eggs. JMO but all threads have negative posters. It's pretty tame here but I mostly laugh off all the "hot take" Skip Bayless and Steven A. Smith comments I hear from certain posters.
We do have enough players to win 20 plus games but we need the ONE to help us get to 30 plus wins.What we have could get us 24 to 27 and we know that only takes you so far..
We have enough to win 24 to 27 games and that’s great..But we need that One Piece to get us to 30 wins and from there we’ll have believers keeping us sustainable…So I’m just hoping for one Ms Maryam Dauda…lol
JMO -Green has a choice
1. keep playing her current core which is size and athleticism limited. May get her a slightly beter record for 2024-5 but not significantly.
2. Give significant playing time to new players who have more upside and sacrifice some early regular season wins to be better at end of season and much better in 2025-26.
I like you are drinking the orange and blue Kool aid
Iowa coach is retiring and long time assistant taking over.
Champaign Toast
Fan since Kiwane Garris
NEIlliniFan
- No longer in New England
Trying to wrap my brain around Bluder not being at Iowa.
Wow.
Wow.
Wondering is anybody going to leave?
NEIlliniFan
- No longer in New England
I doubt it since Iowa promoted their long-time assistant to head coach
Rumor has it that we are losing Assistant Coach Jenna Giacone
Posted above about 6 weeks ago.....Gensler just added Kam'Ren Rhodes. Hope she can get an uptick in playing time
Ndour only one left to find a new home
Director of scouting. Probably getting a promotion in title
but staying here with the Illini?
TCU is interested in Ndour
Yeah half the portal is left. I don't see her minutes changing but want the best for Ndour. A few pieces didn't fit talent wise when Green arrived but the character of the ladies we have/those that left are top notch.
Coach Jensen announced everyone is staying. They will be a top 25 team