Illini Basketball 2024-2025
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As much as I’m looking forward to having a sharp shooter on the team, I really think people are over hyping Ben. A guy who didn’t even make the third team of a really bad conference is going to jump up to a P4 school and be the leading scorer?
Before someone says “bUt MaRcUs dOmAsK,” Marcus played D1 basketball for 4 years, Ben has played one. They played in the same conference and Marcus won Freshman of the Year, 2x second team All-MVC, and one first team All-MVC the year before he transferred to Illinois. He would have been All-MVC all four years if it weren’t for his injury. They are not the same.
I don't really disagree with anything you are saying here, but there is a new reason that teams will let people go that you haven't factored in: NIL value. This may have already happened with Hawkins depending on who you listen to.
If we offer a returnee $X money to stay, but they think they can get $2X on the open market, their return is far from a sure thing. If we think the $2X will serve us better spent on a different player, or different players, we will let that returnee go. Continuity, like everything else, will have a value assigned, and sometimes that value won't be enough to keep a player who has crazy suitors elsewhere because the whole market is crazy.
I agree he’s not Marcus. But I think most people- including me - hope he is the good version of Guerrier. He’s going to stand in the corner waiting for a kickout, can put it on the floor if someone runs at him and if he’s guarded by a smaller guy, he can back him down and score, I think that is all we are looking for from him along with doing his part on the boards
Now that we have Riley, KJ and Tre White is looking like the slasher/scorer we need- Ben’s role can be as a good role player- we don’t need him to lead us in scoring- just do his job - which I think he’ll be very good at
TheDukeUIUC
- Twin Cities, MN
It's some revisionist history to suggest we didn't want to keep Adam Miller after all he contributed his freshman season.
When is the natty parade?
Always hard to figure out the general consensus of the board. Plenty of people here suggesting that he'll lead us in scoring. Very few contending that idea.
If he leads us in scoring I think it likely means a lot of guys haven't met expectations.
On ESPN's 2025 Mock Draft, they had 2 Illini getting picked. Jakucionis was at #18 going to Utah. Riley was at #22 going to Brooklyn.
Yup, Hawkins loved Illinois, was loyal, great fit, and a true program guy. And yet, he knew his window on making NIL money was limited and that he needed to go where he could be most valued. If a guy's true value is X, and another program thinks it's 1.5x, that gap is going to factor in even though you're paying the full value of his contribution. And with high level college athletes, that's too much money to ignore. IMHO, Storr is a great example of a guy that I personally had reservations because of the hype putting him higher than his worth. Great scorer, but had questions on the other side of the ball, and on his efficiency, etc. More power to him.
The staff will take a look after the season and figure it out
That is interesting math.
Lou arrived in the spring of 1975. The Elite 8 was in 1983/84. We all know when he reached the FF.Fan Since '70
- OBS, Florida
I agree with other posters who see Humichous as a role player, like Goode was (a taller mostly Goode like spot up shooter, less of Bezhanishvili type). He will see fair amount of minutes, but not lead Illini in scoring overall although might in some games. Riley and Booth will take some of his minutes. Different players will lead Illini in scoring from game to game. There is an awful lot of offensive firepower on this team. Everyone can score and balanced scoring will be customary. I hope Underwood utilizes his deep bench and ramps up defensive intensity and offensive movement to wear down opponents. Who starts doesn't even matter much.
Without checking, pretty sure he was a Bartow / Yates recruit, class of 1974. That class included Audie Matthews, Rick Leighty, Rich Adams, and Gerhardt. Also Nate Williams and Mike Washington via JuCo. Not a great class, but an upgrade from Harv's last couple.
Lou inherited NCAA sanctions from a lengthy investigation that started when Harv was still here. Lou was limited to 6 rides his first 2 seasons. 1975 class was Ken Ferdinand and Larry Lubin. 1976: Levi Cobb, Neal Bresnahan, Rob Judson, and Steve Lanter.
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
could be. or he's significantly better than some/many think he is. it's happened before. last season, for example
InDaAZ
- Eugene, Oregon
blackdog
- Champaign
Multiple clips of Ty not only shooting but off the dribble too! KJ, Boswell, and DGL looking real good in there too. I know highlights but these guys looks like DUDES
So many cleeeann looking Ty jumpshots🥹
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
oh my, kasparas looks the part. already playing with a ton of confidence
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
Will this team even be able to put the ball through the basket?
InDaAZ
- Eugene, Oregon
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
haven’t seen passes like his since curbeloJK's game does have some sizzle, fo' shizzle...
Chad Fleck
- Eureka, IL
I could use highlight clips every day.
Thanks, bye.
Thanks, bye.
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