Illini Basketball 2024-2025

#81      

LadyLoyalty

LadyLoyalty
Indian Wells, CA
LadyLoyalty
BlueFlag said:
LailighI believe you intended a salute to the Flying Illini . . .

But I agree, we are due for a thrilling season.
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Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills Reality GIF

Ha! Thanks for calling me out, I deserved it!
 
#83      

NashvILLe05

N
NashvILLe05
IllinoisIntegrity said:
This list seems pretty sus. Ohio State more revenue than Kansas? That ugly discount furniture arena was half empty all season.
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Agreed. Having a tough time believing Louisville is #1 and UConn is down that low in a year where they won the championship. Maybe I’m missing something.
 
#86      

Fly Illini Fly!

F
Fly Illini Fly!
Seems like one of Tre or Ty starting is very much on the table.

But then if one of them start, one of Kylan, Kasparas, Riley, Ben won't...don't know which one out of that 4 will lose their spot....any of those 4 not starting sounds unlikely at first...

but then you look at it...those 2 guys definitely have the capability of being more productive than any of those 4.

Staff's sure got some things to work through when it comes to this starting five...

Season 22 Nbc GIF by Law & Order
 
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#90      

Emerson Bigguns

Emerson Bigguns
Emerson Bigguns
Illiniguy13 said:
Totally hear you on all this. I can say for sure outside of Cody Williams, Da Silva & their center, that team stunk. There are certain skills and talents that translate sooner rather than later in the college game. Riley is a polished scorer & prolific shooter with a 6'8" frame. That translates immediately on any level. Kasparas' ability to handle, facilitate and shoot at his size also translate well. We have a really solid supporting cast around the young yet uber talented guys on our squad. Frankly, Brad is too good to not succeed with this level of talent 🤷‍♂️
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Stunk is a pretty strong word for a team that won 26 games & had 3 guys drafted. (You neglected to mention KJ Simpson who was their leading scorer/assist man, drafted by Charlotte at #42) They struggled on the road, and Cody missed a dozen or so games. They did make it to the Conference Championship game, losing to Oregon. They won a first 4 game against Boise St. They also beat a pretty good Florida team in round 1, before losing to Marquette. Tough draw.

That being said, neither of Williams or Da Silva would be likely lottery picks next year. Da Silva has prototypical size and shoots pretty well, but he's not a star type prospect. (maybe a Kyle Anderson type... can do a lot of things well, but nothing great)

Williams was drafted more for upside, than what he did on the court. They are hoping he will continue to get better the way his brother has.
 
#96      

Altuve27

A
Altuve27
hoopsfan47 said:
Speculation abounds concerning this team. Many skills and size. Chemistry will be intriguing. Simply, I cannot wait to see this group play!!!!
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This is the key to the season. Last year Dain, DGL, and Moretti didn’t play much at all except for Dain towards the end of the season. I can guarantee you they weren’t thrilled about it, but they were all team guys. Cheering for their teammates, partying like mad men in the celebration videos, and staying ready when their number was called. There was never any dissention. That was a HUGE component of last year’s success.

The reality is a few VERY talented players are not going to receive the role or consistent minutes they thought they were going to get on this team. How those guys respond to that disappointment will be a key factor in how this season plays out.
 
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