sacraig
- The desert
Illini Basketball 2024-2025
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
sacraig
- The desert
Hypothetically, what would the stat's look like in a scrimmage game against a decent college basketball program on any given day?
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And Sweeney is a reliable observer, not some random "influencer". Guy knows what he's looking at.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
I didn't realize how much access scouting types had to individual team practices (I guess there was less interest in Tisdale and Frazier and Meacham and the like...) but everyone who sees it is going gaga for KJ.
If KJ is the real deal at this and the next level (and early reports are promising) the impact it'll have on the program will be far beyond whatever happens this season. Illini basketball hasn't produced a legit NBA superstar since Deron Williams. If we can do that now, I have no doubt BU will be able to capitalize on it (unlike Weber).
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
Yeah, but that was 45 pts in 1:55. Extrapolated over a 40 minute game, that's 939 pts. Not going to win many games when your opponent scores that many.
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
I'm pretty happy that the program is now in a place where, even at the outset of a season when we have almost no players returning from the preceding season, and no one has any idea what the product on the court in January will look like, our coach has developed a sufficient reputation that we're included in lists like this one.
Yep, I'm hoping Riley is this year's (+taller!) version of Dee and KJ is this year's version of Deron (probably also a little taller), have to see more to hope for the other 3 starters LOL
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
You could imagine it being the other way around, where KJ is the instant impact freshman a la Dee whereas Riley is less able to contribute immediately but winds up having the brighter longer term and pro future ala Deron.
Iām really trying to temper my expectations for this season but itās getting difficult
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
good piece:
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
another one:
Donāt know if anyone else saw but Purdue posted about a 6 minute highlight video of a live scrimmage. For those that donāt think Smith will be anything without Edey I encourage you to watch. Only highlights so grain of salt and all of that but easily the best player on the court. Heās going to be great this year.
But I think KJ can do most of what Smith does at 6ā6 and then I get really excited!
But I think KJ can do most of what Smith does at 6ā6 and then I get really excited!
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
I really do think Dra finds a way to make an impact. Everything about how he handled last season was impressive. There was no pouting. He put his head down, got to work, and carved out a role late in the season on one of the oldest teams in the country. That tells you everything you need to know about him. And then he decided to stay. Despite his height, he has athleticism for days and has clearly bulked up. This roster has a ton of talent, but Dra's gonna get his time and you know he'll give it everything he has. I'll cheer like crazy for all our guys, but I'll cheer a little extra for him.
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
blackdog
- Champaign
Yesssss! I absolutely love this and it's been much needed for a couple years.
sacraig
- The desert
I was in Krush when Midnight Madness died. That used to be such a fun event before Jeremy Piven murdered it. Maybe this will be a good event to help fill that void, at least for the kids in Krush.
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I predict Smith will be second team all big ten so if that counts as counting him as nothing then I'm guilty. I think his assists to down and shooting percentage/overall efficiency goes down without edey taking that much attention. I just don't buy he's the best player in the league talk. Still very good player.
Side note: I do not condone violence but Fletcher loyer has a punchable face. Not Tom Coverdale level but up there
I've missed this story. How exactly did Jeremy Piven kill Midnight Madness?
I don't disagree. It's hard to use seniority to measure a guy like KJ.
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
I mentally blocked out Midnight Madness with Piven was the same day that IDKWTI committed to Indiana.
Here's a liveblog of the events, if you're a glutton for punishment like me and want to relive the horror. Come for Piven getting booed. Stay for McBride's suspension and Carlwell no-pointing in the dunk contest. The signs were all there we were in for an extended rough patch. Yeesh.
Live Blog -- Illini Madness
On that note, thanks for reading. Check out Saturday's News-Gazette for comprehensive coverage of the Gordon situation, where the Illini look next, a feature on Carlwell, notes from media day,
Piven went out with a scarf and kind of preppy and then started on politics. Bashed President Bush, people didn't want to hear it.