We only played with 4 players in '15? No wonder we were so bad.
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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Michigan State has had that honor of late.
We haven’t been at this level of recruiting since the day Charlie Villanueva announced for us. Let’s hope the high lasts a little longer than that.
Obviously a total guess on my part, but I would not be shocked to see him have a Cam Christie-esque season. If he does that I would think the NBA would be a very real option. I am not Sam Vicinie by any stretch. A whole bunch of time between now and next June. We’ll see.
It was so bad at that time I was excited to get Thorne. He did a great job for us too.
Certainly do. Woof.
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
I actually think we've eclipsed Self's high point. As good as Self was, he missed on a lot of guys (as has Brad, but can't deny the trend). The current staff has really got it going now. Unreal. Basking in it. Can it get better? Pinch me. Natty dream seems attainable in the near future (or at least top half of conference).
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Doing my best Chandler Bing here: Could this headline BE any more milquetoast?
We appreciate the 15 years of service that Tracy Abrams gave to this program.
Your second paragraph is hugely important. All kinds of things happen during a long season. Some guys take longer to adjust. Freshmen have a tendency to be up and down. Guys get sick, injured. Some guys are not great matchups for certain teams and on and on.I was down on this roster throughout the offseason, most recently prior to KJ’s commitment. Even with KJ, I was a bit concerned given the less than stellar track record of European freshmen just last season… though it’s fair to say UCLA in particular (which had quite a few of those underperformers) was pretty dysfunctional beyond just who the players on the floor happened to be.
In any event, with both KJ and Riley added, there’s a fascinating collection of talent on the roster. Not every piece will hit, but not every piece needs to. If Kasparas’ game doesn’t translate right away, you have Boswell/DGL/White/Riley right there to soak up some of that offensive responsibility. Same can be said if any one of that group of four isn’t quite what we want—just plug in another piece. Who knows, maybe Rodgers makes a leap. Many options.
We’ll be spoiled with another high-floor team next season, and likely the following year as well. As for the ceiling…
It’s vital to have a plethora of options for whatever arises. Stuff you don’t expect IS going to happen. We are well equipped to handle the unforeseen.
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
yeah, that's obviously in jest, but Abrams had 2 major injuries as an Illini. needless to say, they pretty much derailed his career. a shame
Stephen A. Smith Draws $18 Million ESPN Contract Offer
Sports media star Stephen A. Smith is vying for a new multi-year contract at ESPN with his current deal expiring next summer.
www.sportico.com
They just allocate it poorly.
On a different note, looks like Jasper had somewhat of a good time on the visit!
llini Nation is ready for you and your teammates to help lead us to our first National Championship. Let’s goooooooooo!
Welcome Will Riley! What's awesome is the second 5 on the bench could carry the team equally so as whatever the starting 5 are.
I’m telling you it can be a five for five substitution in games and they won’t miss a beat. It’s a crazy team.
sacraig
- The desert
Love him or hate him, Smith is about the only person who draws viewers.Stephen A. Smith Draws $18 Million ESPN Contract Offer
Sports media star Stephen A. Smith is vying for a new multi-year contract at ESPN with his current deal expiring next summer.
They just allocate it poorly.
sacraig
- The desert
I just got a push notification about Riley and Illinois from my ESPN app.
sacraig
- The desert
If Will needs assistance on knowing how to gain weight I am here to provide my expertise. Eat 6,000 Reese’s peanut butter cups over the next 4 months. It totally works, man!!!
McAfee has him looking over his shoulder. But weekly morning shows he still is top dog….for now
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