College Basketball 2021-2022 season

[SouthSideRyan]

If Johnny Davis is given BTPOY they should stop handing the award out.

 

Yes, give it to Keegan!! :D

 

He or Kofi are the only acceptable answers.

[gflore34]

 

 

It’s great to win the league, but not all schedules are created equally. Wisconsin didn’t have to go to Michigan, Michigan St or Iowa and only played Illinois once.

 

And I will also be laying the hammer with Purdue -2.5 tonight.

I think that's a good bet, and SSR's point is way valid, but dogging Wisconsin for SOS is silly. They are 13th in the nation in SOS, 6th highest in the Big 10. (Illinois is 6th and 1st, respectively.)

 

I think the valid point when you look at Wisconsin is they don't have a matchup for a dominant big. Kofi had his way and so did Eddy, just they did a tremendous job against Eddy's supporting cast at Purdue. Plus Johnny went off.

 

To sell them short is a bit unfair. The BIG schedule will have steeled them against teams that don't have a dominant big. No one likes him but if Davison is hitting his 3's they have 4 to 5 guys who can score double digits.

 

I'll hear arguments that they aren't deep or they can't handle a big that can take over, but other than that, there's only a handful of teams that will have the best player on the floor against them. Johnny Davis is really really good. Also the poster earlier who called him a dick because he taunted the Indiana fans is the softest sports fan ever.

 

If I'm not mistaken don't metrics advanced and otherwise suggest they're not as good as their record? Does this type of team usually fair well in the tournament? An honest question, not trying to antagonistic, plus I'm too lazy to do the research.

[bukie]

If Johnny Davis is given BTPOY they should stop handing the award out.

 

Yes, give it to Keegan!! :D

 

He or Kofi are the only acceptable answers.

Liddell also has a case, though OSU's game yesterday probably dampened that quite a bit.

 

First team B1G is insane this year, though.

Kofi Cockburn

Keegan Murray

Johnny Davis

EJ Liddell

Jaden Ivey/Zack Edey

[champaignchris]

This has been a frustrating season for me as an Illini fan. All the injuries and lost games, it just seems like they can’t quite get all the pieces together. Not to mention the incredibly inconsistent officiating on Kofi. (More so what opponents are allowed to do to him than what the officials allow Kofi to do.)

 

Despite what looks like a 2nd place finish in the Big 10, a likely #3-ish seed, and all the metrics pointing to this being a top 15 team in the county, I can’t help but feeling this team inconsistency is going to limit them from going on a nice NCAA run. Go on one of those 10-minute lulls they always seem to go through and they won’t make it out of the round of 32 again.

[gflore34]

This has been a frustrating season for me as an Illini fan. All the injuries and lost games, it just seems like they can’t quite get all the pieces together. Not to mention the incredibly inconsistent officiating on Kofi. (More so what opponents are allowed to do to him than what the officials allow Kofi to do.)

 

Despite what looks like a 2nd place finish in the Big 10, a likely #3-ish seed, and all the metrics pointing to this being a top 15 team in the county, I can’t help but feeling this team inconsistency is going to limit them from going on a nice NCAA run. Go on one of those 10-minute lulls they always seem to go through and they won’t make it out of the round of 32 again.

 

Think we saw glimpses of what they could have been all season vs. Michigan, they didn't go through one of those 10-minute lulls. Believe a relatively healthy Curbelo and confident Hawkins had a lot to do it, going forward assuming Curbelo' OK. I don't think those no offense periods will be quite as common.

 

I also believe the officiating will be more straight up in the tournament, for whatever reason Big Ten officials allow other teams to do anything while defending Kofi. From the OSU game alone I saw several images of Key holding/hanging on Kofi's arm during a rebound, Liddell had him in bear hug on another rebound attempt. All of that, no calls yet, they managed to foul Kofi out of the game, for the second time this season by that same bald headed Big Ten crew. It's no wonder Underwood was T'ed up. Does Underwood have official avenues available as far as crew assignments, filing complaints, etc.?

[pitchcs]

My Big Ten POY vote would go to Keegan Murray

[champaignchris]

It's no wonder Underwood was T'ed up. Does Underwood have official avenues available as far as crew assignments, filing complaints, etc.?

 

I think that’s AD Whitman’s area, and I am absolutely sure he’s doing everything he can to advocate for his program.

 

Check out this thread:

 

Kofi has only fouled out 3 times in his career. Brian Dorsey was the official for all three of those games. He called 9 of the 15 fouls Kofi incurred in those games and 11 of the 19 fouls Kofi’s incurred in the 5 games he’s officiated Kofi overall.

[gflore34]

It's no wonder Underwood was T'ed up. Does Underwood have official avenues available as far as crew assignments, filing complaints, etc.?

 

I think that’s AD Whitman’s area, and I am absolutely sure he’s doing everything he can to advocate for his program.

 

Check out this thread:

 

Kofi has only fouled out 3 times in his career. Brian Dorsey was the official for all three of those games. He called 9 of the 15 fouls Kofi incurred in those games and 11 of the 19 fouls Kofi’s incurred in the 5 games he’s officiated Kofi overall.

 

An interesting read, some were legit fouls by Kofi, some were not, what boils my blood is the lack of consistency. Inconsistent officiating played a significant role in the outcomes of both the Purdue and OSU games. Kofi gets concussed by Edey - no call, Kofi repeatedly gets held by Key and Liddell - no calls, on that supposed Sports Center top 10 block of Kofi by Liddell, Liddell hit Kofi on the head - no call. If I'm Whitman I definitely lobbying the Big Ten that Dorsey gets no where near any of the Illini games.

[champaignchris]

With the new NIL rules and Kofi still not showing up high on the draft boards, it might make financial sense for him to come back to Illinois for his senior year.

 

But with the officiating the way it is, I don’t see that making any sense from a basketball perspective. “Come back to school and get beat on by three guys every time you touch the ball.” It’s just not basketball.

 

You’d think that would be something the Big 10 would want to address in terms of keeping big names in the League.

 

And side note, as a child of the 70s, it’s so weird to me that so many NBA scouts seem to think there’s no place in the League for a guy with Kofi’s size and athleticism. 30 years ago he would have been a top 5 pick. I know, the game’s changed, etc. It’s still weird.

[gflore34]

With the new NIL rules and Kofi still not showing up high on the draft boards, it might make financial sense for him to come back to Illinois for his senior year.

 

But with the officiating the way it is, I don’t see that making any sense from a basketball perspective. “Come back to school and get beat on by three guys every time you touch the ball.” It’s just not basketball.

 

You’d think that would be something the Big 10 would want to address in terms of keeping big names in the League.

 

And side note, as a child of the 70s, it’s so weird to me that so many NBA scouts seem to think there’s no place in the League for a guy with Kofi’s size and athleticism. 30 years ago he would have been a top 5 pick. I know, the game’s changed, etc. It’s still weird.

 

Regarding Kofi's draft status I believe you're spot on, if he were to come back and add a mid range with the occasional 3 game to his resume his draft standing will improve. Guess, from what I read and seen, Hawkins is the one with the most first round potential, hope he sticks around because he may be a breakout superstar in the making. Kofi+Hawkins+Curbelo throw in a sharp shooting Goode, a smooth athletic Melendez, maybe one of Epps, Rodgers or Harris make an impact you have the makings of another BT title contender.

[bukie]

Wisconsin falls to 15-2 this season in games decided by 5 points or less.

 

Setting up Illinois to have their biggest win or most crushing loss in a decade tonight.

[bukie]

Holy horsefeathers. Illinois won the Big Ten.

[Tim]

That's a rough loss for Wisconsin for multiple reasons

 

:flythew:

[Irrelevant Dude]

I don't understand the experts who had Wisconsin projected as a 2 seed, but don't see any possibility of Illinois getting any higher than a 3. If (big if) Illinois were to win the Big 10 tournament, along with the regular season title, how can you not give them a 2 seed? If they lose in the Big 10 tournament, then they end up as a 3 or 4 depending on when they lose.

 

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

[gflore34]

I don't understand the experts who had Wisconsin projected as a 2 seed, but don't see any possibility of Illinois getting any higher than a 3. If (big if) Illinois were to win the Big 10 tournament, along with the regular season title, how can you not give them a 2 seed? If they lose in the Big 10 tournament, then they end up as a 3 or 4 depending on when they lose.

 

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

 

Don't get it either, they're everyone' darling, all you hear Johnny Davis, Johnny Davis, while his emergence and Wisconsin outperforming their preseason expectations is a great story. I believe Underwood may have a stronger case for BT coach of the year, they're 1 or 2 in number of games missed due to injury, COVID, etc. and still managed to tie for the Big Ten regular season championship. Where would Wisconsin be if Johnny Davis missed 4 games, Davidson missed most of the season like Kofi and Curbelo did for Illinois?

 

I watched Wisconsin - Nebraska and was thinking if what happened to Davis could have been prevented, officials called a foul near half court but, did not appear to blow the play dead. Had they continued to blow the whistles, attempting to stop the ball, would Davis have kept going to the hoop? Or, is it unreasonable to expect that of officials? I believe he'll be OK, took a nasty hit off the base of the hoop, I was thinking a concussion along with the lower back. Apparently, he was moving and running in the tunnel, sounds like they kept him out of the remainder of the game as a precaution.

[gflore34]

Illini got a pretty rough draw in the BTT, first game vs. Indiana or Michigan should be very tough, if they can win this game, I really want them to get a shot at Rutgers again. Although I do not believe Rutgers is going to get by Iowa.

[Rex Buckingham]

Illini got a pretty rough draw in the BTT, first game vs. Indiana or Michigan should be very tough, if they can win this game, I really want them to get a shot at Rutgers again. Although I do not believe Rutgers is going to get by Iowa.

 

Michigan would be tough because they're so long and have good shooters when they're on... Illinois is a bad matchup for Indiana because the Illinois defense is built to allow mid-range jump shots and the Hoosiers can't shoot and they try to defend Kofi 1-on-1 with TJD and Kofi eats his lunch every time

[bukie]

Illini got a pretty rough draw in the BTT, first game vs. Indiana or Michigan should be very tough, if they can win this game, I really want them to get a shot at Rutgers again. Although I do not believe Rutgers is going to get by Iowa.

I disagree, I think the only way Illinois' draw could have been better would be if Iowa got bumped to the 6 seed. Otherwise, Wisconsin, Purdue, OSU, MSU and Maryland (not a good team, but a terrible matchup for IL) are all on the opposite side.

[sneakypower]

thinking about this freak who lost his entire mind after extending a single-digit 1st half lead

[soccer10k]

Chattanooga won the SoCon on a buzzer beating 3 after Furman took the lead with 4 seconds left. Glad I turned in for the end of that one.

[gflore34]

Of course Jacob Grandison is out for the remainder of the season, just never horsefeathering ends with the Illini and injuries, etc. Guess a somewhat silver lining is Hawkins is starting to emerge and RJ Melendez is available - really like what I've seen of him. They, along with Goode, figure to get more playing time.

 

Feel bad for Grandison, from what I understand, shoulder injuries can be quite complicated, can remain bothersome even after a successful surgery.

[champaignchris]

Of course Jacob Grandison is out for the remainder of the season, just never horsefeathering ends with the Illini and injuries, etc. Guess a somewhat silver lining is Hawkins is starting to emerge and RJ Melendez is available - really like what I've seen of him. They, along with Goode, figure to get more playing time.

 

Feel bad for Grandison, from what I understand, shoulder injuries can be quite complicated, can remain bothersome even after a successful surgery.

 

Ugh. Just cannot catch a break.

 

Looking forward to next year…

 

Frazier, Williams and Plummer are the only guys out of eligibility.

 

Grandison and Hutcherson both have their COVID year left. I’d assume Grandison will be back if he wants to be. Hutcherson has played a grand total of 4 games in the last three seasons, and I’d assume his basketball career is over. I hope he proves me wrong.

 

Kofi actually has two years of eligibility left - his senior year and COVID year. The consensus opinion is that he’s gone after this year. But given the lack of draft buzz for him, I’d never say never.

 

I doubt anyone relevant transfers, but there could always be a surprise. Miller last year and Griffin the year before were both guys that the coaching staff wanted back.

 

They’re bringing in Dainja, a big man transfer from Baylor who was highly recruited out of high school and three freshman for a nice top-25-ish recruiting class. A late transfer in is never out of the question in this day and age - see Plummer.

 

Assuming Kofi isn’t back, you probably have Curbelo starting at point, with Pods backing him up, Goode at the 2, Melendez and Grandison splitting time at the 3, Hawkins as a stretch 4 or small-ball 5, and Dainja and Payne splitting time at the 5. Verdonk provides front court depth and the freshmen are your backcourt backups.

 

That’s an inexperienced, really athletic team that will get up and down the court quickly. They’ll likely play much more like Underwood’s S.F. Austin teams. They’ll probably be very fun to watch but not very good unless Hawkins, Melendez and Curbelo all make quantum leaps in their play. (Which could totally happen.)

 

If Kofi comes back, the calculation would completely change, and they’d be a pre-season top 10.

[gflore34]

Of course Jacob Grandison is out for the remainder of the season, just never horsefeathering ends with the Illini and injuries, etc. Guess a somewhat silver lining is Hawkins is starting to emerge and RJ Melendez is available - really like what I've seen of him. They, along with Goode, figure to get more playing time.

 

Feel bad for Grandison, from what I understand, shoulder injuries can be quite complicated, can remain bothersome even after a successful surgery.

 

Ugh. Just cannot catch a break.

 

Looking forward to next year…

 

Frazier, Williams and Plummer are the only guys out of eligibility.

 

Grandison and Hutcherson both have their COVID year left. I’d assume Grandison will be back if he wants to be. Hutcherson has played a grand total of 4 games in the last three seasons, and I’d assume his basketball career is over. I hope he proves me wrong.

 

Kofi actually has two years of eligibility left - his senior year and COVID year. The consensus opinion is that he’s gone after this year. But given the lack of draft buzz for him, I’d never say never.

 

I doubt anyone relevant transfers, but there could always be a surprise. Miller last year and Griffin the year before were both guys that the coaching staff wanted back.

 

They’re bringing in Dainja, a big man transfer from Baylor who was highly recruited out of high school and three freshman for a nice top-25-ish recruiting class. A late transfer in is never out of the question in this day and age - see Plummer.

 

Assuming Kofi isn’t back, you probably have Curbelo starting at point, with Pods backing him up, Goode at the 2, Melendez and Grandison splitting time at the 3, Hawkins as a stretch 4 or small-ball 5, and Dainja and Payne splitting time at the 5. Verdonk provides front court depth and the freshmen are your backcourt backups.

 

That’s an inexperienced, really athletic team that will get up and down the court quickly. They’ll likely play much more like Underwood’s S.F. Austin teams. They’ll probably be very fun to watch but not very good unless Hawkins, Melendez and Curbelo all make quantum leaps in their play. (Which could totally happen.)

 

If Kofi comes back, the calculation would completely change, and they’d be a pre-season top 10.

 

Given the lack of draft buzz, instability of overseas leagues and the NIL, I believe its makes some sense for Kofi to return. If can extend his game a little his draft status will significantly approve. A team with an improving Hawkins, Melendez, Curbelo plus Kofi would be right there with Michigan as BT favorites.

[bukie]

Of course Jacob Grandison is out for the remainder of the season, just never horsefeathering ends with the Illini and injuries, etc. Guess a somewhat silver lining is Hawkins is starting to emerge and RJ Melendez is available - really like what I've seen of him. They, along with Goode, figure to get more playing time.

 

Feel bad for Grandison, from what I understand, shoulder injuries can be quite complicated, can remain bothersome even after a successful surgery.

Where did you see Grandison is out for the season? I just saw an article today where he wasn't in practice today because he was being fitted for a brace like Trent wears.

[gflore34]

Of course Jacob Grandison is out for the remainder of the season, just never horsefeathering ends with the Illini and injuries, etc. Guess a somewhat silver lining is Hawkins is starting to emerge and RJ Melendez is available - really like what I've seen of him. They, along with Goode, figure to get more playing time.

 

Feel bad for Grandison, from what I understand, shoulder injuries can be quite complicated, can remain bothersome even after a successful surgery.

Where did you see Grandison is out for the season? I just saw an article today where he wasn't in practice today because he was being fitted for a brace like Trent wears.

 

At the Illini scout board, they were talking grade 3 shoulder sprain and surgery, me being a Cub fan, I assumed the worst. However, as you said, and I just read, Underwood said he's improving and being fitted for a brace.