season overview

[Rickster]

without re-hashing too much...

- turnovers and poor shooting almost always prevent you from getting a W, especially against a tough, versatile, talented team....all but about 4 or 5 losses this season were directly attributable to turnovers and poor shooting
- maybe this is unfair, but freshmen who are the one-and-dones seem less likely to fight through struggles ...is that a "fresh-on-my-mind" thing only?
- Riley made some adjustments in Feb and realized he could contribute pts by moving better without the ball, but he still never made a difference against better competition, he is way too soft of a player...I'd love to see him for 3 or 4 years develop into a tougher "Big Ten" player, but I know we won't
- KJ ...ooof, I don't know what to say about that guy. I think I'll be really happy if he does get drafted. I don't think I'd want him back. I know he was a force in Nov and Dec, but did he really impact a game in 2025? Overall? I wouldn't even rank him as one of the ten best PGs in the Big Ten.

next year....

- I know we have no idea what the roster will look like, but what are some predictions and or "wish list" items?
- Will Rodgers enter the portal or did he redshirt so he could play 25-26 season?
- Boswell, Ivisic and Morez ...assuming those 3 starters are returning?
- does Tre White have another year of eligibility? ...if so, is it likely he stays and continues to have his skill set NOT utilized well?
- what are the chances we could get Ivisic' twin brother to transfer here? with 2 of them and Morez, maybe we could defend the paint better?
- I'm assuming Booth, DGL and Jake Davis will all transfer ...if BU is only going to play 7 guys when it counts, why would players 8-10 stay and ride the pine when they could go somewhere and play?

[ChiefSTL]

Good stuff Rickster. Yeah the same problems that have plagued us all year sure showed up yesterday and cost us the game. I didn't think this team would be able to be consistent enough to run off more than a couple of wins, but getting to the S16 in back to back years and beating Kentucky sure would've been nice.

Here's my guesses at the roster next year
Gone Pro: KJ & Riley
Transfer: Rodgers, Booth, DGL
Better than not chance of returning: Ivisic, White, Davis
Likely returnees: Boswell, Morez, Jakstys
Unknown: Humrichous

What I think we definitely need:
- a guard to pair with Boswell that is a more consistent shooter.
- A more athletic 3/4 that can shoot. White is solid, but we need a more athletic version of Humrichous on the wing.

Outside of that, see who else leaves. The youth experiment was a big fail. I expect the motto of get old and stay old will be followed a little more closely from here on out.

[Rickster]

agree with those 2 stated needs, in addition to better interior defenders.

I didn't know Brickhouse had another year of eligibility.

[ChiefSTL]

agree with those 2 stated needs, in addition to better interior defenders.

I didn't know Brickhouse had another year of eligibility.

That recent ruling came out this winter saying that playing time at a JUCO doesn't count towards your 4 years of eligibility, so he can petition for another year (and likely win). I think the team would like him back as a veteran and a second year in the system, but they would have to clearly identify what they think his role is, and probably adjust his NIL accordingly. He can't be a 5th/6th guy if we wanna go further next year (unless his shooting gets back to 40%)

[Vinegar Ben]

I really like Riley, KJ, Tomi but I don't any od the 3 are ready for the NBA. Will is a very good player and could be great but he is too thin for the NBA at this time. Kj is talented as well but his ball handling is very poor at critical times, Tomi has good passing ability, can shoot 3 with reasonable accuracy but he is very soft defensively and gets push around by more physical type players. I think all 3 would greatly benefit from 1 more year to improve their skills and physical make up. I know there is always a rick of injury. My guess is Will and KJ will leave for the NBA while Tomi has said he is returning to Champaign

[12xu]

I really like Riley, KJ, Tomi but I don't any od the 3 are ready for the NBA. Will is a very good player and could be great but he is too thin for the NBA at this time. Kj is talented as well but his ball handling is very poor at critical times, Tomi has good passing ability, can shoot 3 with reasonable accuracy but he is very soft defensively and gets push around by more physical type players. I think all 3 would greatly benefit from 1 more year to improve their skills and physical make up. I know there is always a rick of injury. My guess is Will and KJ will leave for the NBA while Tomi has said he is returning to Champaign

I agree with your assessment, and Ivisic is returning. I believe KJ will do well in the NBA once he gets less careless with his passes. He has the skills to thrive once he cuts down on his turnovers.

Will Riley is not ready for the NBA. Of course he may be picked in the first round anyway, but he needs another year of college ball. It would be so great to see him mature and star for the Illini next season.