-let's hope T Ivisic isn't out long
-Big Z is the best rim protector we've had since Kofi
-Wagler is going to make us all forget Will Riley very quickly ...that kid actually attacks the lane and rim
-Mirkovic is going to be my favorite player all year I suspect...what a find. He runs funny, he's slow, he looks very uncoordinated, but somehow he's effective
-can this lineup actually shoot 38-40% from three?...if so, they're going to avg 85 easy
-Stoykavic didn't impress me ...he got better as the game went on, but that's being up by 40. I just get the feeling he's going to struggle getting 6-7 shots per game instead of 15-20, especially in tight games
-we haven't even seen Petro or Lee yet ...how are all these guys going to get minutes?
early basketball observations
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Re: early basketball observations
- Man, what a welcome party for Big Z. That dude is such a difference maker around the basket. I hope Tomi isn't out very long, but what a backup to have fill in for him.
- Yeah Wagler doesn't look like he's afraid of the college game, I like his ability to get downhill and he's showing that he's a threat as a shooter
- I was really impressed with Hummer's defense Friday. I know FGC doesn't have the athletes we'll be seeing in league play, but he still looked really locked in on defense and is embracing his role with lesser minutes. He's still missing some of the wide open kickouts that we need him to knock down.
- This offense is just so multi-dimensional. Again, I know the lesser competition. But we are sharing the ball so well and getting good looks. Boswell looks like he's in complete control. Love his inside/out ability.
- The thing you've gotta remember with Stojakovic is he hasn't been able to practice with his injury. He was clearly forcing it in the first half. He's just got such a good driving and midrange game that he's gonna be such a good compliment. I still think he has every chance to be our leading scorer once he gets time to work with everybody based on what I saw out of him at Cal.
- The beautiful thing about this team is we could have a different leading scorer every night and take advantage of mismatches. If we can defend, this could be the best roster depth Underwood has had. I'm not sure how you shake out the minutes once Petro and Tomi are a full go. I think Lee is gonna have a hard time seeing any minutes this year once we get into the meat of the schedule. Jake Davis probably loses minutes too if other guys can provide outside shooting.
- Can't wait for the game Tuesday to get a real feel on where we are at.
- Yeah Wagler doesn't look like he's afraid of the college game, I like his ability to get downhill and he's showing that he's a threat as a shooter
- I was really impressed with Hummer's defense Friday. I know FGC doesn't have the athletes we'll be seeing in league play, but he still looked really locked in on defense and is embracing his role with lesser minutes. He's still missing some of the wide open kickouts that we need him to knock down.
- This offense is just so multi-dimensional. Again, I know the lesser competition. But we are sharing the ball so well and getting good looks. Boswell looks like he's in complete control. Love his inside/out ability.
- The thing you've gotta remember with Stojakovic is he hasn't been able to practice with his injury. He was clearly forcing it in the first half. He's just got such a good driving and midrange game that he's gonna be such a good compliment. I still think he has every chance to be our leading scorer once he gets time to work with everybody based on what I saw out of him at Cal.
- The beautiful thing about this team is we could have a different leading scorer every night and take advantage of mismatches. If we can defend, this could be the best roster depth Underwood has had. I'm not sure how you shake out the minutes once Petro and Tomi are a full go. I think Lee is gonna have a hard time seeing any minutes this year once we get into the meat of the schedule. Jake Davis probably loses minutes too if other guys can provide outside shooting.
- Can't wait for the game Tuesday to get a real feel on where we are at.
Re: early basketball observations
Yes tuesday's game vs Texas Tech will be a real test for the Illini. So far the team has been mighty impressive vs lesser foes, but considering they have been without major players in both games, the potential once all are healthy is sky high. I think this team may be the most talented Illini team since the 2005 squad played in the National Championship game.