JimmerNoe

We are 6 deep right now without X. I am unfortunately with Chris about Gunn and Banks. I know Gunn is trying to be a “scorer” but part of me wonders if it is time to tell him to just be a defensive nightmare and only utilize him as a stopper on guys like Lathan last night. Wide open threes are fine but the misses he is taking are killing us when he comes in. Only runouts off of steals please. When Banks/Gunn and Cupps are in together we are effectively 3 on 5 on the offensive end right now. Don’t get started on when Woody also uses Sparks in that lineup. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Some thoughts on Mgbako: Being “unathletic” is an understatement, but seems to just be part of his game. His slow, sliding drives are actually getting him to the line and getting him some looks as defenders are off balance waiting for explosive moves. Reminds me of Slo Mo Kyle Anderson. I know he had a poor shooting night but he is by far who I feel most comfortable shooting jumpers/threes. If he goes 2/5 on those open threes last night puts him at 19pts. I think 0fer nights will go away and maybe we start trying to get him going early? He has been much more engaged defensively and the plus minus on him is good the last several games. We need perimeter offense in the worst way possible. I HATE that he is so stiff his arms even look weird at rest. Like he can’t even relax them to hang at his sides. So weird every time there is a stoppage in play he looks like he is shrugging lol. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A blue gif or a friendly bald Mike dancing around gif Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Didn’t he change it to this shortly before Liam announced and then change it back? I’m sure he knows how closely some follow these things lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just playing devils advocate since I attended UK within the last 10 years (I got a scholarship I couldn’t turn down and was still nearly disowned): The talent level on UK’s campus is absurd in that regard. Waves of 5 stars every year commit to wear the blue sundress and cowboy boots during tailgate season. But, Boogie to IU Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Paywall, is the third visit to us? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When Chris starts posting a lot there is a direct correlation to my optimism that something good is happening and that we are going to win a national title and then Mike Woodson will be revealed as immortal and coach for 30 more years. I can’t explain it but it’s a very specific feeling so must be true Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So if he waits until Montverde plays again as some have speculated when do we think that would be? Or is this one where there will be a random Instagram post that announces it and we all just have to keep refreshing? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Because you have been gone so long you must definitively tell us who will be in the ‘24 class and when they will commit to make up for the lack of posts Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just chiming in that independent of this thread I had a conversation with an Illini buddy this weekend and I concluded that Loyer is just not that good. I also would have expected better numbers. I actually wonder if his numbers will get worse next year when the book is out that you can just pressure the hell out of their backcourt because they are frail boys. Had to get that jab in because there is way too much Purdue sympathizing going on for my taste. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I keep thinking “man we are not having a great projected season” and we are still 9-5 in conference. It really puts into perspective how awful we were in conference for that several year stretch we couldn’t break .500 for the season. Please never let us fall back to .500 being the norm! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Warriors space the floor better than anyone and have played through Draymond in the high post/PnR quite a bit over the years and allow the big to make passes/reads which Trayce was great at last year. They also have shown willingness to play a 5 who is not a jump shooting threat and Trayce provides excellent rebounding/weak side defensive help which is exactly how they used Looney (who really has no offensive game compared to Trayce). They run and shoot the three at a high clip from the other 4 spots on the floor which makes having an athlete who can rim run at the 5 very important. Also they are in “win now” mode so they aren’t stashing guys/slowly developing them, if he can contribute he will play. More importantly they have a great winning culture (minus last years fight) and gave him a three year NBA contract, not a 2 way. So he is at least giving himself the best chance at some staying power in the league. If he had been drafted elsewhere after like pick 40 he would’ve probably started in the dreaded G League. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lets goooooooo Mgbako!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Billy…. Likes to drink soda Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So we want Kansas for Dickinson here right? Because that would take a huge chunk of NIL money away and bring in another guy who will be putting up a ton of shots? Also so we don’t have to play him lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think this is expected and nothing to worry about until we hear about a new school or an unexpected visit. It’s been said that his family did not want things leaked and based on the way others called out Zagoria for leaking it seems like they had heard those four school behind closed doors as well. I bet we hear about visits to those four over the next week or so and then he sets a decision day. He will command each schools absolute best offer so it makes sense that he would visit all four to hear those offers rather than a good portal player who may hear enough at one and stop the process. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What a wild take this is lol. Imagine thinking the guy who teaches US History during school hours or is an insurance agent for his day job is running more sophisticated sets with 15-18 year olds vs incredibly well respected basketball minds at the absolute top of their field working with the top 1% of basketball players. This takes the cake. No offense intended to HS basketball coaches with this post, they have to make a living somehow

FWIW he will be up and walking a few hours after surgery and discharged within a day or two if it’s a routine TKR. Most have significant improvement in mobility and quality of life after as well. Wouldn’t expect a significant disruption to zoom calls or travel, if anything he will be able to golf even MORE and maybe still fit in some in-home trips too [emoji6] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Respectfully, no. Jalen is going to be a top 15 pick in the draft and his stock is still on a steep upward trajectory and could sneak closer to 10. This is also the best option for our program. Woody will be sitting in the green room on draft night sending old man selfies to all the Montverde kids saying “son, this could be you if you come join my ballclub” Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was undergrad at UK for the 4 years following their championship. Went to 1-2 games there, surely they wouldn’t dream of rushing the court. But they damn sure rushed State Street and it was an absolute blast to burn sh*t and high five everyone that walked by. What’s the difference when you’re 18-22 years old and your favorite team just won a huge game? I would’ve killed to be a part of one as a student at IU. Rush the f**king court. Go IU! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great minds think alike, you beat me to it! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Watching Purdue/Michigan…Edey is just huge and that alone counts for so much of his stats. I know that he is having a great year and earning it by not fouling, having a gas tank, etc, but if he was three inches shorter Trayce would be a runaway B10 POY. It’s just crazy to me comparing their games skill wise. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Anyone else just read that refs lips before tip? That's one way to get an injury report. He was talking to X and said "is it broken?" And then said "damnit" and shook his head. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think the bolded is likely to protect from questions related to COVID. Will probably see that more often now with guidelines about quarantines and such. I read it as: we are not going to answer any questions about the details of their illnesses, so don’t ask. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

General observations from last night: what an awesome event. Such a different vibe than Hoosier Hysteria and with every courtside seat full ($250) and 1/3 to 1/2 of the lower bowl full, they made a lot of money to split amongst the team. - CJ Gunn seems way taller than advertised. At one point he was standing with Kaleb and Malik and seemed at most 1-2 inches shorter than Malik and about the same height as Kaleb. Also freak athlete which I wasn’t expecting. He tried to throw down some absurd dunks. He’s really long too so as he puts on weight could see him becoming really valuable later in his career. - Kaleb Banks: Also really athletic, didn’t see as much from him last night but stroke looks good too. - Malik Reneau: Big frame and he already moved very well. He was comfortable getting the ball off the glass, bringing it up, trying to break people down from the perimeter. He had a half spin to a one footed 10-12 footer that looked smooth. Also just bumped Logan out of the way on a take to the rim and laid it in left handed. He’s not going to be physically outmatched as a freshman when he gets time. - Jalen Hood-Schifino: obviously just a three point contest but his stroke looks excellent. He will demand someone to guard him out there. Very big for a guard. Most impressive thing to me is that he moves like a pro. Just glides around the court, covers a TON of ground with step backs and shifty dribbles. Threw a no look pass in transition for a layup that was great. He also has a huge body for a point guard. At the end of the scrimmage he stood X up at the perimeter, definitely fouled him, and took the ball the other way. It wasn’t a clean play but I don’t think he’s going to get bullied by anyone in the BIG. - Tamar Bates: probably the most impressive changes from last season in my opinion (even though it’s just a three point contest and rough open gym). He looks every bit of 20 lbs heavier. His shot looked very smooth in the 3pt contest and in the open run. He had MUCH less jerkiness to his game and along with JHS just looked like he was moving at a different speed and gliding all over the court. Sorry for the long post but I promised I would overreact and take way more from this event than is probably responsible! Lol Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk