*Official* B1G Off-season Thread

[Jaycg15]

Don’t shoot the messenger. This isn’t 1971 and Underwood isn’t even close to the hall of fame coaching talent Knight was.

You don’t find it a tad bit troubling he isn’t closing on in-state talent? He is in his honeymoon phase and already in-state players are saying they’d never play for the guy

Ok, how about Huggins or Frank Martin? Both guys in the same coaching tree. Both successful with the same demeanor.

He's leading for a top-50 guy in Shannon from Chicago. Likely to lock that down shortly. He just signed a 5-star out of Chicago in Dosunmu.

This isn't the 1950s where you have to bring in Illinois guys to win. We have to win to bring in Illinois guys because that's where our brand is the most damaged. Is it troubling? A little, but this class is in its infancy.

Look at all of the talent we're getting in on visits. Just have to close 1 or 2 of those guys in addition to Shannon, and this class is exactly what the team needs to be pretty good next year.


Mark Smith and his dad are pissy about their time at Illinois and are doing their best to poison the well in the STL area. Doesn't matter. This team is going to be a thorn in the B10's ass this season. We're extremely long and athletic at every position, but we're young. Going to see some ups and downs throughout the season (especially with our schedule), but we'll be battle tested come B10 play. It may not translate into wins this year, but we're fine moving forward once we add a presence at the 5.

 

[Da_Bull]

An Indiana fan that thinks a coach that isn't easy to get along with can't succeed. That's a good one.

What's next the Ohio State fan that tells me coaches can't cover up abuse? A Penn State fan that tells me coaches can't cover up child molestation? An MSU fan that tells me.. you get it.

It worked 40+ years ago, not today. He’s a hell of a defensive coach just not sure his personality works with today’s game. It’s why I was questionable with his hire. He can do well with coaching up kids but didn’t think he could recruit to his style of play with today’s soft culture.

 

[Jaycg15]

It worked 40+ years ago, not today. He’s a hell of a defensive coach just not sure his personality works with today’s game. It’s why I was questionable with his hire. He can do well with coaching up kids but didn’t think he could recruit to his style of play with today’s soft culture.

Again, it does work today. There are extremely successful coaches that do it. You can't be an ass, be bad, and keep a job. I frankly don't give two shits if he misses on some players that can't handle a domineering coach because there are players that like being coached by a guy that takes no shit.

Edit: I take it back, I don't want him missing on players, but EJ Liddell won't hurt that bad if he hits on some of our other targets.

 

[Da_Bull]

Again, it does work today. There are extremely successful coaches that do it. You can't be an ass, be bad, and keep a job. I frankly don't give two shits if he misses on some players that can't handle a domineering coach because there are players that like being coached by a guy that takes no shit.

Edit: I take it back, I don't want him missing on players, but EJ Liddell won't hurt that bad if he hits on some of our other targets.

I won’t say it can’t work buts more difficult. Time will tell.

Edit-I’d rather have a Brad Underwood than a Tom Crean, probably goes without saying but meaning personality wise.

 

[Jaycg15]

I won’t say it can’t work buts more difficult. Time will tell.

Edit-I’d rather have a Brad Underwood than a Tom Crean, probably goes without saying but meaning personality wise.

Definitely more difficult. We've had a Row the Boat-lite type of coach in Groce. I'll take the ass hole that actually can coach than the blow smoke up my ass guy that can't any day. I think Underwood gets it done long-term, but I think it's going to be another year. Our backcourt is too loaded to not succeed. We just need an impact big and another piece to rotate in.

I don't know who we land at that position, but I know we have a shot at quite a few guys. Timme loves Underwood, but he knows jack shit about Illinois basketball outside of that. Oscar Tshiebwe loved his visit, but that's a tough one to win. Kofi Cockburn will visit, but another tough get. The fact that we're getting talent like that on campus is a good sign. If you're in on those recruitments, you're not going to lose them all.

 

[klize17]

FTFY

Speaking of players in your backyard. We have heard some good things about Race Thompson. Should be in line to get 10-12 minutes a game behind Morgan and Fitzner in that 4-5 area.

 

[klize17]

Definitely more difficult. We've had a Row the Boat-lite type of coach in Groce. I'll take the ass hole that actually can coach than the blow smoke up my ass guy that can't any day. I think Underwood gets it done long-term, but I think it's going to be another year. Our backcourt is too loaded to not succeed. We just need an impact big and another piece to rotate in.

I don't know who we land at that position, but I know we have a shot at quite a few guys. Timme loves Underwood, but he knows jack shit about Illinois basketball outside of that. Oscar Tshiebwe loved his visit, but that's a tough one to win. Kofi Cockburn will visit, but another tough get. The fact that we're getting talent like that on campus is a good sign. If you're in on those recruitments, you're not going to lose them all.

If you hear yes more than no then you are recruiting the wrong type of players. Underwood is getting could talent on campus as you said, so that is a start.

 

[hailtoyourvictor]

Illinois sucks

 

[Jaycg15]

Illinois sucks

Shit's weak, hail.

 

[hailtoyourvictor]

Shit's weak, hail.

Your program is weak

 

[Jaycg15]

Your program is weak

SHIT'S WEAK, HAIL.

 

[cosmickid]

An Indiana fan that thinks a coach that isn't easy to get along with can't succeed. That's a good one.

What's next the Ohio State fan that tells me coaches can't cover up abuse? A Penn State fan that tells me coaches can't cover up child molestation? An MSU fan that tells me.. you get it.

He's referring to a story we heard in chat last night,which came from someone I know who has some AAU and other connections. Goes back to the EIU exhibition last year, and comments Underwood made to one of the officials after the game. Let's just say that Underwood made it known (to said official) in pretty frank language that he did not like many of the kids he inherited from Groce...

 

[Jaycg15]

He's referring to a story we heard in chat last night,which came from someone I know who has some AAU and other connections. Goes back to the EIU exhibition last year, and comments Underwood made to one of the officials after the game. Let's just say that Underwood made it known (to said official) in pretty frank language that he did not like many of the kids he inherited from Groce...

Yeah, he talked frequently about how soft they were. Also, heard that from coaches who played us. He pushed out a few. Also doesn't care for players who smoke weed. They're all gone.

 

[CardinalBoiler]

Nothing is scheduled for MSU. Sounds like it will be a “battle” for his final official beteeen Purdue and Michigan State with the other getting an unofficial, since both are close.

I like IUs position right now but with UNC and UK still with officials coming you never know.

Just cut Purdue from the list already. These courtesy visits are nice, but ultimately a waste of time.

 

[Toast.]

Also doesn't care for players who smoke weed. They're all gone.

lol

 

[Da_Bull]

Just cut Purdue from the list already. These courtesy visits are nice, but ultimately a waste of time.

 

[JohnHoosierr]

Illinois and rutgers will have some intense battles this season.

 

[klize17]

lol

By the way had a great weekend in Denver. The AirBnb was fantastic. Spent Saturday at City Park and the Zoo. Unfortunately did not get to the Mountains, but the Uptown area was great for food and beverage. Concert was fantastic perfect venue. Spent Sunday around University of Denver ate at Juicy for breakfast and then spent the afternoon at the Rockies game. We plan to get back again next summer for a show at Red Rocks and do some more things in the mountains.

 

[klize17]

Just cut Purdue from the list already. These courtesy visits are nice, but ultimately a waste of time.

If Purdue doesn't get an official I would assume Painter does the same he did with TJD and tells him thanks but no thanks.

 

[Toast.]

By the way had a great weekend in Denver. The AirBnb was fantastic. Spent Saturday at City Park and the Zoo. Unfortunately did not get to the Mountains, but the Uptown area was great for food and beverage. Concert was fantastic perfect venue. Spent Sunday around University of Denver ate at Juicy for breakfast and then spent the afternoon at the Rockies game. We plan to get back again next summer for a show at Red Rocks and do some more things in the mountains.

Unfortunately you didn't have the best weather for Denver standards, but good to hear you enjoyed it. Also recommend Rocky Mountain National Park if you make it back -- just beautiful. Took my dad this weekend while he visited.

 

[klize17]

Unfortunately you didn't have the best weather for Denver standards, but good to hear you enjoyed it. Also recommend Rocky Mountain National Park if you make it back -- just beautiful. Took my dad this weekend while he visited.

A little overcast but still not too bad. It’s like Reno and gets cold in a hurry when that sun goes down.

I’d move there in a second though if the opportunity ever presents itself

 

[Toast.]

A little overcast but still not too bad. It’s like Reno and gets cold in a hurry when that sun goes down.

I’d move there in a second though if the opportunity ever presents itself

It's a good job market. I really like it out here and can't really imagine leaving any time soon. Another perk is that people love to come visit.

 

[klize17]

It's a good job market. I really like it out here and can't really imagine leaving any time soon. Another perk is that people love to come visit.

That non-stop from Indy would certainly entice a couple more friends to come visit. Not having a non-stop sucks. It would take the travel day from 7 hours to 4

 

[Jaycg15]

For people that think that you have to baby players. Mike Leach wins where he goes. He doesn't take shit from his players. Underwood is the same style of coach. Get on board or get out. I like it, personally.

This is after a win, and he rips his players' ass because he demands they play to his standard.

 

[cosmickid]

Yeah, he talked frequently about how soft they were. Also, heard that from coaches who played us. He pushed out a few. Also doesn't care for players who smoke weed. They're all gone.

Well he did tell that ref he was gonna run those ****ers off...

 

[Jaycg15]

Well he did tell that ref he was gonna run those ****ers off...

I believe it.

 

[klize17]

Well he did tell that ref he was gonna run those ****ers off...

There was a Mother in front as well

 

[hailtoyourvictor]

View embedded media

For people that think that you have to baby players. Mike Leach wins where he goes. He doesn't take shit from his players. Underwood is the same style of coach. Get on board or get out. I like it, personally.

This is after a win, and he rips his players' ass because he demands they play to his standard.

Football = basketball

 

[Jaycg15]

Football = basketball

 

[snowsquirrel11]

If Purdue doesn't get an official I would assume Painter does the same he did with TJD and tells him thanks but no thanks.

That's a thing? Why wouldn't you just stop recruiting the kid?

 

[klize17]

That's a thing? Why wouldn't you just stop recruiting the kid?

That's what that is, but until you know for sure you are not getting official you don't just duck out quite yet.

 

[CardinalBoiler]

View embedded media

For people that think that you have to baby players. Mike Leach wins where he goes. He doesn't take shit from his players. Underwood is the same style of coach. Get on board or get out. I like it, personally.

This is after a win, and he rips his players' ass because he demands they play to his standard.

There's a difference between using profanities and being verbally abusive. Conflating the two is overly reductive.

http://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=22519646&lang=en

 

[MGC_07]

A lot of praise coming from almost everywhere about Aaron Henry. Kid’s supposed to be legit.

 

[Jaycg15]

There's a difference between using profanities and being verbally abusive. Conflating the two is overly reductive.

http://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=22519646&lang=en

Yeah, and there's a difference between verbal abuse and yelling at your players. You have no idea what was said here, so I think it's safe to say you're putting your own spin on that.

 

[IUfanBorden]

This isn't the 1950s where you have to bring in Illinois guys to win. We have to win to bring in Illinois guys because that's where our brand is the most damaged. Is it troubling? A little, but this class is in its infancy.

No you don't have to. But if you don't, then you better be able to get elite talent from elsewhere. Illinois is like Indiana, when it comes to in-state talent. If you can keep the majority at home, you don't have to hit multiple home runs on the national level. if you dont-----Well, see Tom Crean.

 

[klize17]

A lot of praise coming from almost everywhere about Aaron Henry. Kid’s supposed to be legit.

Will he start? I do think he is going to be a great player. Kid was going to commit to IU the same day as two others...could be a shame, but that happens when it’s first come first serve

 

[MileHighSpartan]

A lot of praise coming from almost everywhere about Aaron Henry. Kid’s supposed to be legit.

What you hearing?

 

[Deathclutch]

Speaking of players in your backyard. We have heard some good things about Race Thompson. Should be in line to get 10-12 minutes a game behind Morgan and Fitzner in that 4-5 area.

Who?

 

[jwardelt]

Unfortunately you didn't have the best weather for Denver standards, but good to hear you enjoyed it. Also recommend Rocky Mountain National Park if you make it back -- just beautiful. Took my dad this weekend while he visited.

We spent a week at RMNP Sept 8-15 last month for the 2nd straight year. Love that place. Leaves were turning this time and the elk were bugling. Weather was awesome. 75 and sunny every day. Last year in August I think it rained almost every day.

 

[MGC_07]

What you hearing?

Izzo was saying that he has NBA potential. First step is explosive. Shot is wayyyyyy better than expected. Drawing comparisons to Alan Anderson, one of my favorite Spartans of all time.

My buddy is the filming director for all of the videos they put out of the team so he gets to go to some of the practices. He told me Henry will most definitely be he best freshman on the team next season.

I’d say he probably starts over McQuaid by the end of the season.