The sun is shining in Champaign, Illinois is off the bubble and things are generally rosy with Illinois basketball after what looked to be a disaster last Wednesday. My boss is out of town so its time to pester Brad with a question or two!
Josh Whitman/Brad Underwood and the staff: With the 2020 class and the success of this season it feels like basketball is on an uptick after 13 long years. Obviously the Jamal Walker situation and compliance classes left a bad taste. Does Whitman realize the importance of keeping this staff together? Do the mediocre results with football give Underwood and co. some leverage here?
Andre Curbelo: This kid seems like something special on the court. Also, all you read is how others want to play with him in college - is this typical lip service or can he be a real pied piper and attract top talent?
Khalil Whitney: Less about Illinois specifically but is Whitney taking classes anywhere? I cannot imagine NBA feedback has been good - is he in Europe next season?
Illinois Defense: The key to the season IMO has been the change in defensive philosophy - have you ever seen a coach as established as Underwood change their approach like this before?
"Illinois has a lot of juice in the recruiting world right now." Can you expand on this a little? Kids seeing what Ayo is doing and winning helps, but we are being listed with sure one and dones - it feels like a potential turning point where Illinois can become nationally relevant again.
BBV/Grandison/Hutcherson: Who is the most valuable piece to next season's team and why?
Max Christie: What is the draw for him to come to Illinois? There seemed to be no interest for so long - it is a pleasant surprise to see the change.
Giorgi: Obviously having some struggles right now - if you were HC what would you do to get the most out of his talent?
Thanks as always
Josh Whitman/Brad Underwood and the staff: With the 2020 class and the success of this season it feels like basketball is on an uptick after 13 long years. Obviously the Jamal Walker situation and compliance classes left a bad taste. Does Whitman realize the importance of keeping this staff together? Do the mediocre results with football give Underwood and co. some leverage here?
Andre Curbelo: This kid seems like something special on the court. Also, all you read is how others want to play with him in college - is this typical lip service or can he be a real pied piper and attract top talent?
Khalil Whitney: Less about Illinois specifically but is Whitney taking classes anywhere? I cannot imagine NBA feedback has been good - is he in Europe next season?
Illinois Defense: The key to the season IMO has been the change in defensive philosophy - have you ever seen a coach as established as Underwood change their approach like this before?
"Illinois has a lot of juice in the recruiting world right now." Can you expand on this a little? Kids seeing what Ayo is doing and winning helps, but we are being listed with sure one and dones - it feels like a potential turning point where Illinois can become nationally relevant again.
BBV/Grandison/Hutcherson: Who is the most valuable piece to next season's team and why?
Max Christie: What is the draw for him to come to Illinois? There seemed to be no interest for so long - it is a pleasant surprise to see the change.
Giorgi: Obviously having some struggles right now - if you were HC what would you do to get the most out of his talent?
Thanks as always
