While I am enjoying this year greatly, I can't help but think that next year's team will have a considerably higher ceiling than this year's squad.
They probably won't be better right out of the gate, and I am expecting pundits to look at the losses of Dosunmu and Feliz and pick Illinois middle of the pack in the conference behind teams that bring back more (MSU, Wisc, IU, etc.).
However, Illinois replaces those guys with shooting, depth, and a true PG - three things that are critical for high level-offense that they do not have right now. As a result, I could see a significantly better squad offensively that maintains this year's status quo on defense.
The added spacing will make life considerably better for Kofi Cockburn, who has had to deal with two guys on him with every touch in conference play.
This year's team has been remarkably successful for a team that doesn't look like it fits all that well together on paper.
Anyone else agree?
They probably won't be better right out of the gate, and I am expecting pundits to look at the losses of Dosunmu and Feliz and pick Illinois middle of the pack in the conference behind teams that bring back more (MSU, Wisc, IU, etc.).
However, Illinois replaces those guys with shooting, depth, and a true PG - three things that are critical for high level-offense that they do not have right now. As a result, I could see a significantly better squad offensively that maintains this year's status quo on defense.
The added spacing will make life considerably better for Kofi Cockburn, who has had to deal with two guys on him with every touch in conference play.
This year's team has been remarkably successful for a team that doesn't look like it fits all that well together on paper.
Anyone else agree?
