What you see above is true. Since the National Championship game in 2005-2006, Illinois has only made the "big dance" three times and have won only one game (UNLV in 2010-2011). Pretty sad for a school that prides itself on being a "basketball school."
When it comes to recruiting, Illinois struggles to find an identity. Mid-majors recruit players with lesser talent and hope to keep them for four years to maximize their potential. National champions/contenders are built with blue chip athletes and offensive game-changers that have NBA talent. Which one are we?
Our athletes that stay all four years never reach their full potential and the ones that leave after one year end up in jail or transferring (ie. Jamar Smith, Jereme Richmond, Crandall Head, need I say more?). NOT ONE single Bruce Weber recruit has made an opening day NBA roster, let alone played in a game. If it wasn't for Jerrance Howard and his savvy recruiting ways, we would probably have a bunch of Sam Manacotti's. Gross. I must say though, we did well with Brandon Paul.
Whether its a lack of talent or the players' inability to learn/understand the "motion" offense, the Illini are flat out difficult to watch. Its a lot like watching a Cubs game. Mediocre. Predictable. Frustrating. And sometimes leaves you thinking.....Hmmm.
Despite my criticism, I want nothing more than for the Illini to succeed. But until we have the ability to bring in a big name coach (one that can recruit AND coach), I question our ability to compete in a MUCH improving Big Ten Conference.
University of Illinois Athletics Mission Statement:
"To have the highest quality athletic program in all sports that allows the University of Illinois teams to compete for championships in the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association"
Mike Thomas (Athletic Director).....Are we focused on our goal?
A FEW OTHER OPINIONS:
I agree. Bruce Weber is driving this tradition rich basketball program into the ground. Weber fails to adapt his gameplans around the talent that he has. Years of having sub-par Div II talent has led this coach to focus soley on gameplanning against the opposition, and not gameplanning around the skills that his own players possess. Weber is too "rah-rah" towards players developing into locker room leaders, rather than developing into basketball players that can compete on a national level.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, there is a rare talent, a game-changer if you will, that will be graduating in the class of 2013 (Jabari Parker). This kid is a game changer that can do for a program what Derrick Rose did for Memphis. If Weber continues to neglect the fact that championship basketball in the NCAA is based on developing Freshman and Sophmore players (one and done players) to compete for national titles, then he will never land these five star talents.
There's nothing else I can say except as a loyal Illini basketball fan, I hope nothing but the best for our program. However, if our new AD is serious about competing year after year in the national spotlight, then it is time for Bruce Weber and his outdated coaching ways of trying to develop talent into 4-year locker-room leaders to go.
Good luck Bruce. Take Manicotti with you...He may come in handy as you try to develop your future "locker room leaders", in high school that is...
Faithfully submitted,
The Elusive Possum
Should of probably mentioned that Illinois is on the list of a few schools that Parker has unofficially visited, as has shown interest in. (granted that the other schools include Duke, UNC, Kansas, MSU, etc...)
ReplyDeleteHe came to watch the Northwestern game. Great choice...And I'm sure Weber made it clear that Parker should be trying to sell himself to the University of Illinois, and not the other way around. Hopefully Howard is in charge of recruiting this kid...Bruce needs to stay off the recruiting and take some ricola mints to clear up that nasty voice distortion he has lol...I think it scares recruits away. By Cracky!!!
Does the "Goodfella" have any recommendations on a replacement coach?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I wouldn't mind seeing the likes of a Mark Few (Gonzaga), Billy Gillespie (ex-Texas A&M/Kentucky) or even Chris Collins (Duke Assistant). I personally have always liked Billy Gillespie. He's a midwest guy, was a Bill Self assistant and has a coaching style a lot like current Chicago Bulls Head Coach Tom Thibodeau (unmatched work ethic, hard nosed, intense and NEVER lets his team settle for less than great). I must say though, Gillespie was a little in over his head at Kentucky!
ReplyDeleteHopefully current U of I Athletic Director Mike Thomas will have a few names on his short list as well because like Bob Dylan said..."the times they are a changing."
I like the Gillespie thought. Good background in recruiting, and if anything, he had to of learned from his mistakes at Kentucky when it comes to running a high profile program. Does Brad Stephens (Butler) seem like a good fit? I like his coaching style, but I would be afraid of the recruiting aspect he would bring...
ReplyDelete-The Elusive Possum
I think we should get Jerry Sandusky?
ReplyDeleteNah...I believe you misheard what Weber said we need in the locker room to be a winning team. We need "guys to be Leaders", not "guys to see Peters"...lol
ReplyDelete-The Elusive Possum