Spartacus1987
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One team left.
Big Ten Basketball 2023
- Thread starter Spartacus1987
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cjb5656
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Didn’t think Illinois would beat UConn, but I didn’t expect them to get wiped out like that. I do not like Purdue against Tennessee, but I hope they win. I would like to see Edey vs Clingan, though UConn is superior at all other positions.
Spartacus1987
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Agreed but I think Purdue beats Tennessee. Purdue is better than them.
CincyIllinifan
Active member
It was a tough game to watch, as an Illini grad, and lifelong fan. UConn could do no wrong, and Illinois couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.
Spartacus1987
Well-known member
UCONN only hit 3 3’s the entire game which makes it that much more remarkable. Just watch how they play defense, they are always in the correct position, don’t get beat off the dribble, and if they do they are always as a team using ball-you-man principles correctly. So if they do get beat off the dribble there is always somebody rotating to cut off the dribbler.
Illinois made their hay by doing ISO ball and dribble drives to draw fouls, well if the team isn’t getting beat off the dribble initially and always rotating to stop the ball their offense is pretty much garbage. It’s unfortunate so few teams play correct defense anymore, really exposes the fraud offenses that are Illinois.
Yes, I’ve said Illinois was no good all season long and this game proved it.
cjb5656
Well-known member
I wouldn’t go that far. I’ve never been an Underwood fan, but Illinois had the ability to beat every team in the tourney but one…UConn. UConn does do everything correctly, as you said, but it also helps to have a mobile 7 foot monster down low erasing everything that gets by the perimeter players.
Spartacus1987
Well-known member
Correct UCONN does have a huge big man to help things out but at the same time they are always positioned correctly. Illinois lost to all of the good out of conference teams they played this season until they beat Iowa State in the tournament.
Spartacus1987
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Purdue got it done, thank you Purdue. The only team in the Big Ten with a collective pulse. Their lack of length and athleticism is going to hurt them in the final 4 but don’t think it becomes a real problem until they play UCONN
AEW Champion
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Stirred not Shaken
Well-known member
Now of course the NIT matters. It's true you are an imbecile its true its true.
AEW Champion
Notre Dame = 2025 National Champions
WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Spartacus1987
Well-known member
Purdue fought hard but their lack of playmaking and length led to their demise in the title game. They made it as far as they possibly could with their weak roster outside of one of the greatest big men I have ever seen at the CBB level. I don’t think Painter will ever win a title, he doesn’t appear to recruit quite well enough and his offensive sets are dated.
Big Ten continues its title drought as a title for the conference stands at 24 years and counting.
Big Ten continues its title drought as a title for the conference stands at 24 years and counting.
14Red
Well-known member
Purdue was a longshot from the start of the season to get to the Final four, and everyone else in the big ten was further. I realize the big ten hasn't won a title in a long time, but Purdue was Purdue. They were able to make most team's have to double on Edey at least some and that opened up their shooters. UConn really exposed their lack of ability to create any offense.
Now this game also signify the end of low post basketball. Edey dominated the championship ship game to the tune of 37 points, and Purdue still wasn't in the game at the end. You may see teams use the post occasionally or as a part of their offense, but it's really difficult to rely on it solely for offense.
nwwarrior09
Well-known member
UConn for the most part chose to play Edey 1-on-1 in the post at the cost of playing tighter to Gillis, Loyer, Jones, etc. on the perimeter. Those guys couldn't get shots, let alone actually make shots.
They effectively wiped all of those guys out since none of them can create their own shot. Loyer tries at times, but looked like dog crap trying to attack the basket Purdue's last 2-3 tournament games due to lack of length/athleticism. Braden Smith is the only kid they have with any creating ability, and it has more to do with game IQ, passing ability, footwork, etc., than any natural physical ability.
Edey could have scored 50 and they would have lost because outside of Smith here and there, nobody else would have done anything.
They effectively wiped all of those guys out since none of them can create their own shot. Loyer tries at times, but looked like dog crap trying to attack the basket Purdue's last 2-3 tournament games due to lack of length/athleticism. Braden Smith is the only kid they have with any creating ability, and it has more to do with game IQ, passing ability, footwork, etc., than any natural physical ability.
Edey could have scored 50 and they would have lost because outside of Smith here and there, nobody else would have done anything.
Spartacus1987
Well-known member
You can still have traditional low post players evidenced by UCONN this year and last, you just need more than only that.
14Red
Well-known member
Yes, you can, but they have to be PART of your team and not the focus. I have no idea how idea how Donavan Clingan is a potential lottery pick. He was clearly outplayed by Edey and has very little low post game. Can he develop? Sure, but he has a long way to go on the offensive end. Clingan was the #3/#4 option for UConn offensively, Edey was the #1 option for at least 2 years.
Stirred not Shaken
Well-known member
Supposedly he is. I think half of the top ten NBA prospects for 24 are either foreign players or bypassed college and went to the G - League. College bball is really suffering in talent, maybe with NIL that will change maybe. However, watching HS bball in Ohio and watching the state tourney, I just don't see any great players, good yes but great no.
Spartacus1987
Well-known member
Agreed on Clingan, Edey is so much better and not even close. Whoever drafts Edey in the late first or even 2nd round is getting a steal
14Red
Well-known member
I'm really questioning the whole NBA draft process. I think there are some guys who are "guaranteed" positions somehow. When you have guys like Romeo Langford drafted by the Celtics several years ago at like #12 or #13 and get barely a sniff in the NBA, or Jalen Hood Shifino who again drafted in the first round and not get any run, you just wonder if the draft is just not a way to distribute talent. The bad teams seem to stay bad, it takes too many years and drafts for teams to build. And it's really sad that a player as good and as accomplished as Edey won't get a second look from most NBA teams until later int he first round or second.