NCAA is a joke

Catreporter

Senior
Sep 4, 2007
4,960
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I remember when Illinois was stocked with guys who actually played high school ball in the state. How strange it must be for their fans to root for basically an Eastern European all star team. Do any of these guys actually graduate from Illinois?
 
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Deeringfish

All-Conference
Jun 23, 2008
21,051
1,311
63
This really does need to be addressed. I'm not sure what could be done about it except maybe make a rule against such mid season additions to the roster. Maybe something about being in classes at the beginning of Fall semester.
 

hdhntr1

All-Conference
Sep 5, 2006
37,330
1,120
113
This really does need to be addressed. I'm not sure what could be done about it except maybe make a rule against such mid season additions to the roster. Maybe something about being in classes at the beginning of Fall semester.
Is the addition now because it is the end of their fall semester? I would think that the new semester would actually have to start before he could play but it seems that the old semester just has to end, Does seem tacky for sure
 
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Max_Power

Junior
May 29, 2001
2,950
226
51
Is the addition now because it is the end of their fall semester? I would think that the new semester would actually have to start before he could play but it seems that the old semester just has to end, Does seem tacky for sure
One "ic" left and another "ic" came on board. It is a joke. Technically, a coach could suggest to his players that they were not going to play and rebuild a team 1/2 through the year using pro players from Europe.
 

Darren72

Sophomore
Nov 12, 2018
1,273
194
53
I remember when Illinois was stocked with guys who actually played high school ball in the state. How strange it must be for their fans to root for basically an Eastern European all star team. Do any of these guys actually graduate from Illinois?
Is it possible you’re overreacting a little bit? This guy is hardly an All-Star. He’s 20 years old and was not even a starter on a team in the Croatian league. He’s expected to be an end of the bench guy at Illinois this year. And they had an open roster spot. Not pushing anyone out.
 

Catmandoo78

Sophomore
Nov 12, 2025
264
156
43
I remember when Illinois was stocked with guys who actually played high school ball in the state. How strange it must be for their fans to root for basically an Eastern European all star team. Do any of these guys actually graduate from Illinois?
The state isn’t exactly stocked with talent anymore. Many of the top Chicago prospects flee the city and state for prep schools now.

I suspect their fans would prefer local guys play there, but don’t really care as long as the team is winning. Which, to Underwood’s credit, they’ve done pretty consistently. They won’t win a big ten title again soon but they’re always ranked and finish in the top 5 of the conference.

Immigrants, they get the job done!
 

Secho99

Freshman
Dec 12, 2001
1,843
75
48
How is this even allowed mid season?

They literally have like 4 former euro pros on their team. I don’t know what level they played at but I’m sure they all were receiving compensation of some type before coming to play NCAA basketball.


Per the press release from Illinois he is joining the team but will not play in any games this year. He's coming to practice/develop with the team I assume with the idea that he'll play next year.

Looks like he's represented by same agent as 4 other Euros on their roster.
 
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Deeringfish

All-Conference
Jun 23, 2008
21,051
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Probably making more now than they were as pros
Yeah, I don't know how well they are paid in Europe, but all the new $$$$$$ in NCAA BB could easily be more and then there is also increased exposure to the NBA.
 

AdamOnFirst

All-Conference
Nov 29, 2021
9,750
1,391
113
How is this even allowed mid season?

They literally have like 4 former euro pros on their team. I don’t know what level they played at but I’m sure they all were receiving compensation of some type before coming to play NCAA basketball.


Wow, this is indeed way out of hand. Mid season free agent acquisitions? Wild.
L
 

AdamOnFirst

All-Conference
Nov 29, 2021
9,750
1,391
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Per the press release from Illinois he is joining the team but will not play in any games this year. He's coming to practice/develop with the team I assume with the idea that he'll play next year.

Looks like he's represented by same agent as 4 other Euros on their roster.
Ok, this makes a massive, massive difference. Fair enough then.
 

Darren72

Sophomore
Nov 12, 2018
1,273
194
53
Just to be clear, he is eligible to play this year. He isn't playing because he isn't ready to play.
 

Skunkpilot

Senior
May 23, 2022
2,479
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If we end up sucking this year(the big ten is stacked)ccc might have no choice but to bring in 20 & 21 year old freshman too.
 
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