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Jul. 11—The first challenge for Illinois freshmen when they arrive on campus for summer workouts is their introduction to "Body by Fletch" as their new off-court regimen. It's one thing to discuss it in the abstract during the recruiting process and an entirely thing to experience it live.
A little soreness is expected.
What's not always a guarantee, though, is how freshmen adjust to Big Ten basketball. It's a little bigger, a little faster, a little more physical than what they grew accustomed to as standout high school players.
The last month-plus, though, have seen the Illini's six freshmen impress not just strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher or Brad Underwood and the Illinois coaching staff. Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, Zavier Zens, Lincoln Williams, Ethan Brown and Landon Davis have impressed their more experienced teammates, too.
"Their ability to pick things up in terms of concepts and getting used to becoming, at this point we're considered pros, it's very impressive," Illinois senior guard Andrej Stojakovic said. "We have guys who play with a lot of energy, who don't complain."
Illinois' six freshmen also share a specific trait that David Mirkovic couldn't help but notice.
"Last year's freshmen, me and (Keaton Wagler), weren't athletic at all," Mirkovic said with a smile. "This new group is really athletic. That's what they bring. They're always on the glass. They all can really dunk. They always listen to us veterans. They want to listen and want to learn new things. That's something I like. With this coaching staff and the resources we have, they're just going to keep improving. I see a bright future — this season even."
Continue reading...
A little soreness is expected.
What's not always a guarantee, though, is how freshmen adjust to Big Ten basketball. It's a little bigger, a little faster, a little more physical than what they grew accustomed to as standout high school players.
The last month-plus, though, have seen the Illini's six freshmen impress not just strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher or Brad Underwood and the Illinois coaching staff. Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, Zavier Zens, Lincoln Williams, Ethan Brown and Landon Davis have impressed their more experienced teammates, too.
"Their ability to pick things up in terms of concepts and getting used to becoming, at this point we're considered pros, it's very impressive," Illinois senior guard Andrej Stojakovic said. "We have guys who play with a lot of energy, who don't complain."
Illinois' six freshmen also share a specific trait that David Mirkovic couldn't help but notice.
"Last year's freshmen, me and (Keaton Wagler), weren't athletic at all," Mirkovic said with a smile. "This new group is really athletic. That's what they bring. They're always on the glass. They all can really dunk. They always listen to us veterans. They want to listen and want to learn new things. That's something I like. With this coaching staff and the resources we have, they're just going to keep improving. I see a bright future — this season even."
Continue reading...
