The Deuce

The Deuce
[ The Deuce ]

Ayo missed joining the 50-40-90 club by four FTs. Bummer but still incredible year. *

Posted by illini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 12:21:58

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

A couple mocks I looked at have KW going to Memphis or Atlanta. Gross *

Posted by MC <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MC' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 10:19:41, in reply to "Ayo missed joining the 50-40-90 club by four FTs. Bummer but still incredible year. *"

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

Hello, is this President Clinton? Good! I figured if anyone knew where to get some Tang, it'd be you.

Atlanta is good. Mempiss would be horrible.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on April 15, 2026, 10:33:09, in reply to "A couple mocks I looked at have KW going to Memphis or Atlanta. Gross *"

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Imagine if the Bulls get Wagler. Josh Giddey I hope you speak Milhalio Petrovic.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on April 15, 2026, 9:52:55, in reply to "Ayo missed joining the 50-40-90 club by four FTs. Bummer but still incredible year. *"

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

Bad fit. Bulls need size and athleticism on the wing and inside.

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 10:20:32, in reply to "Imagine if the Bulls get Wagler. Josh Giddey I hope you speak Milhalio Petrovic.*"

Wagler is a ballhandler with great size, but not great athleticism. Plus the Bulls currently have an absolute glut of guards, though I assume a few of them are on expiring deals.

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

Saw one mock where the Bulls get Mara and Mullins

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 16:04:21, in reply to "Bad fit. Bulls need size and athleticism on the wing and inside."

that seems pretty good to me

Fortunately for the Bulls, they need everything so can just draft best player available.

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on April 15, 2026, 10:31:49, in reply to "Bad fit. Bulls need size and athleticism on the wing and inside."

Rob Dilly and Josh Giddey are their only two guards under contract for next year.

Despite my seething hatred and the Bulls having 4 power forwards, if they land at 9 I want Yaxel.

Previous Message

Wagler is a ballhandler with great size, but not great athleticism. Plus the Bulls currently have an absolute glut of guards, though I assume a few of them are on expiring deals.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

I'd rather have Mara, if it has to be a Michigan man*

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 16:05:19, in reply to "Fortunately for the Bulls, they need everything so can just draft best player available."

Previous Message

Rob Dilly and Josh Giddey are their only two guards under contract for next year.

Despite my seething hatred and the Bulls having 4 power forwards, if they land at 9 I want Yaxel.

Previous Message

Wagler is a ballhandler with great size, but not great athleticism. Plus the Bulls currently have an absolute glut of guards, though I assume a few of them are on expiring deals.

I'd be cool with that. Laxel might not make it to 9.*

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on April 15, 2026, 16:11:05, in reply to "I'd rather have Mara, if it has to be a Michigan man*"

Previous Message

Rob Dilly and Josh Giddey are their only two guards under contract for next year.

Despite my seething hatred and the Bulls having 4 power forwards, if they land at 9 I want Yaxel.

Previous Message

Wagler is a ballhandler with great size, but not great athleticism. Plus the Bulls currently have an absolute glut of guards, though I assume a few of them are on expiring deals.

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

I dunno, he is old. No one wants anyone over 21 in the lottery anymore....

Posted by bjl63 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=bjl63' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 16:12:33, in reply to "I'd be cool with that. Laxel might not make it to 9.*"

maybe the Bulls could get him with Portland's pick

Missed this, but Vecenie had some high praise for Will Riley's play a couple weeks ago

Posted by Carl Spackler <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Carl+Spackler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 9:00:29, in reply to "Ayo missed joining the 50-40-90 club by four FTs. Bummer but still incredible year. *"

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7130293/2026/03/23/nba-rookie-rankings-knueppel-flagg-harper/

And this was before he dropped 30 in back to back games.

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

Zach Lowe had him 2nd Team All-Rookie*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 11:46:07, in reply to "Missed this, but Vecenie had some high praise for Will Riley's play a couple weeks ago"

Previous Message

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7130293/2026/03/23/nba-rookie-rankings-knueppel-flagg-harper/

And this was before he dropped 30 in back to back games.

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

Great year, but look at some of the stats put up in seasons by

Posted by MojoJojo <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=MojoJojo' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 7:42:50, in reply to "Ayo missed joining the 50-40-90 club by four FTs. Bummer but still incredible year. *"

Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill, Eddie Johnson, and more.

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

Yeah, the inside of my post wasn’t clear. I meant was it the best year for Illinois guys as a whole

Posted by illini <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 7:47:37, in reply to "Great year, but look at some of the stats put up in seasons by"

In the league? Four guys in rotations. One guy in Ayo who is becoming very valuable, Riley showing elite scoring flashes and TSJ and KJ playing more down the stretch.

Looking at Blazer’s post below, early 90’s seems like the other option

Posted by DT <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 9:06:38, in reply to "Yeah, the inside of my post wasn’t clear. I meant was it the best year for Illinois guys as a whole"

Derek Harper, Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill all near their peaks, and Ken Norman still doing well. I’m guessing there were a string of years when all 4 were starting for their teams.

Previous Message

In the league? Four guys in rotations. One guy in Ayo who is becoming very valuable, Riley showing elite scoring flashes and TSJ and KJ playing more down the stretch.

Yeah, Eddie J and Derek Harper were *really* good late 80s to early 90s

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 11:47:48, in reply to "Looking at Blazer’s post below, early 90’s seems like the other option"

Not to mention Ken Norman and add in Nick and Kendall coming in (though they didn't peak until mid-90s) plus Kenny Battle playing a significant role for a couple years in Phoenix.

Previous Message

Derek Harper, Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill all near their peaks, and Ken Norman still doing well. I’m guessing there were a string of years when all 4 were starting for their teams.

Previous Message

In the league? Four guys in rotations. One guy in Ayo who is becoming very valuable, Riley showing elite scoring flashes and TSJ and KJ playing more down the stretch.

Dude is going to be making like 20 mil a year when he signs a new contract*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 12:26:41, in reply to "Ayo missed joining the 50-40-90 club by four FTs. Bummer but still incredible year. *"

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

um, actually, he won't make that until AFTER he signs his new contract

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 12:30:35, in reply to "Dude is going to be making like 20 mil a year when he signs a new contract*"

DESTROYED BY FACTS AND LOGIC

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

I think Deron still pips Ayo, unless and until Ayo makes an all-star team

Posted by Sammich <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Sammich' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 12:24:55, in reply to "Ayo missed joining the 50-40-90 club by four FTs. Bummer but still incredible year. *"

or maybe if Ayo turns out to be the player he is now for 15-20 years, he can make up the peak differential with longevity

I want to break it up
I want to smash it up
I want to #### it up
I want to watch it come down

Deron is also a 2x Olympic gold medalist

Posted by IlliniSax05 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=IlliniSax05' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 7:10:59, in reply to "I think Deron still pips Ayo, unless and until Ayo makes an all-star team"

Why do you hate me, Sammich?

MAJOR UPDATE: "Maybe you're not such a bad egg, Lisle-y"
-Sammich, 1/15/2011

It's a great question--best former Illini single season in the League?

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 22:08:14, in reply to "I think Deron still pips Ayo, unless and until Ayo makes an all-star team"

Candidates:

88-89 Eddie Johnson: 21.5 ppg/2.3 apg/4.4 rpg (50/41/87 shooting)

88-89 Ken Norman: 18.1 ppg/3.5 apg/8.3 rpg/1.3 spg (50/19/63 shooting)

89-90 Derek Harper: 18 ppg/7.4 apg/3 rpg/2.3 spg (49/37/79 shooting)

94-95 Nick Anderson: 15.8 ppg/4.1 apg/4.4 rpg/1.6 spg (47/41/70 shooting)

96-97 Kendall Gill: 21.8 ppg/4.0 apg/6.1 rpg/1.9 spg (44/33/80 shooting)

06-07 Luther Head: 10.9 ppg/2.4 apg/3.2 rpg/1 spg (44/44/79 shooting)

07-08 Deron Williams: 18.8 ppg/10.5 apg/3.0 rpg/1.1 spg (50/39/80 shooting)

25-26 Ayo Dosunmu: 14.8 ppg/3.6 apg/3.4 rpg (51/44/87 shooting)

Previous Message

or maybe if Ayo turns out to be the player he is now for 15-20 years, he can make up the peak differential with longevity

Need a few more Derek Harper and Deron Williams seasons*

Posted by JacobRDaugherty <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=JacobRDaugherty' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 6:22:38, in reply to "It's a great question--best former Illini single season in the League?"

Previous Message

or maybe if Ayo turns out to be the player he is now for 15-20 years, he can make up the peak differential with longevity

Johnson too

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 11:44:11, in reply to "Need a few more Derek Harper and Deron Williams seasons*"

They all had pretty incredible 2-3 year runs. I just picked the year I thought was best amidst those runs, but you can quibble around the margins depending on averages or shooting percentages.

Previous Message

or maybe if Ayo turns out to be the player he is now for 15-20 years, he can make up the peak differential with longevity

Great question. Easy answer. Hope the gap is closed soon. I'll bet on Ayo.*

Posted by Chuck Woodaby <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Chuck+Woodaby' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 23:55:09, in reply to "It's a great question--best former Illini single season in the League?"

Previous Message

or maybe if Ayo turns out to be the player he is now for 15-20 years, he can make up the peak differential with longevity

I'll assume you're referring to Red Kerr '59 rather than Eddie Johnson '89

Posted by complainant <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=complainant' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 7:28:27, in reply to "Great question. Easy answer. Hope the gap is closed soon. I'll bet on Ayo.*"

but I could see it going either way.

Or Don Ohl in '66,

Posted by larue33 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=larue33' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 7:44:50, in reply to "I'll assume you're referring to Red Kerr '59 rather than Eddie Johnson '89"

20.6 points, 4 assists, 3.8 rebounds on .445, .735 shooting.

Spoon 78-79 was pretty good too

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 11:45:07, in reply to "Or Don Ohl in '66,"

Though not at the level of the others on this list. More like Luther's best year.

Previous Message

20.6 points, 4 assists, 3.8 rebounds on .445, .735 shooting.

I checked Leonard and Cook—I thought they might have had a sneaky good year in there

Posted by DT <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=DT' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 11:58:10, in reply to "Spoon 78-79 was pretty good too"

Not really.

Previous Message

Though not at the level of the others on this list. More like Luther's best year.

Previous Message

20.6 points, 4 assists, 3.8 rebounds on .445, .735 shooting.

Yeah--Cook had one really solid year as a Laker, but still just a role player

Posted by Blazer <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Blazer' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 12:35:49, in reply to "I checked Leonard and Cook—I thought they might have had a sneaky good year in there"

Never averaged double figures.

Leonard never really figured it out.

Previous Message

Not really.

Previous Message

Though not at the level of the others on this list. More like Luther's best year.

Previous Message

20.6 points, 4 assists, 3.8 rebounds on .445, .735 shooting.

i cant believe the bulls traded him*

Posted by VIV <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=VIV' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 12:22:19, in reply to "Ayo missed joining the 50-40-90 club by four FTs. Bummer but still incredible year. *"

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

"the alchemy of the tartar sauce and cheese with the fish combined with the buttery steamed bun is so good." - Sounder re: a Filet O Fish

Thank God for Jaden Ivey so he could rid us of the terrorist AKME regime.

Posted by Warrin'_Illini $<iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=Warrin\'_Illini' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'>$ on April 14, 2026, 13:23:45, in reply to "i cant believe the bulls traded him*"

Feel bad Minnesota got such a bad playoff draw but looking forward to watching Ayo and Shannon.

'Yoffs start tonight with old friend Coby White. Rooting hard for Portland to win and give the new hopefully non-terrorist regime another first rounder. Very exciting, should be fun.

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

You cannot lose games in the NFL and still win.

I'm so happy they did*

Posted by illini21 <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=illini21' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 14, 2026, 12:25:48, in reply to "i cant believe the bulls traded him*"

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

Me too. Put the final nail in my fandom.

Posted by digs <iframe src='https://mb.boardhost.com/TheDeuce/info/user=digs' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on April 15, 2026, 10:17:19, in reply to "I'm so happy they did*"

He deserved better

And I am free

Previous Message

Best Illini in the NBA year maybe ever, and definitely since the 90s. *

« Back to index

297

[ The Deuce ]