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Let's break down Team Lon Kruger from my fantasy draft of my 30 favorite Illinois men's basketball players of my 30-year fandom!
Team Kruger
PG: Cory Bradford (#11 Overall Pick)
SG: Dee Brown (#2 Overall Pick)
SF: D.J. Richardson (#26 Overall Pick)
PF: Damir Krupalija (#14 Overall Pick)
C: Dain Dainja (#23 Overall Pick)
Draft Recap
While there were bigger and more talented guys on the board, Kruger chose Dee Brown with the #2 overall pick, making the most popular Illinois player of all time the face of his team and best overall pick. Kruger followed up with #11 overall pick Cory Bradford in the second round, with an ace up his sleeve. Kruger plans to play Bradford as the point guard as was the case during his fabulous Big Ten Freshman of the Year season back in 1998-99. Bradford figures to be an X-factor on this team. Kruger surprised again in the third round, drafting another player who showed a lot of promise as a freshman in 1998-99, power forward Damir Krupalija. Kruger is banking that he will get the most out of Bradford and Krupalija, two guys who had to play secondary roles as their Illini careers progressed. In the fourth round, Kruger fell in love with Dain Dainja, who fits the profile of Florida forward Demetrious Hill, who led the Gators to the Final Four in 1994. Kruger filled out his starting five with D.J. Richardson, once again banking on the belief that he will coach up the small forward based on all of the promise of D.J.'s Big Ten Freshman of the Year campaign back in the 2009-10 season.
One Word Description of Team Kruger: POTENTIAL!
Kruger is known for getting the most out of his players, and that is the goal with this team. Brown's energy will be a constant on this team, and Kruger is confident that Bradford's game will take off with the ball in his hands. Kruger feels that Krupalija will also rise to the occasion with more responsibility and priority on offense. Kruger understands Dainja's defensive limitations and will rely on the big man for efficient offense. Richardson will be expected to be a three-and-D guy.
Concerns about This Team: Perimeter Size, Interior Defense, Consistent Scoring
Kruger has a small perimeter with Bradford 6'3'', Brown 6'0'' and Richardson 6'5''. On the interior, Dainja will struggle guarding more talented bigs. Krupalija will fight hard but be expected to carry a heavy defensive burden next to Dain. Scoring on this team could be hit or miss as all five players can put up points or go quiet.
Overall Thoughts
Bradford and Brown are the keys to this team, which may struggle early on but will get better as the season progresses. Along with James Augustine, Brown is the winningest player in the history of Illinois basketball so losing will not be tolerated. The sum of this team is greater than the individual parts, which fits Kruger to a tee. He is a master at getting the most out of his players as seen during his first two seasons at Illinois. If Kruger can unleash Bradford's slashing ability as a freshman, make Krupalija more of a focal point, utilize Brown's quickness and activity, find room for Dainja as a complementary scorer, and build up Richardson's confidence, this team could surprise.
Team Kruger
PG: Cory Bradford (#11 Overall Pick)
SG: Dee Brown (#2 Overall Pick)
SF: D.J. Richardson (#26 Overall Pick)
PF: Damir Krupalija (#14 Overall Pick)
C: Dain Dainja (#23 Overall Pick)
Draft Recap
While there were bigger and more talented guys on the board, Kruger chose Dee Brown with the #2 overall pick, making the most popular Illinois player of all time the face of his team and best overall pick. Kruger followed up with #11 overall pick Cory Bradford in the second round, with an ace up his sleeve. Kruger plans to play Bradford as the point guard as was the case during his fabulous Big Ten Freshman of the Year season back in 1998-99. Bradford figures to be an X-factor on this team. Kruger surprised again in the third round, drafting another player who showed a lot of promise as a freshman in 1998-99, power forward Damir Krupalija. Kruger is banking that he will get the most out of Bradford and Krupalija, two guys who had to play secondary roles as their Illini careers progressed. In the fourth round, Kruger fell in love with Dain Dainja, who fits the profile of Florida forward Demetrious Hill, who led the Gators to the Final Four in 1994. Kruger filled out his starting five with D.J. Richardson, once again banking on the belief that he will coach up the small forward based on all of the promise of D.J.'s Big Ten Freshman of the Year campaign back in the 2009-10 season.
One Word Description of Team Kruger: POTENTIAL!
Kruger is known for getting the most out of his players, and that is the goal with this team. Brown's energy will be a constant on this team, and Kruger is confident that Bradford's game will take off with the ball in his hands. Kruger feels that Krupalija will also rise to the occasion with more responsibility and priority on offense. Kruger understands Dainja's defensive limitations and will rely on the big man for efficient offense. Richardson will be expected to be a three-and-D guy.
Concerns about This Team: Perimeter Size, Interior Defense, Consistent Scoring
Kruger has a small perimeter with Bradford 6'3'', Brown 6'0'' and Richardson 6'5''. On the interior, Dainja will struggle guarding more talented bigs. Krupalija will fight hard but be expected to carry a heavy defensive burden next to Dain. Scoring on this team could be hit or miss as all five players can put up points or go quiet.
Overall Thoughts
Bradford and Brown are the keys to this team, which may struggle early on but will get better as the season progresses. Along with James Augustine, Brown is the winningest player in the history of Illinois basketball so losing will not be tolerated. The sum of this team is greater than the individual parts, which fits Kruger to a tee. He is a master at getting the most out of his players as seen during his first two seasons at Illinois. If Kruger can unleash Bradford's slashing ability as a freshman, make Krupalija more of a focal point, utilize Brown's quickness and activity, find room for Dainja as a complementary scorer, and build up Richardson's confidence, this team could surprise.
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