Alex Kotov - JuCo Commit

[ISU FAN 1]

If I'd have know Dan was In Russia, I would have called Putin and turned him in as a spy

How do we know Kotov hasn’t been sent here to interfere on ISU’s student elections?

 

[Hamdonger]

If I'd have know Dan was In Russia, I would have called Putin and turned him in as a spy

Piss on that

HeHeHe :clap: :shhh:

 

[Trey_Guidry4three]

Is this a poor man's Dyer or Bruni? Either way, welcome and happy to get a big guy!

 

[Loyl2u]

He’s got to be very lengthy based on the tape. He’s not explosive whatsoever yet was dunking very easily and catching alleys. It’s not like we see Bruninga able to do these things, so I’m thinking Kotov has quite the wingspan/length.

When did anybody see a back cut by anybody on the team this past season?

Copeland against Central Florida ... pass from Chastain. Perfect play to put us ahead for potential game winning basket instead he slipped. There went the undefeated season and all down hill from there!!

Great recollection, I honestly don’t remember that play but it caused me to go back and look at one of our “better losses” and remind myself of what the Birds looked like back in the 3rd game of the season when they competed with 16-14 AAC UCF. So this was a game where the Redbirds were still playing a more traditional lineup including putting a 5 & a 4 on the floor. - Idowu played 28 minutes/Ndiaye played 11; Chastain played 27 minutes/Fisher player 13; Torres played 29 minutes/Horne played 12. Copeland played 29 minutes/Hillsman played 10; Boyd played 22/Reeves played 19.

In the UCF game, ISU scored 14 second chance points according to ISU’s play analysis. The average of the season ended up to be 8.37 second chance points per game and the Redbirds actually had 2 games with zero 2nd chance points, 2 games with only 2 second chance points and 11 more games w/single digit second chance points.

it wasn't about lack of players to get offensive rebounds, it was about the players capable and willing to rebound not being on the floor, where the offense positioned players and who the single forward on the floor was matched up with.

 

[Redbird222]

When did anybody see a back cut by anybody on the team this past season?

Copeland against Central Florida ... pass from Chastain. Perfect play to put us ahead for potential game winning basket instead he slipped. There went the undefeated season and all down hill from there!!

Great recollection, I honestly don’t remember that play but it caused me to go back and look at one of our “better losses” and remind myself of what the Birds looked like back in the 3rd game of the season when they competed with 16-14 AAC UCF. So this was a game where the Redbirds were still playing a more traditional lineup including putting a 5 & a 4 on the floor. - Idowu played 28 minutes/Ndiaye played 11; Chastain played 27 minutes/Fisher player 13; Torres played 29 minutes/Horne played 12. Copeland played 29 minutes/Hillsman played 10; Boyd played 22/Reeves played 19.

In the UCF game, ISU scored 14 second chance points according to ISU’s play analysis. The average of the season ended up to be 8.37 second chance points per game and the Redbirds actually had 2 games with zero 2nd chance points, 2 games with only 2 second chance points and 11 more games w/single digit second chance points.

it wasn't about lack of players to get offensive rebounds, it was about the players capable and willing to rebound not being on the floor and who the single forward on the floor was matched up with.

It was Chastain's first game back and he was very good. I thought he was the difference maker that game.

 

[DaveBird10]

Kid turned down visits from Nevada, Hawaii, Cincinnati and Texas A&M for isu. Not too bad list.  

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Redbird222]

Kid turned down visits from Nevada, Hawaii, Cincinnati and Texas A&M for isu. Not too bad list.  

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

That is a good list.

 

[Michigan Red]

That’s encouraging. Would be interesting to hear how the recruitment began and if he’s capable of being a presence in the paint on both ends or more of a stretch 4.

 

[bombay]

His growth plates are still open, and because he grew up downwind from Chernobyl, he's expected to be about 7'10". He also has the ability to maintain the dribble with his left hand while laying down suppressive fire with his right.

 

[Redbird222]

Kid turned down visits from Nevada, Hawaii, Cincinnati and Texas A&M for isu. Not too bad list.  

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/alex-kotov-s-junior-college-coach-said-illinois-state-basketball/article_a1cdc59d-76e9-5e6f-8209-02bdfe708db6.amp.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share&__twitter_impression=true

 

[ILLST25]

Kid turned down visits from Nevada, Hawaii, Cincinnati and Texas A&M for isu. Not too bad list.  

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https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/alex-kotov-s-junior-college-coach-said-illinois-state-basketball/article_a1cdc59d-76e9-5e6f-8209-02bdfe708db6.amp.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share&__twitter_impression=true

I’m keep feeling better about this guy as time goes on. Guys with this size and versatility don’t grow on trees.

 

[ILLST25]

I like the Ivan Drago comparisons but I actually feel like he also looks a lot like Muller in the face.

 

[Redbird Alum 2004]

Kid turned down visits from Nevada, Hawaii, Cincinnati and Texas A&M for isu. Not too bad list.  

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/alex-kotov-s-junior-college-coach-said-illinois-state-basketball/article_a1cdc59d-76e9-5e6f-8209-02bdfe708db6.amp.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share&__twitter_impression=true

So my questions are.

1. What were they asking him to do that proved too much?
2. Is he just a spot up shooter?
3. Does he have any post game?

This is one of those guys where apparently people wanted him but there just isn't a ton of info for fans to go off of. Sounds like playing time was a big factor for him.

 

[SgtHulka]

Kid turned down visits from Nevada, Hawaii, Cincinnati and Texas A&M for isu. Not too bad list.  

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

https://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/alex-kotov-s-junior-college-coach-said-illinois-state-basketball/article_a1cdc59d-76e9-5e6f-8209-02bdfe708db6.amp.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=user-share&__twitter_impression=true

Nice article Jim.

 

[Bird Friend]

FWIW, John Jones’ coach said he was NBA bound . . . Musta missed the exit ramp . . .

Still . . . this guy is gonna be our Dirk Nowitski. :lol:

 

[ILLST25]

https://twitter.com/redbird_mbb/status/1250494396400795648?s=21

 

[JHBird]

Hope he's as good as Rey, although it's obvious he's not going to be as strong. I want to see more blocked shots next year.

I don't even care if we suck next year, just as long as we can go to the games, know what I mean?

 

[Adunk33]

FWIW, John Jones’ coach said he was NBA bound . . . Musta missed the exit ramp . . .

Still . . . this guy is gonna be our Dirk Nowitski. :lol:

JJ was a good guy. I had a couple classes with him at ISU. If I remember correctly, he really got screwed by the NCAA. Wasn't he here for 2 years, didn't play, then was deemed to have only two years of eligibility. Admittedly, he was brought in as a project but could never really develop. He got recruited over with Reggie Lynch but was pretty efficient. For his career he averaged 4.3 points and 3.5 blocks in only 15 minutes. Could've been much better with two more years of development.

BTW- The last time we had a 6'10 kid with three years of eligibility commit on April 15 was four years ago.... Phil Fayne.

 

[ILLST25]

I’m excited about Alex. He will have plenty of time to develop here and potentially pack on some muscle. Big guys normally don’t start producing significantly until around their third year and we get three years of him. I feel like it’s easier to teach a big, long guy to get in the post rather than to shoot. (Yes I’m aware his %’s weren’t great but he’s got a nice, clean looking stroke)

 

[ILLST25]

https://t.co/LPKUde8JhI

Apparently, he turned his ankle really bad in early September before his Sophomore season which could explain his low production in the only two games he did play.

Still on the trail for more big guys!