Illini Zip

Thank you Clark!!

Clark, is this the type of scrimmage where everyone is getting plenty of playing time or is this more of a dress rehearsal where roles are already becoming established?

I will say Groce goes with 2 players this year. Tavari and Amani.

My guess is Groce and Tod K. I can't see Tod giving Groce much credit for anything. Their post-game hand shakes are quite brief.

I don’t see Tavari in those photos. Anyone have a comment on his play during the scrimmage?

I remember reading that we added a new assistant coach, but didn’t realize that we parted ways with Jon Ekey after 1 year. Can anyone give some insight as to if it didn’t work out or if he got a better opportunity.

This would be my best guess as well. TJ Scott Eric Mahaffey Evan Mahaffey Lyles Young, Head, Hardman, MMK or Stankovic, and Barre quickly off the bench.

I completely agree. I do see him as someone who is completely bought in and enjoying this opportunity. Not sure what his ceiling is, but I would bet he made the most of this offseason.

I believe we should be hearing rumors of scrimmage results and performances in the near future.

Stankovic makes playing 5 out possible without losing too much size. I am hoping an even more improved Amani can also rotate out to the perimeter.

I don’t have any ticket knowledge, but congratulations on the soon to be Mrs.

I’ll go a step further. I always liked our chances of winning when Evan Wilson was in the game at the very end.

So you're saying there is room for one more...

Poll: Who is the one player everyone is looking forward to seeing the most this year? It can be a new player or an improved player. Rich Brisco really intrigues me, but if I’m picking only one it’s Eric Mahaffey.

3 years would be nice. Good use of the Serbian flag.

How many years of eligibility does he have?

UMass in conference this year?

Did we already know about Bucknell at home? That's a decent opponent.

Watching the highlight videos I see a pretty versatile defender too. On occasion we come across a team with a very big point guard. It’s hard for Tavari and Young to hold off 6-5, 6-6 players from getting a head of steam. Marvin and this guy look to have the lateral quickness and size to make life difficult for them. Edit: Even though we haven’t seen Eric Mahaffey, I imagine he will be able to help guard these big point guards as well.

If his highlights are any indication, he could be the zone-buster I have been pleading for. He looks to have a sweet stroke. Now if he is efficient at the top of the key, can drive to the hoop and can pass in traffic…we just might have a missing piece.

Okay, I am going to need some help here. Not only where does he fit, but also how many years of eligibility left?

Not thinking he plays the guard position or is an immediate contributor because he will need time to adjust to the college game. That said, he’s got some skills. Very exciting addition.

For 1970’s style retro bigs we will probably need to recruit out of Cuba.

Now that we are expanding our recruiting to Europe maybe we can finally get that serviceable backup big?

I really like our depth at Assistant Coach next year. You never know when one of our starting A.C. might strain his voice.