Illini Zip

I would say, arguably our toughest challenge thus far in the MAC, but St. Mary’s has to be the best opponent for the season.

Ball State is better than their record would suggest.

Maybe not a good matchup for him defensively speaking.

And Nate is struggling with a hurt ankle.

Marvin is going to need to improve from the line.

Gone small. Tavari, Young and Scott together.

Sparks is scoring too easily down low.

We have a battle on our hands.

I look at where BG is sitting in the standings and have to think how pissed we would all be if we didn’t pull that one out.

Now can the Zips push through the emotional let-down game home against Ball State? With South Alabama to follow it looks to be a classic trap game scenario.

True!!

🤣💯

How does Sullinger play with that braid flopping around in his face?

If we match their physicality and protect the ball I think we will be fine.

I have to think he is happy with his decision to roll with Akron over Miami and Ohio.

According to Kenpom metrics, UMass would be the 5th best team in the MAC right now.

It’s ironic to me that we went away from the fast-paced, guard oriented system because we had a good (soon to be dominant) back to the basket post player. By the end of his career with the Zips, Freeman developed his all around game to a level worthy of being drafted to the NBA. Now he plays in a manner for the Pacers/Mad Ants that would be an ideal fit for the scheme Groce is running this year. Ugh!! I really hope Freeman’s success leads to the Zips landing some highly skilled and athletic bigs going forward. Edit: I should clarify because both Lyles and Okonkwo have had very impactful games and Lyles’ growth in the last year has been very impressive. There are exciting aspects to this offense involving bigs that I haven’t seen run in Akron just yet. Lyles is the player on the current roster most likely to implement them.

I do think the road games at Kent, Ohio and Toledo will likely be competitive games. But I really like this 10 player rotation. The opponent doesn’t know who to game plan for because it can be anyone’s night to lead in scoring. But also our guys are maxing out at about 20 minutes per game. They should all be plenty fresh for the long run. Edit: I’m wrong. Some guys played 25-28 minutes today. But each game it could be different guys getting extra minutes. We should still have fresh bodies throughout the season.

They haven’t figured out that Reghi is our weapon of mass distraction. And I personally liked; “Stole little Bro’s lunch money”.

person or lesson?

I’m not looking for something to complain about, but on TV many of the fouls against Okonkwo specifically appeared pretty weak. Is he doing anything I’m just not noticing?

Groce walked off the court with his arm around Tavari. I expect that last pass was the topic of discussion.

Nice D Tavari!!

Did I just see Hardman drive to the hoop? 👀