Illini Zip

Rewatching this game I have to say Evan is a really good piece for us. It might not always show on the stat sheet, but he hustles on defense. Makes good passes. And does the intangibles. Because he has a physical stature similar to Lyles I was crediting the wrong guy at times. He did miss a wide open three, but I like that he didn’t hesitate in taking it. The form looks good too.

I don’t want an instagram account, but I would like to know what Hilltopper’s video is about.

I think we all understand by now that the scholarship chart will likely be torched at the end of each season. That said, it's still helpful to have a long-term vision of what is possible. I'm less than confident with this update. Please let me know if you see an issue. Thanks. Zips add Ognjen Stankovic for 2025-6. RJ Jones and Jashawn Ladd for 2026-7. Cody Head (Junior), Tai Perkins and Josh Henderson (Freshmen) are redshirting this year. Never thought I would see a true PG redshirt, but times - they are a chang'n.

If you’re suggesting we benefited from some home cooking from the refs, I agree but payback is a bitch. I remember that game in their house very well. Anyway, the game was plenty physical both ways and I liked that the refs let the little stuff go. It allowed the game to flow and be enjoyable to watch. The MAC refs will still get their chance to grind our lives to a halt.

A good point made by our radio guys. Eric Mahaffey might be a redshirt freshman, but this was his very first college game ever. I will add that this was a high level game for a season opener and he looked quite comfortable out there.

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.