Illini Zip

Tavari has shown improvement on offense and he can really fill up the basket at times. But he still has his head-scratcher moments. And I am always nervous with him inbounding the ball. Also, I think it’s amazing how much better Young is already on defense and he’s only an inch taller. There is a lot of season left to play so who knows, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Young surpasses Tavari. And with Tai Perkins coming in next year Tavari needs to make the most of this season.

What game was it that he had that bad fall? I would assume that is where he injured his shoulder.

Townsend gave us the "Enrique Freeman" treatment. That was hard to watch.

Lots of growing pains. Keep grinding guys.

When was the last time Nate Johnson successfully hammered home a fast break dunk? I'm to the point where I'm hoping he just lays it up and takes the points.

Do we know if James Okonkwo was awarded an additional year?

I agree, but I think we will have 3 week-long breaks this OOC schedule. It just seems too erratic for my liking.

I don’t have a problem with the Zips playing D3 teams on occasion. But I agree we looked like a team that hadn’t played in a long time. For whatever reason the games are not well spaced this year.

I feel for the Zips radio announcers. Trying to keep up with who was doing what was challenging. I can’t imagine being the one tasked with broadcasting that action. And good for Evan Wilson.

Listening to Groce’s comments I gather we can expect to see a 9 or 10 player roster until everyone is playing up to standard in practice and in games. Wilson must have had the worst grade before last game and Scott before this game. I do think his goal is to eventually play 11 deep at some point.

Zips are looking good early. And nice to see Seth Wilson in there.

https://gozips.com/news/2024/11/25/mens-basketball-nate-johnson-named-mac-player-of-the-week

I think this week off will be good for Harris as well. I imagine his back is quite sore from yesterday’s fall.

I hope Wilson works his way back into the rotation soon, even if for only a few minutes at a time. I don’t want him to fall too far behind the rest of the team. He has a good shot from deep, has plenty of game experience and his big body will help in certain match-ups. But he can’t be a liability on the up-tempo style of play either.

*named. “Naked” is funnier.

I like that they are diving for loose balls. Good measure of their intensity.

No Wilson tonight.

Please don’t let it be season ending.

We have a bunch of guys who could get hot from deep, but I would be surprised if Hardman doesn’t break a record somewhere.

I see this team improving already in 6 games.

I don’t know anything about what Akron needs at the AD position, but listening to Bud Wentz on podcasts I think hiring him to run the search would be an excellent idea.

The key word is “replay”. To watch that video and still get it wrong is inexcusable.

Zips add Tai'Ree Perkins and Josh Henderson.

Howdy, I don't typically stick my head into the football forum, but this was just too good to pass up. It wasn't all that long ago that I mentioned that there were seasons in the past that I believe U of I avoided playing NIU like the plague because they feared losing to little brother. Not only does this win validate my case, it doesn't surprise me in the least. Awesome for the MAC!! Good luck to Akron on the gridiron and I'll see you all when basketball tips off.

Illinois under Groce played Press Virginia once and it did not go well. 😔