Illini Zip

We agree. I have already stated that Groce should not let up on the OOC schedule at all. This incoming group can handle it mentally, but they are learning a new system with new teammates. Even our players from last year will have different roles, greater expectations and a different style of offense to learn. Edit: Also, all three WV transfers need to work on their mid-range game this offseason.

I think there is a psychological aspect to shooting and it’s the reason Groce doesn’t like to talk about it. Talking about it raises doubt and that leads to a spiraling lack of confidence. I think even our good shooters struggled because the pressure to help out Freeman was so intense. Hopefully the additions of Harris and Wilson will lift that pressure and the others can play more carefree and better as a result. Even though this last team was flawed and peaked early they had heart and determination. They grinded their way to that tournament championship. It wasn’t pretty, but they earned it. And even though I agree that Sharron Young is a major draw for the WV transfers, winning the MAC tournament was likely a prerequisite to this rebuild happening. So kudos to the Ali, Freeman and Tribble class of Zips for continuing our upward projection. Future is still bright.

I would say, not necessarily at the beginning on the year, but they should have a higher ceiling come March. And way more balanced.

Thanks. I like that idea. I will have to pay more attention for those events.

I agree, but tell me more about watching a Zips practice. Do I need to be a member of the Summit Group?

I look at some of these teams/players and have to wonder if steroids are involved. And if so, how prevalent is it across college basketball?

Found it!!

We are on the same page. I have been watching West Virginia games on Draftmatic. I will post a couple of games later. All three typically come in off the bench 5 minutes into the game. Although Harris has started. ---------------------- The Big 12 Tourney 2 seasons ago. The last game James Okonkwo (32) played for West Virginia. First half he is in from (15:18-9:16) and (5:21-End of half). Second half (11:00-2:49) and (1:13-End of game). Seth Wilson (14) plays in the second half from (17:53-8:25) and (5:01-End of game). No Josiah Harris. -------------------------- The Big 12 Tourney this past year. The last game Harris (22) and Wilson (14) played for West Virginia. You might recognize #55 for Cincinnati. First half Josiah Harris is in from (15:24-11:53) and (6:00-1:45). Second half (14:36-9:24) and (9:21-2:46). First half Seth Wilson is in from (15:24-9:58) and (1:32-End of half). Second half (14:36-9:21). No James Okonkwo.

Back then my family watched The Love Boat followed by Fantasy Island every Saturday night. Good times!!

Does anyone know what the MAC does with the NCAAT money? Is it used in-house? Divided up amongst the schools? Is there any additional funds given to the team in the tournament and what if they make a multi-game run?

On the upside he has a chance to surpass expectations once again.

A couple of random thoughts about the Zips. I think the competition at PG in practice should be a blast to watch. And if I’m Groce, I am not backing off one bit on the OOC schedule. We will lack continuity early and will improve over the course of the season, but these new guys are battle tested and not afraid of anybody. That would be the case if we reach the NCAAT again as well.

That should bode well for those teams. I expect Ohio will pick up where they left off and maybe pre-season favorites.

So which MAC team had the least turnover of players this offseason? I’m guessing Miami or Ohio.

Thanks, but you need to save yourself. The damage is done. Ha!!

I agree. I feel for Dawson too, but it was the right time. He regressed and would have been miserable getting passed over. I'm thinking he never returned to his pre-injury athleticism. I just wish he got to have Senior Night with his buds. He will always have my respect and appreciation.

I think that's great news.

Are they done or will we see the 2025 Class next?

How long do you give WV fans to locate this forum and give us grief?

Zips add Josiah Harris.

😞

🤣🤣🤣 Is that taking creativity a step too far?! I'm going to blame it on being caught up in the excitement.

My contribution.

East Virginia Zips???

Is this the year for the up-tempo offense? If @RoyalBlu is correct and Young contributes meaningful minutes at the point I believe it's possible. I keep waiting for it. I so enjoy it. Some of you might remember the team South of Akron running it. Please basketball gods make it be so. Groce usually teaches one position to true Freshman. For Sharron Young that will be at point guard. Tavari should be able to play all three guard positions by now, but he is not likely to be able to guard the wing position well. I expect to see both Wilson and Okonkwo play 35+ minutes a game. But Wilson will probably only play up to half of those minutes at the point. The rest of the minutes will be at the 2 and 3 positions. Wilson unlike Tavari is plenty strong enough to guard the 3 position. We could possibly have three point guards on the floor together and the half-court offense could be initiated by any of them. Talk about a defensive nightmare. So the rotation I would like to see next year is Young at the point, Tavari or Scott at the 2, Wilson at the 3, Nate or Prather at the 4 and Okonkwo, Marvin, Baker, Lyles (or our last recruit??) at the 5. We would have 4 guards capable of bringing the ball up the court in transition. So we would be able to rebound and run. And with a rim runner like Okonkwo our fast breaks could become lethal. Unlike last year our guards have to be able to hit a fair amount of those open shots from deep. If that is the case we can spread out opposing defenses then drive and kick, drive and kick, etc. It's not something you typically run all game or against every opponent. But it's effective and damn cool. Please, please, please!!!