Illini Zip

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? 👀

💯

I know this is just a single regular season game, but it feels bigger to me.

Please add Ali and Tribble.

💯💯💯

I will never understand why last year’s team couldn’t hit wide open threes at a decent clip. They are not that bad of shooters. I don’t believe it. Can you imagine trying to defend Freeman with this year’s guard play?

It is my opinion that Groce wasn’t expecting a complete rebuild. That’s it. And no it’s not common practice for a coach to take players with him. It’s actually frowned upon. And after losing by 32 points at home I imagine what is left of Buffalo’s fan base is being quite hyperbolic. They have had to roll around in ashes for a lot longer than one offseason.

💯💯💯

ROAD KILL!!!