Illini Zip

I like your answer better than mine.

As much as I can be playing in a rivalry game. We have the better team, we’re focused and our guys really want this. I’m hoping we stomp them early, but it’s likely a dog fight right to the end.

This is how I'm starting the game anyway. I'm rotating guards regularly to keep them fresh, but mainly Tribble to guard Sullinger and Santiago man to man. Don't give those 2 guys an inch to get a shot off. Make the rest of the Flushes beat you. Dare the others to shoot 3 pointers. I am setting up my third guard (likely Ali) at the free throw line to help with any dribble penetration and mid-range shots and I'm camping Sammy and Freeman under each side of the basket. Let's see how they like it when the Zips pack the paint.

I'm starting to think you are managing Tavari's NIL contracts? Ha!! It's all good. Maybe I'm just jealous, I could use an advocate fighting for me on a daily basis. Go Tavari!! Go Zips!!

…Can’t State still sucks!!

Tribble has to be thrilled that he gets to play again. It must have been hard for him on the sideline after fouling out in crunch time.

Much appreciated!!

When do they upload the post-game interviews? @Blue & Gold I'm counting on you.

I thought Groce was going to blow a gasket. He had just put Nate in for defense. That didn't work out well.

But they could tomorrow. Freeman shows up every game. Otherwise we roll with whoever is playing well. Tonight it was Sammy. Thank you Sammy!!

Did anyone see that foul on Nate late in the game? Legit or flop?

Sammy is playing like a man possessed.

Both teams defenses are winning early.

I can’t…

Sounds like BG is lucky to be down by only 6 points at the half.

Groce has said that none of these guys have separated themselves through the course of the year. Maybe Tavari is ready to take that step. I sure hope so, no better time. But Groce has a theory that Seniors die hard. Thornton knows his next loss means the end of his career. Also, if Groce wants players to transfer to Akron he needs to give them every opportunity to succeed. And in this case, Thornton could possibly lead to landing Coit. Just wishful speculation. But good analysis @1981 grad. I will add that Tavari might have the best +/- statistic on the team. I’m a fan. Edit: Sincere Carry’s name came up on another thread. It got me thinking which is always dangerous. If I remember hearing correctly we had a shot at getting Carry. If that would have happened I am confident Carry would not have been such a head-case under Groce. Because Groce truly believes the student, person, player culture stuff and he would have limited Carry’s playing time until certain matters were addressed. I say this because Tavari’s playing time could be affected by his grades or a character issue. We have no idea what is taking place behind the scenes. Groce is a big “teamism” guy. Another Grocism is a player needs to fit in (with the team) before he can stand out. I have no idea, just thinking out loud.

He needs to consider transferring to Akron next year so he could be first team.

I saw Coit ended up Third Team? I think he’s better than that?

I had to listen to the game on the radio, but watching those Ali to Freeman dunks were worth the wait. Tavari did play very well today. Nate’s shots weren’t falling, but he keeps looking better and better. Tough one tomorrow. Let’s keep it rolling. Go Zips!!

I was just about to hit send too. Ha!!

I agree, but they almost took Enrique’s head off on one play. For that game it was a weak call.

And this is the point where he either gets wise or gets gone.

I really believe this to be true. Not necessarily to begin the season, but I think they thought he would be starting by now. Moving Tribble off the ball. I still think he has a high ceiling. I liked seeing him dive for a ball and coming up with a couple of steals against Eastern.

Not to pile on but Garvin Clarke would have been a Junior this year.

I rewatched it and thought we played plenty physical from the jump. Western has big bodies that can move people underneath. We could use a road-grader type big too. As physical as that game was Freeman should never have fouled out. But that’s life on the road.