Illini Zip

Groce told us before the season started that this team would be different than any other Zips team because the offense would be initiated through the best player on the team in the post. As a result we have often had wide open looks from deep. It’s up to our guys to make a fair share of them. It would have been nice if Nate was playing better going into Cleveland and it would have been nice if one of the point guards developed into a legit threat during the course of the season, but that didn’t happen. So as unfortunate as it is to say, this team peaked early and everyone else has closed the gap on us. That said, there is more than enough in that locker room to get it done.

I am really hoping the neutral court makes a difference in Cleveland. We have struggled since Miami and JMU showed everyone how to beat us. Double and triple team Freeman. Pack the paint and play extra physical. We have some mentally tough guys, but we are not physically tough at all. And except for Scott hitting 3 threes in garbage time we can’t buy a bucket. All of our loses except for Eastern (who really did play well), were on the road - including Miami. A neutral court will at least keep teams from hacking and hopefully keep Freeman out of foul trouble. I am as frustrated as everyone that we have not been able to overcome these shortcomings and as a result failed on some of our goals. But if Freeman is able to play at his best, we make a few outside shots and limit the mental lapses we can still take the MAC Tournament. I am grateful that Freeman survived the MAC regular season without injury because the guy got the crap beat out of him. You would never know it because of his good nature. Go Zips!!

I don’t remember much, but I think he said if it was obvious what buttons to push he would have done it weeks ago. He said he has been waiting for any of the other guys not named, Freeman, Ali or Tribble to step up and separate themselves as a starter. They all have different strengths and weaknesses which he is trying to manage. For example, this wasn’t a favorable matchup for Tavari so he didn’t play at all.

Our guys came to play tonight. Let’s see if they have a complete game in them.

Nate had 4 turnovers last game. We need him to get things straightened out now. No more time for acclimation.

Ali off to a good start.

Ali was 0 for 5 from deep. That’s not going to get it done. I’m afraid they’re stressing which only compounds the problem.

Nate knows what he wants to do, but he is not getting the results.

Tavari hit the floor. That's something. Let's go!!

Nate started for the first time in something like 13 games.

This Jon Ekey guy played one year under Groce and is now the Zips Director of Men's Basketball Operations & Analytics. So sure, Greg, LCJ, any of them could potentially come back around if they choose to start a coaching career.

Sounds like Groce is not only building a culture at Akron, but at NIU as well.

Why does it feel like the Zips are the only team in the MAC that doesn't get home cooking?

I would have went with Freeman, but didn't think he shot enough of them to qualify.

Top 3: Tavari, Tribble, Hunter Bottom 3: Ali, Dawson, Scott

Prather for 3. 👀

Not the start I was hoping for. Ugh!!

During the pregame interview Groce confirmed Dawson's intention to return next year so he will not be honored tonight.

I have a lot of good memories with the ol' door Nerf hoop back when it was a metal rim.

When is Senior Night again?

But he didn’t mention we have the best officiating in college basketball?! So hey, I hear there’s an opening in the A-10.

Sorry Prather but you might have just lost your minutes to the guy that doesn't look like he ever had a broken hand.

UN-FREEMAN-BELIEVABLE!!

Shame on me, sorry, my bad. Okay, you're cursed. Not really.

I couldn't decide to say thank you or give you a sad face. If the Chicago Cubs can shake the curse of the billy goat and Bartman, there is hope for everyone.