Illini Zip

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.

I was just reading an old article. It mentioned that the Zips were nationally ranked during the 2012-2013 season. Does anyone know the highest ranking the Zips have received? It also mentioned that the Zips in 2015-2016 were ranked 34th at one point.

Looking through those photos I see Pinky with a tennis ball. What was that about? Maybe a stress reliever so he doesn’t get so pink?

Picking up from our previous conversation. I forgot all about the Palestra. This would be my basic blue print with some stylist changes and big comfy seats for the whole audience except for right behind the baskets. Now I just need to win the lottery. Come on big money!!

Central Michigan's magic carpet must be at the dry cleaners. They lost to Miami 88 - 60.

Don't forget he did have 1 tackle.

We learned recently there is still hope for Ryan Prather. Talk about someone being buried under a pile of guard competition. He hasn't scored a ton, but he passes the eye test to me.

Yes, it was his shooting hand unfortunately. I remember Groce mentioning he will have plenty of time to improve his off hand skills. Edit: Correct me if I'm wrong. But I was lead to believe that since Nate's dominate shooting hand was in a cast, he would be practicing dribbling and shooting (without running) with his weak hand.

Something to keep in mind, TJ, Lyles and Scott are the only "true classmen" on the roster. TJ and Lyles are both true Sophomores. And Scott is a true Junior. Everyone else is older due to a red-shirt, injury or the COVID year.

I like what Groce says at the 6:40 - 6:52 mark, directed at Dawson. I would call that a coach re-recruiting his player for his final year of eligibility. Come on Dawson, run it back. Welcome back and run it back!!

You will know Akron has an elite defensive point guard when Groce plays him well above the arc. He calls that having a front porch on your defense.

Taking plays off is kind of like just going through the motions, but not truly exerting yourself. Being lackadaisical. I rewatched that play and Kent State did run a nice screen on Tavari. But Tavari wasn't alert and didn't see it coming. I don't know if he is still learning the defense or what, but something is still off there. And it's keeping him off the court. I still think he has a high ceiling.

I can’t believe the refs went to the monitor and still got the call wrong. Total thug move.

I couldn't sleep so here I am looking over the MAC conference standings. I can't believe Central Michigan is still winning and currently third behind Toledo. I was sure their luck would run out and they would drop down. Since playing Akron they have a convincing win against Western Michigan, a 1 pt. win against Old Dominion and a 2pt. OT win against Bowling Green. And if I am reading Kenpom correctly Central Michigan is the second luckiest team in Division 1 basketball behind only Tarleton State. I'm still not sold on them as a good team, but I have to respect this magic carpet ride they are on.

I’m thinking letting Freeman shoot more threes might help the offense.

I thought Tavari was locked in on defense much of the game. And he looked good and is improving. But he took that specific play off. And then went "Oh Crap!!" and tried to recover, but it was too late. Then he fouled and added insult to injury. Groce is likely handing the keys to his offense over to Tavari next season. Tavari will get a lot of playing time and a high volume of shots, but Groce has to trust him. Tavari is doing it to himself. You can't take plays off.

I’m so happy for him. We have all seen him hit his shots in the past. Welcome back indeed!!

Tavari never saw the floor after giving up the 4 point play.