Illini Zip

You would think he went to an Ivy League school or something.

I have admittedly been hard on Tavari, and rightfully so. There was never any doubt he has skills, but he wasn’t mature enough to take on the demanding and much needed role when he arrived. He was an asset one minute and a liability the next. To be fair, LCJ took time to develop. And I wasn’t certain Castaneda would ever be more than a shooting guard. But they eventually hit their stride and were great leaders as well as all around competitors. All the more credit to Young for being impactful so early on. I don’t want to jinx Tavari, but it appears the light has gone on for him. If so, and he stays true to the process the next year and a half could be very special for him and the Zips.

💯💯💯 I’m out of likes again. Good post. Regardless of my views on the refs game management, the Zips control if they choose to play into it or fight back against it. And I agree, they need to get better at finishing games out strong. Focusing on the play in front of them and locking down the opponent regardless of score right to the very end.

Groce is right to have his team focus on themselves and not buy into the Akron fan’s protests. From getting caught reaching in, being out of position to moving screens, we have plenty to clean up. That said, 2 things can be true at the same time. And the MAC does not like blow outs. Especially on national TV. Without some timely calls and no-calls this was a 30 point rout.

I do expect the game at Ohio to play out differently. Tighter and more competitive. But the thing that pleasantly surprised me was how much we closed the gap on what was Ohio’s advantage heading into the season. And that being their cohesion. They are the team returning the most players and from the outside you wouldn’t have known that the Zips have added 9 new pieces to the roster. The OOC portion of the season was rough, but we are turning the corner for sure.

Groce mentioned that Lyles has been playing through pain from a sprained ankle. We have seen him back to 100% for about the last week and a half.

We did also have 7 blocks to their 4. And had double the points in the paint. Not too shabby for one of the smaller teams in D1.

That’s definitely technical material.

💯💯💯

Wow. MAC officials…

I like the look in the eyes of our guys.

How was that not traveling?

I just want to say that I used the wash-machine analogy first. Or did I? I have been following this guy for so long I don’t know anymore. I am so filled with Grocisms I might not have an original thought of my own left. Ha!!

We have had some very good defenders at the guard position. Banks, Maishe Daily, Tribble and now Scott have been quite effective taking on the opponents best offensive threat. But when your point guard goes out and meets theirs at half-court your defense has it’s front porch. And it keeps them from going north to south as quickly. Watch his ability to jump the route of the opposing point guard before he can get going without fouling. I had seen Groce use the technique at Illinois, but it’s special. Not everyone can pull that off.

💯

I heard about NIU. Toledo is news to me.

Can someone please tell @NWAkron it’s all clear? Until Friday anyway.

AAC?

Remember when Scott couldn’t make a layup without it getting blocked. He is playing awesome.

So many guys stepped up. Nate, Amani, Tavari, Marvin and Wilson come to mind.

I hate Toledo. So glad we pulled this one out.

Zips Win!!

Nate is having a game. Playing like he wants to be the go-to guy.

Let’s finish this smart guys!!

Flop.