Illini Zip

I have done my share of joking about playing the likes of Miami-Hamilton and Heidelberg on here in the past, but I guess it makes sense in this era where the NET metrics rule the day. I mean, say Groce wants to schedule a "practice game" mid-season in which he can get all of his players minutes and polish up on specific aspects such as a full-court press or eliminating turn-overs prior to traveling to a tournament for example. And of course, coming off of finals week where he wants his players to focus their attention on their studies. In the past he might have scheduled a bottom tier Quad 4 team at these times. But by playing a quality D2 or D3 school the game doesn't count against the NET metrics. We play enough Quad 4 games as it is. Especially this year. This approach saves us 2 Quad 4 games in the equation. Now I know if you're paying for a season ticket package you don't want to watch such a match-up, but I am putting the blame on the NCAA's use of the NET going forward.

Something that sticks out to me is that the Zips have played a whopping 3 home games at this juncture. Whereas many schools that are ahead of us on the NET have played 7-11 home games.

Out of Conference Review was a nice post @csims0917. Sorry, I'm out of likes. I brought the conversation over here as to not distract from your good work. It's not always easy to get bigger, power conference programs to play Akron. And when you do it's usually the first game of the year and in their house. Which is why I like the Thanksgiving tournaments. So even though there are no flashy names on this OOC schedule (Louisville, West Virginia, Ohio State, Mississippi State, LSU and Nevada are some we have played recently.) one could argue this year's slate was more challenging and prepared us better for the MAC season than in years past. Where does everyone stand on this?

Freeman ended up 9 for 11 at the free throw line. Much better.

Not really anything of substance. No.

It might not have been the most exciting game, but it's still a valuable road kill.

Tavari, Lyles and Prather Jr. to close us out.

What I don't like is seeing Tribble shooting a 3 pointer as a jump shot. That's not him. His set shot 3 pointers have a better chance.

I agree. Their rotation and covering for each other on defense is much better today.

Lyles is in. Yes!! Lyles travels. Ugh!!

I’m ready for some MACtion.

I think everyone has successfully assessed where we are heading into league play. And we have seen Groce reinvent the Zips multiple times between now and March so I’m not concerned yet. For me, I liked seeing Hunter get into the fray and grab 5 rebounds yesterday. He needs to keep on improving his rebounding and midrange offense. Neither Nate or Dawson are playing to their own standards. We need them to be consistent contributors. We can’t afford for them to disappear for whole games like they have. Finally, we need one of the point guards to rise to the challenge. These guys need to be in the gym shooting 3’s every chance they get and earn that right to shoot more during a game. Having a point guard that can’t be left alone because he’ll kill you with haymakers is a staple to this offense. This can still happen between now and March. Go Zips!!!

I have to give Freeman credit for not skipping a beat after dislocating his pinky finger. They put it back in place, taped two fingers together on his shooting hand and he was itching to get back in. I would have passed out. I’m a bit squeamish with that stuff.

They said he was poked in the eye during a play. He might have gone back in for a short spell, but that was it.

I agree.

What's going on here? Did I wander into the land of the trolls?

Well done. Ha!!

I had to go to the freezer to get an ice pack. I feel the physically of this game through the monitor.

We are having the hardest time boxing out on free throws this year.

It feels like forever since I have been able to watch the Zips. Sammy for 3!!

I know Groce killed Buffalo, but I still couldn’t believe that. I looked it up and it’s true. Wow!! Are they really that bad or is that schedule tougher than I think?

That is amazing!!

Let me add that there are 2 scholarships left that could be used by 5th year Seniors off the portal. And I haven't given up hope on Dawson for next year either.

Groce, I believe has mentioned this. Due to the extra Covid year this is the oldest/experienced team you may ever see in a Zips uniform. I know the whole country went through Covid, but not all teams have a roster that takes full advantage of that additional eligibility. I would call this season a unique and special opportunity for sure. But not all or nothing.

Maybe we can schedule Oak Hills during finals week next year.