Illini Zip

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.

I had the same skepticism when @Hilltopper had rave reviews about Freeman. Next thing I know he’s starting.

Does his playing style remind you of any other Zip player?

An emphatic stufferino at that.

We made plenty of mistakes down the stretch, but that defense with 3.6 left was perfect by everyone. Especially Tribble for contesting the ball handler while making sure he didn’t foul. If Tribble’s shorts had pockets I think he would’ve put his hands in them just to make sure he didn’t get called for reaching. Well done.

Road Kill.

I love the dunk!!!!

No Tavari yet.

High level game thus far. The Zips just look so much better. And Ali is a threat to score at all levels.

Thanks. Yep, let’s hope he’s a late bloomer with a high ceiling and intangibles.