Illini Zip

1) Over 2) 13 3) Ali 4) Yes

I don't have much to add to this conversation because I don't know any of these players. I do think at the end of the day you will remember Freeman more as a power forward. It's amazing what he is able to do at just 6'-7". He definitely plays bigger and will continue to play the 5 position in smaller/faster line-ups. But I don't think it will be all that long before Aziz is in the starting line-up. The upside is just to great. And Groce has already mentioned that Freeman's development will continue with him shooting further from the basket. Ali would then start at the wing.

(2 recent game videos of Tavari Johnson, hIgh school senior year) I am linking to Hilltopper's post because the first video below is the third match-up of the year between Glenbard West and Tavari's (White jersey, #5 ) Lyons Township. I have to say the masks under the players chins make me laugh. But hey, they are technically wearing them and in compliance. I wish Tavari had a little more strength at this point, but he otherwise looks to have all the tools to be special. Groce has to be licking his chops. Go Zips!! Some inspiration for the Akron Rowdies: "I believe that we will win" Chant at the 1:12:40 mark. In this one, you get a quick mention of Akron at 1:08:00 and I noticed Tavari is able to drive and shoot lay ups with either hand. Then at the 1:12:00 mark you have a nice mid-range jump shot followed by a steal and dunk. "He's got what the players call bunnies".

We do have trouble inbounding at times though. Edit: Groce said in post-game interview that Freeman doesn't ever inbound the ball. Freeman took ownership for the mistake, let alone the turn-over. Offering to run suicides as a self-imposed punishment. Ha!! He's just too good to be real.

Record aside, NIU played tough. Great game and win. Go Zips!!

If he can, Groce has some really nice pick and pop action for a big who can hit set shots at 10 foot.

Agreed. And I will add that it helps that the bench has improved.

It appears Trimble was pulled after a defensive break down.

Ali is a bit out of sorts.

I confess, I wore Chuck Taylor Converse All-Stars.

Damn Tribble!!!

Zips are playing well, but NIU is hanging around.

Our friends sure ask the darnedest questions, don't they? 😀

I agree with you that it's a concern @Z.I.P.. I am personally hoping Tavari Johnson is able to come in and make an immediate impact because of the position he plays. And I would say that if Prather or anyone comes into Summer camp their Freshman year and produces they are likely to be on the active roster. That is the benefit of competitive practices. You either grade out or you don't. We have a starter right now who was a walk-on and Taylor Currie, the forward with all the credentials in the world is gone. Nothing is promised. I'm just speculating out load about Prather anyway.

I completely agree @Blue & Gold. If everything we believe to be true today holds that is going to be one deep roster. So much so that unless Prather comes in and completely lights it up, it would be in his best interest to take a red-shirt year. Something that rarely happens with guards, but we might have a traffic jam at the guard spot. And I'm thinking we might be right back to a running and pressing team next year anyway.

Got it. That makes sense. Thank you.

Here is another question. Why is Miami the sweaters? Asking for a friend.

See, I thought there was a ruling like that too, but I read online earlier in the year that any time on the court during the season counts. Does anyone know if Kalle is still redshirt eligible?

It's all good that Ali hit a 3 there, but I want Tribble to be confident to take an open 3 when it presents itself.

Nice mid-range shot by Clarke.

Nothing easy on the road. Find a way guys.

Tribble has been shooting better from the line.

This would be a good place to get Kalle a few minutes with Freeman having 2 bogus fouls. Edit: Groce chose to go smaller with Wynn.

High energy game so far. The whole bench has been in the game already.

Here is some more useless trivia if anyone cares. The Miami point guard, Isaiah Coleman-Lands is another brother to a former Illinois player under Groce, Jalen Coleman-Lands. Groce recruited Jalen out of La Lumiere prep school in LaPorte, Indiana. Isaiah is a couple of years younger than Jalen, but they did play together. Jalen was the starting shooting guard and I believe Isaiah was the back-up point guard. Their head coach at La Lumiere, Shane Heirman is now the Associate Head Coach at Central Michigan. Small world right?! https://cmuchippewas.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/shane-heirman/694 So the last I knew of Jalen Coleman-Lands he had left Illinois after his sophomore year when Coach Groce got fired. He wanted to make sure he controlled his own destiny. He chose DePaul University because the aforementioned Shane Heirman had just been hired there (2017) as an assistant coach. Jalen is a sharp shooter from deep (40%) when healthy. He had injuries both at Illinois and at DePaul which extended his career. Anyway, I figured his college career was over by now and I was curious if he is playing pro-ball somewhere. Nope, not in the Era of Covid. He is now a Super-Duper Senior playing his 6th and final season of eligibility over 7 years. He's on the K.J. Walton plan. Ha!! There was a mass exodus of players at DePaul for some reason and he was one of them. He then landed at Iowa State. After a year there he lost another head coach to the chopping block so he entered the transfer portal one last time. He is now coming off the bench at 10th ranked Kansas. I’m sure this is not what he envisioned, but he seems to have made the most of his extended opportunity. Another quality young man and family. Godspeed. https://kuathletics.com/sports/mbball/roster/season/2021-22/player/jalen-coleman-lands/