Illini Zip

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.

I look forward to your report on Mahaffey. Good question, what does Groce see that others didn’t.

I'm half Swedish and half German. I'm so offended!! (not really, not even a little bit) Go Zips!!

I'm all of out of likes. I agree with you completely. And with Ali, which was the plan, we probably have a couple more wins. Something else I believe you have mentioned recently. That said, I still support shortening the roster up for right now.

I didn't foresee having this much trouble with our guards settling into their roles. So I'm for shortening the rotation to 7 players. I am starting Tribble, Ali, Freeman and who ever practiced well without constantly turning the ball over. There is still the time and talent to mature into that deep team that rotates 9 regularly and maybe all 11 occasionally. And if that day comes, maybe we can get cute with a starter or 2 anchoring the second wave coming off the bench. I keep hoping to see 40 minutes of that fast pace style I love so much about Groce's teams. But we are not getting consistent, quality minutes from much of the team right now.

So you're telling me there's a chance. Yeah!!

I really thought we would be getting more out of Tavari by now.