Illini Zip

GoZips.com has Dawson listed as a Senior. Do we know for sure that this is his last year considering his injury?

Sounds like a good plan to me. 👍

I believe that is the rumor. I hope it’s only minor injury related, but it could be disciplinary or someone is not committed to playing hard defense. I am only disappointed, it’s too early to be concerned.

I like what I am seeing. A little sloppy and chaotic at times, but the Zips ran 11 players with every lineup variation imaginable. And I do mean running. Or at least pushing an up-tempo pace. Ali, Hunter, N.Johnson and Dawson appeared to be shooting well. The bigs are playing more away from the hoop. And besides Enrique being his usual awesome self, he hit a nice midrange. I agree with @Blue & Gold Thornton plays a nice point, but he struggled finishing at the rim yesterday. True Freshman Baker is playing great. He had a few rookie passing mistakes, but he has solid body control and footwork already. And the game doesn’t seem to be too much for him at this stage. I think it was a very successful scrimmage/team building opportunity. They all showed moments of promise over the 3 games. Disappointed that Prather Jr. and Musiime-Kamali didn’t see the court, but they were at least in attendance and in good spirits. Go Zips!!!

Thanks. Not sure how or why, but it’s playing for me now.

I was able to watch the game video the other day without a Facebook account. Today’s game won’t load for some reason. Anybody else having issues?

Ali Ali returns and the Zips add Zachary Halligan. (Sorry for the delays guys.)

I’ll put you down for Tribble coming off the bench then. Edit: I am sorry @RooFan !! I’m afraid in an attempt to be funny I took away from your very good post and enflamed the Tribble debate as well. 😔

I guess he is a legit point guard. Not sure now who is going to lead this team next year. Should make for some very exciting and intense practices.

I have a hard time believing Tavari gets pushed back that much. I see Thornton and Tribble sharing time at the 2 spot and Dawson, Nate and Marvin at the 3 spot. We could be looking at a team ready to run for 40 minutes a game with 4 guard line-ups. Especially if we pick up one more guard. Also, if Groce uses the last scholarship on a senior, I predict he is already in the process of recruiting a full 5 player class right now for next year. Selling a bunch of next level talent on playing together. He was in the process of doing that at Illinois the year he was let go.

Zips add Kaleb Thornton.

Garvin Clarke, Kobe Mitchell and Prince Mosengo depart. Zips add Shammah Scott.

Here’s a close up. https://twitter.com/FIBA/status/1597943666064076801/mediaViewer?currentTweet=1597943666064076801&currentTweetUser=FIBA

Twitchy is a great adjective. Afraid I’m going to have to steal that one. Ha!!

Understood.

Thanks. That’s too bad.

Scott also has a floater.

I see a player who can create for himself and has a quick release. Works for me. I am thinking he starts out at the off-guard position, but in time likely plays all 3 guard spots. If he played one year at a Juco and one at Wichita State he has 3 years of eligibility left, correct?

Scott (#1 red) vs. Clarke (#1 gold) in high school.

Not sure what is going on with Wichita State, but they had 8 players transfer out last year and another 4 players hit the portal this year.

I agree. Also, I expect Marvin to play immediately at the 3 and 4. Groce likes his small forwards. Ali and Malcolm Hill (Illinois) both played right away.

A bit strange that Garvin Clarke helped recruit Sammy Hunter with the Bahamas connection and now Garvin is leaving.

My guess is 2 immediate impact guards and a high school big likely to red shirt.

I am hoping/thinking Groce and Company release players into the portal in order of the least productive and as replacements are landed. Which would mean they might already have two players lined up and believe they can make the team better yet. We didn't get to see much of Kobe Mitchell and Prince Mosengo, but we did have an idea of Garvin Clarke's value. So his release should give us a gage of how the recruiting process is playing out behind the scenes. My theory anyway.

And Michigan State will be the only Big Ten team in the Sweet Sixteen out of 8 teams sent. Worse than I predicted.