Illini Zip

Maybe the head coach leaving had something to do with it. 🤷‍♂️ https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaabk/report-arkansas-state-fires-head-mens-basketball-coach-mike-balado/ar-AA18IeMa

Random thoughts; I think Amani Lyles was brought in to play the Camron Reece role. Slightly undersized power forward with great strength, physicality and athleticism for rebounding. Even if he develops a shot from range, his bread and butter will be dominating the lane. Darrion Baker, I have penciled in as Sammy’s replacement at the stretch 4. And I am hopeful we use the two open scholarships on a shooting guard and a legit shot blocker like Aziz would have been.

That sounds familiar. So that would be a new permanent rule change then. I thought it was just a COVID adjustment. Thanks.

Wouldn’t he have to sit out a year?

I just want Garvin to be more of a scoring threat. And he needs to eliminate the occasional lazy pass turnover and running straight into a shot blocker under the rim. Otherwise he is developing nicely.

Marvin Musiime-Kamali? 🤞🤞🤞

My best guess is that Mosengo was recruited over with incoming power forward, Darrion Baker. But I have no rationale as to why.

I agree. Call me cautiously optimistic. Groce had a point guard at Illinois named Tracy Abrams who was never quite the same after rehab.

I find that encouraging pertaining to Dawson’s health.

I think you already answered it. Do the players want it? Some guys enjoy each other and competing so much that they don’t want it to ever end. Sometimes missing out on a trip to the dance is too big of a disappointment and they lose heart. The experience would definitely help the young players.

I agree, I would definitely give NWAkron’s right arm for such a player.

Projections are that the Big Ten will be sending between 8-10 teams of its 14 team conference to the Tourney. Half of them will be gone after the first game and a few might make the Sweet 16. We all know it’s a racket. I don’t know what the metrics are exactly, but both Toledo and Kent State pass the eye test to me.

Thank you to seniors Castaneda and Hankerson for their great effort, some very enjoyable basketball and a respectable season.

This.

The game got very emotional and physical there for awhile. And we lose out minds for a bit with some stupid turnovers. Good job battling back.

Here we go!!

Let’s Go Zips!!!

I agree. Garvin has bounced back nicely. I would like to see him develop a floater or a mid-range game. At least get better at the pump-fake. I don't know if anyone keeps this stat, but Garvin has to be the most blocked player in the MAC. I do like his aggressiveness attacking the lane lately.

We needed every one of those free throws down the stretch.

Here's my best Groce imitation; "That was one quality basketball game."

Have a game Sammy.

All good stuff. But this could very well be true unfortunately. I did think of that also.

Agreed. Out of likes over here. I know this is too early for this, but my mind is already tinkering with next year's roster. I could see Prather backing up Dawson at the three. Tavari, Clarke and Nate switching off at the point. Tribble playing at all guard positions. Kobe getting more time at the shooting guard spot. Hunter and Lyles backing up the four and five. And hopefully, Marvin Musiime-Kamali or another one of the young forwards can work their way into the rotation and fill the Ali Ali or Xerius Williams role at the 4 spot.

It will be interesting next year with Dawson back.

Who likes this starting line up and would prefer Tribble coming off the bench?