Illini Zip

Shoot that open 3 Enrique!!

0 for 15 from behind the arc to start the game isn't going to cut it no matter who you play. And we need more balanced scoring.

We need to clean up some defensive breakdowns and the supporting cast needs to step up more. But other than that I’m alright with burning the tape. Not our night.

I expect things to be difficult on road. Hang around and let’s steal a road kill. Now how we got treated like the visitors against Toledo last game still has me scratching my head.

Freeman’s struggles are starting to concern me.

I really like these blue jerseys. Good look.

How was that continuation?

Freeman has an outside shot. Who knew?! More please.

Awesome game!! Nice job Clarke.

Game of runs. Let’s go!!

Can’t State still sucks!!

Let’s go Zips!!

Let's go Zips!!

I agree with much of what is being said by everyone here. The whole team needs to improve their game to some degree and I think they will. But imho, the amount Tavari grows at the point throughout the course of the season will be the greatest factor dictating the Zip's success. His untapped potential is the key. It's not much, but Hunter did hit a couple of 3's again tonight.

You did not. It was an ass whooping from start to finish.

Agreed. Tribble's struggles in particular has hurt the flow and spacing of our offense. I keep hoping he would just hit a few to keep opposing defenses honest. Hopefully our team shooting percentage continues to improves. But I am thinking Tavari is going to be exceptional in his role as an orchestrator and distributor. Hunter should benefit from beyond the arc and Enrique/Lyles could from mid-range if they are able to shoot away from the rim. Time will tell.

Talking about Enriques game. I noticed last night he made a couple of sweet passes to Tavari and Tribble as they slashed for a lay up. Enrique passed from around the free throw line. He was also the recipient of a no-look bounce pass from Tavari between two defenders for a dunk. This type of give and go action as well as pick and pop action with Tavari will free Enrique up for some wide open 10-15 footers. Something we have not seen from him to date. I'm hopeful he adds that element to his game during the course of the year.

If my memory serves me right Tavari can drive and finish with both hands. I watched some of his high school game videos awhile back. Hopefully he will display more of that as he gets comfortable at this level. Edit: 12:38 marker in the second half Tavari does drive and finish with his left hand. I think he is going to be special.

Just in: The popcorn machine is broken tonight. Go Hunter Go!!

One of Groce's sayings is "Winter will ask what Summer did". Something like that anyway. Basically, the time for forming good basketball habits and personal improvement on their shot, dribble, post moves, etc is the off-season. Now is the time for competing and building team chemistry (Teamism). I sure hope these guys have put in the work and are just off to a slow start. Because I too am less than impressed and we need to make up for the lost production of Ali, Dawson and Wynn if we want to have a successful March. We need 2 or 3 players beyond Castaneda, Freeman, and TJ to contribute on a consistent basis. It is getting late in the developmental process for some guys so the potential for them being passed over going forward is quite real. Not concerned yet, it's a long season. And I'm rooting for all of our guys to break out.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I will admit that X played the point better last year than I had originally given him credit for and he will have the ball in his hands plenty this year too. But this system is designed for a point guard who can break down a defense at will like Tavari. Not only will he be a weapon in his own right like LCJ, but he will make everyone else better. Double-teaming Freeman will become a thing of the past and the other guards will have more room to operate. I didn't get to see the games in the Caymans, but 21 points is awesome to see. Go Zips!!

Anybody catch Groce's comments after the game?

I am hopeful Mikal Dawson gets another year of eligibility due to his injury. I made that correction here.

Zips add Darrian Baker and Marvin Musiime-Kamali. Also, I am making an assumption that Ryan Prather Jr and Prince Mosengo are red-shirting.

Tavari Johnson's career started tonight in the garbage minutes.