Illini Zip

I will update this chart hopefully this week. Been away from my desktop computer for awhile. Sorry for the delay. Go Zips!!

I think if he could just get rid of the hitch in his shot he would be fine. Hopefully, he is able to conquer that part of his game this off-season. He is a team leader with high energy and a big voice. We need him to be a threat at the end of a game.

Not sure if that is less confusing, but I will sleep on that one. Sorry to hear that about Akron’s water supply. Ha!!

Sorry if I made this confusing. I don't know how else to present future scholarships so I just use the "Open". But you see each year how many new recruits would be added to replace graduating Seniors. Assuming there are no transfers, etc which we know by now is not likely. So if you add 2 recruits in 2023 to the 4 recruits in 2024 and the one recruit in 2025 with the 6 players currently on the team you end up with a 13 player roster. I really hope that helps.

I am surprised he was able to land 2 high schoolers this late in the game, definitely.

I agree, but it sure would be nice if Lyles was given the green light this year. Not that we need an active roster 11 players deep, but having a tall wing sure would be nice on defense. Ali played right away his Freshman year and Lyles is physically ready. I see Dawson as the only other obvious wing at 6'5''.

Makes sense to me. I could see the last 3 on the scholarship chart redshirting this year. Going a legit 10 deep would be awesome and it would likely mean we are back to a running style team.

This one slipped passed me. Does @kreed5120 know the Zips picked up a wing to replace Ali? With his size and strength already as a Freshman he will be able to play 3-5 in time and depending on the line-up. I like that he seeks contact and can finish inside. He has some Cameron Reece to his game.

I think grades is a logical guess, but sometimes they just don't like the offers they get and this is one way to maintain full eligibility. And Akron was an enticing offer.

Zips add Amani Lyles. And we are loaded.

Even though Wynn has at least one foot out the door already I am going to wait for a replacement or further word before I remove him.

Zips add Prince Mosengo.

What do we know about Michael Wynn? The last I heard he entered the transfer portal. We might have one scholarship left. I will update the chart sometime today.

Five years ago I came onto this forum and congratulated you all on the hire of Coach Groce. After showering Groce with similar praise I believe @clarkwgriswold asked me if I was a member of his family. Ha!! As the founding member of the Homers for Groce Association I am very pleased to see the ranks have swelled to new heights. But not the least bit surprised. Go Zips!!

I thought there was already a dedicated strength and conditioning coach. I was asking about it anyway. Great news all the way around.

Zips add Trendon Hankerson.

Zips add Sammy Hunter.

I am leaning towards Ali maybe wanting to be closer to home in Indiana. And I bet, Groce sold Ali on Matta and Matta on Ali. I think it could be a great fit for Ali. Best of luck to him. Now hit the gym and the protein shakes young man.

I think The Pointer Sisters sang about this back in the day. "I need a Center with a soft hand, I need a Zip with an easy touch."

Aziz Bandaogo departs.

I agree with that. But Ali had carried the team in games and this was the season finale. I am just wondering if there is more to it. That's all.

I will say I am surprised by the news of Ali leaving. But I did notice that Ali was absent in the UCLA post-game interview. Granted Ali didn't have his best performance and you have to give UCLA some credit for that. But it's the last game of the season and one of your team leaders is back in the locker room? Might mean nothing.

Ali Ali and Sekou Sada Kalle depart.

When was the last time a MAC team achieved this accomplishment? Did Buffalo a few years ago?

This is something I have been thinking about lately. I do think our Zips will continue to improve next year and have plenty of success. But they are now the hunted. Expect to get everyone's best effort.