Illini Zip

I'm dating myself, but I had to do it. Forgive me. ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me87viDC04o

Clark shouldn't cringe as much when Jermaine Marshall shoots a three. 32.8% from beyond the arch isn't too bad for your power forward. He is just 20 pounds of muscle away from being the next Cameron Reece. Nice addition.

I was trying to snowbird for a few months down in Florida. It was a camping/apartment scouting mission and I really didn't want to give into this virus thing (even as I complied with social distancing and hand sanitizer). Eventually, Florida closed up everything including state parks and I had to move on. I thought maybe South Carolina would save my trip, but nope. That is where I was when asked for an updated Scholarship Grid. So I appreciate everyone's patience, but if I had my way you would be waiting for another month. Ha!! Today I wake up to snow. Why, God, why?!!!!

Zips add Jermaine Marshall.

I will get to that as soon as possible. ?

I am leaning towards him stepping into Reece's (PF) role after a year of conditioning.

Good points @NWAkron. I thought of Sayles as a potential transfer candidate too if this scenario played out. As a Senior he could be buried behind Riak, Currie and Reece. But I have to give him some love, he had his moments this year and seems to have a healthy attitude.

I would have preferred the NCAA go into a wait and see stance with hopes of getting all of the tournament play in eventually. Allow teams to continue to practice and stay conditioned. Perhaps even scrimmage a couple of times over the next month. And then call it off if necessary. I wouldn't mind seeing the Seniors get an extra year. But it would not come without a cost. Right now we have 2 open scholarships, recruits will see the huge log jam at the top and know they will not see the court much, if at all their Freshman year. And even though we will be incredibly deep for a single season, the following team will have had their development stunted a bit. Even Tribble and Ali who found the court this season would likely find themselves behind Trimble and Dailey. I could see not having enough minutes for a solid 11 player rotation. Half of the Zips players will have to sign up for AARP, but It would be fun to watch I have to admit. I'm in, go Zips!!

On a personal note, I stayed after the victory over Northern Illinois in true Homer fashion and got a chance to speak briefly with Groce (first time ever), Ford and the radio guys. I even got a fist bump from LCJ. During Groce's first year at Illinois he passed out bracelets to his team and staff to wear with "T-N-T" printed on them for Toughness & Togetherness. That is Groce's mantra. And in the time I have been watching his teams, no one team has represented that mantra moreso than this year's Zips squad. That special chemistry to me is the highlight of the season. And finally, watching the Zips on national TV is always extra fun. I was looking forward to much more of that.

I'm up for the challenge. ?

My guess is Groce would prefer to bring in balanced recruiting classes as Freshman and let them grow up in the system. But I agree with the sentiment @Blue & Gold has touted and that is "Get old, stay old". So if for some reason a player doesn't work out and moves on, he will likely be replaced with someone who can step into that role and perform on schedule. Which would mean an occasional transfer.

I am now joined by Akron and Ohio grads. Feels like playoff intensity to me.

I have the game playing on the bar TV in Naples, Florida. Go Zips!!

Did someone mention Up In Smoke? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWxgfTMLtc0

I agree with this more at home than on the road. On the road in the MAC, I will take a win any way it comes. High scoring, low scoring, close game, blow out, great defense, soft defense, on the road you play the game the refs give you. And too often one half is officiated different from the other. At home, in theory, the Zips should be able to dictate more of what they want to do. And breaking the opponent's spirit early and getting playing time for the bench is a good goal.

Zips go 1 - 0 again.

I agree @NWAkron

Would having Reece available today to battle Willie Jackson been the difference maker? Jackson ended the day with 23 points and 12 rebounds. I'm thinking maybe so.

I guess no Reece today. Was that announcement made officially?

I know Riak drives you nuts shooting the 3, but my take is if you want to attract bigs to your program who can shoot from range you have to show that you are willing to let them take those open shots. I do think Riak is on a pretty short leash though.

I will add this tidbit because whenever Akron marketing comes up the issue of alcohol sales is usually a part of it. NIU does sell alcohol during the game, but you can't take it to your seat. At least the closer seats. They have tall tables you can stand at on either end of the floor. I don't know about the general seating higher up.

Akron is now #60 on Kenpom.

Reece is walking so he should be fine.

Our team is mentally tough guys. NIU got a healthy serving of home cooking (from the refs) and we are back up 21.