Illini Zip

Good points. To answer my own question, Groce said he has the luxury of having 8 starters with 3 coming off the bench. On any given night each of these guys could get hot and help carry the team. Ali would make that 9 starters, better odds. Could you see Ali playing starters minutes, but coming in with the second wave off the bench?

There is nothing we can do about it, but I have to wonder how Ali’s presence would have affected these games.

This. Sorry, out of likes.

Who is this Enrique Threeman guy? Ha!! Go Zips!!

I believe the dust has settled for this period. The only question I have at the moment is when will Ali Ali get the green light to play. But I'm assuming it will be this year sometime. I'm staying with Mikal Dawson as a Junior with another year of eligibility. Marvin Musiime-Kamali and Darrian Baker are red-shirting this year. And the Zips added Rich Brisco, Eric Mahaffey and Sharron Young for the 2024-5 season leaving 2 scholarships open.

That could be disciplinary, academic performance or health related, right? Any thoughts as to why?

No mention of Prather during post-game. That’s my only negative for the game. A missed opportunity for him to get some playing time.

Amani Lyles

WHLO 640 does have the football game.

Is there even a radio broadcast for this game?

I might have to suck on a white towel while watching that UNLV game.

The final score is misleading. That is a good team we just beat. Go Zips!!

Not very pretty, but we're hanging around.

I’m hoping.

when asked to give name, athletic year, home town and major, Dawson answered Junior. Probably a senior or more academically.

Dawson is a Junior. Nice!!

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.