Illini Zip

That is my concern as well. Has this team already hit it's ceiling? Part of me thinks that the frustration that our players show on the court is that they believe it to be so. I hope I'm wrong. I hope they find another gear to push through. That has been a strength of Groce's teams as long as I have been watching. They max-out in March. And players will run through walls for him. I have seen it. Unfortunately, this group just might be burning up their gears and this crazy tight schedule is not helping matters. We have seen all season that they care about winning and have the mental toughness to win close games. But when every game is a struggle it wears on you. The league has continued to improve around them at a faster pace. We are all aware of the reason. And I have seen this story unfold before at Illinois where we were without an effective point guard due to injuries. So if I know the importance of the point guard position to this offense, Coach Groce sure as hell knows it. So what went wrong? Should Garvin Clarke be further along than he is? Maybe he doesn't cut it as a point guard and plays off the ball. Was X supposed to be the stop-gap solution until Tavari Johnson gets here? He too plays better off the ball and isn't suited for making game winning decisions. Although, I would like to see him back next year. I just watched the videos again of Nate Johnson. And he might have very well been the answer if he didn't get hurt in the off-season. I could easily see a Johnson & Johnson point guard duo next year at some point. Guys like Walton, X, Trimble and Wynn were supposed to bring leadership and experience to the locker room. That hasn't exactly worked out either. I admit this team is damn frustrating to watch at times. But I will be tuning in just the same. I want to watch these players continue to develop, especially Aziz, regardless of what happens in Cleveland. For those bailing on the season, take care, see you next year. Go Zips!! Edit: spelling

It appears that they are all getting well against us.

I think getting physically stronger would go a long way to helping him be mentally stronger.

With the hops that Tribble has there is no excuse for him to ever miss when he has an open lane to the hoop. Dunk it!!

Something about seeing a 7 foot Aziz hit the floor makes me nervous. But kudos to him for taking the charges and diving after loose balls.

I think we are a little too amped-up for our own good. But I will take that over the alternative any day. I like the starting line-up change.

Ali's body language was bad all game.

I think the basketball gods think we deserve 5 more minutes of ugly basketball.

Even better.

Tribble's drives are going to continue to be less and less effective until he starts shooting when he's open. He drive right into the sagging defense. I thought he was gaining confidence. Maybe not.

Ali needs an energy drink. All of his shot are coming up short.

Nice touchdown pass from Clarke to Freeman.

Shooting percentage down... rebounding percentage up. Ha!!

Let's go Zips!!

Ever since @Blue & Gold posted about a possible Seny Ndiaye sighting I have been wondering something. What does Groce think is the ideal number of bigs to have on his roster? The answer surprised me, but according to his time at Illinois the answer is five players. Five forwards and centers between 6-7" and 7 foot. The wish list: 1 true center, 6-8" - 7', 240-280 lbs., Earth mover that is built to the ground. Immovable object that dominates the paint. 4 forwards that at times could play the center position depending on the line-up. - 6-10" - 7', 240-250 lbs., Athletic and long shot blocker that runs like a deer for his size. - 6-7" - 6-9", 210-220 lbs., Lean, athletic, human pogo-stick that plays above the rim. - 6-7" - 6-9", 220-225 lbs., Stretch 4 that is competent at shooting the long ball and driving to the hoop. - 6-7" - 6-9", 220-230 lbs., Power forward that seeks contact. Nasty bull dog. These are general guidelines and not an exact science. We all know that bigs are in high demand and every player is a work in progress. The very few that show up to college with skills and great foot work are one and done. Also, remember that Groce aims to have a running team. Which by his definition means the bigs have to be able and willing to run the court hard as well.

I agree, it's not a great match-up right now. I noticed it too. But in time as he matures and gets stronger legs he will be able to be more accertive. And his length will help a lot to compensate even against the speedier guards. Red-shirt years help these guys more than anyone. And that makes perfect sense for Kalle if that is indeed what is happening. I remember comparing Mark Kostelac to a black lab puppy his freshman year. My nephew at the time had just gotten one. And if you have ever had a big dog as a puppy, you know it's hilarious watching them trip over those huge paws. Kostelac needed 30 yards in order to stop when running the break. Ha!!

Not sure what to think. https://news.yahoo.com343/west-virginia-forward-seny-ndiaye-134200262.html

Yep, as the announcer said. Refs need to be consent for 40 minutes. Choose a style and stick to it.

Dawson's passion.

Absolutely. I said 10 foot, but basically a shorter arc from around the free throw line. Groce uses bigs that can shoot to pick for all guards. Not just the point guard. The guard drives to the hoop to score, if he gets cut off the guard turns around to feed the often open big at 10-12 feet. The more tools each player on the floor has the better. The offense becomes like watching butter get churned.

I completely agree. The stats show Freeman has taken 3 3-pointers this year. And I have missed them all somehow. Have you seen him shoot from deep? Does he have good form? The other option that I have mentioned on here recently is mastering the 10 foot range. And as I see Freeman as a 4/5 position guy, I see Kalle as strictly a power forward initially. And what skills does he bring to the table next year? Does he have Stretch-4 potential? It's fun to ponder. It's 5:23 and ...

Agreed. But my hunch is that the best is yet to come.

1) Over 2) 13 3) Ali 4) Yes

I don't have much to add to this conversation because I don't know any of these players. I do think at the end of the day you will remember Freeman more as a power forward. It's amazing what he is able to do at just 6'-7". He definitely plays bigger and will continue to play the 5 position in smaller/faster line-ups. But I don't think it will be all that long before Aziz is in the starting line-up. The upside is just to great. And Groce has already mentioned that Freeman's development will continue with him shooting further from the basket. Ali would then start at the wing.

(2 recent game videos of Tavari Johnson, hIgh school senior year) I am linking to Hilltopper's post because the first video below is the third match-up of the year between Glenbard West and Tavari's (White jersey, #5 ) Lyons Township. I have to say the masks under the players chins make me laugh. But hey, they are technically wearing them and in compliance. I wish Tavari had a little more strength at this point, but he otherwise looks to have all the tools to be special. Groce has to be licking his chops. Go Zips!! Some inspiration for the Akron Rowdies: "I believe that we will win" Chant at the 1:12:40 mark. In this one, you get a quick mention of Akron at 1:08:00 and I noticed Tavari is able to drive and shoot lay ups with either hand. Then at the 1:12:00 mark you have a nice mid-range jump shot followed by a steal and dunk. "He's got what the players call bunnies".