Illini Zip

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".

We do have trouble inbounding at times though. Edit: Groce said in post-game interview that Freeman doesn't ever inbound the ball. Freeman took ownership for the mistake, let alone the turn-over. Offering to run suicides as a self-imposed punishment. Ha!! He's just too good to be real.

Record aside, NIU played tough. Great game and win. Go Zips!!

If he can, Groce has some really nice pick and pop action for a big who can hit set shots at 10 foot.

Agreed. And I will add that it helps that the bench has improved.

It appears Trimble was pulled after a defensive break down.

Ali is a bit out of sorts.

I confess, I wore Chuck Taylor Converse All-Stars.

Damn Tribble!!!

Zips are playing well, but NIU is hanging around.

Our friends sure ask the darnedest questions, don't they? 😀

I agree with you that it's a concern @Z.I.P.. I am personally hoping Tavari Johnson is able to come in and make an immediate impact because of the position he plays. And I would say that if Prather or anyone comes into Summer camp their Freshman year and produces they are likely to be on the active roster. That is the benefit of competitive practices. You either grade out or you don't. We have a starter right now who was a walk-on and Taylor Currie, the forward with all the credentials in the world is gone. Nothing is promised. I'm just speculating out load about Prather anyway.

I completely agree @Blue & Gold. If everything we believe to be true today holds that is going to be one deep roster. So much so that unless Prather comes in and completely lights it up, it would be in his best interest to take a red-shirt year. Something that rarely happens with guards, but we might have a traffic jam at the guard spot. And I'm thinking we might be right back to a running and pressing team next year anyway.

Got it. That makes sense. Thank you.

Here is another question. Why is Miami the sweaters? Asking for a friend.

See, I thought there was a ruling like that too, but I read online earlier in the year that any time on the court during the season counts. Does anyone know if Kalle is still redshirt eligible?