Illini Zip

Let's go Zips!!

I agree with these statements. Groce will keep all options on the table because situations arise creating roster holes to fill, but he will likely transition to mostly high school recruits as these transfers/Jucos move on.

Such as Illinois State, ranked 68th.

Sports Illustrated Preseason Rankings (Akron ranked 3rd in the Mac) https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2018/10/31/college-hoops-rankings-every-team-kansas-duke-kentucky?utm_campaign=sinow&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&xid=socialflow_twitter_si

I like the new uniforms. Very solid. My suggestion would be to create an additional alternate uniform that is all gold with navy letters and numbers (white accent).

@Hilltopper have you been able to see any practices? I'm just curious if you have more to add here. It looks like we are all focused on the same group of players.

Maybe not on day 1, but sure. Ivey has had some big games, but he could be more effective driving to the hoop. For me, it's about Ivey's leadership. I would love to see some of these battles play out in practice.

We have such limited knowledge at this point and I expect the lineup and rotation to be evolving throughout much of the season, but it's so fun to speculate. My starting five are: PG: Banks SG: Hester SF: Ivey PF: Utomi C: Sayles Edit: After revisiting Hester's highlight videos I made a change at SG. I could also see Toles challenge Ivey, but Ivey has experience on his side and as long as he's being an effective leader he should be locked into the starting lineup.

When asked about this very scenario back at Illinois, Groce would simply reply; "I can count". My best guess is Groce decided he's not just giving out scholarships at this point, he's giving out opportunities to compete for scholarships. There will be plenty of attrition again next year. But this time when the dust clears there should still be a full roster in place. Not like this year, where it feels like we are rebuilding again for a second season.

Will he be playing for Akron during the 2019-2020 season as a Junior?

Now that's a wing span.

This is actually a complete mystery to me...again for a second year. On one hand a number of players got some valuable playing time in the system and then we also let a bunch of players go. So even if the talent level on the roster is improved, these guys are going to need time to gel. Especially with new point guards. I agree the non-conference schedule isn't overly exciting and not built to earn an at-large, but they will have a few opportunities to challenge themselves. And practically speaking, the team can't rebuild every year so hopefully going forward as this team matures the schedule will strengthen right along with them.

Cotton v. Ivey 2.0. Perhaps even worse, right?

I didn't mean to turn this into an Illini conversation, but since it's slow maybe everyone won't mind taking a break from the Lady Zips and their new basketball coach.

In a word, yes. Illinois has been after a number of quality bigs already since Groce and have struck out on every one of them. That was predictable. I know, because I was bouncing off the ceiling predicting it. I realize Jeremiah Tilmon had a very humbling Freshman year for Mizzou and was constantly in foul trouble, but I bet he is still NBA bound. We shall see over these next couple of years if he could have been a program changer for Illinois. In the meantime, I get to watch a waste of 7 foot, with a bad disposition. So true.

In related news... 7 foot PCCC grad transfer Adonis De La Rosa is headed to Illinois. Why God why?! Why must you challenge me like this? He's a Golden Flush and if I am not mistaken he is the punk-ass who was provoking Cotton from the bench. Ugh!!

Yes Let'sGoZips94, I am thinking I would really enjoy attending this one. And it's the Cayman Islands in November. The gears are smoking.

If Tyler sits on the bench for too long he might get moldy.

And if his guy consistently blows bye him on defense, he will be referred to as Swiss Cheese.

Odds are you are right Clark. I am just saying Groce is likely putting in his best effort at this very moment.

I would add that even with the revamped roster that Let'sGoZips has laid out nicely, I bet Groce is still going hard at Neftali Alvarez. We have one roster spot left and the room for one more true point guard. Jackson is undersized and Banks is oversized. Both have a roll to play depending on the opponent, but a spot still exists for that dynamic difference maker. Come on Alvarez!! I would still take a true freshman big to red shirt if it's the right one.

Another south-paw too. Both Roscoe and Cheese are lefties. Lefties balance out the motion and attack on offense. Also, they can be a scouting nightmare for opponents.

I have to be the first to say it because it makes me laugh; Cheese for three!