Illini Zip

They should give him a second try. This time he wins the tax money he will need for his new car.

If Okonkwo returns I can see him playing a lot with Amani. Perhaps they both start, Amani at the 4 and Okonkwo at the 5 with Marvin and Brisco backing up. Amani just needs to keep improving his production from deep.

Something to keep in mind with Amani is that ideally this should be his Sophomore year. Either he chose not to redshirt or we needed him early on because we lacked depth at the position. I believe it was the latter due to the loss of Aziz Bandaogo and Ali Ali (for a season). It’s unfortunate.

Did I mention, I hate Toledo!!

I agree, with the exception of our defense. While not great, our defense has improved since January. Groce mentioned some bone-headed plays against Kent made by Johnson & Johnson in particular that need to get cleaned up. Also, our offense still needs work because teams are defending us differently. That said, if we are fortunate enough to make it to the NCAAT we would likely be able to run wide open like we did in January. So yes, all gas and no breaks to end the year, but I would rest Young if his knee is bothering him.

Toledo lost a trap game. Actually, the last 3 games must have been trap games.

I was watching on TV, but I thought I heard; “Cut your hair, freak!!” Maybe it was just me?

Thank you!!

Where are you watching?

I have seen someone in an arm sling standing behind the time-out huddles.

Indeed. And I will add that most bigs aren’t even physically developed enough to see the court as true freshman. Tavari’s rate of growth has really taken off this year. And his defense is much improved as well. He still needs to learn to count to five when inbounding the ball, but they all have something to work on. As for Young, his ceiling is insanely high in my opinion. The two of them together next season are going to drive the MAC crazy. Not to mention a new point guard apprentice, Tai’Ree Perkins coming in.

I love it!! Ha!!

That’s funny. Please elaborate.

Agree. Or at least limit his and some other guys minutes.

I’m watching the replay now myself. And the play in the second half where James turns into “Jimmy” has me thinking about just how much the Zips locker room is going to miss Wilson next year. After the timeout (11:57) Wilson runs right up to Jimmy and chest bumps him. You would think Wilson was a starter by the way the players respond to him getting right into the mix.

I have been concerned about Young for a while now. I guess it was the South Alabama game that he hurt his knee. He is back to playing extremely hard on defense so I guess he’s good to go. But he’s also a true freshman and his body is adjusting to a much longer and physical season.

No, but close. I believe he has a dunk too.

Has anyone filed a Missing Person Report? Seriously, what do we know?

I am fine with it for the last 2 minutes of a game especially since the rule came into effect due to Illinois getting hosed in Groce’s first year as their coach. (NCAAT, first game against Miami, FL) The whole nation lit up social media, but the officials at that time were not allowed to overturn an egregious call.

2 down, eleven more to go.

Our guys are struggling to run their best offense, but they do have fight.

For those wondering, that ball was off Kent State. The officials went to the monitor and still got it wrong.

Keep screaming Akron fans!! Our team is feeding off your energy.

Last year, I would not have thought Scott would ever have that in him.

Young was fired up with some great defense.