Illini Zip

Halligan for 3!!

Any free hotdogs or tacos??? I’m asking for Joe Akron.

Evan with a 3 pointer.

Can we see Brisco please!!! 🙏

Barre sighting.

Turning into a bit of rec ball. Great shooting, but our defense has dropped off. Not that I’m complaining while up 33 points.

I’ll throw Oggy in there too. They all rebound on the defensive end and start the fast break themselves with the dribble.

I like that we played aggressively right to the very end of the half. Hopefully, stay as locked in after the break.

47-27 Zips at the half.

Fouling 3 point shooters drives me nuts.

Good energy today.

It’s a shame we had to play Amani right away. With a redshirt year he would be a Junior today. 😔

Rewatching this game I have to say Evan is a really good piece for us. It might not always show on the stat sheet, but he hustles on defense. Makes good passes. And does the intangibles. Because he has a physical stature similar to Lyles I was crediting the wrong guy at times. He did miss a wide open three, but I like that he didn’t hesitate in taking it. The form looks good too.

I don’t want an instagram account, but I would like to know what Hilltopper’s video is about.

I think we all understand by now that the scholarship chart will likely be torched at the end of each season. That said, it's still helpful to have a long-term vision of what is possible. I'm less than confident with this update. Please let me know if you see an issue. Thanks. Zips add Ognjen Stankovic for 2025-6. RJ Jones and Jashawn Ladd for 2026-7. Cody Head (Junior), Tai Perkins and Josh Henderson (Freshmen) are redshirting this year. Never thought I would see a true PG redshirt, but times - they are a chang'n.

If you’re suggesting we benefited from some home cooking from the refs, I agree but payback is a bitch. I remember that game in their house very well. Anyway, the game was plenty physical both ways and I liked that the refs let the little stuff go. It allowed the game to flow and be enjoyable to watch. The MAC refs will still get their chance to grind our lives to a halt.

A good point made by our radio guys. Eric Mahaffey might be a redshirt freshman, but this was his very first college game ever. I will add that this was a high level game for a season opener and he looked quite comfortable out there.

Thank you Clark!!

Clark, is this the type of scrimmage where everyone is getting plenty of playing time or is this more of a dress rehearsal where roles are already becoming established?

I will say Groce goes with 2 players this year. Tavari and Amani.

My guess is Groce and Tod K. I can't see Tod giving Groce much credit for anything. Their post-game hand shakes are quite brief.

I don’t see Tavari in those photos. Anyone have a comment on his play during the scrimmage?

I remember reading that we added a new assistant coach, but didn’t realize that we parted ways with Jon Ekey after 1 year. Can anyone give some insight as to if it didn’t work out or if he got a better opportunity.

This would be my best guess as well. TJ Scott Eric Mahaffey Evan Mahaffey Lyles Young, Head, Hardman, MMK or Stankovic, and Barre quickly off the bench.

I completely agree. I do see him as someone who is completely bought in and enjoying this opportunity. Not sure what his ceiling is, but I would bet he made the most of this offseason.