Blue & Gold Posted February 13, 2022 Report Share Posted February 13, 2022 2 hours ago, Let'sGoZips94 said: Who transfers after this season? I have 2 thoughts - Trimble & Clarke. We'll be DEEP at guard from a body standpoint, and Trimble & Clarke has shown to be big time liabilities (although I like Clarke's flashes of potential). Interesting. I've typed up 3 different reply posts to this but didn't post any of them because I'm so far from figuring this team out that I just don't know what to think. A month ago we were set on Wynn being an obvious transfer candidate, but he's been playing better lately, is one of only 2 true wing players we have (along with Ali) and Trimble's shooting's been ice cold & he's a liability on defense. I truly have no idea. Are we looking to bring Seny on? (I must reiterate that I only think that's who I saw at the game... but I'm pretty sure.) That would give us 4 post players in Freeman, Aziz, Kalle, and Seny - none of which seem to be stretch post players. I wish we were privy to some practice sessions or, better yet, scrimmages. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Let'sGoZips94 Posted February 13, 2022 Report Share Posted February 13, 2022 1 hour ago, Blue & Gold said: Interesting. I've typed up 3 different reply posts to this but didn't post any of them because I'm so far from figuring this team out that I just don't know what to think. A month ago we were set on Wynn being an obvious transfer candidate, but he's been playing better lately, is one of only 2 true wing players we have (along with Ali) and Trimble's shooting's been ice cold & he's a liability on defense. I truly have no idea. Are we looking to bring Seny on? (I must reiterate that I only think that's who I saw at the game... but I'm pretty sure.) That would give us 4 post players in Freeman, Aziz, Kalle, and Seny - none of which seem to be stretch post players. I wish we were privy to some practice sessions or, better yet, scrimmages. If Wynn keeps up this effort and production, he can stay. He fits as that gritty, tough wing guy that can be physical - IF he keeps this up. Otherwise, he's gone with Trimble and Clarke stays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z.I.P. Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 On 2/12/2022 at 2:01 PM, Blue & Gold said: Are we looking to bring Seny on? (I must reiterate that I only think that's who I saw at the game... but I'm pretty sure.) That would give us 4 post players in Freeman, Aziz, Kalle, and Seny - none of which seem to be stretch post players. I wish we were privy to some practice sessions or, better yet, scrimmages. Sorry, but...who is "Seny"? Only person on roster close to that is Isaiah Brooks-Sena -- who's a GA coach. 🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Let'sGoZips94 Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 3 hours ago, Z.I.P. said: Sorry, but...who is "Seny"? Only person on roster close to that is Isaiah Brooks-Sena -- who's a GA coach. 🤔 https://247sports.com/player/seny-ndiaye-46093879/ @Blue & Gold thinks he saw Seny at the KSUcks game. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoyalZIP Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 I still think Wynn is gone after this year. I’d be pretty surprised if Trimble left. I think he and Wynn both only have a year of eligibility left and have already used their first transfer, which my understanding is they would not be able to play immediately upon leaving. Clarke was on my official unofficial Portal Watch but the last couple of weeks has played much better. He was really good against Kent on Friday and has once again shown flashes of greatness. He bricked a wide open three in the first half Friday, which you just can’t do in big games. But I like him right now and I think he could be a great asset to this program in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 They could play right away as a grad transfer though, assuming they've graduated. I doubt Wynn will be back 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoyalZIP Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 22 minutes ago, zippy5 said: They could play right away as a grad transfer though, assuming they've graduated. I doubt Wynn will be back Thanks for the reminder, among all of the transfer rule changes I had forgotten one as basic as that. My bad on that. I do still think Wynn is gone as with the new guys coming in, I don't know why he would stick around to play 5 minutes a game. Trimble, on the other hand, could probably find a spot on any team as a shooter, but his streaky-ness could keep teams away. His shooting since coming back from COVID is in the 20% range and that could be enough for schools to pass on him. At that point, Groce believes in him and will give him minutes so I don't see why he'd think he would find a much better situation. I could be wrong, of course. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Let'sGoZips94 Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 (edited) 7 hours ago, LoyalZIP said: Thanks for the reminder, among all of the transfer rule changes I had forgotten one as basic as that. My bad on that. I do still think Wynn is gone as with the new guys coming in, I don't know why he would stick around to play 5 minutes a game. Trimble, on the other hand, could probably find a spot on any team as a shooter, but his streaky-ness could keep teams away. His shooting since coming back from COVID is in the 20% range and that could be enough for schools to pass on him. At that point, Groce believes in him and will give him minutes so I don't see why he'd think he would find a much better situation. I could be wrong, of course. Groce probably believes in him, but he has to play him. He has no other 3 pt options. Jesus Take the Wheel situation. Edited February 14, 2022 by Let'sGoZips94 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reslife4Life Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 I really don't see Trimble leaving, he gets playing time, he has a specific role on the team, Groce believes in him, to my knowledge. I think Wynn leaving is a real possibility, he doesn't have a set role, he doesn't get along with the coach, and I don't think any starters will leave a spot open for him. One other guy I could see leaving would be Mikal Dawson; he's going to be a "junior" (4th season) still not having a starting spot (that I can see). His sister is going to be graduating, not that would be a huge factor, but it could make it easier for him to leave. I really hope he doesn't transfer, but if he continues in this 6th man role next year when he is capable of starting, I could see him on a different team next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoyalZIP Posted February 14, 2022 Report Share Posted February 14, 2022 3 minutes ago, Reslife4Life said: I really don't see Trimble leaving, he gets playing time, he has a specific role on the team, Groce believes in him, to my knowledge. I think Wynn leaving is a real possibility, he doesn't have a set role, he doesn't get along with the coach, and I don't think any starters will leave a spot open for him. One other guy I could see leaving would be Mikal Dawson; he's going to be a "junior" (4th season) still not having a starting spot (that I can see). His sister is going to be graduating, not that would be a huge factor, but it could make it easier for him to leave. I really hope he doesn't transfer, but if he continues in this 6th man role next year when he is capable of starting, I could see him on a different team next year. I see what you’re saying……but no God please no!!! That dude is a program-changer. A glue guy if there ever was one. Plus, I don’t know if he has the skill set yet to be a top 2-3 player on a team at this level. A good point by you though, and something to watch for. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini Zip Posted February 15, 2022 Report Share Posted February 15, 2022 (edited) On 2/12/2022 at 7:01 PM, Blue & Gold said: That would give us 4 post players in Freeman, Aziz, Kalle, and Seny - none of which seem to be stretch post players. 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. Edited February 15, 2022 by Illini Zip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Let'sGoZips94 Posted February 18, 2022 Report Share Posted February 18, 2022 I'm adding Wynn to my transfer predictions, and removing Ali & X. Ali is pissing me off, but he's an Indiana golden child of Groce's, and I think he ultimately turns it around with proper leadership at the guard position. X isn't going to sit out a year, and maybe some actual competition at guard kicks his butt into gear to be in the game mentally 100%. Final transfer predictions: Wynn & Trimble. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 Losing Walton & Trimble, but gaining Prather Jr., & Tavari Johnson, we're now on spot with our scholarship limit next season, correct? P.s. I'm renigging on my Michael-Wynn-to-the-Transfer-Portal prediction. 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue & Gold Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 On 11/14/2021 at 10:39 PM, Illini Zip said: Zips add Ryan Prather Jr. I'm answering my own question. Yeah, we're all even now. That does mean, however, there won't be any additions through the TP this off season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWAkron Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 2 minutes ago, Blue & Gold said: I'm answering my own question. Yeah, we're all even now. That does mean, however, there won't be any additions through the TP this off season. does anyone have a good link for the transfer portal. The one i found is really hard to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini Zip Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) I did update the chart last night to the best of my understanding. I will copy it here at the end of the thread. Edited March 15, 2022 by Illini Zip 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LZIp Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) 16 minutes ago, NWAkron said: does anyone have a good link for the transfer portal. The one i found is really hard to use. 247 is probably going to have the best list outside of the official one, which I don't believe us peasants have access to. https://247sports.com/Season/2022-Basketball/TransferPortal/ Edit: Actually VerballCommits is probably better for basketball. https://www.verbalcommits.com/transfers/2022 Edited March 15, 2022 by LZIp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Let'sGoZips94 Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 All of a sudden there's a log jam at guard. I think one of the redshirt guards and/or Kalle could be candidates for transferring out. If that WVU center was on campus, Groce isn't done constructing this roster. I expect 1 or 2 new TP players on this roster next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoyalZIP Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 I also expect a transfer or two. It wouldn't be the end of the world, as nice as it would be to bring back every single guy that has been working together for so long now. It's just not really realistic in 2022. I wouldn't be surprised if it was indeed Wynn, maybe Kalle and a guard as well. There's a lot of cooks in the kitchen, and Wynn still hasn't necessarily become an integral part of the program. On top of that, he's a fouling machine. I could definitely see him wanting to graduate and finish up somewhere he can see 25+ minutes a night. But he really did change his whole attitude and the staff used him perfectly down the stretch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini Zip Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 I am now leaning towards Wynn being back next year. He does have a limited role and that's not likely to change, but he seems to be out of the dog house with the staff. He does hustle on defense, rebound and looks to be a glue guy in the locker room. Which has it's value. And maybe he plays a bunch early on knowing he is going to get passed up. If Groce is able to land a great 2-4 year eligible player in the transfer portal then maybe not. But seeing him pour water over Groce after the win makes me wonder why he might be feeling so comfortable. Also, the staff will have their work cut out for themselves next year bringing a full freshman class up to game speed. Having another person around who already knows how things are done and can help instill the culture into the newbies might be a benefit. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kreed5120 Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) I'd really like if we could add a stretch 4. Our lineup can be pretty small at times and having another 6'8 big who can drain 3s on the roster would add more size and floor spacing. It would also allow us to be able to match up better with bigger teams. We've tried going big with Freeman and Aziz on the court together, but they can't co-exist as neither one can score away from the hoop. Someone like Xeyrius Williams would have been a perfect fit for this team. Edited March 15, 2022 by kreed5120 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkwgriswold Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 15 minutes ago, kreed5120 said: I'd really like if we could add a stretch 4. Our lineup can be pretty small at times and having another 6'8 big who can drain 3s on the roster would add more size and floor spacing. It would also allow us to be able to match up better with bigger teams. We've tried going big with Freeman and Aziz on the court together, but they can't co-exist as neither one can score away from the hoop. Someone like Xeyrius Williams would have been a perfect fit for this team. I was thinking the reincarnation of X as I read your post then came to the last sentence. His 9.5 rpg were a real bonus too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini Zip Posted March 15, 2022 Report Share Posted March 15, 2022 I have been waiting for that aspect of this offense the whole time. I thought we finally had our stretch 4 with Taylor Currie. But you're right, X Williams is the closest we have had and he was more of an over-sized wing. That was sure nice though. Hopefully our current bigs develop some kind of shot away from the basket in the off-season. And maybe 2023 is the class we finally land a true stretch 4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LZIp Posted March 16, 2022 Report Share Posted March 16, 2022 My thoughts likely would have been different maybe even a week ago, definitely when we lost to Kent, NIU, and WMU..but the way the team came together post Trimble and the way they performed in the tournament really makes me hesitant to make any changes. We're young and have arrived a year early. These guys are going to be hungry after getting a taste of the tournament. The only noticeable area I'd want to improve is backup PG, but Clarke has improved throughout the season and the freshman have the talent to challenge him, so I think that will take care of itself. I've talked about about not having that DJ Cooper/LCJ type of guard, but X has shown we can win even if that isn't him. He's tough, plays good D, and shoots pretty solid. Everyone is really excelling in their roles right now. It's tough for me to support bringing somebody in to mess it up unless its a can't pass up type of player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zippy5 Posted March 16, 2022 Report Share Posted March 16, 2022 X played defense at the level DJ Cooper scored at last weekend. He had his share of points too, valuable guy playing like that 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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