Game 29- Western Michigan

[zipsrule]

10 minutes ago, Illini Zip said:

Who likes this starting line up and would prefer Tribble coming off the bench?

I like the fact it gives us some options depending on the opponent.

[Illini Zip]

10 minutes ago, clarkwgriswold said:

I've always liked the idea of Tribble off of the bench.  Unfortunately, I hate the idea of Sammy starting more than I like the idea of Tribble off of the bench.

 

It will be interesting next year with Dawson back. 

[zipsrule]

Looking at the box score, we had 22 assists on 29 baskets.  That's impressive.

[1981 grad]

19 minutes ago, Illini Zip said:

Who likes this starting line up and would prefer Tribble coming off the bench?

Not me.  Tired of seeing Sammy miss his first 5 shots to start the game.  He had a great dunk and a couple of nice baskets after the lead reached 20.  No way should he start.

[zipsrule]

Just now, Illini Zip said:

 

It will be interesting next year with Dawson back. 

More lineup options.

[RooFan]

5 minutes ago, zipsrule said:

Looking at the box score, we had 22 assists on 29 baskets.  That's impressive.

They moved the ball well on the interior from the high post to the block tonight. That was nice to see helped increase the assist ratio.

[LoyalZIP]

WMU is a pretty decent rebounding team. A big reason the Zips struggled there was their inability to get the advantage. Without Freeman on the floor, you can really see how the roster struggles with that skill. Very interesting to watch, and an afterthought at times. Rebounding is an art. 

[1981 grad]

Heard the Johnsons on the post game show.  Really represents Akron well.  So impressed that Groce can find great student athletes.  Tavari talked about how Groce wants him to play better defense to get more time.  He had 2 steals tonight.  Also admitted the bank shot was not planned.  Nate talked about how much the red shirt helped him to prepare for this year.  He also indicated that he is being more aggressive.  I hope he continues to improve each game.  We need that to advance in Cleveland.

[Z.I.P.]

2 hours ago, zipsrule said:

Can someone tell me why Norman was in until the end hoisting 3s?  Padding his personal stats?

Can you imagine if he and Sincerely Carry were on the same team?  What coach could put up with that?  😉😉

[Z.I.P.]

2 hours ago, LoyalZIP said:

X is most likely out of the POY running, but should be 1st team slam dunk. He was a bit off and still put up a big...

Surprised to read that!  He had 23 tonight and is averaging just under 22.  That has to be tops in the league...with the possible exception of an EMU player who is a FAIL.  And he's a senior, which is an advantage.

Who's ahead of X-Cast who's not in an Akron uniform?  ...Thinking...Milner?  IF Toledo wins the regular season that's to his advantage, but he doesn't have POY numbers.

[NWAkron]

15 minutes ago, Z.I.P. said:

Can you imagine if he and Sincerely Carry were on the same team?  What coach could put up with that?  😉😉

Add in Bates!  

Ray J Dennis is the likely POY

Edited February 26, 2023 by NWAkron

[Blue & Gold]

 

[Blue & Gold]

12 hours ago, Illini Zip said:

Shoot that open 3 Enrique!!

Coach mentioned on the postgame show that Enrique should have no doubt shot that! 😂

[Blue & Gold]

10 hours ago, Illini Zip said:

 

It will be interesting next year with Dawson back. 

 

10 hours ago, zipsrule said:

More lineup options.

And add Prather into the mix.

[LoyalZIP]

9 hours ago, NWAkron said:

Add in Bates!  

Ray J Dennis is the likely POY

Bingo. I think Dennis has locked it up, and deserves it. 

[GP1]

1 hour ago, Blue & Gold said:

 

The ABJ can't get a single AP action shot of the game against WMU?

[Illini Zip]

6 hours ago, Blue & Gold said:

 

And add Prather into the mix.

 

Agreed. Out of likes over here.

 

I know this is too early for this, but my mind is already tinkering with next year's roster.

 

I could see Prather backing up Dawson at the three. Tavari, Clarke and Nate switching off at the point. Tribble playing at all guard positions. Kobe getting more time at the shooting guard spot. Hunter and Lyles backing up the four and five. And hopefully, Marvin Musiime-Kamali or another one of the young forwards can work their way into the rotation and fill the Ali Ali or Xerius Williams role at the 4 spot.

[Blue & Gold]

3 hours ago, Illini Zip said:

 

Agreed. Out of likes over here.

 

I know this is too early for this, but my mind is already tinkering with next year's roster.

 

I could see Prather backing up Dawson at the three. Tavari, Clarke and Nate switching off at the point. Tribble playing at all guard positions. Kobe getting more time at the shooting guard spot. Hunter and Lyles backing up the four and five. And hopefully, Marvin Musiime-Kamali or another one of the young forwards can work their way into the rotation and fill the Ali Ali or Xerius Williams role at the 4 spot.

Also out of Likes 😂

 

I really hope Dawson bounces back strong from his achilles injury.  We'll see 🤞

 

I'm picking Kobe to transfer out, leaving us an opening, which I think we'll once again fill with a grad transfer shooting guard, as the three point shooting on this team could be questionable after the departure of X.

 

I think Tavari is going to be an absolutely killer PG who will continue our tradition of having elite PG play.

 

I love seeing Nate's confidence grow. He's doing a great job now of picking his spots. Another off season & I'll bet he's ready to let it fly.

[Illini Zip]

2 minutes ago, Blue & Gold said:

I'm picking Kobe to transfer out, leaving us an opening, which I think we'll once again fill with a grad transfer shooting guard, as the three point shooting on this team could be questionable after the departure of X.

 

All good stuff. But this could very well be true unfortunately. I did think of that also.