Pregame: Illinois at Hawaii, Friday, Novmber 16th, 11:30pm CT

[Dan]

Team and staff are on their way to Pearl Harbor now for a tour. Busy day with film, practice, meetings and study table also planned. #Illini

http://twitter.com/IlliniHoops

[Dan]

Picture with a survivor of Pearl Harbor and the pamphlets we just got. http://instagr.am/p/SBSbCah52O/



http://twitter.com/tylergriffey

[Dan]

Rainbow warriors http://instagr.am/p/SBS01dh52i/



http://twitter.com/tylergriffey

[john1412illini]

i hope they take this game seriously. hawaii makes a living off of hustling trap games. theyre crowds/fans can also be ruthlessly classless. believe izzo had lots of complaints when msu played the rainbow warriors at home.

[Dan]

Can't put into words what I'm feeling after visiting the USS Arizona Memorial. http://instagr.am/p/SBam5xB58Z/



http://twitter.com/tylergriffey

[wpr]

I love it that the team went to Pearl. (and so many of them were moved by it.) My wife and I started our day there and ended it on the Surrender Deck of the Missouri.
we had a fantastic day and will remember it forever.
I can still see and smell the oil when we were on the Arizona Memorial.

[Dan]

Unbelievable experience at Pearl Harbor. Always remember the fallen. #USA http://pic.twitter.com/4MTkaBJn



http://twitter.com/MLaTulip_5

[Dan]

RT @Sturdy32: @MLaTulip_5 went there last time the #Illini were in Hawaii....just amazing. Make sure to talk to the survivors if you get a chance.

RT @MLaTulip_5: @Sturdy32 put things in perspective that's for sure. We've talked to a few survivors. Extremely humbling.

[Dan]

RT @kevinberardini Unbelievably touching experience at pearl harbor. Puts things in perspective

U.S.S Arizona Memorial. Oil still leaks out, #3 Gun Turret remains #PearlHarbor http://instagr.am/p/SBf2iWypWz/



http://twitter.com/BP3

Pearl Harbor http://instagr.am/p/SBgVOsNrJJ/



http://twitter.com/B1G_Samb0

[Magoo2]

Originally Posted by Dan

Sheraton Maui Hotel and Resort.

Sweet......Our hotel is right next to theirs.

[Illini70math]

The thing my wife loved about the memorial is that the captain's name is listed in among the crew, not first or last. They all gave all they had.

It should strike a chord for our player if they realize that many of the sailors who perished were about the same age they are now. It does put things in perspective.

[Dan]

Groce: Went to Pearl Harbor this morning. Really put things in perspective for the guys.

Groce: Not a sun worshiper, usually operates with SPF 75 or higher.

http://twitter.com/MarcusJ_NG

Groce- "I'm not what you would call a sun worshipper"

"Wants team to be present in every moment here in Hawaii."

http://twitter.com/Sturdy32

[Dan]

Groce: Optimistic about the way they played Monday with Hawaii looming. Older guys help with that.

Groce: Keep getting tabs on Jamall Walker and his wife Rebekah who are expecting child very soon.

Groce: Brandon Miller will step in and be allowed to coach during Hawaii trip.

http://twitter.com/MarcusJ_NG

Jamall Walker back home due to birth of child, Brandon Miller will step in

http://twitter.com/Sturdy32

[Dan]

Groce-first time ever in Hawaii. Games were already on the schedule. Getting out here early will help with the adjustment.

Groce- Hawaii plays fast will challenge their transition defense

http://twitter.com/Sturdy32

Groce: Hawaii tempo will challenge transition defense.

http://twitter.com/MarcusJ_NG

[Dan]

Minutes after his teleconference, @JohnGroce discusses the practice plan with the staff during a quick lunch. #Illini http://pic.twitter.com/xES45XPI



http://twitter.com/IlliniHoops

[Dan]

Time for practice then advance scouting opponents for Maui tonight.

http://twitter.com/Dustin_Ford

[Bernie1918]

Leave for Hawaii tomorrow & staying at team hotel. Does anyone know what time the shoot around is for the team Friday morning & what time the bus leaves the hotel for the game? I would like to cheer the players on!!

[Illini First]

Picture of USS Arizona tribute by TG. Hope team get to talk to the few survivors.

Thank you Tyler. Much appreciated.

[Dan]

Audio: Today's John Groce teleconference.

Groce talks Hawaii trip & Hawaii game starting 9:00-

http://www.fightingillini.com/allaccess/?media=352822

[Dan]

Practice time! #Illini #hawaii http://pic.twitter.com/tt7HVHUX



http://twitter.com/momash09

[zoggle101]

Originally Posted by IlliniFandom

According to kenpom, they are ranked 229. Looking at their previous box scores, they seem to rely on three-four guys pretty heavily for the bulk of the minutes. They have size and are very forward heavy and have some good experience. This game seems tough even though they may not be ranked as high as St. Francis, but they could pose some match-up problems for our guards.

PG - Brandon Spearman 6'3 Jr
F/G - Hauns Brereton 6'6 Sr
SF - Chrstian Standhardinger 6'8 Jr
C - Vander Joaquim 6'10 Sr

Those seem like the guys that get the heaviest rotation. I think it will be interesting to see if the Illini can wear these guys out with our athleticism and out-rebound/guard their length as a team. Should make for a good game.

3 of the 4 guys listed are transfers. Joaquin is the only guy other than the three freshman who get serious time that has only been a Rainbow He is a big, strong center but endurance seems to be a problem. I couldn't imagine what his numbers would be if he played 30 mpg and this guy along with Karnowski from Gonzaga are why Ibby is a valuable member of our squad. Brereton is their leading scorer after starting his career at University of Northern Colorado, Stanhardinger played for Nebraska for two years before heading West, and Brandon Spearman started at Dayton before palying his sophomore year at a community college. They also have a immediately eligible guard from Utah who starts. Hawaii also starts and plays three freshman in their top 8.

I watched these guys the other night and I'm going to reiterate that this will not be a cakewalk even for a team with a lot of new parts.

Gonzaga has depth in my opinion. Stockton looked really good and actually played more than Pangos. Hart had a solid game on both sides of the ball plus the Dragnisis(sp) kid who is a rs freshman earned time. They'll also have Olynik back to further solidify one of the best front courts in the country with Sam Dower, Elias Harris, Karnowski, and Kelly Olynik. Pangos and Bell could play on any team in America and I'm serious when I say Edi is much improved.

West Va shot 11% from three and 27% from two. They were never in it. I don't know if the 1 a.m east coast start time out west or playing in the raucous Kennel was the problem. I think both hurt, the refs didn't help with all the whistles early and everything GB jr threw up went in. I will say the Mountaineers looked extremely selfish. They'll be competitive this year and finish in the top 6 in my opinion in the Big 12.

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Bernie1918

Leave for Hawaii tomorrow & staying at team hotel. Does anyone know what time the shoot around is for the team Friday morning & what time the bus leaves the hotel for the game? I would like to cheer the players on!!

I'd ask the http://twitter.com/IlliniHoops twitter account, they may be able to give you the details.

[jmac85]

I am stationed at Hickam AFB and just bought tickets to the game. Ive been a follower on this thread for many years! Pretty excited that my first glimpse of this years team will be live.

[BrooksTaylorFan]

Originally Posted by jmac85

I am stationed at Hickam AFB and just bought tickets to the game. Ive been a follower on this thread for many years! Pretty excited that my first glimpse of this years team will be live.

Thank you for your service, Jmac!

[wpr]

Originally Posted by jmac85

I am stationed at Hickam AFB and just bought tickets to the game. Ive been a follower on this thread for many years! Pretty excited that my first glimpse of this years team will be live.

That is awesome. And like BTF says, THANK YOU!
have a great time.