A look ahead to the 2012-13 Illini

[Dan]

Provided Abrams can stay healthy, his workload is about to increase. He's the only lead guard on the roster. And perhaps no player will determine the Illini's success or failure more than Abrams, who's in the process of learning what Groce wants in a point guard.

"So far it's a lot of spacing and using ball screens. We didn't use as many ball screens last year. And this (system), it's more about spacing," Abrams said after a recent workout. "I'm working on a lot of things that I need to do better, to be more consistent with. I'm working on a lot of shooting, learning the screens, taking care of the ball."

Abrams performs most of his individual workouts under the instruction of assistant Jamall Walker, his position coach. And the Chicago Mount Carmel product is honest in his self-appraisal. His shot and ball handling are improved. His quick decision-making — in a new scheme -- remains a work in progress.

Klee

(Lots of recruiting talk in that article too, please talk recruiting in the recruiting thread.)

[Illinois5]

I really think TA is going to have a break out year.

It's his time to shine in this new system.

[mdonsbach]

We know the personnel...what we don't know is how quickly the players can adjust to the new system.

[illynifan34]

Originally Posted by mdonsbach

We know the personnel...what we don't know is how quickly the players can adjust to the new system.

I would suspect we don't see a full on John Groce system this year. You'll see something in between what he did at OU and some motion. He doesn't have the players for his offense yet. Now on defense, I like what he can bring.

[xXMidwest KidXx]

Good read.

[Railsplitter]

Originally Posted by Illinois5

I really think TA is going to have a break out year.

It's his time to shine in this new system.

In my opinion TA was the best player on the team last year . No personal agendas or that me me me attitude . I think the kid is going to be great . Of course I know ML was the best , but Im refering to the returnees . I really beleive we'll see that happening this year and even more so the next . jmo

[HONDO3]

I think TA is a great player who exudes that relentlessness on D that Groce values so highly. Tracy leads by example and hopefully that rubs off on everyone on the roster.

[AK Illini]

It would be nice to experience a season that exceeds expectations for once.

[DaytonIllini]

Anyone want to translate what the defensive change is? When they say pack it in are they suggesting leaving the 3pt line unguarded?

[Philly Boy]

Originally Posted by AK Illini

It would be nice to experience a season that exceeds expectations for once.

What about Chet's senior year?

[AK Illini]

Originally Posted by Philly Boy

What about Chet's senior year?

feels like a decade ago and the dance was a let down

[job71188]

Originally Posted by DaytonIllini

Anyone want to translate what the defensive change is? When they say pack it in are they suggesting leaving the 3pt line unguarded?

I'm only basing this description off of Klee articles and player comments, so someone else can probably explain better. But based off what I've read, Weber's defense exerted a lot of energy trying to get in passing lanes and prevent players from ever getting the ball. If you man passed half court, you picked him up man to man even when he didn't have the ball. In Groce's defense, instead of trying to prevent you man from even getting the ball, you remain in better defensive position for when he does get it.

That's how I interpreted it at least. Can anyone with more basketball knowledge confirm this?

[WesterveltVictoryCigar]

Originally Posted by DaytonIllini

Anyone want to translate what the defensive change is? When they say pack it in are they suggesting leaving the 3pt line unguarded?

Pack Line defense

[DRS]

Originally Posted by WesterveltVictoryCigar

Pack Line defense

Nice link love the breakdown.

[DRS]

In regards to Abrams and this upcoming year, I am hard pressed to find a reason that he wont step it up. He was one of the only players who attempted to take last year's collapse head-on. He was one of the few players that earned my respect last year. In fact Abrams/DJ/Paul is a more than capable backcourt. Lets hope that the change in scheme is just what the doctor order. We all know that things grew beyond stagnant last year.

[Combo]

Originally Posted by DRS

In regards to Abrams and this upcoming year, I am hard pressed to find a reason that he wont step it up. He was one of the only players who attempted to take last year's collapse head-on. He was one of the few players that earned my respect last year. In fact Abrams/DJ/Paul is a more than capable backcourt. Lets hope that the change in scheme is just what the doctor order. We all know that things grew beyond stagnant last year.

I can give you a very good reason - his health. I like Abrams alot, but he has been injured at least 50% of the time starting with his Soph year of H.S.
We are on very thin ice with him as our sole PG.

[DanOhioAlum]

Ohio Alum here. I have been lurking the forums since y'all got OUr coach, I mentioned the pack line in this post: http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/Forum...2&postcount=30 A good link was posted above and there are a lot of videos on yOUtube also.

On offense, yOU may want to check OUt these coach's notes from variOUs sOUrces including JG clinics:

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...-zak-boisvert/ (Ohio's offense).

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...etball-clinic/

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...th-georgetown/ (JG's 1st NCAA tOUrney win as a head coach).

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...st-play-notes/ (While stIll at that school in Columbus formerly known as Ohio A&M).

Go Bobcats! Go Illini! (and enjoy yOUr national championships, they wIll come, tIll then enjoy the ride)

Dan

[Warriors1994]

Watch out for JB is think he can be dangerous in this offense... i think the whole team is going to be a little underestimated

[chi town]

Just wondering if anybody had any infor on how MH and DL have beem playing in open gym and wht they roles will be this year.

[Serious Late]

Originally Posted by DanOhioAlum

Ohio Alum here. I have been lurking the forums since y'all got OUr coach, I mentioned the pack line in this post: http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/Forum...2&postcount=30 A good link was posted above and there are a lot of videos on yOUtube also.

On offense, yOU may want to check OUt these coach's notes from variOUs sOUrces including JG clinics:

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...-zak-boisvert/ (Ohio's offense).

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...etball-clinic/

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...th-georgetown/ (JG's 1st NCAA tOUrney win as a head coach).

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...st-play-notes/ (While stIll at that school in Columbus formerly known as Ohio A&M).

Go Bobcats! Go Illini! (and enjoy yOUr national championships, they wIll come, tIll then enjoy the ride)

Dan

I see what you are doing there... Clever

[DaytonIllini]

Originally Posted by WesterveltVictoryCigar

Pack Line defense

Thanks. I can't believe I never heard of it. Sounds like it would have been very helpful for the Illini the past few years as they have had a lot of trouble keeping quickish PG's out of the lane.

[DaytonIllini]

Originally Posted by DanOhioAlum

Ohio Alum here. I have been lurking the forums since y'all got OUr coach, I mentioned the pack line in this post: http://www.illinoisloyalty.com/Forum...2&postcount=30 A good link was posted above and there are a lot of videos on yOUtube also.

On offense, yOU may want to check OUt these coach's notes from variOUs sOUrces including JG clinics:

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...-zak-boisvert/ (Ohio's offense).

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...etball-clinic/

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...th-georgetown/ (JG's 1st NCAA tOUrney win as a head coach).

http://www.mensbasketballhoopscoop.c...st-play-notes/ (While stIll at that school in Columbus formerly known as Ohio A&M).

Go Bobcats! Go Illini! (and enjoy yOUr national championships, they wIll come, tIll then enjoy the ride)

Dan

[chief3469]

Does anyone know if there will be any type of midnight madness event before the O&B scrimmage?

[HeartofaChampion]

Originally Posted by chi town

Just wondering if anybody had any infor on how MH and DL have beem playing in open gym and wht they roles will be this year.

Last I heard about open gym workouts was back in July. MyH impressed the staff with his shooting in drills but was hit and miss in open gym scrimmages over the summer. Insider friend who worked at Ubben until getting a new job in August saw him a few times. Said MyH's laid-back nature was his own worst enemy. Some games he'd go off and score in bunches from 3 (saw him nail 5 or 6 triples in a row in one scrimmage) and in the paint. Does a nice job of getting position for offensive putbacks, though my buddy said MyH tended to fall in love with the 3 too much in scrimmages, and his ballhandling needs work for a guy his size. Coaches want to see him play with more consistent energy and intensity. I'd guess he'll get some PT off the bench at the 4 and the 3 this winter.

Like MyH, DL is not a high-energy guy on the floor, which is what JG needs for his system to work. DL lets the game come to him, which translates to he isn't very assertive. Buddy said DL rarely is among the leading scorers in scrimmages. Kind of just blends in. Can score from mid-range but doesn't have a high motor and isn't one to get out and run, though he said DL has good court vision and passing skills. Has decent skills but doesn't excel at any one thing. Unless the light bulb goes on this season, my guess is he won't play much and then will get passed up in the rotation by JG's 2013 recruits in 2013-14. He doesn't really fit JG's system as a stretch 4 or a wing who can either bomb away from 3 or drive and create.

[Dan]

Originally Posted by chief3469

Does anyone know if there will be any type of midnight madness event before the O&B scrimmage?

I do not believe so.