Illinois 71, Michigan 62 POSTGAME

#252      
Loved the game and win. I enjoyed the Juwan Howard press conference after the game. You could see the joy in his eyes for being back in Big Ten basketball. It will be a fight every game, glad we now have the team to be competitive.
 
#254      

Punesguy

Ft. Collins, CO
While I do not feel it was a must win like our Super Fan Mr. Katz, I do believe it was a pivotal one. It proved to the fans, the coaches and most importantly the players that they can stay competitive for 40 minutes (or about 37 minutes) and beat a top 5 team. If we play to our capabilities, there is no reason why this team shouldn't be dancing in March. It was an added bonus to hear that AM watched the game and tweeted about Ayo's stats. Even though there were a couple of nit picky little things we can improve upon, I would hope that even the most cynical Illini fans could feel good about what happened last night! Let's take care of OD and then put a complete whoopin' on Mizzou! Go Illini! :shield:
 
#255      
I don't think BU is getting enough credit for the offense this season. We only have 1 shooter on this team right now but we are still able to find driving lanes and get the ball inside. Many other teams would struggle to get Kofi and Giorgi touches on the block. We can do it basically whenever we want.

But still would like to see better end of clock execution. When the shot clock is winding down or end of half/game. To me it's blatantly obvious the ball needs to be in Trent's hands in these scenarios. He's the guy that can knock one down from 25ft+ and that opens everything else up. That's what Cowan did to us and that's what the Miami guard did to us.
 
#256      
I don't think BU is getting enough credit for the offense this season. We only have 1 shooter on this team right now but we are still able to find driving lanes and get the ball inside. Many other teams would struggle to get Kofi and Giorgi touches on the block. We can do it basically whenever we want.

But still would like to see better end of clock execution. When the shot clock is winding down or end of half/game. To me it's blatantly obvious the ball needs to be in Trent's hands in these scenarios. He's the guy that can knock one down from 25ft+ and that opens everything else up. That's what Cowan did to us and that's what the Miami guard did to us.


I would not expect the focus of this team, as to who is the go-to guy, to change (re-focus?). If it happens, it would be by accident, not design, IMHO.

But, I think you are right.
 
#257      
I would not expect the focus of this team, as to who is the go-to guy, to change (re-focus?). If it happens, it would be by accident, not design, IMHO.

But, I think you are right.

Well against Miami Ayo had the ball in his hands. Then Feliz against Maryland. Time for Trent to get his chance.
 
#258      
Well against Miami Ayo had the ball in his hands. Then Feliz against Maryland. Time for Trent to get his chance.

The point is that neither you nor I am the coach. AND, coaches are very stubborn. Do not expect change. IF a change happens then good.

BUT, change by itself will not make a diff. Consistency after the change matters. What if Trent fails (like Ayo and Feliz?). I think what you are saying, and I agree with you, is that Trent needs the ball in his hands here on out (for those situations). Even if Trent fails the first time.
 
Last edited:
#260      
Don't get me wrong, I love Tevian and he made some great defensive plays in limited action last year, but at this point would it make sense to redshirt? Is that even possible?

We need all the hands on deck now. This season. Tevian is a talent, he can contribute, immediately!
No Redshirt
 
Last edited:
#262      
If we only knew the specifics of the Tevian suspension maybe we would have more insight regarding his lack of playing time...hmmm,
 
#263      
One thing we do know, is that the suspension has been lifted off Tev and he is eligible to play. But I think at this point, he has to earn BU's trust.

That's big with coach, and now that he feels like he's seeing one of his teams for the first time since being here, he doesn't want to mess with rotations or tamper with what's working. You dont mess with a winning formula, and this team has executed at a pretty high level for about 76 minutes out of 80, in the last 2 games against Top 5 teams! So especially having these December conference games, Tev was going to sit and watch regardless...

He is a special talent tho, and these next set of non-conference games are going to be really big for him to get some live game action and be a trusted commodity inside the flow of this adjusted system right now! Because this is not the same team or system that he played for last year as a freshman, that seemingly constantly had him too sped up at times.

But with the two big guys playing together and Coach going away from the constant pressure Defense to more of a pack-line style, you could really see Tevian flourishing in this years adjusted system, once given the chance!

The halfcourt should come easier for him, and I think when Kofi's on the floor, you will see Tev's athleticism shine even more on the defensive end, knowing if he gets beat, his man wont be able to go straight to the basket with Kofi bearing down on them, giving him more time to recover and effect more shots.

You could really see where a lineup on both ends of the floor of Kofi, Giorgi, Tev, Ayo, and Trent/Feliz could really cause a lot of problems for opponents
 
#264      
Harry Combs showed them what a running team does. Goodrich and company weren’t in it.
Guess that makes 3 of us who were there and recall it fondly - maybe better than where we stashed the hearing aid batteries. Sadly, that team was headed for even greater accomplishments the next season, and then . . .
 
#267      
Here are my takes on the game:

1) Love that we came to the game with a plan and the players executed it.
2) Giorgi and Kofi are figuring out how to play together and they are dangerous.
3) Our defensive adjustments are working and we neutralized Michigan's 3-point threat.
4) We stayed out of foul trouble and our stars only came out for rest.
5) We continue to outrebound our opponents in striking fashion.
Our offense was balanced with contributions from many players.
6) Kipper continues to provide solid meaningful minutes and really helps us.
7) I don't expect us to play flawless basketball but we need to cut out our unforced turnovers.
8) Kofi's free throw shooting has improved dramatically overnight. He only missed after the delay when he wack-a-moled the ref.
9) Feliz is amazing!
10) I'm not surprises Tevian didn't play. I don't think he is still being punished. I just don't think he is completely in game shape or is the best option in a game like this.
11) We seem to be breaking away from the tradition of a slow start which is nice.
12) It is clear players have bought into BU basketball.
13) Will refs be hesitant to call fouls on Kofi "the hammer" Cockburn?
 
#269      
While we're all basking in the glow, let's dream a little. Can you imagine if we could convince Kofi and Ayo to each stay one more year, and Ayo staying didn't deter Adam Miller from coming? Would Kofi, Ayo, Giorgi, Miller, Trent, Da'Monte, and Tevian be considered a final four contender?
Absolutely, that's a top 10 team.
 
#270      

JFGsCoffeeMug

BU:1 Trash cans:0
Chicago

No Kofi hammer punch. But a lot of references to punches and knockouts in the pregame speech. Awkward.
 
#274      
Don't get too hung up as some have that we beat Michigan because they were cold from 3.

Maryland is a similar team and they shot 25%. Chin said before the game that we have wrinkles that we put in for 3 point shooting teams and they had worked well against Maryland and he hoped they would work as well against Michigan. Michigan shot 17%.

Of course those coaches will now adjust to our adjustments.
 
#275      
Don't get too hung up as some have that we beat Michigan because they were cold from 3.

Maryland is a similar team and they shot 25%. Chin said before the game that we have wrinkles that we put in for 3 point shooting teams and they had worked well against Maryland and he hoped they would work as well against Michigan. Michigan shot 17%.

Of course those coaches will now adjust to our adjustments.
It’s a good strategy. Make your opponent beat you mid range. Michigan does that pretty well, but it’s still just 2 points.