Groce: Did some really good things against a good team on Tuesday night. Consistency of defense was really good.
Groce: Ball movement was really good and we made shots, which certainly helps.
Groce: Now we got to come back from a mindset and bring it again tomorrow at 1 o'clock. That's a choice.
Groce: Penn State got us pretty good in 1H in Game 1. we just didn't have enough time or gas left in 2h
Groce: PSU athletic and long, coming off a great win at home against Maryland. Young guys continue to grow and improve
Groce: Hill expending a lot of energy defensively. He's guarding PGs, 2s, 3s. We've moved him around. Best D of his career
Groce: Te'Jon grading out as high as any perimeter freshman in my time here
Groce: Kipper's done some great things for us defensively with his size, athleticism, strength and versatility.
Groce on 8-man rotation. We play it by ear, as we do every game. Liked it the other day for that game. Doesn't mean that's locked in
Groce: Didn't expect only to play Aaron Jordan 4 minutes after starting. Rotated guys in and they played really well.
Groce: Knew Te'Jon would be good on the ball defensively. Tough kid. Mentally tough.
Groce: Te'Jon has picked up the defensive system, responsibilities pretty quick. Usually hard to get freshmen to buy into D
Groce on Aaron Jordan: From effort and attitude perspective, he's been tremendous. Starting him was best for our team.
Groce: JCL had most complete game of his career againsts NW
https://twitter.com/JWernerScout
Game Notes
BTN: Cory Provus & Shon Morris
http://www.fightingillini.com/news/...n-home-to-host-nittany-lions-on-saturday.aspx
drinks coffee.......LOL
Interesting comment on Hill. I'd noticed what seems like much better defense from him and had noticed him guarding a variety of ppl. I wonder if that has something to do with his shooting woes (lot of those 3s have looked like all arm lately, especially late game).
What's crazy about hill is the last 2 games many of us come away thinking he played an awful game but the stats:
NW: 14 pts, 9 boards, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
Mn: 13 pts, 4 boards, 6 assists, 2 steals (but 5-18 shooting)
Outside of the poor shooting i think hil is giving us a heck of a lot even in this "slump"
He's also among the big 10 leaders in assists in b10 games and assist to TO ratio...one of the few non guards up there
Also among leaders in D rebounding..
Hill is really underappreciated, even by us of late. He's been really solid, even in this 'down' year, but has seemingly has been forcing it a bit because he wants to win. It's been a little hard to stomach for me because I really want to see him be successful and get an NCAAT, but not looking like he will.
The problem is this team has needed so much from him in order to be successful. It is hard to ask a player to guard the opposition's best player and then be the sole creator on offense. He also has seemed to try to force his offense at times. Probably because he feels he has too. Hopefully with TJL emerging as a play maker will allow Hill to do what he does best on offense and finish this year strong.
They also won the Maui Tournament and beat the following teams
#10 Gonzaga on the Road
#8 Ohio State
#1 Indiana
Not even remotely the same resume if they win out sadly
Sorry in advance. Out of towner who is going to the game tomorrow and was wondering where to get good food and beer?
Taking my son to his first game tomorrow. Anywhere good to eat breakfast or lunch before the game? Also any opportunities to get pics with the players before or after the game? Thank you
There is an app where you can purchase "upgrades" for a reasonable amount if this is a once in a long while thing for your son. For instance, for $19, he can sit on the bench during warm ups, or you can both do a pregame tour and root the team on from the tunnel before they come out, or you can take pics at halftime on the court, or you can shoot free throws after the game. I would imagine that the post game stuff might find you in the arena with players - who I have always found gracious with their time after the game. https://fightingillini.expapp.com/upgradeTaking my son to his first game tomorrow. Anywhere good to eat breakfast or lunch before the game? Also any opportunities to get pics with the players before or after the game? Thank you
See post above for lunch. Breakfast is a bit more difficult. We have the regular kinds of places like Denny's and Perkins. Out on West Springfield Ave., El Toro Mexican restaurant has a good breakfast as does Sammy's on N. Mattis. Neither are very close to campus. Le Peep just off S. Neil St. is great but getting in will be tough as it is popular and small.
Can't help you with the last part of your query.