Illinois basketball: Change is coming
October 15, 2012 8:15 AM
How is John Groce's first team going to be different than Bruce Weber's last team?
You will see changes in everything from philosophy to schemes to substitution patterns to where they recruit. On defense, coaches are tinkering with the idea of playing more zone than you might expect, but their foundation will be man-to-man. The Illinois philosophy was to be solid on defense; the Ohio philosophy was to create steals and be the aggressor. "We want to make teams uncomfortable," as assistant coach Jamall Walker put it. On offense, you will see a focus on ball screens and spacing and more three-point shots and free throw attempts. Remember, though, it's doubtful you will see the full John Groce system until Year 2 or Year 3. The first season is going to be a toned-down, safer version to fit a roster short on ball handlers. But Groce's style fits his personality: aggressive and confident.
Klee
You will see changes in everything from philosophy to schemes to substitution patterns to where they recruit. On defense, coaches are tinkering with the idea of playing more zone than you might expect, but their foundation will be man-to-man. The Illinois philosophy was to be solid on defense; the Ohio philosophy was to create steals and be the aggressor. "We want to make teams uncomfortable," as assistant coach Jamall Walker put it. On offense, you will see a focus on ball screens and spacing and more three-point shots and free throw attempts. Remember, though, it's doubtful you will see the full John Groce system until Year 2 or Year 3. The first season is going to be a toned-down, safer version to fit a roster short on ball handlers. But Groce's style fits his personality: aggressive and confident.
Klee
Filed under: Illini Basketball
