Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
You're reading more into what the OP wrote.
Illini Basketball 2016-2017
You're reading more into what the OP wrote.
I just got word today that Darius Paul is at Robert Morris. The NAIA one. Crazy.
WiscIllini
- Madison, WI
Which campus is that? Chicago?
I certainly agree that you have to have players to be successful... I'm guessing by your answer that you didn't really understand why I was curious...
So I am still curious why JG (or any coach), who should know who is current players are, and should know their capabilities, would draw up a play that only better players had a chance of success at completing... I mean... Why not draw up a play that fit the players you have at hand ? ?
(display amazement and sarcasm simultaneously)....
I certainly agree that you have to have players to be successful... I'm guessing by your answer that you didn't really understand why I was curious...
So I am still curious why JG (or any coach), who should know who is current players are, and should know their capabilities, would draw up a play that only better players had a chance of success at completing... I mean... Why not draw up a play that fit the players you have at hand ? ?
(display amazement and sarcasm simultaneously)....
You're still missing the point.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
Or mayyybeeee, some of you aren't getting his point.
I get the point. It just seems like an odd point to make.
I certainly agree that you have to have players to be successful... I'm guessing by your answer that you didn't really understand why I was curious...
So I am still curious why JG (or any coach), who should know who is current players are, and should know their capabilities, would draw up a play that only better players had a chance of success at completing... I mean... Why not draw up a play that fit the players you have at hand ? ?
(display amazement and sarcasm simultaneously)....
Perhaps he did. To borrow football analogy, lets say you have an inexperienced QB in, we'll call him Kevin. Let's also say you have an inexperienced RB who we will refer to as Brandon. Now, we have to get some yards and we need some scores. To make this as easy as possible for Kevin, we draw up a slant route for our number one WR who is going to be in single coverage. This should get us positive yards nearly every time except Kevin drops back and throws the ball over the receiver's head for an incompletion. Same play next down except Kevin throws the ball behind the receiver and the defense gets an interception. The next drive, they give the ball to Brandon on a simple dive play except he fumbles it after he gains positive yards. We made it as simple as possible, but it was poorly executed by the players.
Captain Bubbles
- Fairfield, IL
Offensively, we should be good. But I'm more concerned about our defense. That has to really improve.
REALLY improve... and rebounding. I know Black is back. When he can stay on the court I'll be happy.
I certainly agree that you have to have players to be successful... I'm guessing by your answer that you didn't really understand why I was curious...
So I am still curious why JG (or any coach), who should know who is current players are, and should know their capabilities, would draw up a play that only better players had a chance of success at completing... I mean... Why not draw up a play that fit the players you have at hand ? ?
(display amazement and sarcasm simultaneously)....
I get your point and is a valid one. Given current players on the team, a good X's and O's coach will try to draw the best plays that fit the players that he has. Not plays that would work IF he had better players.
Of course, there is a natural limit on the abilities of the players, so even the best plays that could be drawn for those players will not necessarily result in wins. An argument could be made that last year personnel gaps were so great that no matter the plays drawn, Groce would not be able to win more.
Putting last year aside, however, the question remains: Has Groce shown so far in his tenure at Illinois that he makes good in-game decisions and draws plays that maximize his players' set of abilities? I think opinions will vary on this one.
Ya, if he stays out of trouble he should dominate. This robert morris is known for having a few "trouble makers" or however you want to categorize it. Hope he stays away from the trouble.
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
I think having our 3 best defensive players that we were missing last year will help a bit.
I think having our 3 best defensive players that we were missing last year will help a bit.
Abrams, Thorne and ?
Abrams and Thorne will definitely help. And, hopefully Mav continues to progress.
peace davids
- Colorado
Wow, I had almost forgotten completely about Darius. Hope he puts some things together and has a successful life.
I imagine those plays just weren't executed well and probably weren't anymore complicated than what is expected of high level basketball teams.
I prefer that approach than trying to play for a 40 point game. I'm still sure the playbook was reduced when all the injuries occurred.
I was hoping to see Darius Paul in an Illini uniform. Thought his interior passing and toughness would of greatly helped us. Unfortunately I think his recruitment and that of the Crosby set into motion the problems we had the last 2-3 years. Crosby was supposed to be a solid shooter and possibly back-up pg. Paul cost us 2 years in a position of great need.
Cosby. Aaron Cosby.
ILL in IA
- Iowa City
Yep..There has been no reason for anyone to give us respect. We going to have to go out and play and COACH much better than we have in the Groce era. No matter who is on the floor.
While we always discuss one of JG's x and o weaknesses, I think I'll flip the script and give him some props on his BLOBs. I think we have some good BLOBs that counter off of each other and usually lead us to a good look. JG can't hit the shot for our guys, but his BLOBs put the players in position to do the rest.
I also think the shorter shot clock took away what had been some of our better sets. However, with a 30 second shot clock, 5-6 part sets kinda die. With BP and crew we ran a lot of good options that had multiple double screens that usually ended in a reversal option for someone coming to the corner off a double screen. DJ and BP hit a ton of corner threes off those sets, and even Griffey hit a couple off some counters. Didn't see much of that last year though cause you just can't waste the time with a shorter shot clock.
I also think the shorter shot clock took away what had been some of our better sets. However, with a 30 second shot clock, 5-6 part sets kinda die. With BP and crew we ran a lot of good options that had multiple double screens that usually ended in a reversal option for someone coming to the corner off a double screen. DJ and BP hit a ton of corner threes off those sets, and even Griffey hit a couple off some counters. Didn't see much of that last year though cause you just can't waste the time with a shorter shot clock.
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
Keep in mind there is also another team of Big Ten caliber players doing their darndest to mess up those plays...
One thing that I think bodes well for Groce is that he seemed to game plan well in advance of games - our team always looked good until after half time and the opposing team made adjustments. While Groce seemed to be able to game plan well for the limited roster that he had, either he didn't have the horses last year to effectively counter when the other coaches made adjustments to handle our game plan, or he couldn't game plan on his feet, or some combination of the two. With a deep bench this year (assuming it stays that way), regardless of the reason for our second half performances, it will be far easier for Groce to make adjustments and he will have far more options when it comes to drawing plays that will fit his players strengths.