Pregame: Illinois at Wake Forest, Tuesday, November 28th, 8:00pm CT, ESPNU

[FC Illiniman]

I have no clue what to expect here, so I'm going to pick UI.

UI - 81
WF - 77

This is our first real game against the type of team we would be playing all year. Recent history says we should win, but we have had no experience on the road. Our guys should expect a zone, hopefully we can have some success with perimeter game. Sure they will try to heavily defend Finke. He has been carrying a load as of late. Like to see Black and Alstork have good games. Our guard play, will be the key to a win.

Been waiting for this game for awhile, we play with good pressure, handle the ball, and shoot decent, we will win. Taking them out of their game early would help alot.

87
WF 75

Our rotation of 9 guys will continue, seems to be working fine.

 

[Illwinsagain]

We're up to #64 in the Sagarin ratings. However, our strength of schedule is below 300. Our three pre-season scrimmage opponents are a combined 4-9 so far.

Boiling it down, we need to play against some Top 100 competition. I also see that ESPN is giving WF a 75% chance of winning on Tuesday.

ACCPN? Just kidding, before the season started, I would not think that to be too far off. With the way both teams have played so far, I would put us as a push or slight favorite. It will be interesting to see where Vegas puts it. (yes, I realize Vegas is not predicting, but rather trying to balance the money.)

 

[Illwinsagain]

Well since this game is part of the ACC BIG 10 challenge I am guessing the Illini will be playing mostly against the referee whistles in this one as will most all of the Big Ten Teams per usual. I predict a Wake Forest win at the free throw line, but believe Illinois is the better team. ACC will also win the challenge again. Oh and there is a conspiracy against Illinois and the BigTen involving Russia, Lee Harvey Oswald, and Alex Jones.

KNEW IT, Whenever I wear my tinfoil hat, I see this....j/k

 

[Illwinsagain]

I think we'll go 2-1 over next three games....Wake being a road game, really the first for this young team, that will be our first loss....I think we get Maryland at home...and I feel better about the NW game since it's on a neutral floor....think there will be a good Illini crowd in attendance at that game...many curious alums in attendance to see the new coach and team...will be a very tough game but we wear them down and win it at the FT line near the end......8-1 not bad

Coach should show the E8 game against Zona, and remind them of the history in that building. At least, the last 3:15.

 

[Kathy]

Does Wake play zone often? Makes sense to play zone against us, but if you do not normally play that defense, you might be hurting yourself playing to a weakness, rather than a strength.

I'll let you know, because I'm there Tuesday night!!!

 

[Illiini]

I would hope that today’s events help inspire our guys against the lavender mob. Fighting Illini are Fighting Illini, are they not? All in the family.

 

[SescIllini]

If the BIG doesn't show more there might be a BIG consolation tourney in the NIT.

 

[Hands Malone]

Does Wake play zone often? Makes sense to play zone against us, but if you do not normally play that defense, you might be hurting yourself playing to a weakness, rather than a strength.

Illinois will beat Wake by at least 10. It's not the team it was last year and the fans are down on Manning big time because of the teams horrendous start. Their guard play as of now leaves something to be desired. This game will be decided by either teams bench points. I'll take Jordan and Kipper-Nichols over the Wake bench. I could be wrong but I don't think so.

 

[hodgesonfire]

The ideal game result for me is Smith, Frazier, Alstork and Williams shoot 40% combined from 3 opening up the driving game lanes, we break even on rebounds and force 10 more turnovers than we allow.

The team has the talent, but shooting and dumb fouls wi'll make us look worse on some nights. The fouling will improve, but the shooting is confidence and leg stamina both of which the Freshman currently lack

 

[skyIdub]

Ladders, vibes, and teaching moments!:thumb:

 

[PlayAZ]

Illini 76
WF 67

 

[HTT]

Besides shooting 3s, another way to break the zone is to pass the ball to a mobile big in the hole of the zone. If the short corner guys come to help, then our corner wings are open. If they don't help, the big can attack the basket directly. Against DePaul I see KN as that "zone-breaking" man.

 

[Bailey]

Looking for Tejon to break out in this one. He hasn't really looked comfortable yet.

 

[combes]

Looking for Tejon to break out in this one. He hasn't really looked comfortable yet.

He’s had three good games in a row.

 

[pruman91]

He’s had three good games in a row.

BU said TJL took charge of locker room at halftime of last game...I'd say he is getting VERY comfortable with becoming a leader of the Illini...

Illini 78
crybabies 62

And we got AYO...deal with the vibezzzzzzzz

 

[Ibball62]

Looking for Tejon to break out in this one. He hasn't really looked comfortable yet.

I agree.

 

[illiniguy24]

Illinois at Wake Forest, Tuesday, November 28th, 8:00pm CT, ESPNU

The great thing that I’ve started to notice that is different from the past; Underwood can inspire players to be productive on the floor without scoring points. Players that are used to scoring points especially. As a fan base, I think we’ve been somewhat if not totally disappointed with Alstork and TJL, offensively. Most fans don’t do well at realizing the intangibles a player brings to the court if they aren’t scoring points. But there is a reason Alstork and TJL are still starters. Great defense, distributing the basketball, and being leaders of the team. If we get them to hit some shots and the team plays with a purpose, I think we win by 10-12.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Joel Goodson]

The great thing that I’ve started to notice that is different from the past; Underwood can inspire players to be productive on the floor without scoring points. As a fan base, I think we’ve been somewhat if not totally disappointed with Alstork and TJL. Most fans don’t do well at realizing the intangibles a player brings to the court if they aren’t scoring points. But there is a reason Alstork and TJL are still starters. Great defense, distributing the basketball, and being leaders of the team. If we get them to hit some shots and the team plays with a purpose, I think we win by 10-12.

This. Also, can't underestimate the effect of great competition for 4 spots. Underwood knows what he wants and has many mix and match options because of our depth. He's molding this team and, after 10 years of malaise, it's glorious.

We may lay an egg Tuesday night, but I don't think so.

 

[TheChiefRises]

Is there a way of finding out whether the band and/or the Krush will be there for this game? I'm a grad student at Wake Forest now but my loyalties still lie with my undergrad (Illinois).

As such, this is an awesome upcoming game for me and I hope that one of the two, if not both will be present.

 

[FiveStar]

Reading OG boards after the early season meltdowns by wake they were lamenting Manning’s continual use of a 4 guard lineup. If they still play that way they might match up better with us than anticipated. That said, still feel Illini by 12-15

 

[IllinistuckinGopherland]

He’s had three good games in a row.

Tejon's assist-to-turnover has been great the last three games (one turnover per game). But 4-17 shooting has been pretty bad.

 

[Future Walk-On]

I am just excited because I can watch on my large normal TV with no extra effort.

Also no idea what to expect.

Bradley met GaSo blow for blow yesterday. So maybe Bradley should be our comparison standard? ��

 

[FightingIllini09]

Wake by 8. Sure, they're not very good this year, but this is our first true road game and a lot of newcomers/players taking on bigger roles.

So my bigger prediction is a meltdown on this board after a loss....

 

[Calvin]

We're up to #64 in the Sagarin ratings. However, our strength of schedule is below 300. Our three pre-season scrimmage opponents are a combined 4-9 so far.

Boiling it down, we need to play against some Top 100 competition. I also see that ESPN is giving WF a 75% chance of winning on Tuesday.

Yeah, some folks are underrating Wake. To put things in perspective, our 5 wins are against the 321st hardest schedule, according to realtimerrpi, anyway. We're also on the road which is typically worth 3 points.

Personally I rate this game a toss-up, but I'll be interested to see the line. 75% to Wake seems to overrate Wake though.

 

[ILLHangOut]

He’s had three good games in a row.

Based on what? I was at the Marshall game and thought he played poorly. All of his advanced stats suggest the Marshall game wasn’t an anomaly, and that he’s struggling.