Illinois 87, Quincy 52 (Exhibition) Postgame

#53      
FWIW...here are my thoughts (player comments for dudes who got 10+ minutes):

I liked how BU started with pressure. I don't *think* we'll do that a whole lot, but it's fun to see guys get thrown into situations they're not used to and look at how they'll react. I think we have a deep bench if BU wants to use it, especially early on.

Skyy- He's definitely a floor general. He was hesitant in the beginning, but I liked his ability to space and try and create as needed. He's strong too.

Mayer- Defensively, he played like a 5th year senior, which is something that this team sorely needs. He and TSJ both did a few little things that won't show up in boxscores.

CoHawk- He was a man amongst children last night, and he still managed to complain when he TWICE stepped over the inbounds line.

RJ- He's a stud. Coach unloaded on him at half, and RJ came out pissed off. It translated to a couple of transition baskets that seemed to set the tone.

TSJ- He's a pro. I have nothing to add.

Sincere- I liked his energy and his fearlessness. That said, it was Quincy, and I doubt he's given the same opportunities to disrupt against better opponents. On offense, I loved his willingness to drive and shoot rather than stopping six feet away from the hoop hoping someone was open.

Epps- He was a little lost defensively at times (Freshmen will do that), but he looks like a capable backup at the point. He didn't look nervous on offense, and like Skyy, he seems comfortable as a floor general.

Rodgers- This kid is an absolute stud. He made some dumb fouls and got a little to aggressive offensively, but he is an absolute beast. At one point, I thought about comparing him to Roger Powell, but he's more like a Roger Powell hyped up on caffeine. I understand the chatter about this kid now. Wow.

Dain- He went about 1,000,000 mpg in the first two minutes he was in and got tired. Coach laughed on the sidelines about him being too excited. He was much better once he settled down.

The only thing we were missing (and didn't need last night) was a shooter. I commented this in another post, but it might be as big of a necessity as the past few years. The athleticism was clearly there, and I can't wait to watch this team grow together.
 
#55      
FWIW...here are my thoughts (player comments for dudes who got 10+ minutes):

I liked how BU started with pressure. I don't *think* we'll do that a whole lot, but it's fun to see guys get thrown into situations they're not used to and look at how they'll react. I think we have a deep bench if BU wants to use it, especially early on.

Skyy- He's definitely a floor general. He was hesitant in the beginning, but I liked his ability to space and try and create as needed. He's strong too.

Mayer- Defensively, he played like a 5th year senior, which is something that this team sorely needs. He and TSJ both did a few little things that won't show up in boxscores.

CoHawk- He was a man amongst children last night, and he still managed to complain when he TWICE stepped over the inbounds line.

RJ- He's a stud. Coach unloaded on him at half, and RJ came out pissed off. It translated to a couple of transition baskets that seemed to set the tone.

TSJ- He's a pro. I have nothing to add.

Sincere- I liked his energy and his fearlessness. That said, it was Quincy, and I doubt he's given the same opportunities to disrupt against better opponents. On offense, I loved his willingness to drive and shoot rather than stopping six feet away from the hoop hoping someone was open.

Epps- He was a little lost defensively at times (Freshmen will do that), but he looks like a capable backup at the point. He didn't look nervous on offense, and like Skyy, he seems comfortable as a floor general.

Rodgers- This kid is an absolute stud. He made some dumb fouls and got a little to aggressive offensively, but he is an absolute beast. At one point, I thought about comparing him to Roger Powell, but he's more like a Roger Powell hyped up on caffeine. I understand the chatter about this kid now. Wow.

Dain- He went about 1,000,000 mpg in the first two minutes he was in and got tired. Coach laughed on the sidelines about him being too excited. He was much better once he settled down.

The only thing we were missing (and didn't need last night) was a shooter. I commented this in another post, but it might be as big of a necessity as the past few years. The athleticism was clearly there, and I can't wait to watch this team grow together.
They are going to pressure. Did it the whole first half against Kansas.
 
#56      
You can definitely see the potential. Steals, easy buckets, quick outlets from CHawk. I'm excited to see how far this team can go.

Might be some bumps in the road early with the way we are trying to play. Might lose some games trying to play too fast, force things, and picking up silly fouls. But if we can work those out by January, I think we have a chance to roll through B1G play. So many weapons and versatile options on this team.

Just think, last year we basically had Damonte and CHawk that could guard a guy like Keegan Murray. This year we could put CHawk, Shannon, Rogers, Mayer, or even Melendez on him. And the ability to switch is such a huge advantage defensively.
 
#57      
I go back and forth on this. I think Goode will be extremely valuable as a shooter (and more), no doubt. But two years ago, I felt like the piece missing was someone for Ayo to pass for three. Then last year, we had no one who would take it to the rack, but we had Plummer shooting it lights out. I hope TSJ, Mayer, and RJ will find their shot (first game jitters), and we won't need to rely on the three, and Goode's deadeye will be a luxury rather than a necessity.
Having good three point shooters is not a luxury. It's a necessity.
 
#58      

Bigtex

DFW
FWIW...here are my thoughts (player comments for dudes who got 10+ minutes):

I liked how BU started with pressure. I don't *think* we'll do that a whole lot, but it's fun to see guys get thrown into situations they're not used to and look at how they'll react. I think we have a deep bench if BU wants to use it, especially early on.

Skyy- He's definitely a floor general. He was hesitant in the beginning, but I liked his ability to space and try and create as needed. He's strong too.

Mayer- Defensively, he played like a 5th year senior, which is something that this team sorely needs. He and TSJ both did a few little things that won't show up in boxscores.

CoHawk- He was a man amongst children last night, and he still managed to complain when he TWICE stepped over the inbounds line.

RJ- He's a stud. Coach unloaded on him at half, and RJ came out pissed off. It translated to a couple of transition baskets that seemed to set the tone.

TSJ- He's a pro. I have nothing to add.

Sincere- I liked his energy and his fearlessness. That said, it was Quincy, and I doubt he's given the same opportunities to disrupt against better opponents. On offense, I loved his willingness to drive and shoot rather than stopping six feet away from the hoop hoping someone was open.

Epps- He was a little lost defensively at times (Freshmen will do that), but he looks like a capable backup at the point. He didn't look nervous on offense, and like Skyy, he seems comfortable as a floor general.

Rodgers- This kid is an absolute stud. He made some dumb fouls and got a little to aggressive offensively, but he is an absolute beast. At one point, I thought about comparing him to Roger Powell, but he's more like a Roger Powell hyped up on caffeine. I understand the chatter about this kid now. Wow.

Dain- He went about 1,000,000 mpg in the first two minutes he was in and got tired. Coach laughed on the sidelines about him being too excited. He was much better once he settled down.

The only thing we were missing (and didn't need last night) was a shooter. I commented this in another post, but it might be as big of a necessity as the past few years. The athleticism was clearly there, and I can't wait to watch this team grow together.
Skyy early was very passive, letting the game come to him. Letting skyy play late in the 2nd half allowed him chance to get more minutes and shots (with no other starters on the floor)

Lot to like about the teams length and athleticism.

Disappointed with outside shooting. Too early too small sample size but both big senior transfers didn’t look great
 
#59      
They are going to pressure. Did it the whole first half against Kansas.
Yeah, and as I’m sure you know, he addressed the pressure in his postgame presser. I thought it was interesting that he spoke about it being more of a disruptive element rather than having the main goal of steals. Even if that is truly the strategy, in the games when some steals are needed to get back in a game, should be easier to do that then it was last year when pressing really wasn’t part of arsenal.
 
#60      
Yeah, and as I’m sure you know, he addressed the pressure in his postgame presser. I thought it was interesting that he spoke about it being more of a disruptive element rather than having the main goal of steals. Even if that is truly the strategy, in the games when some steals are needed to get back in a game, should be easier to do that then it was last year when pressing really wasn’t part of arsenal.
It’s meant really to disrupt the offense in getting into their offense also gives them a shortened shot clock when they get into their half court offenses.
 
#62      
They are going to pressure. Did it the whole first half against Kansas.

They might actually be good enough to do it too. I seem to recall times where it's been so easy to break that all it did was open up transition opportunities for the opponent. They looked capable of getting an advantage with pressure last night.
 
#69      
I don't see the Trent comp for Sencire beyond being an intense defender who wears #1. I think young Luther is the better comparison. Long, athletic, a little raw.
While we're playing the comparison game, Skyy reminds me a lot of one of the most underrated Illini in recent memory, Demetri McCamey. Big bodied, floor generals who can score from all three levels. McCamey is probably the better passer (one of the B1G's best ever) but Skyy has more quick twitch slipperyness to his game.
 
#71      
Good game overall after the initial jitters. Would like to see more verbal communication among the players. There isn't just one leader on this team, and I suspect leadership won't always manifest as one guy pulling everyone together. With so many versatile players, it will be interesting to see who stands out. My personal observations without having looked at the full box score:

Skyy: Exactly who we thought. Smooth, natural handles, well-rounded. Solid. In the first half I saw him pass up a few open enough shots, but he started to take them more in the 2nd half.

TSJ: Reliable and fluid. Seemed comfortable in all aspects of the game. Very good defense.

RJ: Picking up right where he left off, so basically exactly what I wanted to see.

Mayer: Clearly one of the most talented and experienced. Looks like he knows what he's doing. Helps the versatility of the team on both sides of the floor. Spin move is sick.

Coleman: We got good Coleman. Play like that consistently against better teams (aside from inbound issues), and I'll be happy.

Ty: Lifts his teammates and his team, nullifies the opponents in various ways. Made an instant impact his first play in to help get rid of the jitters. Does everything 100%. Great rebounds.

Dain: In the first half looked a bit out of sorts, which is to be expected. Second half started to flow more and compliment the other players. Some good putbacks but also some unnatural moments. Needs to work on free throw shooting. I expect him to continuously refine throughout the season.

Sencire: Intense on defense and plays with a high energy level. Seems like the type of player who will always inject entertainment value as well.

Jayden: Seems balanced overall and will fit in to this playstyle just fine. In future games, I look forward to seeing him potentially drive the ball more. Seems to be a part of his game not showcased tonight.

Lieb: Fit into this defensive style better than I thought he would, and he looks more polished overall.

Paxton: Seems to play with equal parts determination and heart.

Skerven: Flowed fine with what team and I believe he got a nice assist.
I really appreciate the full write up man! This is going to be a really fun/entertaining season.
 
#72      
My take from last night being at the game:

They came out stiff, you could tell there were nerves (to be expected). Once Ty Rogers came in things happened. He's going to turn into a fan favorite just for how hard he plays. It was pretty sloppy the entire game, but I also don't think we ran that much offense (probably did not want to tip our hat too much before Vegas). The full court defense was pretty bland, again I'm sure it was intentional.


Skyy - Little timid at first turning down some shots, but started coming around. Really smooth jumper and can put the ball on a string. By January/February he's going to be a real menace.

TSJ - Hard nosed player that is going to throw down some crazy dunks this year. You can tell he's all business out there. Needs to tighten the handle a little when driving.

RJ - Started off a little cold. Turned it on and picked back up where he left off last year. Wouldn't be surprised to see him have a couple 20+ games this year. Looked like he cramped up after one of his dunks, but stretched took a shot of something (beet juice?) and came back in not too long after.

Mayer - Honestly looked a little bored out there at times. I think he can be a great player, but can he stay focused and do it for 30 minutes a game? I think with higher competition he will, he will need to.

Coleman - I don't want to get too high on Coleman, because the same thing happened last year when we played weaker competition, but he looked like he was one of the only ones that felt comfortable out there from the tip. Looked very solid. Hope he can continue that and inbound the ball correctly 😂🤦‍♂️.

Rogers - Sign up up. Kid is a menace on the boards and defense. Needs to defend less with hands so he doesn't pick up cheap fouls like last night. The rebound to fast break with him is going to be lethal.

Epps - Little sped up at times and head down but you can tell he's a bucket. Kind of a slow, lower release so he will need more space than others and will get blocked more often.

Dainja - He was excited to play! Once he calmed down he looked much more comfortable. Set some solid screens and had some decent post moves. Well need his big body for B1G play.

Harris - Pretty sure the announcer called him "trentcere" harris when he first checked in on accident (maybe it was just me imaging it). He's going to be a great piece moving forward. Needs to defend without using hands and riding the other player with his hips. Instant energy!

Lieb - Looked like he could play spot minutes. Looked more comfortable than others out there to be honest.


Overall, I'm excited for the season, but can definitely see some bumps in the early parts. If this team gels quickly watch out! Talent wise this team has it they just need to learn to play together and stay focused.
 
#75      

MDchicago

Lake Norman NC
Bottom line.....when this team is fully bought in and locked in on D...they are going to be an absolute nightmare to play against.

Also.....the Sencire Hype Train is boarding on Track #1.

Interesting that Sencire lead the team in +/- despite playing only 13 minutes.

And that the top 5 Illini in that stat were the inexperienced newcomers.

Sencire +24
Skyy +23
Dain +22
Jayden +21
Ty +19

RJ +16
TJ +13
MM +13
Connor + 11
Coleman +7

Not always the most meaningful stat (and a first/exhibition game with a sample size of one), but not what one would have guessed beforehand.