Illinois 82, Kansas 75 (Exhibition) Postgame

#51      
Kansas with 50 of 75 points in the paint, gotta clean that up
I think a lot of that you could live with because we did a very good job of running them off the 3 point line, and well, because Kansas is way too talented to not get theirs in the paint. But at the same time there were too many breakdowns and we allowed way too many easy paths to easy layups and yeah, that has to be cleaned up.
 
#53      
Yes, it’s an exhibition game, but let’s not downplay that that was 2 teams giving it all with their core rotations for 40 minutes. This wasn’t a shootout over Ottawa, nor was it a 20 minute closed scrimmage followed by drills and situational work. I think we found out today that the ceiling is there this year, at the very least.

Good:
- Shannon and Hawkins have the offensive upside clearly. Shannon’s shot looks great, and he was aggressive. Plus, his leadership; seemed super vocal in the huddles. Shannon will be a freight train; I hope he doesn’t get hurt going 100 mph downhill
- Offense arguably looked the best when Ty was on the floor. He was aggressive and moved the ball well. Plus he ALWAYS moves without the basketball which opens up lanes and gets guys looks. I feel better about the half court offense than I did 3 hours ago
- Harmon had some great effort plays on both ends of the floor. Interestingly, he was one of the guys in the lineup in the final 5 minutes, and I think that will stick
- QG was a huge spark as a 3rd scoring option. I think he scored 9 or so in a row for us when we were in a lull. Not to mention he made his FTs after a super ugly attempt
- Domask once again moves the ball and makes heady plays. He’ll make some threes and had the looks tonight
- Sencire had an incredible stretch of defense guarding who might be a top 3 point guard in the country in Dajuan Harris. And that’s the 8th or 9th guy in our rotation… scary good!
- Effort, hustle plays, ball movement, attitude, aggressiveness: all leaps and bounds better than last season, it seems

To Be Improved:
- I felt like Goode and Dainja had tough nights. Goode had some bad defensive possessions, but I trust he’ll be solid like he’s always been. HD is one of the toughest big matchups Dainja will see all season. He will be needed and will have better nights
- Free throw shooting could lose us a game or two this year. Just gotta make them. The end game lineup of Harmon-Domask-Guerrier-Shannon-Hawkins should be competent enough to be OK there
- Offense stalled a bit at the end without a “true PG” (Ty) running point. Felt like we bailed ourselves out with some good shooting — i.e., Coleman stepback 3 to go up 6
- Defensive communication at times can be cleaned up. Felt like Kansas got easier looks, yet we still won, so who am I to complain
 
#54      

InDaAZ

Eugene, Oregon
Me, if we lost: No big deal, it was just a scrimmage.

Me, now: I know it was an exhibition game, but…
Shout Shouting GIF

WE JUST BEAT THE #1-RANKED TEAM IN THE COUNTRY‼️
 
#55      
Defense needs to get better, have to get back on missed baskets. They had some runouts on us. Luke just didn't have his head in this game. Have to realize if the fouls counted Hawkins would have been out with about 4-5 minutes left. Wanted to see more Danja. Domansk is a keeper, plays well under pressure as well as Gurrier. Good win to build on but don't thiunk for a minute that Self made mental notes about the Illini and if they meet again they will be better prepared, hopefully the Illini will be too.
 
#59      
That's a game we probably lose last year with Kansas' late game surge.

I'm happy that we got older, we look to play what coach has drawn up, unselfish play with no hero ball.
Of course it's just one game and an exhibition at that but still, we looked pretty good tonight.
 
#62      

DeonThomas

South Carolina
Great win vs. a high-quality opponent.

Positives:
- Deep bench
- Tons of experience
- Domask seems to be the clear-cut #3 behind TSJ and Coleman

Other Observations:
- Mega-experienced club on the court with game on the line (TSJ, CH, Domask, QG and J. Harmon)
- The two Freshmen and Moretti got token minutes only --- at end of 1st Half (This meant we utilized a 9-man rotation)
- Sencire Harris and Luke Goode seem to be pushed down the bench more than I had anticipated
- Dain and Ty got no tick at the end when FT shooting was crucial to the outcome
- Ty started and looked pretty decent --- but shot nothing but layups
- Domask was the defacto PG in the last two minutes, bringing the ball up court against KU's full-court pressure
 
#72      
Great win vs. a high-quality opponent.

Positives:
- Deep bench
- Tons of experience
- Domask seems to be the clear-cut #3 behind TSJ and Coleman

Other Observations:
- Mega-experienced club on the court with game on the line (TSJ, CH, Domask, QG and J. Harmon)
- The two Freshmen and Moretti got token minutes only --- at end of 1st Half (This meant we utilized a 9-man rotation)
- Sencire Harris and Luke Goode seem to be pushed down the bench more than I had anticipated
- Dain and Ty got no tick at the end when FT shooting was crucial to the outcome
- Ty started and looked pretty decent --- but shot nothing but layups
- Domask was the defacto PG in the last two minutes, bringing the ball up court against KU's full-court pressure
No, based off performance, Quincy G. is 3rd option. 😆