Dain will come in every time Edey gets a breather. It could work out perfectly for us...Hawkins gets a break and Dain can feast on their back up big (usually Furst). Furst plays hard but Dain has some size on him. My biggest worry is Hawkins and/or Ty getting in foul trouble. Ty we can somewhat deal with because Harmon has been playing well, but Hawkins has to stay on the court. He will need to be very smart and understand when to just let Edey get his and when to contest.
Pregame: Illinois at Purdue, Friday, January 5th, 7:30pm CT, FS1
- Status
Beat Purdue and we’re top 5?
Our conference schedule is one of the tougher ones this season, but I do like that we play @Mackey early in the year. Save the home game against them for late in the season when there might be a B1G title on the line.
Also....there is going to be a ton of eye balls watching this game. Friday night with nothing else big to compete against. Only 1 other somewhat relevant college bball game and that is UConn @ Butler, which is on FS1 before our game. No other B1G games, no other top 25 games. Pretty much every college basketball fan is going to be watching this one.
Huge opportunity. Even a hard fought loss would be impressive IMO, and might even make a difference come selection sunday. There is not much difference between a 2 or 3 seed, or 3 vs 4 seed. When resumes look very similar, looking good in a big game might be the tipping point we need. And I do think it makes a difference playing on a quiet sports night, instead of playing during a crowded Saturday slate where a bunch of other big games could be going on simultaneously.
Huge opportunity. Even a hard fought loss would be impressive IMO, and might even make a difference come selection sunday. There is not much difference between a 2 or 3 seed, or 3 vs 4 seed. When resumes look very similar, looking good in a big game might be the tipping point we need. And I do think it makes a difference playing on a quiet sports night, instead of playing during a crowded Saturday slate where a bunch of other big games could be going on simultaneously.
I think some of our success is that with TJ, we were trying to get everything in transition and struggled in the half court at times. With TJ out, we are pushing up but our half court offense is so much more patient and team driven.
Opponent scouting reports are basically useless, and they now have two games to scout. If Domask and Hawkins have success early, it forces Edey out and opens everything up.
Hawkins and Harmon three point success is also a huge need for this offense to continue to roll. Really cool to see the team transition on the fly like this.
Opponent scouting reports are basically useless, and they now have two games to scout. If Domask and Hawkins have success early, it forces Edey out and opens everything up.
Hawkins and Harmon three point success is also a huge need for this offense to continue to roll. Really cool to see the team transition on the fly like this.
sacraig
- The desert
On the one hand, that's absolutely on Edey. On the other, I love seeing Sissoko get thrown to the floor.
Two things come to mind that I want to give some credit.
1. The loss of TSjr., in spite of his really stepping up and improving his offensive skills over the past 9 months, is not nearly missed as much on the offensive end as it is on the defensive end. This team can fill the void on offense and fill the net....and they have given excellent proof of that capability.
However, it is blatantly noticeable that TSjr. had committed himself to improving his defensive effort also. Having two guys with the size, strength, and quickness of Ty and TJjr. to guard Smith and Loyer is a dream come true at the right time for BU.. Unfortunately, though Goode does not lack for effort on defense, Harmon does at times, Luke does not have the foot speed to be as effective and Harmon does not have the size. I sure don't expect either to agree, but that aspect of this game does not work out to the advantage of our guys. It provides a bit more of a challenge against Purdue's guards. Here's hoping that an elite effort by both will meet that challenge.
2. Luke Goode, at the start of the season, looked a bit slow on defense, but was shooting very dependably. Lately, his shot, though generally as good as ever, has been finding the heel of the rim instead of the net. Although we should all know it is only a matter of time until that arrow swings back the other way, two things have dramatically improved in Luke's game. a) He is rebounding with more effort and tenacity than ever and b) he is working hard on defense and getting better with moving his feet more quickly as well as anticipating passes and movement of the opposition. That is making him more effective to the team play and game outcome than just standing in the corner, waiting to do his thing from the arc. Not that he was ever limited to that, but I just want to acknowledge his improvement and process in being a valuable cog in the Illini defensive machine. I watch Goode's defense maybe too often, having expected him to be a defensive Dawg before finally coming to realize he lacked the foot/leg speed. And yet, I see improvement in that area, along with playing better team defense and occasionally over playing the passing lanes. He may not be able to guard Steph Curry, but the team does not take a hit on defense when he is on the floor. And his rebounding and willingness to hit the deck have been elite.
At the start of every season, and especially this season, I am always looking forward to Illini players learning to play the game in the way it needs to be played to win. Generally, the shortcomings become evident by Jan. 1. That has not been the case this year for the first time since 89 and 05. This group is willing to change and play differently, almost every game. The hoops IQ of this group is extremely impressive to me...right to the man. There have been so many times in the past that I have been disappointed by blunder after blunder. Sure, we still see high risk passes producing least desirable outcomes, but the level of play and its continuance has been a joy to watch. Slam dunks and blocks into row 5 don't impress me in the least. The extra pass to a better shot, quick defensive help, solid legal screens, making FTs (with dependable technique), shooting on balance, and blocking out are a few aspects I expect from B1G warriors. This group, as a team, are doing those things in spades...and many more. As BU said in the postgame presser, every team looks good when hitting shots. That will change, but winning will not if they can get even better at playing the game.
1. The loss of TSjr., in spite of his really stepping up and improving his offensive skills over the past 9 months, is not nearly missed as much on the offensive end as it is on the defensive end. This team can fill the void on offense and fill the net....and they have given excellent proof of that capability.
However, it is blatantly noticeable that TSjr. had committed himself to improving his defensive effort also. Having two guys with the size, strength, and quickness of Ty and TJjr. to guard Smith and Loyer is a dream come true at the right time for BU.. Unfortunately, though Goode does not lack for effort on defense, Harmon does at times, Luke does not have the foot speed to be as effective and Harmon does not have the size. I sure don't expect either to agree, but that aspect of this game does not work out to the advantage of our guys. It provides a bit more of a challenge against Purdue's guards. Here's hoping that an elite effort by both will meet that challenge.
2. Luke Goode, at the start of the season, looked a bit slow on defense, but was shooting very dependably. Lately, his shot, though generally as good as ever, has been finding the heel of the rim instead of the net. Although we should all know it is only a matter of time until that arrow swings back the other way, two things have dramatically improved in Luke's game. a) He is rebounding with more effort and tenacity than ever and b) he is working hard on defense and getting better with moving his feet more quickly as well as anticipating passes and movement of the opposition. That is making him more effective to the team play and game outcome than just standing in the corner, waiting to do his thing from the arc. Not that he was ever limited to that, but I just want to acknowledge his improvement and process in being a valuable cog in the Illini defensive machine. I watch Goode's defense maybe too often, having expected him to be a defensive Dawg before finally coming to realize he lacked the foot/leg speed. And yet, I see improvement in that area, along with playing better team defense and occasionally over playing the passing lanes. He may not be able to guard Steph Curry, but the team does not take a hit on defense when he is on the floor. And his rebounding and willingness to hit the deck have been elite.
At the start of every season, and especially this season, I am always looking forward to Illini players learning to play the game in the way it needs to be played to win. Generally, the shortcomings become evident by Jan. 1. That has not been the case this year for the first time since 89 and 05. This group is willing to change and play differently, almost every game. The hoops IQ of this group is extremely impressive to me...right to the man. There have been so many times in the past that I have been disappointed by blunder after blunder. Sure, we still see high risk passes producing least desirable outcomes, but the level of play and its continuance has been a joy to watch. Slam dunks and blocks into row 5 don't impress me in the least. The extra pass to a better shot, quick defensive help, solid legal screens, making FTs (with dependable technique), shooting on balance, and blocking out are a few aspects I expect from B1G warriors. This group, as a team, are doing those things in spades...and many more. As BU said in the postgame presser, every team looks good when hitting shots. That will change, but winning will not if they can get even better at playing the game.
Conversely, like Kofi for us....he gets hammered 10 times a game with no call. It's incredibly tough to ref a guy of his size. There's no choice but to be physical. What makes him so tough is that makes free throws.
Sissoko is a goon but there is no part of that gif that is not Edey fouling. And flagrantly at the end with the fling to the ground. Were that against us I would have lost my mind - even for MSU is still ticks me off more than it should.
sacraig
- The desert
Nothing you said refutes my comment.
Chad Fleck
- Eureka, IL
I like dunks and blocks into row 5 when the extra pass gets the dunk and when good rotation defense gets the block into row 5.
Yeah?
Just bought tickets in the lower bowl. Very excited!
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
I’m not a hoops connoisseur. I’m a huge fan, but don’t fully understand the inner workings of the underlying strategy in each game.
Coleman’s technically our 5, so in theory Edey would guard him. But at the same time, Purdue wants Edey to live in the paint.
So could their strategy be to put another guy on Coleman, then put Edey on Ty and not guard Ty at the 3 point line since he’s not a threat to shoot?
Coleman’s technically our 5, so in theory Edey would guard him. But at the same time, Purdue wants Edey to live in the paint.
So could their strategy be to put another guy on Coleman, then put Edey on Ty and not guard Ty at the 3 point line since he’s not a threat to shoot?
It’s an interesting idea, and one that I think Illinois could counter with lots of Harmon minutes if it proved effective. But tbh I think if Edey were on Ty we’d just torture him in pick and rolls.
We’re gonna torture him in PnRs no matter who he is guarding.
If Coleman can hit a couple of 3's early into game and he somehow can stay out of foul trouble (if refs don't control game) I think we win. If he doesn't or gets in foul trouble, I think we lose.
Without Shannon, I think Edey just has to set back unless Domask or Guerrier get on a heater from 3.
Don't think so as can put Goode on Jones/Loyer while he can be an initial floor spacer to provide the tone offensively.
100% agree. I think it is going to have to be Coleman getting hot and unfortunately the refs calling the game fairly. Now if Domask can get hot from 3 or Harmon can get going, that opens this up. I do fear Coleman getting in foul trouble as refs treat Edey like he is Jordan so we will need IMO Amani to come in for some minutes and somehow hit a 3 or 2 just to open up the paint a little bit. If Amani can just provide 5 minutes in a half of some solid play offensively while battling defensively, I think we have a chance. Just don't see Dainja do much against Edey unless he shoots that shot put left hander or gives some low-post play against backups to give Coleman a breather.
I also see that we seem to have recruited this year to have team, high IQ players in Jakstys that needs weight, Butler seems like to the t of Booty Ball/high IQ player, and the good athlete/hard working gritty Morez. Just got to find the right wings next year to pair with Ty/Goode/Moretti/Hansberry and if DGL/Harris are back.
I agree with the subsequent points regarding getting edey in PNRs but yes its not uncommon to 'hide' a big on someone who can't shoot from the perimeter instead of chasing around a stretch big. This allows for improved rim protection. I see this often when watching the OKC thunder this year. Opposing teams will put a big on josh giddey and dare him to shoot.
There are certainly counters to this but yes your strategy is valid.
Why do you say this when I agree with you? Would you prefer I argue with you, or are you just looking for ways to feel annoyed?
Apologies my wording caused you to feel the need to defend. Here's some likes for your original post.
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
- Status