Illinois 77, Minnesota 67 Postgame

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#228      
I get it, but to win big everyone needs to not worry about this SQ#$&(). All that chemistry stuff.

I'm sure AS will come up with a ton of more big games when we need them
 
#229      
Ben is 27% from 3 in the 17 games since the first game of the season vs. Jackson State (went 5-9 that game). As much flak as he got last season shooting from distance, he's even worse this season. I think we've got far enough evidence at this level (53 games) to say he's a below average 3 point shooter.

Kudos to Brad for icing him today. Theoretically this was a good matchup for Ben vs. zone. Loved Brad giving twin towers some run together.

It's just unacceptable to shoot that % when you're brought in as a shooter and hitting that putrid clip on wide open looks. The % of his looks that are uncontested is very large. Frankly I've grown long long tired of him launching 3s 5-6 foot behind the 3 line. There's absolutely zero reason he should be setting up that far out. Happens over and over and over again. There's where I see the difference between him and Jake. Jake isn't setting up that far beyond the 3 line. Ben's made strides defensively. Just not an upgrade on other options on that end either.

I'm just thankful Ben's not being relied on as a starter at any point this season. We hit a home run with big Z. Such a game changer defensively with a great offensive game today as well
 
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#230      
It’s just insane to me the negativity here after winning games.

I was honestly very happy to pull this one out. This was trap game 101 coming off two emotional road wins, early morning tip, guys sick and hurt, etc. We stuck together and found a way to win rather comfortably (it’s not like we had to survive a last second shot like Michigan against Penn State).

This isn’t like we’re beating Texas State by 10 either. This is legitimate big ten competition.

I think over time I’ll just have to learn to ignore it, but the way some act on here, I just can’t imagine looking up at 18-22yo kids in that manner.
I think the Missouri game was the worst thing to happen for the sake of this board. Now every game in which we’re the favorite needs to be a 40pt win. It’s just delusional.
 
#231      
What I like about this team compared to prior versions is that they share the ball better. If you're going to buy into coach's "everyone plays a role on their own day" speech, you have to share the ball to find out whose day it is. And we do. Great trait
 
#233      
It’s just insane to me the negativity here after winning games.

I was honestly very happy to pull this one out. This was trap game 101 coming off two emotional road wins, early morning tip, guys sick and hurt, etc. We stuck together and found a way to win rather comfortably (it’s not like we had to survive a last second shot like Michigan against Penn State).

This isn’t like we’re beating Texas State by 10 either. This is legitimate big ten competition.

I think over time I’ll just have to learn to ignore it, but the way some act on here, I just can’t imagine looking up at 18-22yo kids in that manner.
I realize Minnesota may never have the resources that other schools have, but Niko Medved is a good coach. He’ll get the most out of his team, and I think he did that (or close to it) today
 
#235      
Mirkovic has poor ball security and struggles playing through contact. He does a ton well (and I need to remind myself what a normal freshman looks like), but his weaknesses often lead to empty possessions.
In some ways I feel he has regressed for exactly the reasons you pointed out. Early success has led to him forcing things too often rather than letting the game come to him.
 
#236      
11 AM win...I take it every single time.

We are 15 and 3...thats awesome.

- Need to be better against the zone. We just hurled 3's and thats the point of a zone, but we have to be able to make better, quicker adjustments. 3's fell in the 2nd half which is why we won.

- Andrej looks frustrated and at times disengaged. I think there got to be a conversation on how to utilize him better. That kid can score and is long and athletic. Yes we want him rebounding and playing defense, but I think to get the most out of him on the defensive end, we got to get him involved a bit more, just so he feels more in the flow of the game.

- Z and Tomi might just need to be 50/50 on minutes...Z is playing at a very high level right now.

- Keaton is prolly going in the lottery, I get that...but you can see his lack of strength being an issue...I just want him another year to put on 10-15 lbs of muscle and then go top 5 in the next draft...can we talk him into that?

- Petro...I see you...now let him try again next game...keep him engaged.

7 in a row? I'm having fun.
Against the zone, Tomi caught the ball just under the FT line, made a move and hit a beautiful baby-hook type shot.

Need more of that, especially against the zone.
 
#238      
If you knew how much he was making … The takes on AS shouldn’t surprise you …
Then that’s a staff problem for over valuing him.

I always thought he was a great wing/slasher/down hill attacker. I even knew he could not shoot long range from 3 like his dad.

The staff should value the skills he has instead of forcing him to shoot 3’s. Work on a consistent mid range pull up game, work on his defense, work on his 3’s in practice. Tell AJ and Humbrickhouse to never shoot a 3 in a game until you make 100 in a row in practice. Work with his strengths and improve his deficiencies.
 
#240      
AS is the most skilled Illini I have seen at being able to beat defenders inside with his speed and finishing at the rim. He can score against any team when needed if he is not doubled...but teams are doing that now and that opens opportunity for others. We are lucky to have him.

Like most, I sure would love it if he we also an elite perimeter scorer, but he isn't. He has bought into defending but still has a big upside to climb.
 
#241      
Then that’s a staff problem for over valuing him.

I always thought he was a great wing/slasher/down hill attacker. I even knew he could not shoot long range from 3 like his dad.

The staff should value the skills he has instead of forcing him to shoot 3’s. Work on a consistent mid range pull up game, work on his defense, work on his 3’s in practice. Tell AJ and Humbrickhouse to never shoot a 3 in a game until you make 100 in a row in practice. Work with his strengths and improve his deficiencies.

Nicknames making fun of guys on our team is so lame. Was lame last year, was lame in the offseason, and is lame now

He shot 2 3’s today and made 1 of them. Staff wasn’t “forcing him to shoot 3’s” today.
 
#243      
Then that’s a staff problem for over valuing him.

I always thought he was a great wing/slasher/down hill attacker. I even knew he could not shoot long range from 3 like his dad.

The staff should value the skills he has instead of forcing him to shoot 3’s. Work on a consistent mid range pull up game, work on his defense, work on his 3’s in practice. Tell AJ and Humbrickhouse to never shoot a 3 in a game until you make 100 in a row in practice. Work with his strengths and improve his deficiencies.
My understanding is we don't miss in practice
 
#244      
The takes on Andrej surprise me. Like Brad said, everyone has a part. It might not be your night, but it’ll be your night coming up. One day it’s Tomi, next day it’s Big Z, next day it’ll be Bam, then it will be Andrej, etc etc. His time will come again.

Just love to see Petro provide a spark. He’s going to play a more important role as the B1G season grinds on.

And KW continues to amaze me for a young one. Straight baby faced assassin.
Andrej definitely drives well to the hole. At times, though, he doesn't finish well at all: tough shot, looses ball on the way up or has it blocked easily. Not saying this happens all the time, but if he improve finishing, that'd be great.

I also think BU should let Andrej post up more for potential baby hooks or booty ball.
 
#249      
Nicknames making fun of guys on our team is so lame. Was lame last year, was lame in the offseason, and is lame now

He shot 2 3’s today and made 1 of them. Staff wasn’t “forcing him to shoot 3’s” today.
Yes he was 1-2 and Boswell was 1-4... should Boswell not shoot them also...?
 
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