Three Overreactions to Illinois Basketball's Exhibition Loss to Baylor
The Illini had their fair share of shortcomings on Friday night, some of which may be concerning moving forward
The concern is points in the paint and rebounding.Given up 191 points in the first two games.
We have more quickness than the team last year who finished 20th in defensive efficiency.This team will struggle on defense all year. Lack of quickness is not going to get better.
I think some of the defensive woes (shots at the rim or drive & kick 3s) were due to us picking them up full court and then allowing a blow by. I think it was a point of emphasis to stick with it even if we were getting fried off it with it being exhibition. Assume we will play a little more zone in season especially w/ Mirk.This team will struggle on defense all year. Lack of quickness is not going to get better.
Completely agree- quick guards going off on us is nothing new , but we can allow that AND points and the rim and not get the rebound when they do missThe concern is points in the paint and rebounding.
Cincinnati: 42 points in the paint / 12 OREB
Baylor: 40 points in the paint / 22 OREB
Illinois allowed 40 or more points in the paint just 3 times all of last season.
But the honest truth is we’re nowhere close to the same rebounding team without Mirkovic (exhibition or not).