mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
EIU 80, Illinois 67 (Exhibition) POSTGAME
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Captain Bubbles
- Fairfield, IL
BU has got a lot of work to do.
I am worried that BU is applying a defensive scheme that does not fit the reality of our roster. This cannot be fixed within 2 years time (because he is not bringing in anyone and no one is left on the market that can significantly improve our defense in '18).
I think what I see from the offense in the first half is way better than what Groce had. However all what the opponent have to do to beat our aggressive defense is to force a switch (we did it all the time) and throw the ball into the big man in the paint (our paint is very empty). It either ended up with a foul or layup.
We could not run away from them when our offense is ok. Then we had foul trouble and were tired so they ran away from us easily. Haas could score 50 pts against this "defense system" any day.
I think what I see from the offense in the first half is way better than what Groce had. However all what the opponent have to do to beat our aggressive defense is to force a switch (we did it all the time) and throw the ball into the big man in the paint (our paint is very empty). It either ended up with a foul or layup.
We could not run away from them when our offense is ok. Then we had foul trouble and were tired so they ran away from us easily. Haas could score 50 pts against this "defense system" any day.
Captain Bubbles
- Fairfield, IL
I also wanna say props to EIU, my alma mater for the win on Friday night. I mentioned this in another thread...EIU had four starters return from last season. I thought that was a good test for Illinois against an experienced starting five.
Also, EIU's starting point guard, Terrell Lewis (was Cornell Johnston before his legal name change), he can ball.
Also, EIU's starting point guard, Terrell Lewis (was Cornell Johnston before his legal name change), he can ball.
skyIdub
"I can't tell you. Secret."
Yep....and BU knew this. Experience beats inexperience (youth) when there is no disproportionate physical gap. Almost every time.
Great eye opener for our young guards.
I still think we're making the tourney.
You wanna be Vin Diesel or the Rock? I'll be whoever you aren't.
I would argue that this team wouldn't be good at any defensive scheme right now. We're playing a bunch of freshmen who are generally slow at adjusting to defending at the college level. Plus, we have no atheticism/size inside except for Spicy G who is obviously not ready yet.
But if it makes you feel better, BU did change his defense to pack line after OSU started 0-6 in the Big 12. He's going to do everything possible to teach his system, but if it doesn't work he is willing to change.
Also, there is still plenty of time to bring in someone for next year. Late bloomers, decommits, 5th years, etc. Let's see how these young guys improve before we start complaining about the defense, because it's almost certainly going to be rough early on. We can talk about it in March.
Not a bad post. I hear you. I think he has to move forward with his style of play, which is aggressive and fast and lends itself to scorers. It more importantly works for players who work for themselves, you have to be a dog in this system. Work hard, run hard, cut hard. This isn't walk the ball up the court, waive to your girlfriend Groce ball.
I didn't get to see the game but I will lol when I actually see an offense. I look forward to it.
He has to make these lazy kids work and continue to recruit the right player, the one with a motor. Leron Black is 2nd team All B1G this season.
grammer
Dan
Admin
Irrelevant observations from EIU
http://illinireport.info/2017/11/irrelevant-observations-from-eiu/
http://illinireport.info/2017/11/irrelevant-observations-from-eiu/
mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
I mean, I think everybody chooses The Rock in this scenario, right?
I was thinking the same thing.
Hell, I might even choose Paul Walker over Vin Diesel.
Future Walk-On
- Peoria, IL
I think it is pretty telling when 2 Juniors who have been here for 3 years aren't de facto "leaders."
Black and Finke are becoming representative of non-NCAA tourney teams.
I want them both to succeed, but the more we see them out played by the younger kids the better we know the future will be.
It was worth a shot.
Not uncommon in college basketball. Black and Finke were role players the past 2 years. We had Hill, Rice, Egwu, Paul, Richardson in past years. Now it's time for new leaders. It happens to dozens of teams every year. I don't think it has much, if anything to do with past success.
2 things I took from this
1) the lack of a shoot around explained the airballs, and shooting %, anyone that would expect a great shooting performance in that type of situation, would be nuts. Doesn't explain turnovers or defense, but would explain the flow of game , with a lack of shooting success. We can feel better that we won't play in that size of gym anytime soon.
2) Whitman's escorting of Lou before game was over. The AD is total class. Not because he did the right thing escorting a eldery gentleman out of the bleachers, he escorted a man who was a icon of
basketball of old. Showing respect for Lou, is something all who are illini fans should be proud of. He cares about Illinois athletics, past and present.Ready for real games to begin, and Friday will give a different picture of the team we expect to see.
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