I think it's been very clear that our success under Groce has been directly related to the defensive end. The first team (BP3, DJ, TA, JB, NE, SM, TG) played really good team defense. The second year (RR, NE, JE, JB, TA, 5 Fr.) peaked in February and March when we were stifling on defense. But the freshman took more than half of the season to acclimate and it was just too little, too late as far as the NCAA tournament goes. Season 3 (RR, NE, AS, AC, MH, KN, JT, Morgbert) started out with an offensive mind set. By the time the importance of good defense became apparent, the wheels were coming off in terms of off the court issues. Last year, injuries obviously played a significant role. The four freshmen were needed to fill in and play major minutes before they were ready defensively. As the season went on, JCL and DJW started to improve on that side of the ball, but it was a lost cause by that time.
This season, I expect Thorne and Morgan to more than hold their own down low defensively. Thorne has had a year in the system and, while recovering from knee surgery, should have improved mobility based on some of the off-season conditioning reports we have received. Morgan's biggest issue was footwork and slow reaction time. It also sounds like he will be very much improved in both of those areas. Leron Black has the ability, but just needs to rein it in and play under control without being a thug. Malcolm Hill has the drive and passion to succeed and has proven that he is capable of defending the best opposing player, regardless of position. Kipper Nichols sounds like he will be ready to contribute on D from day 1, but we still need to see it on the floor during a real game. JCL showed flashes and solid improvement as the year went on; he should more than hold his own this season. Finke needs to follow in Jr/Sr-Mav's footsteps and there's no doubt that he will do what it takes to get better. DJ Williams cant get complacent. He and Kipper could really be tough on some opposing back courts with their length and mobility if they can put it together. Aaron Jordan was way too slow in all aspects (footwork, reaction, anticipation, etc.), but he's a smart kid and a hard worker and will bounce back. TA has to recover fully and play with the same defensive intensity that he did as a freshman. Like most freshmen (in addition to coming off an injury), expect Te'jon to struggle, especially early on. Jaylon Tate may be our best defensive PG, but he just detracts from the offense too much to be the main guy. He will be more productive, though, with Thorne down low (size, mobility, and good hands) and should also benefit from having a more explosive Hill, Kipper, and DJW on the fast break. Overall, this should be Groce's 2nd best defensive team at Illinois (as rated over the course of an entire season) with the depth, experience, and athleticism to potentially be his best.