Question: is AJ that much more improved or is he finally in an offense that benefits his skill set? I realize it is only one game but he seemed much more relaxed and looking for his shot. Tonight he seemed to start to live up to the 4 Star hype that he had coming in as a freshman.
Illinois 102, Southern 55 POSTGAME
EfremWinters84
- S. Carolina
I was unable to watch or listen tonight. I'm curious about the following 4 guys. Could someone comment?
* Matic and Greg --- They got mentioned in the presser, but everyone seemed to be laughing/smiling. Did they play like walk-ons or something?
* AJ --- when did he get his minutes? Did he look like he might actually contribute this year?
* DMW --- didn't seem to contribute much in his 15 minutes, except for 3 fouls. How did he look?
* Matic and Greg --- They got mentioned in the presser, but everyone seemed to be laughing/smiling. Did they play like walk-ons or something?
* AJ --- when did he get his minutes? Did he look like he might actually contribute this year?
* DMW --- didn't seem to contribute much in his 15 minutes, except for 3 fouls. How did he look?
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal with Do Not Contact Tag
Open up the gif thread and look at how much we are attacking the basket. My goodness.
OurMottoisOskeeWowWow
- Illinois
Great game. Heard it over the radio. Let's rest and get ready for Sunday!
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
I think it is some of both. He looked great tonight. I hope that he continues to contribute as the opponents get harder. He always struck me as someone who wasn't elite in any of his skills but always worked hard at every facet of his game. I truly hope that this is the system that brings out the best he has to offer.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
I know! As I was thumbing through the gif's I was thinking, "wow, there really are a lot of gif's this game!"
KrushCow31
Former Krush Cow
- Chicago, IL
Matic made a few mistakes which is expected. Greg had some nice blocks. AJ played core minutes and really drove but also nailed down 2 3s. It wasn't garbage time that he played. DMW got 2 fouls in 3 seconds at the start of the game and I think that really took him out of it.
I came here to post that we were still pretty vanilla. Opened with a set play, tried to run it again a couple plays later but it got broken up. When we started it I assumed with would be the first counter, but alas we’ll never know. We ran some basic spread flow, with a counter off the dribble entry(the first lob for Leron) and a cutter 2 counter we repeated about 3 times (lobs to spicy g twice). That was it. Solid zone passing/attacking game, and one zone set we ran 3-4 times and hit the different options on it. Defense was better than anticipated in terms of young guys sitting down on someone. Lots to like, lots to get better at, exactly how you want a game one to be.
Also wanted to add that Finke looks a little quicker off the floor this year. we also need to hit more 3s.
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Deleted member 547530
D
Guest
Got to love BU's attitude. The guy hates to lose. In the presser, when discussing Thursdays practice he said "we were preparing to win" - not we were getting ready for Southern, we were preparing to win. God I have missed that kind of moxy in our coach. I truly believe BU expects to win every game, just as it should be if you are the coach. A coach with swag and that kind of confidence will get buy in real quick from his team. Gonna be a fun ride.
EfremWinters84
- S. Carolina
Thanks for the update!
I keep wondering if Matic and Greg are truly Big Ten calibur. Hope they both have Kendall Gill type of improvement from their FRESH to SOPH seasons.
I love how so many people are mesmerized by BU's coach speak. It's just funny because most of us salivated over Groce's speeches during his first couple years here. He was the king of the press conference. But once we realized he couldn't win, those same words and phrases were hated on this board. Actions speak louder than words. Let's hope BU's actions turn out better than Groce's.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
'tis true. But, I think, I'm okay with giving the BU tenure a few more games. It's just a wholly different feeling. With JG, it was more of a RAH RAH RAH type atmosphere. With BU it seems to be more of a subdued, fundamentalist, workmen's approach to the game.
I don't know if anyone understands where I'm coming from here. I just feel like I have more of a basic understanding of the O and the D and the importance of how they feed off one another.
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ILLINIWEK86
Dick Vitale walks into a bar..
- Fisher
It would have taken 35 points from Malcolm, and a few calls our way to win that game by 2 last year. I know it's only Southern, but I'm very encouraged by the way the kids got after it last night. Good, solid basketball with room to grow.
Also, I can't be the only one feeling even more satisfied after reading the Wake board? Haha.
Go Illini!!!
Also, I can't be the only one feeling even more satisfied after reading the Wake board? Haha.
Go Illini!!!
I don't think AJ has been comfortable being a high major athlete. It is 90% mental with him IMHO. With AJ size and stroke he is going to get minutes. Regarding offense he will get more open looks with BU.
skyIdub
Winged Warrior
I think they are going to be light years better in a couple of months! :thumb:
blackdog
- Champaign
Its coach speak but BU actually has some substance to what he is talking about as well.
blackdog
- Champaign
Greg had a pretty sweet chase down block that he came sprinting back down the court to get. Pure hustle and athleticism, nobody else on this team can make that play. He really does have quick feet on defense, moves really well laterally, and he gets up quick to block shots. Can see why the staff is so high on him. Tons of potential.
If anyone had told me we would put up over a 100 points with poor 3 point shooting, I would have said they were crazy. Love that this team can find alternate ways to score. Loved the balanced scoring as well. In some ways, it might be good that there is no star on this team at this stage. Need to build that team-first mentality that has been lacking in some of the past year's teams. I hope I never see hero ball again.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Very encouraged by last night's win. As others have stated, our O isn't close to what Underwood wants. That said, love the pace, ball movement and attack philosophy. Very little hero ball. Our D is markedly improved (tempered by our opponent). Cannot remember when we shot so many free throws. Love our percentage. We were bad on 3s, but still crushed them. Nice. Loved the rotations. And, finally, bravo to AJ! Hope he keeps it up (playing well, not avg. 17 ppg), because he can be a very valuable piece off the bench.