RJ has been playing well in most areas and tonight he played solid D and rebounded with just 1 TO in 32 minutes. It was good to see him make his drives and finally hit 1 three outta 4 threes at a big point of the game. Hopefully that’s a start of trend. It would be great to see RJ have a gave from three like Epps did tonight from the arc. Both played very well
Illinois 78, Minnesota 69 Postgame
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Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
Feel very, very, very happy for RJ.
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
This game has sparked some optimism back in my life about this team. I know it’s Minnesota, and we didn’t have an amazing game, but there was a lot to like about the growth we get out of this game. Let’s get hot and go on a deep run next month!
ginabackes00
CrazedUIFan
The reaction by the crowd on RJ’s made three exemplified how all fans felt! It has to feel good to know most everyone has been pulling for him because they see what he’s capable of.
Ignatius Shang
5th year PhD, school of Information Sciences
- Champaign, IL
The atmosphere in the State Farm Center was awesome. The fans (including myself lol) cheered loudly when RJ made the dunk and went wild when RJ got that rebound and made the 3. And his teammates also celebrated so sincerely. It is hard not feeling part of the family for him.
Welcome back.
Welcome back.
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Dee_4_Three_83
- Mahomet, IL
10 of 26 from 3 tonight. Only 2 bad ones in my view. If we can take 24 good ones and eliminate the bad ones entirely, I like our chances against anyone. Especially if we can get 1 or 2 a night from RJ and Goode. Mayer has been very consistent. I like TSJ getting 5 spot ups a game and making 2 to 3. I like CH taking 3s in wide open spot ups and transitions. Epps got his swagger back from 3 tonight.
The point is, if we don't know our identity with regard to 3 point shooting by this point, the light bulb won't turn on. We have to have shot selection like we had tonight consistently to make the run. I really liked our shot selection the last couple games honestly, so I am hoping this is a trend.
The point is, if we don't know our identity with regard to 3 point shooting by this point, the light bulb won't turn on. We have to have shot selection like we had tonight consistently to make the run. I really liked our shot selection the last couple games honestly, so I am hoping this is a trend.
This is a Illini basketball characteristic that goes back many years.
We seem to frequently endure guys having the game of their life.
Wait until tomorrow....ooof. Been there, done that. Sit on a doughnut, get in the whirlpool and be ready for Thursday. Just the nature of the beast when it comes to that injury.
Bigtex
- DFW
Didn’t like 2 of Mayer 3’s
Didn’t like 3 of Hawkins 3’s
Other than that most were in the confines of the offense.
When you game plan to take away certain players, sometimes other guys step up. They won.
We have one helluva ball coach. And man, I'm happy for RJ.
I have no problem with Hawk shooting 3s, but there are qualifiers for me.
1. Set your feet and get the eyes stable vertically.
2. Go straight up.
3. Keep the ball in front slightly so the arc can be consistent.
4. If it feels like the arc has to change to a lower one in order to get it there....don't shoot it.
5. Whatever made him increase his arc tonight...remember that. Never do I desire to see a line drive from 27 ft. unless there are two seconds left to shoot. It will not go in.
6. Having been soooooooooo disappointed in his willingness to shoot from inside 10 ft. for 2.7 seasons, I am really pleased to see him become aggressive at doing just that. The team is much more dangerous when he at least looks to score and draws attention. So do that!! I feel one of the reasons he throws the ball away so often on low % passes is that defenders stay tight on their man as they know he is a pass first guy. Leave that to the guards.
Bottom line is I like what I see this team rounding into...playing to strengths and a lot of guys playing well. Just keep PSU busy playing someone else.
What was surprising tonight is that the Illini kept their turnovers to 8...a season low I believe...and yet Minny (Battle) stayed pretty much in contention rather than letting it get out of reach until very late. The box score made a huge error though by giving Battle only 4-9 from the arc when every one of us knows for a fact that he was 9 for 9. Duh...stupid statisticians.
I don't know if tonight's roster will win a national championship...that's like a nuclear take after a win over the Gophers...but I do see a lot of guys that have ridiculous potential when they are just playing. And if the core of these freshmen and sophomores stick around, that's a pretty high ceiling by itself - and we know that's not all that's on the horizon.
Rj. enjoyed himself tonight. Defense was great, that monster dunk in first half. reminded me of an 8th grader truly dunking for the first time. I couldn't be happier for him and his teammates and the coaches who have stood by him since November. Finally, I love Ty Rodgers 6.5 8ft wing span 
grabbing that missed free throw. He acted like someone snatched his lunch money and he wasn't taking it. We have a great nucleus for the coming years!
grabbing that missed free throw. He acted like someone snatched his lunch money and he wasn't taking it. We have a great nucleus for the coming years!Another pat on the back for RJ. He is a much better player all around this season than last and in no way is he a bust. The only shortcoming for him compared to other NBA hopefuls is his shot. Mechanically it is sound and natural....and he will get it back as we saw in a baby step tonight. When he does, he will be a contender for B1G POY...or at least there are many who know he can be. But I really like his floor play lately and the BB IQ he has displayed. It shows in his recent willingness to attack rather than hang at the arc. Maybe that is simply a necessity, but he can score, defend, and rebound with the best at his size. We are lucky to have him and watching players like RJ grow is so rewarding to me for a lot of reasons.
Also, I liked one of his misses from the arc that was off the heel. Good shooters miss a lot in that manner but are short only when hit on the arm. It was a good sign.
Also, I liked one of his misses from the arc that was off the heel. Good shooters miss a lot in that manner but are short only when hit on the arm. It was a good sign.
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As a fan, I might be in the minority, but I enjoy watching the players grow and find success. The winning is nice but secondary.
LOL....I am certain my jr. high never had a player that could dunk. In fact, until the 50s, they never had a high school player that could dunk....and they won two IHSA titles, a runner-up, a third and fourth in an 8 year span...with no dunks. But they did have speed, toughness, and played defense with a frenzy...except in the last quarter of a state title game when Dike Eddleman became a legend.Rj. enjoyed himself tonight. Defense was great, that monster dunk in first half. reminded me of an 8th grader truly dunking for the first time. I couldn't be happier for him and his teammates and the coaches who have stood by him since November. Finally, I love Ty Rodgers 6.5 8ft wing span
Third game in six days, I’ll take that effort.
Also, I could take or leave the McNugget promo but McDonald’s has certainly gotten some mileage out of it.
Also, I could take or leave the McNugget promo but McDonald’s has certainly gotten some mileage out of it.
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