Yes, we are pretty much zone when both brothers are in. I hope to see the 6-6, 6-7, 6-9, 7-1, 7-2 zone of Wagler, Andrej, Mirk and Ivisic bros vs MSU as they’re undersized and have 2-3 non shooters on the floor at all times.
Illinois 78, Nebraska 69 Postgame
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Yes, we are pretty much zone when both brothers are in. I hope to see the 6-6, 6-7, 6-9, 7-1, 7-2 zone of Wagler, Andrej, Mirk and Ivisic bros vs MSU as they’re undersized and have 2-3 non shooters on the floor at all times.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
It's a good wrinkle for this year, and it's also an important part of the puzzle for next year as we hope to find some way to keep Mirk and the twins all together next year.
I know money talks and players are liable to leave for a bigger payday, but I've still never felt better about our chances for having a lot of continuity next year amongst those playing bigger roles and with eligibility, particularly the "ic's" (minus Petro). It seems their level of camaraderie, based on familial ties and somewhat shared cultural backgrounds, will help go a long way in wanting to stay here together. Or at least that's my hope.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
There is not a bigger Brad Underwood fan on this board than me, but the reality is we have had at least one completely unexpected departure of an important player literally every season he's been here.
And all three of Tomi, Z and Mirk deserve to be starters, if the guy who has the bench role of the three weren't the twin brother of the starter I'd say there was no chance.
But that trio is awesome, they all bring different things to the table, and they seem to really like each other. I choose to hope.
We all expected the Balkan Five to be the story this year, Keaton Wagler had other plans. But that can still be our future and it would be a very bright future IMO.
I think Brad is 100% honest with these guys in April. I think some coaches aren’t .
Accordingly, we get someone who doesnt like what they hear from Brad , when their handler/agent is telling them something much different .
I guess we’ll find out in 10 weeks if we keep everyone with eligibility (other than Wagler) . It’s likely we lose someone tho.
Sub in Ben for Andrej and we get even bigger.
True, and we ran that lineup vs Nebraska. I just think Teng, Divine and Scott (the guys they rotate in at the 2/wing position) are different sort of players than Frager/Hoiberg. Not necessarily that they’re going to take Ben off the dribble (it’s a zone, after all) but just that Andrej may be a little better suited to counter their quickness.
At 10:05 in the 2nd half, Ivisic got called for a travel. Was it really a travel?
I'm asking because the step through move has been gaining popularity in basketball the last couple years. It is almost always used to score around the basket. But didn't Ivisic use the same move to get out of the double team and pass the ball?
Replay is on the fox sports app and website for anyone that wants to look up the play.
I'm asking because the step through move has been gaining popularity in basketball the last couple years. It is almost always used to score around the basket. But didn't Ivisic use the same move to get out of the double team and pass the ball?
Replay is on the fox sports app and website for anyone that wants to look up the play.
With 3 low spacing, rather than 5 out, I can see us maintaining a constant interior presence. I like this. Tyler is a genius.
I watched the second half of the game on big network today and Sanfort was not held one time.Hoiberg was totally wrong.
I’d be shocked if Petro’s not gone.
1m4tr
Cliffmas
Sometimes things don’t work out. He can find new life at UNLV.
This is a fantastic story! I hope that everyone on Loyalty reads it!
Illinois’ Keaton Wagler was No. 261 in his class. Now he could be an NBA lottery pick
Wagler went mostly overlooked as a high school recruit, but is the leading scorer for a Final Four contender as a freshman.www.nytimes.com
"Williams made his case to high-major coaches, and most passed. But when he sent the tape to Illinois assistant Tyler Underwood, he found a believer . . . the film popped for Tyler Underwood, and the first thing that sold him was the passing. Underwood’s father, Illini coach Brad Underwood, loves players who can pass because he equates the skill to basketball intelligence, and Wagler played with his head up, advanced the ball at every opportunity and made every read."
It’s really just the past two seasons: Coleman and Morez.
Awesome read.....Fletch needs to listen to my grandma...biscuits and gravy will put some meat on those bones
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
From December 1 through today, Nebraska has the #1 defense in the country and we still put up more than 1.2 points per possession. We can score on anybody.
Houston’s offense surprised me.
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