Illinois 79, UCLA 70 Postgame

#428      
Don't usually pay much attention to the noise coming from the announcers but I have to give them credit for the props they gave to 3 key pieces of our team that don't get enough love: Fletch, Tim Anderson and our team managers.
One of the guys was definitely hoarse.
 
#430      
TSJ:
Take It Personally Michael Jordan GIF
One of my major concerns prior to the season was just who was going to be the Alpha Dog? It was genuine as the team had so many new players and no one knew who or what could/would emerge. I was kind of hoping Goode would be the guy with has toughness and competence at both ends, as well as TSJ with his experience....but lacking in vocal input. Hawkins had showed too much immaturity so his next step was a mystery. Yet, in his defense, he has become the consummate team player whose overall game has matured immensely.

But there is no doubt now that Shannon is using his elite talents and work ethic to lead and spark this team when needed. It is hard not to see that he is superior to Ayo at both ends of the court, which makes one wonder if the Illini could have another First Team AA and maybe a lottery pick in the works. When needed, he quietly says "watch me and follow my lead", and the show begins. Welcome home TSJ!!
 
#432      
dain shooting 86% from the field on the season šŸ˜Æ
Great...when combined with 14% from the FT line, he is perfect shooting the ball!!!

Seriously, that field shooting is crazy, but more a product of his footwork, quickness, recognition, and hard work...all of which are exceptional. If he can get rid of that deep bend and long lift on his free throw shot, he can be an AA....soon.
 
#438      
LOL. I think someone hacked your account earlier in the week cuz sure sounds like youā€™re one of those ā€œamusing posters.ā€ In a post from your account earlier in the week:

ā€œI also think we have a very good shot at winning at least 2 of the next 4, and a decent shot at 3 wins.ā€
No, no hacking. "Illini 76 UCLA 71" I guess you forgot to quote this part of the post, LOL. But, it's all good, and I admit that I have more confidence than I did before this game about winning all four games. I would think we all do, but I think it is ok for all of us to lay aside our memories of past seasons traumas, and believe in this team.
 
#439      
I told my wife last night while watching the game that I knew this team was talented but my o my the toughness and togetherness they are displaying is crazy. I think they all actually get the big picture that it isnt about anyones particular contribution it is all about the team and winning. I bitched at Coleman the entire first half and he is by far my wife and I's favorite player but that guy played his heart out last night..
TNT?? The Groce Era is over!!! We are everyday guys manā€¦. Get it right. šŸ˜‚
 
#440      
Proud of this team and fans. Great showing for both in Vegas. Time to repeat the showing on Sunday. The team has greater upside than shown yesterday and I can't wait to watch them reach their potential.
 
#441      
No, no hacking. "Illini 76 UCLA 71" I guess you forgot to quote this part of the post, LOL. But, it's all good, and I admit that I have more confidence than I did before this game about winning all four games. I would think we all do, but I think it is ok for all of us to lay aside our memories of past seasons traumas, and believe in this team.
Just giving you a bit of business. But no reason for me to quote your prediction for UCLA game. What you found amusing had to do with the record for the 4 game stretch. Anyway, yes I think everyone is feeling more confident after that game. Only one game, but better shows the potential of this team than the cupcake wins did. Letā€™s keep this train rolling.
 
#442      
Hahahaha, "You knew we'd wear them down and win". I love our Illini nation! This was sooo much fun, and I'm giddy about the rest of the year.
Oh yea... look at my post in the previous thread before the game thread. This was my post in the pre-game thread,

"Yea their point guard is tough. They are a good team. But I think we're up for the task. These are the types of games I'd rather us cut our teeth on early to get ready for March. This is what you come to Illinois for. If you're a baller, these types of games. And from what it sounds like, this team doesn't shy away from a tough game based on the secret scrimmage. This would be a good game to see Mayer and Melendez (M & M if you will) have breakout games for this season. I think this team is so deep that they can just keep attacking in waves with no let up. Eventually wearing teams down and pulling away to win games."
 
#445      
#447      
Dain's spin to the baseline and switch of hands reverse... I don't remember any Illini big man having that kind of ability. Not saying he is the best big man ever, but not remembering anyone who could pull that off. WOW!

Heā€™s very skilled. Great footwork, excellent hands.
 
#450      
For a frosh, Ty is very good at rebounding, defense, handling, looking for open teammates, and being where he is supposed to be. Those things alone make him hugely valuable to the team. But he is terribly deficient as a shooter....from the field and the line. Likely, as a kid, he was praised so much for being unselfish and working hard for his team that he just did not spend any time other that required by coaches in learning efficient shooting technique (and I have no idea, just trying to make sense from what I see and know). But to go any further, which I am pretty sure is in his mind, he must learn to become a solid shooter at several levels. It will take an effort and focus much like we have seen from TSJ, but he started from a higher plateau. Regardless, Ty will be a solid and important player for the Illini, and I truly hope it is for 4 years.