Illinois 83, Grand Canyon 71 POSTGAME

#101      
Agree mostly. I'm just saying it's clear that we are not quite to the level of top half Big10 teams. That's where it will be determined if we get to the tournament or not, and looking sloppy against three straight lower level teams is definitely cause for concern. Again, nobody wants IL to be successful more than me I will guarantee you that. Just disappointed in what I'm seeing after hearing BU talk us up all summer. He needs to earn his salary and get the team where it needs to be.
I’m surprised someone with 40+ years of watching college hoops would come to that conclusion on November 8th. Actually, I’m surprised you can come to ANY conclusion on November 8th. It’s so early in the season and so many things will change, we don’t know what kind of team we’ll have come March. Seems like lots of overreactions in these postgame threads so far this year...
 
#103      

SycIllini

Sycamore, Illinois
I honestly just have no idea what you are watching if that's what you think....you think Kofi got all those easy layups by accident?
Worried how we look when Kofi is not in there though. Things went downhill in a hurry.
 
#104      
Ayo has 9 pts, 6 assts with 2 to’s. What is disappointing about that?
A guy who is supposed to be a team leader and future 1st rounder got lost in the mix. Missed easy layups, lazy passes. He just didn’t have much an influence on the game. I think he’ll turn it up, but this won’t be a memorable game for him.
 
#106      
I am thoroughly impressed with GCU. The whole image that I saw tonight. Broadcast, announcers, fans. That is a lucky community to have an exciting team and committed program. Major kudos to Colangelo.
I grew up down the street from the Colangelos and was friends with his son Brian who was a year behind me. Jerry is a great guy and bled orange and blue. He is an excellent ambassador for Illinois and GVU. They are building a nice program.
 
#108      
Ayo has 9 pts, 6 assts with 2 to’s. What is disappointing about that?
That is nowhere near enough production. He played 35 minutes, was 3 for 11 shooting...and couldn't keep his man out of the lane.

With the preseason hype, this should be a 20 PPG, 6 APG and 4 RPG guy....that's what lottery picks do in college vs Grand Canyon, right?
 
#109      
At a few points in the game I saw 2 or even 3 players moving at the same time.
But too often I just saw one guard dribbling, with people standing in corners, hoping for a pass.
Aren't we supposed to have an exciting motion offense?
I would like to have an exciting motion offense. OK?
 
#110      

Deleted member 652751

D
Guest
I’m surprised someone with 40+ years of watching college hoops would come to that conclusion on November 8th. Actually, I’m surprised you can come to ANY conclusion on November 8th. It’s so early in the season and so many things will change, we don’t know what kind of team we’ll have come March. Seems like lots of overreactions in these postgame threads so far this year...
Who says I've come to a conclusion? All I'm saying is that I've got some concern with the way our veteran players - excluding AF - are playing right now. We are going to need them to play a whole lot better starting Sunday if we expect to break the worst string of IL basketball I've seen in 40+ years. Yes, it's only 2 (3) games, but I've seen this movie before and a lot of times in the last 14 years especially it seems like the early trend of poor play continues deep into the season until we've lost too many games to recover.

Be very happy to eat crow three months from now, and will happily do so if we are where we expect IL basketball to be.
 
#111      
That is a separate topic. What does that have to do with winning the first 2 games of the season? Obviously, the Illini haven’t won games this season that are up to your standards. So much so, that all you do is complain in a victory thread...
The positivity and negativity will all balance out in the end. If we play like the last 2 games and get laughed out of Arizona, I hope you're still here to point out all the positives and cheer us all up.
 
#112      

SycIllini

Sycamore, Illinois
That is a separate topic. What does that have to do with winning the first 2 games of the season? Obviously, the Illini haven’t won games this season that are up to your standards. So much so, that all you do is complain in a victory thread...

It is a much better feeling to critique a victory than to wallow in a defeat. We look to have plenty of areas to improve but, would much rather do that at 2-0.
 
#113      
Giorgi i love you man but your killing us. Kofi going to end up getting hurt because you cant give him even a 2 min breather, ridiculous. play some meaningful minutes and then you can worry about being a coach on the sidelines.
 
#114      

skyIdub

Winged Warrior
At a few points in the game I saw 2 or even 3 players moving at the same time.
But too often I just saw one guard dribbling, with people standing in corners, hoping for a pass.
Aren't we supposed to have an exciting motion offense?
I would like to have an exciting motion offense. OK?

There were moments in the first half where we moved the ball very fluidly and I thought..."ok, this is what it's supposed to look like".

When the pressure gets dialed up, we have too many guys unsure with the ball and looking around. These guys need a killer instinct and more confidence as a group. As much as he struggles offensively, I still loved seeing Monte' taking charge and trying to drive the ball. We finally saw Trent drive late in the game. Our guard play needs to be much more sure handed and fluid.
 
#115      

Loyalillini10

Urbana, IL
The positivity and negativity will all balance out in the end. If we play like the last 2 games and get laughed out of Arizona, I hope you're still here to point out all the positives and cheer us all up.
Why would I do that if we get blown out at Arizona?? That would make about as much sense as going into a victory thread and saying only negative things about the team...
 
#117      
Honestly, I love Kofi, however, I think his production may be at the detriment to others (mainly Giorgi), I expect them to figure this out, and it will be a net positive for the team and Illini nation. JMHO
I could not agree more. Great post. I feel like GB is out of sync and I feel like there's no identity. Last year, the guards were flying all over the court, causing turnovers, playing free and easy in an open court. This year, we're pounding the ball into Kofi and are playing through the center in a much less frenetic pace....not really getting out in transition, where a guy like Ayo flourishes.

I don't think anyone has figured out their roles yet. Could take time.
 
#120      
Why would I do that if we get blown out at Arizona?? That would make about as much sense as going into a victory thread and saying only negative things about the team...

I think the point that was trying to be made is that all the elements are there for a team that was overhyped coming into the season. Yes it’s early, but nobody can say they’ve been wowed by how the team has played the first two games. Again, if that continues without fairly major improvement, the team; as it’s playing now, looks like it won’t go anywhere.
 
#122      
Honestly, I love Kofi, however, I think his production may be at the detriment to others (mainly Giorgi), I expect them to figure this out, and it will be a net positive for the team and Illini nation. JMHO
I don’t disagree with this, but our offense looks much more fluid with him in alone versus Giorgio in alone. Also, Giorgio is still swatting at rebounds instead of grabbing them. Can’t say that about Kofi.
 
#124      

Deleted member 11311

D
Guest
The cat we think is going to the NBA next year hasn't shown up yet. We can't get mad when someone calls a spade a spade.
 
#125      
I know he’s looked like garbage in the two real games, but I still think BBV will be the 8th man by January. Once the game slows down for him, he will be fantastic. I’m hoping it’s this year.

I agree, BBV doesn't have his legs or bounce. Preseason injury and little conditioning is the cause. Need some Tevian as well, can address some mismatch issues the illini have faced in first two games.