Illinois 87, Valparaiso 64 Postgame

#59      
Good rally in the second half to win going away. The first half was another story. Sometimes Brad's positionless basketball looks more like pointgaurdless basketball.
 
#60      
On the FT shooting: Underwood addressed it a little in the radio interview but it's all mental at this point. Watching Dain shoot before the game and he always knocks down 5, 6, 7, 8 in a row, way more makes than misses. Something about being in the game that seems to be throwing him off.
 
#66      
Do they not practice their free throw shooting at all? Seriously? This is becoming a broken record. I'm more concerned about the free throw shooting than the slow 1st half that they had. They are going to lose all the close 1 and 2 possession games due to their inability to shoot free throws

I like to see Goode hitting his 3's though for a second straight game. That is very encouraging. We need his shooting badly
You can shoot 1,000 free throws in practice. There's no pressure, it's just you and the rim, there's no pressure, your teammates might be yelling in your ear....it's relaxed and a kid will make 800 of them.

You put the same guy on the line, one and one, 17,000 strong watching you and only you, the TV cameras are on and the free throws are for real. Can't replicate that in practice. It's 100% confidence that you're going to step up and make them.
 
#67      
The highlight of the game was the Rev’s coaching. They came out ready to play. Hoping he resurrects Valpo and eventually gets the chance to come home.
I think he will do a genuinely good job there. Spent a lot of time with Bryce Drew and Gonzaga and his dad is a legend in the southwest suburbs. I think he will recruit the mid major tier of Chicago area kids really well.
 
#68      
On the FT shooting: Underwood addressed it a little in the radio interview but it's all mental at this point. Watching Dain shoot before the game and he always knocks down 5, 6, 7, 8 in a row, way more makes than misses. Something about being in the game that seems to be throwing him off.
I mean, yes and no. It agree that it looks like there is a pattern at this point. BUT:

There are cold free throws. And warm ones. And winded ones. And tired ones. Those are all different before you factor in the mental aspect.
 
#70      
The powerful giant Justin Harmon led the team with 9 boards.
Would like to see him get going a bit on the offensive end but he's a tough player.

If he can end up being a bench scorer and Domask can provide a consistent 2nd option I think this team will be fine.
 
#74      
On the FT shooting: Underwood addressed it a little in the radio interview but it's all mental at this point. Watching Dain shoot before the game and he always knocks down 5, 6, 7, 8 in a row, way more makes than misses. Something about being in the game that seems to be throwing him off.
Running up and down the court, playing defense, rebounding, pressure. All of it.
 
#75      
Jesus, that's a lot of rebounds.
Can't get rebounds if you make all your shots.
4d chess, baby
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