Pregame: Illinois vs Lewis (Exhibition), Friday, November 4th, 7:00pm CT, BTN Plus
- Status
Illinifanatic4ever
- Orange & Blue Blood in my Veins
My wife and I will be there.
Dan
Admin
Yes thanks for the correction, replay is Sunday 6:30pm CT on BTN :thumb:
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teemaddy12
- MO
The big key with this Lewis team will be the loss of forward Max Strus, who was their absolute go-to last year -- averaged 20.2 points per game, hit 68 three's, grabbed 8.4 rebounds/game, and led them with 117 assists. He transferred after his sophomore year up to DePaul and is sitting this season due to transfer rules.
Their entire offense ran through both him last year (and really, the past two years when he was Freshman of the Year in his conference) as well as Kyle Nelson, who also is gone after averaging 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
They were picked to finish tied for third in their division of their conference this coming season -- I think that was probably a bit high, but they still have some good athleticism and are well-coached.
Their entire offense ran through both him last year (and really, the past two years when he was Freshman of the Year in his conference) as well as Kyle Nelson, who also is gone after averaging 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.
They were picked to finish tied for third in their division of their conference this coming season -- I think that was probably a bit high, but they still have some good athleticism and are well-coached.
Kansas-92
Washburn-74
Washburn is a D2 school that barely went .500 overall last year.
EfremWinters84
- S. Carolina
I just finished watching the Wash U game.
I was a little disappointed in Lucas (unable/unwilling to shoot from the outside) and Thorne (appeared heavy, slow and out of shape). I've also been wary of all the weight room work. Hope it doesn't impact our shooting this year.
Further, I hope Friday night remedies my preliminary observations. Go ILLINI!
ILL 86
Lewis 66
I was a little disappointed in Lucas (unable/unwilling to shoot from the outside) and Thorne (appeared heavy, slow and out of shape). I've also been wary of all the weight room work. Hope it doesn't impact our shooting this year.
Further, I hope Friday night remedies my preliminary observations. Go ILLINI!
ILL 86
Lewis 66
Yeah I think Groce was probably including him when he said "guys were passing up open shots" but Lucas looked really good to me. He looks like by junior year, he could a true floor general. Maybe one of the better PGs in the B1G. His vision is better than I thought and was making advanced level passes some of our guys weren't even ready for. He handled full court defense on him well and drained three FTs when the game was getting a little too close for comfort. Add in that he wasn't able to really play the whole summer, I came away truly impressed.
I'm excited about Lucas. I think he'll be a borderline all-conference player as an upperclassman. From the reports I read when we were recruiting him, I expected him to be a gifted playmaker and a true PG. the best surprise for me is that he looks awfully quick this soon after his injury. Even disregarding the injury, he's quicker than I thought.
This. It caught me off guard a little bit. Wasn't expecting that amount of burst.
As long as they didn't quit shooting and only working out, then their shots should be better and more efficient. Getting stronger helps shots.
I've seen this a couple of different places. Very concerning. I know exhibition and all but still.
I didn't see that. I saw a player who hadn't played in a long time and picked up three fouls in a hurry and never got into the game. That can make you look a step behind. Out of shape. Heavy? Look at him. He is chiseled.
Let's see what he does for the next few weeks.
Deleted member 4960
D
Guest
He's less than 10% body fat and has a max vertical of 12ft or better. He has not played against another team really since last November unless you count the half against Indiana. Black won't look awesome out of the gate, either. I'm not worrying about an exhibition game especially as it pertains to someone who hasn't played in nearly a year.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
I think we have enough experience and good enough players that bringing Thorne back slowly, and awaiting Blacks return, should not cost us any games. Abrams appeared good to go but lets wait until after tomorrows game to see for sure. I'm not even sure that Mav is going to give up that starting spot as easily as some people seem to think! 
The center position may get to the point where the starter is solely based on the match-up on a given night.
The center position may get to the point where the starter is solely based on the match-up on a given night.- Status