Pregame: Illinois vs Nebraska, Saturday, January 16th, 1:30pm CT, BTN
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Foggy Notion
- San Francisco
Agree on the Purdue game. As other posters and Groce himself explained, the general emphasis on not hitting the O glass hard is a matter of personnel. We have mostly guards/wings out there, none of whom are Ray Rice when it comes to rebounding. We're a perimeter oriented offensive team, and not many guys are in good rebounding position when our shots go up. We're also not that deep, and having guys crash who are not very good at it is a recipe for cheap over-the-back calls as well as just not getting the RB. Our many young guys struggled mightily early on to grasp the defensive principles when set in the defense. They are coming around on set defense now, but are not collectively ready to play effective D in transition. We're playing pretty decent in zone a lot now too, and if you crash on O then have to scramble back in transition D it often forces staying in MTM for that possession, in addition to missed assignments in general that lead to open 3s and dunks. Bottom line is that sending them to the O glass at the risk of easy basket at the other end is not a risk Groce wants to take now given where his team is at. And the notion that we should crash against teams that aren't running out on us is a little chicken/egg-ish to me (at least some aren't running because we're getting back).
Not sure how big of a difference it would make, but ESPN is counting our Springfield games as neutral where as NCAA one is counting them as home games
Those should count as neutral right? I mean...it wasn't our home floor.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
I believe I read that once you play a certain number of games at a location, it then becomes a home game.
Well let's hope that number isn't 4. We did play 4 in Springfield right?
It was posted somewhere on this site that the magic number is 5. I think that would make the ESPN number more accurate. Of course if the NCAA doesn't update their numbers it is academic since they would be official. It could be just an oversight on their site that it is taking them a long time to fix. You know how long it can take the NCAA to act.
Kipper Nichols
At about half way of the JCL interview Kipper walks by as the cameras pan on him you can see he is physically the most imposing freshmen. Built like a 6-7 NBA SF. From what I have read he trains relentlessly and is doing well in practices.
Next years sophomore class of Finke, JCL, Jordan, Kipper, and DJ is looking very solid.
At about half way of the JCL interview Kipper walks by as the cameras pan on him you can see he is physically the most imposing freshmen. Built like a 6-7 NBA SF. From what I have read he trains relentlessly and is doing well in practices.
Next years sophomore class of Finke, JCL, Jordan, Kipper, and DJ is looking very solid.
ESPN's numbers are off for all teams, not just Illinois. That might explain some of the difference, though.
DoctorOrange
- Chicago, IL
I wonder what's going on with Leron Black for them to know that already. Was there any news on a repeat MRI showing new injury?
If any posters have a conduit to the staff or athletic department, maybe ping 'em to see whether this needs to be addressed? I mean, let's hope we finish strong enough for it to matter, but wouldn't it be a shame if we did and then got nudged out due to miscalculation?
JG alluded to this in press conf yesterday,....said both are indefinite still and no timetable.
I know each school is able to submit information on their team to the committee and that's how our injury situation will be included, so they'll probably make note of the Springfield situation there as well.
I think the Illini win this one today by single digits. Hopefully, they will continue to demonstrate improved play.
Winning 5 in a row would probably do that of course that's if the other teams ahead of of us lose a game or two each. We're not out of this thing. A win today is as important as ever. 3.5 on the spread seems like easy money, but they play the games for a reason. Should be a close and exciting game.
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
I think that's just the home court advantage, right?
And the students aren't back, so even that might be over stated. Don't see this as easy money, personally. All too likely to be a very close game. But at least e are the favorite. I do prefer that
Kendrick Nunn did not play in 4 of our losses.
North Florida
Providence
Chattanooga
MSU
lol...
He did get 12,546 rebounds in the NBA or 11.69/game at 6'5".
He did get 12,546 rebounds in the NBA or 11.69/game at 6'5".
"Jump shooting teams don't win championships." -- Charles Barkley
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Kendrick Nunn did not play in 4 of our losses.
North Florida
Providence
Chattanooga
MSU
Oh wow. Didn't realize that. I'd think 3 of those would've been wins with him.
Soxfreak64
- Bloomington
Hope we don't sit next to each other, that's what I'm wearing! Always so embarrassed when the guy/girl next to me is dressed near the same.
Time to keep building the House of Paign! Illinois should win this and predict an easy victory if the guys continue to shoot well. If they struggle, it probably will be close. It is a given that they need to try to contain Shields and White. I have confidence that they can keep them from going off but am sure they will get theirs. A good defensive effort and decent shooting win this one.
Well one of us is gonna have to change! No? I'll do it... I'll be wearing the orange pants and Jean jacket
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