I don’t think they have to shoot great to be great. They are the #1 rated defense on Kenpom. If Burnett and McKinney keep defenses honest I don’t see many teams matching up with them.
Week of 11/24 Games Thread
- Status
I don’t think they have to shoot great to be great. They are the #1 rated defense on Kenpom. If Burnett and McKinney keep defenses honest I don’t see many teams matching up with them.
I swear, sometimes results like this, I almost disregard more than like a 15 point win where shooting percentages are normal.
Not sure I’m right, probably not, but this tourney has had some bizarre crazy blowout results
We absolutely do not give that hack (not Norlander) any page views or listens. DO NOT LISTEN.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I refuse to accept breaking our winning streak vs. Michigan on our home floor this year, no matter how good they may end up being … and I hope the team feels the same.
I agree, at least the way they are playing now. They score a lot of points in the paint and the shots are not all that contested.
I don't see us finishing the conference season ahead of them unless they have some injuries. Neither did those who voted in the preseason polls.
Bring back Juwan!
I don't see us finishing the conference season ahead of them unless they have some injuries. Neither did those who voted in the preseason polls.
Bring back Juwan!
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fair point but those things effect each other. if they aren't making shots people tend to not be as good on defense.. they have already had 2 not great games this season where they looked very pedestrian. they can light it up and have the size to defend the post but I think we match up great against them... just need to shoot well as well
TNT certainly thinks so. They were fawning all over them tonight. I will say they were operating on all cylinders tonight.
What an embarrassment by Gonzaga lmao
Plus Dusty has never beaten Illinois and Brad Underwood as a head coach.
Maryland lost the last two games by a combined 72 points. They might be Rutgers level bad.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Rutgers is really, really bad. KenPom 140. That’s Oakland territory.
Maryland’s currently KenPom 93.
Bottom of the B1G:
140 Rutgers
108 Minnesota
100 Penn St
93 Maryland
81 Oregon
Watching a lot of good basketball games. Kansa shorthanded but took down the Vols. The Vols are very good. Hey, Illini, do you remember Gillespie dribbling the ball seemed like 500 feet with 6 seconds left totally untouched to beat you last year? Hate to say it but Michigan is awesome. They are loaded-big, can shoot the ball and play tough defense [for you Illini] They are just clobbering top quality teams like Auburn and Gonzaga by 30-40 points. BIG. They have a lot of new players but seem to have jelled already. Morez Johnson looking good!
I think the Illini will be very good but there are a lot of teams out there that are better right now. I think the next 2 games will tell us what they are made of.
I think the Illini will be very good but there are a lot of teams out there that are better right now. I think the next 2 games will tell us what they are made of.
OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
- Des Moines, IA
They do get that million, but they didn’t get the opportunity to play for $2m by settling it on the court like they would have done in a tournament like Atlantis or Maui.
Whether you choose to believe that the formula used to set the “title” round was legit or the organizers just decided to put bigger TV draws than Iowa State in the two prime time games is a matter for different discussion.
OrangeBlue98
Iowa is not in a great spot right now (LvilleILL1)
- Des Moines, IA
If Norlander had his own podcast, I’d listen first day.
But I’m never tuning into that self-righteous hack who, quite honestly, TSJ should sue for defamation.
But I’m never tuning into that self-righteous hack who, quite honestly, TSJ should sue for defamation.
I really want to dismiss this Michigan team but I can't. They're really good. The paint is essentially off limits. So when you go 3-22 from three, you're going to get throttled.
I'm also envious of how well they already play together despite returning less than we do. Although they haven't had the health issues that we have had.
I'm also envious of how well they already play together despite returning less than we do. Although they haven't had the health issues that we have had.
Man I was really high on Gonzaga going into last night with how they have looked. Wow.
Going into the season I thought we matched up well with Michigan. But seeing how we still can’t shoot and rely on getting to the rim, I think it’s going to be really really tough. Hopefully we progress as a team before our first game against them.
Going into the season I thought we matched up well with Michigan. But seeing how we still can’t shoot and rely on getting to the rim, I think it’s going to be really really tough. Hopefully we progress as a team before our first game against them.
Unfortunately Morez isn't as selfish a player as I was hoping, to bring this team down. He hasn't shot a 3 since his second game, even in these blowouts. Part of what was supposed to stifle them was Morez wasting possessions on his NBA audition tape.
That is the key, they’ve had everyone available essentially
I will say we have had everyone be a lot better than expected individually and it will be a matter of how Brad brings it together- if he does I think sky is the limit
Michigan got Mara at the right time and Yaxel is becoming who they thought he was - throw in freshman McKenney and it’s a really good team. Morez is basically who sophomore Morez would have been here so no surprise, he’s a really good PF down low
With some players sticking around because of NIL, the infusion of really skilled international players and a lot of impactful freshmen, this season might feature the best overall talent in college basketball in a long time. Maybe ever. Should be a fun roller-coaster ride for a lot of teams, with a large pool of Final Four contenders.
I hate to say it but Michigan is a nightmare matchup for us with our lack of physicality down low. If only we had a guy like Morez Johnson 
. I’ve watched a lot of basketball this year and scUM is, in my opinion, the best team by a wide margin. 
. I’ve watched a lot of basketball this year and scUM is, in my opinion, the best team by a wide margin. - Status