Since BTO is a little late, I thought I would start a postgame thread with a few thoughts.
1. The Illinois atmosphere was great. Their crowd was ready for the upset. With a #1 ranking, expect that type of environment every game we play until we drop a couple. I do think the crowd and the Illini coach impacted the referees. I am not one to criticize refs too much, as I have refereed a few times and it is a difficult job, but I thought they let the atmosphere and coach affect the way they called the game. And they just blew a few calls at the end.
2. Justin Gainey was great. What a way to step up in the second half when he was needed. What a luxury to have a senior that will take a backseat to others most of the time but has the talent to step up when needed. The layup at the end was clutch.
3. Dubar and Phillips chipped in nicely. Dubar seems to have a nice stroke when left open. And he seems strong enough to help inside when needed due to injuries. Philips is the high energy guy that rebounds and defends. Lucky to have that depth with Estrella out.
4. Chaz Lanier's shooting kept us in the game early. He is no Dalton Knecht but probably the closest thing we could find. I think him not being as dominant means some of our other players know they need to contribute and don't defer too much like they maybe did to Dalton last year. it helps our balance IMO.
5. Mashack's confidence in his shot seems to have regressed. I love all he brings to the game but Illinois dared him to shoot from outside. I expect other teams to copy Illinois and lay off of Mashack until he proves he can hit a few shots. He did a lot of other things great and including a few tough lay ups.
6. Milic- although his outside shot was off, he did everything else well. I am impressed with him as a rebounder and defender. He is very versatile. I don't expect him to shoot that poorly from 3 again. His shot looks too good for that.
7. Okpara- Looked a little lost out there. hopefully he gets back on track as we will need his presence in the SEC grind.
8. Speaking of the SEC. What a dominant showing last week. Dane Bradshaw said he thought 13-5 would likely win the league. So many good teams.
9. ZZZ- Not his best game but he is still the key to this team. The SEC has some great guards this year. Expect some great battles throughout the season. I like ZZZ and Mashack as well as anyone.
1. The Illinois atmosphere was great. Their crowd was ready for the upset. With a #1 ranking, expect that type of environment every game we play until we drop a couple. I do think the crowd and the Illini coach impacted the referees. I am not one to criticize refs too much, as I have refereed a few times and it is a difficult job, but I thought they let the atmosphere and coach affect the way they called the game. And they just blew a few calls at the end.
2. Justin Gainey was great. What a way to step up in the second half when he was needed. What a luxury to have a senior that will take a backseat to others most of the time but has the talent to step up when needed. The layup at the end was clutch.
3. Dubar and Phillips chipped in nicely. Dubar seems to have a nice stroke when left open. And he seems strong enough to help inside when needed due to injuries. Philips is the high energy guy that rebounds and defends. Lucky to have that depth with Estrella out.
4. Chaz Lanier's shooting kept us in the game early. He is no Dalton Knecht but probably the closest thing we could find. I think him not being as dominant means some of our other players know they need to contribute and don't defer too much like they maybe did to Dalton last year. it helps our balance IMO.
5. Mashack's confidence in his shot seems to have regressed. I love all he brings to the game but Illinois dared him to shoot from outside. I expect other teams to copy Illinois and lay off of Mashack until he proves he can hit a few shots. He did a lot of other things great and including a few tough lay ups.
6. Milic- although his outside shot was off, he did everything else well. I am impressed with him as a rebounder and defender. He is very versatile. I don't expect him to shoot that poorly from 3 again. His shot looks too good for that.
7. Okpara- Looked a little lost out there. hopefully he gets back on track as we will need his presence in the SEC grind.
8. Speaking of the SEC. What a dominant showing last week. Dane Bradshaw said he thought 13-5 would likely win the league. So many good teams.
9. ZZZ- Not his best game but he is still the key to this team. The SEC has some great guards this year. Expect some great battles throughout the season. I like ZZZ and Mashack as well as anyone.
