The Illini have been going with a 4 guard lineup for much of the Big Ten season which could present problems for the Hawks:
Abrams- Marble?
Paul- Gatens?
Richardson- Oglesby?
Bertrand- White?
Leonard- McCabe?
Now, they could go with Tyler Griffey who has been shooting well lately,which would allow White to go up against a similarly sized guy.
I have to think that Fran will go zone early and often vs an Illini team that is down on the bottom of the league in shooting from the arc. Surround the 7ft Leonard,also. Nebraska was losing by 9 early when they went zone,and took off on a 43-7 run. In a zone,must find Paul,Richardson and Griffey to make sure they do not get in a rythmn. Clearly, as evidenced by Paul's 43 pts vs OSU,he is capable of going off.
But, as important is burying Leonard with many bodies. He has great skills,but is not great beyond 15 ft. Front him,double him,whatever it takes down low,as he can get it rolling and have a huge game,or get frustrated early and get in foul trouble. He is auditioning for the NBA scouts so he will come to play.
As always on the road, jumping on them early is huge. The Orange Crush is not quite what it used to be,but they will still absolutely lust to crush Iowa's postseason hopes. They might deny it but Iowa and IU are still their most hated bb rivals. As it should be. The feeling is mutual.
Go Hawks,BEAT THE ILLINI!!
Abrams- Marble?
Paul- Gatens?
Richardson- Oglesby?
Bertrand- White?
Leonard- McCabe?
Now, they could go with Tyler Griffey who has been shooting well lately,which would allow White to go up against a similarly sized guy.
I have to think that Fran will go zone early and often vs an Illini team that is down on the bottom of the league in shooting from the arc. Surround the 7ft Leonard,also. Nebraska was losing by 9 early when they went zone,and took off on a 43-7 run. In a zone,must find Paul,Richardson and Griffey to make sure they do not get in a rythmn. Clearly, as evidenced by Paul's 43 pts vs OSU,he is capable of going off.
But, as important is burying Leonard with many bodies. He has great skills,but is not great beyond 15 ft. Front him,double him,whatever it takes down low,as he can get it rolling and have a huge game,or get frustrated early and get in foul trouble. He is auditioning for the NBA scouts so he will come to play.
As always on the road, jumping on them early is huge. The Orange Crush is not quite what it used to be,but they will still absolutely lust to crush Iowa's postseason hopes. They might deny it but Iowa and IU are still their most hated bb rivals. As it should be. The feeling is mutual.
Go Hawks,BEAT THE ILLINI!!
