At least it's over
I was so disappointed with the Illinois team this weekend. But, on the positive side, this season is now over. And what a relief that is. So here are my final thoughts on this year's Illini team.
First, I can't believe we didn't win that game Friday night. It's so disappointing. When you lead a team that's struggling to score, it should be pretty simple to take good shots. Of course, if to describe your own offense as stagnant at best, good shots are few and far between.
The game Friday was a microcosm of the entire season. You've seen that game before. Illinois played it against MSU and Michigan on the road early in the Big Ten season, and also at home against Wisconsin. And I think it might have also been similar against the Hoosiers in Indiana.
Build an early lead. Basically shut down the opposing team's offense. Make a few shots. Stop hustling. Don't really move on offense. Wait until there are 10 seconds left on the shot clock, give the ball to Frazier, who can't really create his own shot. Maybe get off a terrible shot, maybe have a shot-clock violation. Do that every time down the floor. Give up big shots. Call time-outs to draw up plays, and then don't execute them. Shoot free throws poorly.
It's so frustrating. How can the Illini not take any shots within the last 5 minutes of a game?? The worst thing about that statement is that it's not much of an exaggeration.
In the tournament, it comes down to execution and making big shots. I loved that the Illini went for the win, rather than go for the tie. Deron Washington just took over the game, and no one really had an answer for him down the stretch. The Illini offense certainly wasn't going to answer back.
In the end, yes there were some botched calls, heinously, miserably botched calls. But you can probably say the same thing in any number of games. And, even if they do call that foul at the end of the game against VT with Illinois only down two, who's going to shoot the free throws? Chester Frazier? We'd still probably be losing after he shot them.
Ultimately, Illinois just didn't execute. I think one of the biggest problems with this team is that with all of the constant injuries, the inability for some of these guys to practice led to problems in crunch time. Or, maybe the last 5 minutes of a game.
Next year, Chester Frazier needs to work on free throws and creating his shot. And getting into the offense sooner. He needs to stop getting across halfcourt, then dribbling for 10 seconds. Randle needs to work on his aggressiveness and decision-making. He still seems pretty much like the player he was last year, and with his athleticism, he should totally be improving. He needs to stay healthy. Pruitt needs to work on free throws and his interior passing. That and passing out of double teams.
I'm hoping that with Demetri McCamey coming next year, he can spell Frazier and/or allow Frazier to change positions. I also hope that it allows Illinois to get into their offense faster. I'd like to see McCamey and Quincy Watkins put up some big scoring numbers as well. I would also like to see Semrau log quality minutes next year, as well as Carlwell. And, let's not forget we have that kid from North Dakota who transferred and can pretty much shoot the lights out.
Next year's team needs to take a big step forward, otherwise it's going to be hard to continually support Bruce Weber's coaching ability (which, let's not forget, is amazing) while not being able to bring in the players to produce. It's difficult to place any predictions on next season because you have no idea what to expect. In this long offseason, hopefully the players can make the necessary changes to their game, and hopefully they have the motivation to do so.
First, I can't believe we didn't win that game Friday night. It's so disappointing. When you lead a team that's struggling to score, it should be pretty simple to take good shots. Of course, if to describe your own offense as stagnant at best, good shots are few and far between.
The game Friday was a microcosm of the entire season. You've seen that game before. Illinois played it against MSU and Michigan on the road early in the Big Ten season, and also at home against Wisconsin. And I think it might have also been similar against the Hoosiers in Indiana.
Build an early lead. Basically shut down the opposing team's offense. Make a few shots. Stop hustling. Don't really move on offense. Wait until there are 10 seconds left on the shot clock, give the ball to Frazier, who can't really create his own shot. Maybe get off a terrible shot, maybe have a shot-clock violation. Do that every time down the floor. Give up big shots. Call time-outs to draw up plays, and then don't execute them. Shoot free throws poorly.
It's so frustrating. How can the Illini not take any shots within the last 5 minutes of a game?? The worst thing about that statement is that it's not much of an exaggeration.
In the tournament, it comes down to execution and making big shots. I loved that the Illini went for the win, rather than go for the tie. Deron Washington just took over the game, and no one really had an answer for him down the stretch. The Illini offense certainly wasn't going to answer back.
In the end, yes there were some botched calls, heinously, miserably botched calls. But you can probably say the same thing in any number of games. And, even if they do call that foul at the end of the game against VT with Illinois only down two, who's going to shoot the free throws? Chester Frazier? We'd still probably be losing after he shot them.
Ultimately, Illinois just didn't execute. I think one of the biggest problems with this team is that with all of the constant injuries, the inability for some of these guys to practice led to problems in crunch time. Or, maybe the last 5 minutes of a game.
Next year, Chester Frazier needs to work on free throws and creating his shot. And getting into the offense sooner. He needs to stop getting across halfcourt, then dribbling for 10 seconds. Randle needs to work on his aggressiveness and decision-making. He still seems pretty much like the player he was last year, and with his athleticism, he should totally be improving. He needs to stay healthy. Pruitt needs to work on free throws and his interior passing. That and passing out of double teams.
I'm hoping that with Demetri McCamey coming next year, he can spell Frazier and/or allow Frazier to change positions. I also hope that it allows Illinois to get into their offense faster. I'd like to see McCamey and Quincy Watkins put up some big scoring numbers as well. I would also like to see Semrau log quality minutes next year, as well as Carlwell. And, let's not forget we have that kid from North Dakota who transferred and can pretty much shoot the lights out.
Next year's team needs to take a big step forward, otherwise it's going to be hard to continually support Bruce Weber's coaching ability (which, let's not forget, is amazing) while not being able to bring in the players to produce. It's difficult to place any predictions on next season because you have no idea what to expect. In this long offseason, hopefully the players can make the necessary changes to their game, and hopefully they have the motivation to do so.
Labels: Illini, Illini need to close out games
posted by Jtrouble at 9:23 AM
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