Final: Illinois 81 Bradley 55

[bigjimmy]

I think after the Chicago State game I said we should know where we stand after the Illinois and Arizona State games. As bad as we played against the Illini it is a little discouraging, even at 4-1. Are we a top 100 team? NO. Top 200? Top 300? Only 5 games into the season it's hard to say what kind of team we're going to be but there are some trends that are pretty obvious to spot:

1. We'll go as far as our starters will take us.
2. Walt needs to stop trying putting up miracle shots as if it's a called play
3. Inconsistent 3-point shooting
4. Lack of quality depth.

We still have time to develop depth but right now can't afford for our starters to have a bad game or games like Illinois happen. Happens on Friday night and ASU beats us by 30. I can only hope that the Illinois game is an aberration. I wanna believe in this team and in Geno's plan. If we don't improve on trends 2-4, another Thursday night in St. Louis awaits.

[Chico]

Bad part is that IMO Arizona State is better than Illinois. Could be ugly. Hoping the Braves prove me wrong because my Arizona friends have been waiting for this game.

[mrcoachdude]

wow..doom and gloom this early?

I thought and shared that we would struggle early, just by simply so many new players and them trying to find their roles on the team...

we will go as far as starters will take us? probably like most teams we will play...
walt will be fine...he is adjusting to new players too...
3 point shooting will come and go...probably better at home, than on the road...

wish we would not harp on depth...we will play 8 minimum and probably 9 players deep and will see ups and downs there especially early...

just my opinion...

[bigjimmy]

A trend is just that, a trend. Doesn't mean it can't be improved upon or trend for the better. Starters are always important but at least for right now we have too much of a reliance on them. You would think after over 3 years that Walt would figure out that he doesn't have to be Houdini. He's got a lot of ability but doesn't always use it the right way. You are correct mrcoachdude in that 3 point shooting does come and go but you got to make wide open shots. Other teams do it. Why can't we. Our depth must get better. It will be a long year if it doesn't. I want this team to succeed but I need to see more to been less gloom and doom about it. I just hope, and expect to see, a better effort on Friday. I like drinkin Kool-aide.