We Aren't In Spokane Anymore: Zags Open Road Schedule With Visit To Illinois
by Max Mandel on Dec 2, 2011 5:45 PM PST
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PrintAs Zach so eloquently pointed out in his blog post yesterday, while it is great that Gonzaga is off to a 5-0 start, we really don't know much about this team. The competition level has been relatively poor in the opening two weeks of the season and the rotation will continue to be a work in progress until the debut of Guy Landry-Edi. We have seen glimpses of greatness from some of the newcomers and spells of questionable basketball from a couple veteran guys. However, the little bits of inconsistency haven't really been exposed because the Zags haven't been forced to play 40 minutes of good basketball to earn a win.
While this Illinois team isn't a Top 25 team at this point, this game will present a big test for Gonzaga. It's never easy to fly across the country and then play an early afternoon game. It's even more difficult when you have to play the game on the home court of a team that is looking to prove the preseason expectations were far too low. Unfortunately, this is the exact scenario Gonzaga will face on Saturday. Illinois is a talented team that failed to live up to big expectations last season (I've done my best to try and forget the Battle In Seattle), but returns some very good talent and appears to have better chemistry.
The aspect of this game I am most excited to watch is to see how the Gonzaga frontcourt responds to facing a group that can match it in size. Although he hasn't reached his potential yet, sophomore C Meyers Leonard has a lot of talent and plays with an edge. He is averaging 12.3 ppg and 6.7 rpg and will provide Rob Sacre with his biggest challenge this young season. We have seen a lot of improvement and signs of growth from Sacre this season, but that should be expected given the competition. If Rob can deliver a double-double against the Fighting Illini it will say a lot about where he is as a player.
With Sacre and Leonard set to matchup, it leaves Elias Harris with the chance to dominate the interior. Tyler Griffey is a nice player, but he shouldn't be able to slow down Harris if Illinois decides to guard him straight up. If we see that relentless motor that was on display against Notre Dame, Gonzaga could get a huge game from Elias.
I also am very curious to see how Kevin Pangos and David Stockton handle the athletic Illinois backcourt. While both have been excellent on the offensive end so far, my huge fear is that neither has the ability to keep a quick guard in front of them. This fear came to fruition during the Wazzu comeback, as Reggie Moore got into the lane at will in the second half. Gonzaga will struggle to win this game if it can't contain D.J Richardson and Brandon Paul.
Too be honest, I don't have a great feel on this game. Illinois has nice talent, but the schedule it has played hasn't provided many tests. However, the same thing can be said about Gonzaga. This game will be a huge marker for where this team stands, as it will be revealing to see how these freshman guards handle their first true road game. Gonzaga is fully capable of winning this game, and I think there is a very good chance it will. However, something tells me we see the Zags drop a close one, in a 71-66 loss.
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Rob the key
The announcers who did the Illinois game the other night (forgot who called the game or who they played – whoops) were excited about Sacre and Leonard too. This game will really show whether Rob has improved as much as people think he has. It’s a lot to ask of a young team to travel east and play this game. While I think Illinois is traditionally inconsistent, I don’t have the greatest feeling either. Young guards need to play like they’re not Freshmen in a big road game and Rob needs to win his matchup and live at the line for us to win. Doable, but tough.
Most of the current roster were over here last year for the absolute pounding the Illini dropped on them.
Payback, not to mention embarassment, are pretty big motivators. Also don’t forget that the Zags won in the United Center a couple years ago. Sacre fires up the team, Harris and Pangos drop 12 or 14 each, Stockton does his thing, and GBJ chips in 10 of his own.
Zags 75 – Illinois 69
by DaveValleDrinkNight on Dec 2, 2011 9:14 PM PST reply actions
On the Road Again
My annual Zag Game adventure this year is to Cincinnati to see GU-Xavier. Been to Salt Lake, Seattle, and Charlottesville.
Where's the confidence little soldiers?
The Zag warriors will come in to this United gladiatorial arena and make them bleed orange. We will march on them, stomp on their spirits and silence their fans.
We will bare our bulldog teeth for the first time this year, clamp down and eviscerate the ‘Fighting Illini’. They will put it in quotes when referring to Illinois baskeball from now until the end of time because there won’t be an ounce of fight in them after the Zags are done with them.
Sacre and Harris will lead rebound rebellion and the ‘Fighting Illini’ will barely touch the ball off the glass. They will be like enemy combatants locked up in some nowhere place with no where to go and no hope of getting out.
Trail of tears as the Illini get trampled 78-61.
by SoldierofZagistan on Dec 2, 2011 11:34 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Headed to the game today/tomorrow..
As a former U of I student, I easily acquired student section tix on the cheap from some friends. Taking an Illini buddy and rocking my Gonzaga jersey in the Illini student section tomorrow — should be an interesting afternoon, without a doubt. Hopefully that includes a Gonzaga win so I can regain bragging rights in this rivalry after last year’s embarrassment.
GO ZAGS!!!
"Why do you always point to the sky when Zambrano starts?" My girlfriend.
"You just wouldn't get it...it's a Cubs thing..." Me.
by cubs2k8isnxtyear on Dec 3, 2011 12:27 AM PST reply actions
Assembly Hall in Champaign
Should be a spectacular environment. Can’t wait for this game. GO ZAGS!!!
Welcome to the Sound Pound...
I love this game!
This team really needs this kind of big game on the road and I’m glad it’s finally here! I believe the guys are pumped to play this game on national T.V. so that everyone can see them in action. Playing a good game on another team’s home court goes a long way with the pollsters. Win and it really puts this team on the national radar. Even if we lose, if we do it with grit and determination it won’t hurt us and can only help us as the season progresses.
I would like to see the Zags play defense for the whole game like they did in spurts against Notre Dame. Good defense really silences a home crowd. We really had ND rattled at times and their turnovers ignited our offense. We also need to control the boards, so I’d like to see Rob and Elias have big stats for rebounds. Our guards just need to be strong with the ball and limit the turnovers. I like our chances against a good Illinois team! Let’s do this! The ZagMan will be screaming at the television this afternoon cheering for our beloved Zags! Let’s hope his wife doesn’t make fun of him…..again!
Stuggles
Young guards struggle, Carter has been awful for the most part, Sacre will be neutralized by a player of same size, Zags lose big 75-60 :(
Early game
Remember this is a 12:15 (9 AM) game. We normally come out sluggish in those types of games. Hope I am wrong and the defense sets the tone. Good luck.
I'll call this game...
A “BT” game as in “Bad Timing”.
- FIRST road game ONE of the most hostile arenas in college hoops.
+
-
+
— TWO inexperienced lead guards.
=
FIRST road game at ONE of the most hostile arenas in college hoops lead by TWO inexperienced lead guards.
hence, a BT game.
Good news is we’re going to learn so much from today’s game and be a much better team — win or lose.
I like to think this type of game is /- 10. We either win by 10 or lose by 10+. There are way too many variables on both teams to make this a barn-burner, imo. One or the other…
I'm confident
that this team has had enough time to gel and should be able to come away with a convincing win. For only being 5 games into the season, they’re looking really good. If Sacre can establish himself on offense, Harris can repeat his performance on the offensive glass, Pangos and Bell can play efficiently, and Carter minimizes turnovers, this should be a good game.
Holy Cow, what are we talking about?
This game is an example of why kids go to Gonzaga. Bad timing, my ass!! Our schedule couldn’t have been set up better. These kids and all halfway intelligent Zag fans are stoked for this game. Fantastic visiting arena, 2 teams ready to make a national statement, 2 undefeated teams- awesome. Who cares about you guys’ weak predictions! What the f@#$ do you know about this matchup. The point is that none of us do. That’s part of why this game is so enticing. Someone tell that zag fan that the game is a 3:15 start EST, 12:15 PST, and 2:15 in Champagne. The Zag players are used to already having flown 10,000 miles by now- Maui, Anchorage, a couple trip east. People are talking about the brutal trip to Illinois. Ugh. Come on guys- you can do better!
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