π‘°π’π’π’Šπ’π’π’Šπ’” β€˜π’ƒπ’“π’†π’‚π’Œβ€™-π’…π’π’˜π’:

Watching Iowa play today, I had an interesting thought: are too many of our starters β€˜limited’ scores? Let’s take a dive.

We will assign a number to each level of scoring: 1. 3PT 2. Mid-range 3. Slasher 4. Finisher 5. Back-to-basket
Let’s start with Ayo as an example of what I’m talking about.

Ayo would be a 4-dimensional scorer:
1, 2, 3, & 4

Now, let’s do this for all of our starters and key-bench players.
Trent - 1, 2
Ayo - 1, 2, 3, & 4
Miller - 1, 2, 4(ish)
Williams - 1
Kofi - 4, 5

Now the bench:
Curbelo - 2, 3, & 4
Giorgi - 5
Grandi- 1, 2, & 4 (ish)
Hawkins - 1 & 2 (shown flashes of 4)

For comparisons, let’s do this with Iowa.
Bohannon - 1, 2, & 3
Fredrick - 1, 2
McCaffrey - 1, 2
Wieskamp - 1, 2, 3, &4
Garza - 1, 2, 4, & 5

Initially the comparison doesn’t look that alarming, but the problem becomes that Ayo is our only 4-level scorer, and our 1 or 2 level scores can be defended per their strengths.
Defenses dare Trent & Williams to drive, they smother Kofi or make him play mid-range, they guard our perimeter tightly, because beyond Ayo no one is slashing to the basket (or even capable - although Miller will get there).

Now, let’s look at a team like Gonzaga.
Suggs - 1, 2, 3, & 4
Ayayi - 1, 2, 3, & 4
Kispert - 1, 2, 3, & 4
Watson - 3 & 4
Timme - 2, 4 & 5

Wow. This just shows the offensive discrepancy between Gonzaga and Illinois. Even though Illinois is ranked high in β€˜offensive efficiency’, we do not have this flexibility.
So what’s the solution? Some have said start Giorgi over Williams, but that does not solve this issue. Start Curbelo? Too short a lineup. I would try:

Trent - 1, 2
Ayo - 1, 2, 3, & 4
Miller - 1, 2, 4(ish)
Grandison - 1, 2, & 4 (ish)
Kofi - 4, 5
Some will say, β€œthat’s nice, but Grandison isn’t good enough on D”, I would respond - our defense has been so bad during stretches already, what does it hurt to try?

He has also been our energy & β€˜junk-yard dog’ in several games, so give him a shot. He’s also 3” taller.
This isn’t meant to be a knock on any of our players, but rather a β€˜scouting-report’ type breakdown you’d see from opposing teams. Grandi started the season slow, but has looked good. We need to find a way to be more flexible & capable on offense, and this *might* help.

#Illini
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