Jake

QUOTE (fathom @ Mar 24, 2013 -> 10:01 PM) I'll never understand why they didn't go into ST thinking that Santiago was going to be a starter. Santiago went into ST thinking he was a starter. He told the guys on the Score that he was stretched out to 75 pitches before reporting to camp and "I'm not doing that to be a closer." Somewhere along the lines the plans changed. It doesn't make sense since it isn't a big deal to prepare a guy for a starting regimen and send him to a pen whereas doing the inverse is very difficult to do. He is by far our most MLB ready starter...I don't mind Axe, but he is just not a long-term option and Hector looks like he really could be. In general, Hector is a waste in the bullpen. It maximizes his weaknesses and minimizes his strengths. If they are certain John will be ready after a week or two, this isn't a big deal. If you might end up needing two months of a Danks replacement, you've f***ed up and getting Ted Lilly won't fix it. FWIW, I think this is bogus.

QUOTE (fathom @ Mar 24, 2013 -> 10:28 PM) Biggest issue, in my opinion, is that you're losing 3 players who spread the court very well and bringing in a lot of guys more known for their mid-range game. Not quite sure where the perimeter scoring will come from them the next few years. Agreed. Might have a new identity come next year. Hope I don't have to watch 40 games of Abrams chucking threes.

QUOTE (fathom @ Mar 24, 2013 -> 10:25 PM) I think he can easily get the talent level back to the level of this squad, but Brandon Paul's ability to either single-handedly win a game for his team or lose a game might not be easily replaced. Groce did coach well tonight, as Larranaga made some terrible decisions during this game. Yeah, when I say talent I really basically just mean Brandon Paul. There were some major negatives of having him as the main option, but the positives will be very hard to replace.

On the bright side, Groce outcoached Larranaga by a ton. That's a huge plus going forward, but I'm worried that we won't have the same kind of talent going forward either. Hope he can recruit, too!

Feel bad that this group of seniors played so well and got nothing to show for it. Miami made some great plays down the stretch but I don't feel like the final score is indicative of who played best.

Looks like game. Not happy with how this was decided.

BLOW THE f***ING WHISTLE

Going to take some major luck now.

That call could be a game ender

HUGE shot by Larkin

Dumb foul by Kadji to bail out a terrible possession.

Brandon Paul came to play tonight ladies and gentlemen.

I'm really proud of these guys right now -- win or lose

Jump after the rebound from behind, get to shoot free throws

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Mar 24, 2013 -> 09:47 PM) It was nice to see Illinois finally shoot a foul shot Indeed

I love it when Tracy gets angry.

We just got COMPLETELY f***ed

Also, every coach in this tourney is the best ever

QUOTE (fathom @ Mar 24, 2013 -> 09:34 PM) You mean "super soph" per Brando. lulz

Abrams, you could be so much better if you learned just a little shot selection.

Illinois can win this game. Groce came prepared, I'm impressed with our gameplan. Gotta get some consistent offense going, though.

The Shane Larkin protection plan in place

Terrible call on Griffey. Also, our offensive gameplan with 10 or less seconds on the shot clock can't be to just run an iso with Paul. Run an offense!

Can't afford to turn the ball over. We need to win turnover differential when we'll almost certainly lose the rebounding battle badly.

McLaurin absolutely KILLING us. One of the worst stretches of play for him all year.