|
Post by ilalum92 on Aug 30, 2023 13:44:45 GMT -5
that’s why they’re playing each other and we’re playing mid-majors like NIU, Valpo, ISU and others (no disrespect to them haha) Actually, I get the thinking behind why they're playing a softer schedule in the early preconference season. It gives them time to develop some new pieces and to get some confidence playing together. That's not a minor consideration for new players (Barry, Pan) and players in new positions from last year (Mosher, Bingham). You can't fully make that happen in practice. The moves yes, but the speed, power, and mojo no. This team definitely has serious weapons up front. Terry, Collins, and Burbage have the size, firepower, and blocking to be a real threat against anyone. They now have a really athletic and aggressive setter who looks ready to dish up a quicker and more varied offense than they've had since Poulter left. And the biggest question about to be answered is whether the new, much quicker back row of Barry and Pan can give them the main thing they've lacked (good passing and defense) that has kept them from getting to the next level. It remains to be seen if this scheduling strategy will pay off. There should be a good indication when they have the "mid-term exam" against USC and UCF, just before the season starts. TBD. We definitely have size. Firepower not so much. Terry hits bombs but also a lot of tips. She's about it. Compared to the top teams in the Big Ten, we are lacking offensive weapons who can pound the ball.
|
|
|
Post by pointillinois on Aug 31, 2023 5:15:36 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by oldmanvb on Aug 31, 2023 7:48:33 GMT -5
It is apparent Scott Richey reads this thread.
The fact there is nothing in even the remote future is apparent when one considers the wrestling facility, which will not include an arena, won’t be built for several years while they try to raise the rest of the money for construction. Money for improved volleyball facilities probably won’t be raised until after the wrestling money has been accumulated.
There are things that could be done to Huff that would make it an adequate facility without spending the kind of money it would take to build a completely new arena. Rotate the court so seats could go to the ceiling without posts in the way. Put seats all the way around the court as close to the playing surface as possible to maintain the “Huff atmosphere.” Build modern locker rooms and workout facilities somewhere other than the basement. Air condition the building. Of course, none of this would solve the parking situation, which is probably no longer solvable without building a parking ramp.
The observation has been made recruiting failed to capitalize on the 2018 team. The real failure to capitalize on the 2018 success is the failure to raise money for improved facilities. In my opinion, it is amazing Tamas has been able to recruit the players he has recruited, although it would be nice if some pins in addition to Terry showed some interest.
The AD seems supportive of volleyball, just not enough to go beyond the cosmetic improvements we’ve seen.
Grrrrr.
|
|
|
Post by ilalum92 on Aug 31, 2023 10:35:37 GMT -5
NO LIES DETECTED - he could have gone further but I think he decided to keep it nice,
|
|
|
Post by liberovb10 on Aug 31, 2023 11:58:08 GMT -5
NO LIES DETECTED - he could have gone further but I think he decided to keep it nice, agreed, finally some truth being reported on our Illinois program.
|
|
|
Post by volleyaudience on Aug 31, 2023 12:42:11 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by exit237a on Aug 31, 2023 13:00:49 GMT -5
Just read it and this sentence stands out given our inpaign-inside intel regarding Jess, and that the recent Tamas press conference pointed questions about potential roster additions also sounded like they were coming from Scott: "Jessica Nunge, once healthy, finished out her senior season at the other outside hitter spot in 2022 without plans to return for her bonus year of eligibility."Really nice to get a couple N-G volleyball articles. Hope we continue to get that good coverage throughout the season.
|
|
|
Post by volleyaudience on Aug 31, 2023 13:11:58 GMT -5
Just read it and this sentence stands out given our inpaign-inside intel regarding Jess, and that the recent Tamas press conference pointed questions about potential roster additions also sounded like they were coming from Scott: "Jessica Nunge, once healthy, finished out her senior season at the other outside hitter spot in 2022 without plans to return for her bonus year of eligibility."Really nice to get a couple N-G volleyball articles. Hope we continue to get that good coverage throughout the season. I am under the impression that Scott covers football, basketball, and volleyball. A challenge. It might help coverage if he got a couple of emails thanking him for volleyball coverage. srichey@news-gazette.com
|
|
|
Post by exit237a on Aug 31, 2023 14:04:39 GMT -5
Just read it and this sentence stands out given our inpaign-inside intel regarding Jess, and that the recent Tamas press conference pointed questions about potential roster additions also sounded like they were coming from Scott: "Jessica Nunge, once healthy, finished out her senior season at the other outside hitter spot in 2022 without plans to return for her bonus year of eligibility."Really nice to get a couple N-G volleyball articles. Hope we continue to get that good coverage throughout the season. I am under the impression that Scott covers football, basketball, and volleyball. A challenge. It might help coverage if he got a couple of emails thanking him for volleyball coverage. srichey@news-gazette.com Good point, volleyaudience!
|
|
|
Post by pointillinois on Aug 31, 2023 15:13:36 GMT -5
Is that Jess Nunge's music I hear? ??
|
|
|
Post by inpaign on Aug 31, 2023 15:33:33 GMT -5
Is that Jess Nunge's music I hear? ??
Can confirm it's official.
|
|
|
Post by vball778 on Aug 31, 2023 16:06:03 GMT -5
I hope Burbage can continue her impressive performance on the Opposite pin. Bingham made a case for herself, so I'm glad we have backups, but obviously much of this will depend on how quickly Nunge can get back into peak form. Very exciting news though to come it seems!
|
|
|
Post by exit237a on Aug 31, 2023 16:33:09 GMT -5
Is that Jess Nunge's music I hear? ??
Yahoo!!! The saluting emoji reminiscent of the bench salute during a Nunge serve, of course : ) Hope this means we get to make an addition to the Grad Students roster section in the OP!
|
|
|
Post by ilalum92 on Aug 31, 2023 18:24:31 GMT -5
Is that Jess Nunge's music I hear? ??
Yahoo!!! The saluting emoji reminiscent of the bench salute during a Nunge serve, of course : ) Hope this means we get to make an addition to the Grad Students roster section in the OP! I'd like to know what kind of fitness she has right now. How long before she is up to Big 10 playing level. An extra body is great but if she hasn't been playing much or practicing, not going to do us much good.
|
|
|
Post by exit237a on Aug 31, 2023 18:40:52 GMT -5
Yahoo!!! The saluting emoji reminiscent of the bench salute during a Nunge serve, of course : ) Hope this means we get to make an addition to the Grad Students roster section in the OP! I'd like to know what kind of fitness she has right now. How long before she is up to Big 10 playing level. An extra body is great but if she hasn't been playing much or practicing, not going to do us much good. Well your guess is as good as mine since neither of us are in that practice gym. What I can say is that even if it were to take Jess time to get into 3-rotations of front row kinda shape, in the interim I'd think she'd be a nice weapon from the service line. One of our most effective, reliable servers the past two seasons. I'm not overly concerned about Jess's shape right away as Kayla seems to have growing confidence and proficiency playing outside. Really like the wrist-away she's busted out a couple times these first two matches- didn't know she had that in the tool kit. EDIT: And Bingham's been pretty effective on the right side. I'd be interested to see how they both continue to develop in their respective new positions a little longer.
|
|