WSU Versus Illinois State Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[Dan]

Ill State doesn't have a true center. They have McIntosh and Hawkins that are both around 6'7"/6'8" (power forward types) then they have Akoon-Purcell (6'5") playing the 3 and Wills/Lee as their SG and PG. Wills (6'4") is the weakest of the 5 offensively only scoring 5 pts a game. Fred will definitely be guarding Lee. I imagine we'll have Shaq on McIntosh and Wessel on Hawkins. My guess is Brown/McDuffie will be assigned Akoon-Purcell, which would be their toughest matchup to date from a size perspective. Ron should have an easy night guarding Wills. This may allow Ron to have a big night offensively.

Ill State really has 4 solid players but it's a big dropoff after that. With Wills only averaging 5 pts a game and their 6th man, Banyard averaging 5 pts, that's about as far as they go.

[Cdizzle]

Evan Wessel absolutely destroyed McIntosh last year. I know McIntosh has improved significantly, but if he still doesn't have more than 2 go-to moves, I suspect he will have his lunch eaten again.

I remember him trying the exact same spin move into the lane on Evan 6 times in the game in Wichita last year. Evan knew it was coming. 5 of them were turnovers.

[ShockdaWorld]

I could see Akoon-Purcell being their "toughest" matchup sizewise at 6'5", but they are 6'6"-6'8", so I don't think his size will bother them, and speed/skill wise, I don't think he's on the same level as Balentine and Beane.

[Bluzrover]

Actually, I'd prefer it was not Markis but be the debut of the Fred VanVleet dunk. He was working on that during the offseason. This would be the perfect game for that dunk to come out of the FVV arsenal.

[1972Shocker]

I'm wondering who our two headed defensive stopper (Brown and Duff) defend. Is it Akoon-Purcell? Or one of the other most talented 11 players in the conference?

Zach will guard Akoon and McDuffie will guard Purcell.

[ShockdaWorld]

Actually, I'd prefer it was not Markis but be the debut of the Fred VanVleet dunk. He was working on that during the offseason. This would be the perfect game for that dunk to come out of the FVV arsenal.

Hamilton...he dunks angry.

[The 'hut]

Keep the line moving.....78-65...Shocks. Been waiting for this one. Does anyone have 78TO65 on their license plate?

[Stickboy46]

Another road game .. another Super Bowl. They are bringing in "Benny the Bull" ... The Chicago Bulls mascot for the WSU game.

[1972Shocker]

Another road game .. another Super Bowl. They are bringing in "Benny the Bull" ... The Chicago Bulls mascot for the WSU game.

Just what Illinois State needs, more bull.

[molly jabali]

Gene Smithson 2 73
Gene Smithson 1 68

[Shox21]

When almost half of the conference is in second place, we do indeed seem to be playing the "1st against 2nd" most games.

[1972Shocker]

When almost half of the conference is in second place, we do indeed seem to be playing the "1st against 2nd" most games.

I believe the Valley has replaced the term "place" when referring to any men's basketball team not in 1st place. The new politically correct term is "fiddle" for those trailing the Shocks.

[shocksrbest]

I believe the Valley has replaced the term "place" when referring to any men's basketball team not in 1st place. The new politically correct term is "fiddle" for those trailing the Shocks.

succumb...

[kcshocker11]

WSU 76
Ill St 69

[MadaboutWu]

1-12---62
3.3---71