On Women's Basketball

Whither Destiny?

Posted by: Tony Bleill

Monday, November 16, 2009 12:37 AM

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Opinions and notes from Sunday afternoon's Illini victory against Siena ...

--We'll start with the obvious. Destiny Williams wasn't in the building, told to stay away for the day by Jolette Law. She didn't call it a suspension, per se, but that's essentially what it is. Law typically goes day-by-day with these things, and if she sees what she wants to see from Destiny, she'll be back for Central Michigan on Wednesday. If she doesn't, she won't.

What's going on? Well, Law wouldn't get too specific when pressed afterward, though she made a reference to the issue not being about basketball. Not sure what that means. I can only reiterate what I wrote last week and suggest that this is an evolving process that might not be resolved quickly or easily.

Clearly, Williams is struggling. In watching her on the court, one thing is obvious: she doesn't seem to be having a good time. It isn't unusual to see her standing by herself, away from other players. I don't think I've ever seen her smile. She has been booted from at least one practice that I know of, and from my understanding it wasn't the only one. Some have questioned her effort. I've been told that she had a close relationship with Tamika Louis, the former UI assistant coach who was let go in September. Perhaps that's partly why Williams seems a bit lost these days. Maybe she's homesick. Maybe the environment of big-time college basketball -- three-hour AM practices, a demanding coach, competition for playing time -- isn't what she expected. In any event, Williams isn't fitting in well at the moment, and that's the bottom line. Law likely won't add her to the equation until she is ... because she has a good thing going at the moment. The Temple debacle aside, the Illini apparently have good chemistry and a desire to get better as a team. If Williams isn't ready to add to that mix, she won't be a part of it.

--My next point might sound quite crazy, I realize. But at this point, I really believe it's the case: I think Amber Moore's knee injury might turn out to be a much more important problem than Destiny Williams' absence, no matter how long it lasts.

My take: Karisma Penn is playing so well at the 4 spot that Williams hardly is missed. In fact, if the two were in direct competition for minutes at that spot, I'd have a hard time taking Penn out of the game. She's been aggressive, fearless, a hard-worker and a good teammate. She has the makings of a long-term star in the Big Ten. (Free throw shooting aside.) Yes, Williams is a tremendous talent who no doubt could help any team. But the Illini have depth at that spot. 

At Moore's off-guard spot, however, they have little. Moore's perimeter shooting is critical to the team's offensive flow. Someone must knock down those shots to free up Jenna Smith and Penn inside. Without Moore, that role falls almost exclusively on Macie Blinn, who shot 30 percent on threes a year ago.If I'm an Illinois fan, I'm praying that the results of Moore's MRI are favorable.

--All things considered, a decent crowd for the UI's home opener: 2,012. Now, let's add a little perspective. California played its home opener on Sunday night against Idaho State. Cal is ranked 18th in the AP poll and has been a Top 25 staple for about the last four years. The Bears lost to UConn in the Sweet 16 last March. Here's their attendance figure from Sunday: 1,890. And this, mind you, in a supposedly enlightened blue state like California, and in the "intellectual" capital of Northern California in particular.

--Iowa has been hit hard by injuries and ailments, including a very serious one. Senior JoAnn Hamlin remained in ICU on Sunday at an Iowa hospital after a blood clot was discovered in her right leg last week. Hamlin's basketball career might be over.

Another starter, sophomore forward Hannah Draxten, has a bulging disk in her back. The Hawkeyes now start two freshmen and two sophomores.

I was surprised that Iowa was picked to finish one spot ahead of Illinois in the Big Ten's preseason poll because, even when healthy, I don't think the Hawkeyes will be better than the Illini. I'm even a bigger believer in that sentiment now. If Iowa finishes ahead of Illinois, it will be a really, really bad sign for the UI.

--If you're feeling blue about that loss to Temple the other night, here's a reason or two to cheer up: Winona State 64, Minnesota 62, in an exhibition game. The Gophers are picked to finish fourth.

Here's another reason: Dayton 77, Michigan State 74. (MSU is ranked 10th nationally, but don't sleep on Dayton. The game was in Dayton, and the Flyers came right back to nearly knock off No. 19 Louisville.)

Don't get too wrapped up in November results. They usually have little meaning come March.

 

 

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