Talk with Illinois men's basketball beat writer Paul Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:00 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Good evening everyone. We
Andy from Ames, IA — 05:01 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
How do Joseph, Brandon, and D.J. compare to the three headed monster of Deron,Dee, and Luther?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:03 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Andy- There is a similar type of versatility
Grady from Saint Joseph, Illinois — 05:04 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
With our great basketball tradition at Illinois, how did we get out recruited by Minnesota with their class being ranked at #11) and Indiana's class coming in at #7? Especially Indiana? WOW. Illinois comes in at #13 according to Scouts, Inc. I realize that the kids signing with Indiana are going to get major playing time next season, but it just seems like such a slap in the face not being able to out recruit a program in disgrace and ruins which is what Indiana basketball is. Hopefully the rankings are very close and not a true forecast of the future.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:06 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Grady- Thanks for the question. Tubby Smith and Minnesota got the best prospect (Royce White). Tom Crean and Indiana are in the midst of a program overhaul and secured three of their six recruits from outside the state. Illinois needs guards and signed three.
A favorite signing-day refrain among coaches is "We'll see in four years" before measuring a recruiting class.
For example: Take the University of Washington's 2006 class, ranked sixth nationally by Scout.com. UW missed the NIT and NCAA tournaments in 2007 and lost a home game in the CBI last season. So it
Bob from Chicago, Illinois — 05:08 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Out of the Class of 2009, who do you feel will come in next year and have an immediate impact as a Freshman?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:10 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Bob- Provided he qualifies, I think it
Mitch from Barry, IL — 05:11 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Paul, Is this Illini mens basketball class a top 10 class nationally?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:11 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Mitch- If you go by rankings, Rivals.com has Illinois at No. 8, and Scout.com has the Illini at No. 13.
Klee
Jason from NYC, NY — 05:15 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
PK - how does Crandall's game compare to his elder bros'?
Thanks for your coverage today.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:16 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Jason- I could tell you, but I think Luther Head is a better source on the subject. Go to IlliniHQ.com, under Archives, and go to June 15, 2008.
I did a story on the Head brothers on that date. They are strikingly similar, in several ways.
Klee
Alexei from Chicago, Illinois — 05:18 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Has there been any further word on what Stan Simpson is going to do regarding redshirting?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:20 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Alexei- Bruce Weber said today he's spoken with Stan Simpson's family about this season. The coach said he's going to talk with the freshman before the season opener Friday to discuss the possibility of a redshirt. Another thing to consider: Simpson might not play in the first few games, while Weber and Co. look at the other big men, to see if they need him.
"We
Chuck from Hong Kong, Hong Kong — 05:22 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
I believe the strength of next years team will be our Bigs yet I believe you stated that D.J. will start at some point next year. Assuming that Legion and McCamey will also start, that is putting 3 of our experienced bigs on the bench between Cole, Davis, Keller, Semrau and Tisdale. If you are correct then I would expect the Illini to break the top 20 and to compete for the B10 title next year. After watching the 1st two exhibition games do you still think that D.J. will break into the starting line up?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:24 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Chuck- Yes, I think D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul will compete for starter's minutes. Actually, I think the strength of next year
Keith G. from Houston, TX — 05:26 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
When these 2009 guys come to Champaign to scrimmage with the team, how competitive are they, and do they give the current team a run for their money?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:28 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Keith- Good question. The scrimmages are usually closed to the media. But I can tell you D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul would have no problem fitting in right now.
Richardson and Paul were teammates during a scrimmage on Oct. 11 and won 12 or 13 consecutive games, Richardson told me. The pickup games mostly included other recruits
Ryan from Springfield, IL — 05:29 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Out of all the recruits Illinois signed today, which one do you think will have the biggest impact while playing for the Orange and Blue?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:33 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Ryan- Collectively, I think this group already has had an impact on Illinois basketball, in terms of recruiting. When the three guards committed last October, they made it cool to go to Illinois again. Tyler Griffey said as much on Monday.
"The three guards committing, that was a big factor," Griffey said. "I wanted to play with them."
I think you will see that continue with the 2011 recruiting class.
"They
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:38 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Illinois' 2009 recruiting class also shows the fruits of the coaches' early labors. They started tracking Tyler Griffey as an 8th-grader. Same for D.J. Richardson (though Wayne McClain knew of D.J. long before that - he taught D.J.'s father). Sterling coach Peter Goff told Bruce Weber about Joseph Bertrand when Bertrand was in junior high.
And, of course, Illinois (Tracy Webster) began following Jereme Richmond when the latter was in the seventh grade.
Klee
mike from joliet, il — 05:41 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
is it possible that coach Weber is a little to old school? I never hear about coach Self having the problems that Weber has had with players I'm talking about seams like good players get in his dog house while he makes excuses to play guys like Frazier , Meacham ,and Tisdale
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:43 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Mike- No, and here
Matt from Chicago, ILL — 05:46 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Paul,
Thanks for taking my question. I enjoy your chats. It's very nice to get the four guys signed and start looking forward to basketball again. What's with Chris Colvin? Are we recruiting the young man from Chicago or is he recruiting UofI. Keep up the good work.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:51 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Matt- I wrote on Aug. 16 that Illinois had cooled on Chris Colvin. That hasn't changed. There were concerns that if you add another guard, you rock the boat with the current guards. I thought that if USC offered Chris Colvin a scholarship, he would play in the Pac-10. Doesn't look like that has happened.
Look for a point guard in the 2011 class. Mt. Carmel's Tracy Abrams is a top recruiting target for Illinois.
Here's what Bruce Weber said when asked today if the 2009 class is complete.
Josh from Champaign, IL — 05:53 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Paul - we know about Purdue and Michigan St. this year in the BT. But, who is your sleeper? Does Tubby have enough in the Minny to make some noise?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:55 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Josh- Good question. Does Ohio State count as a sleeper? They weren't picked to finish in the top 3. You could make the argument the Buckeyes have the most talented team in the Big Ten. I like them to finish third.
On a sidenote, interesting how Tubby Smith and Bruce Weber, two coaches dogged for their recruiting (at Kentucky and Illinois), put it together the same year.
Klee
Jonathan from Costa Mesa, California — 06:02 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
I can't believe some people get so worked up about whether our recruiting class is 13th and someone else's class is 11th or 7th or whatever. That's just asinine. The rankings are all guess work. Sure, there's probably a difference between class no. 3 and class no. 20, but can we seriously gripe about our class being 13th and someon else's being 11th? Measure the results in terms of success on the court. For those people who insist upon looking at this type of stuff, go look at the Illinois class with Dee, Deron, James and that other kid from Texas (what was his name?) Only Dee was a top 10 recruit and the class was not ranked that highly. Top 20 yes, but not top 2 or 3.
Geno from Warrenton, Missouri — 06:03 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
After watching to first 2 pre season games I don't think the illini have enough at gaurd to bee a very good team.With the highly rated gaurds due to sign.It would be nice if they would red shirt Simpson,and from what I can see Cole as well.That would be a real solid foundation for thefurure,expecily with the group coming in 2010.Do you see Coach Weber doing this?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 06:04 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Geno- I think Stan Simpson will redshirt. But it wouldn't surprise me if he chose not to. Weber said he'll take Simpson's academics progress into account, so some of it will depend on how he's faring in the classroom.
Klee
Charley from Bellingham , WA — 06:05 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
I want to ask these kids why they have faith in Weber's coaching ability. And what led them (individually and collectively) to play for Weber and Illinois.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 06:09 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Charley- Here's what two of the four recruits said in regards to your question.
Joseph Bertrand: "I've always like them. I've really liked coach (Bruce) Weber. I've been down there to scrimmage with them and with my team down there. I've been going down there since I was 14 or 15. It was real exciting for me when they offered me."
Tyler Griffey: "The three guards committing, that was a big factor. I wanted to play with them. And they're all great guys. I felt real comfortable with coach Weber and coach (Jay) Price. That's what it came down to. And the type of offense, the style of play coach Weber runs, I think I fit really well in that system."
You can see their interviews in their entirety on IlliniHQ.
D.J. Richardson's comments on Jamar Smith were particularly insightful.
Klee
Jesse B from Billings, MT — 06:09 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Paul - Its great to know you appreciate Montana's rivers - Im guessing you've been to Yellowtail Dam as well to fish!
According to many websites Tyler Giffey's biggest weakness is rebounding and post defense. Will he be another James Augustine in your opinion? I'd hate to watch another weak post that can't rebound get dominated in March for another four years. I like James just fine, he was a great player for Illinois, but I still blame him for the loss to NC... wrong or not...
Paul Klee (moderator) — 06:11 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Jesse- If Scout.com ranked Montana
Eric from Savoy, IL — 06:12 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Hi Paul! Great work today on all the signing day coverage for both the men's and women's teams. You guys do a fantastic job!
My question is in regards to Tyler Griffey. When I saw him play two summers ago at the June camp here on campus, I was very, very impressed with his skill level and athleticism. I really believe he will get playing time as a freshman. What are your thoughts as to how quickly he could contribute?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 06:17 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Eric- Thanks. It's been an enjoyable day at HQ. Tony Bleill has some great stuff on the women's No. 2-ranked recruiting class, as well.
I think what helps Tyler Griffey is that he'll be physically well-prepared for the college game. He has played a lot of basketball, from St. Louis to Portland to Africa to Europe. Tyler said Monday he's working out with a personal trainer three times a week. And he's up to 230 pounds.
"He played varsity basketball, really, as an eighth-grader, that summer before his freshman year," Bruce Weber said today.
Tyler Griffey is not a big-bodied banger. He's a skilled guy, who even played some shooting guard as a member of the adidas Nations select team over the summer. That was a result of a thin roster. He'll be a 4 at Illinois.
"When I describe him, he's kind of that international type of forward, one of those new style of forwards," Weber added. "A face-up forward that can shoot the ball and pass the ball. His body is developed."
Klee
Chris Raynor from Girard, Illinois — 06:18 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Paul, With the class of 2009 signed and ranked in the top 20 nationally, and the players in the class of 2010 they have committed and ranked by some to be in the top 5 nationally will people finally put to bed the "Weber can't recruit" manta? I hope so.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 06:20 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Chris- Maybe. But Bruce Weber is paid a lot of money to deal with criticism. He also knows you don't win Big Ten titles in November. If he doesn't win, the mantra probably will be "Weber can't coach." Win and everyone's happy.
He told me something in July that stuck with me. It is just as true today and gives you some insight into how these coaches approach it.
"Do you win the war in November, or do you win the war when it really matters?" Weber said. "Do you win the signing day war, or do you win the war of Ws and Ls? That's the most important one when it comes down to it."
Klee
JT from Elmhurst, Illinois — 06:21 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Is it just me, or are the expectations for Joe Bertrand not the same as the other three recruits? If so, why not? Could any of this have to do with his summer ankle injury, or that he plays in Sterling and not Chicago?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 06:24 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
JT- He did miss some games with Illinois Wolves as the result of an ankle injury. But I think Joe Bertrand is not quite as assertive -- at this point -- as the other two guards. That said, you could make the argument he has the highest ceiling for improvement. He's all of 6-foot-5, and he's been well-coached by Peter Goff and Mike Mullins.
If you don't play in Chicago, that certainly plays a factor in prospect evaluations. I still think Lewis Jackson contends for a McDonald's All-American spot if he's out of Chicago instead of Decatur.
Klee
Mitch from Barry, IL — 06:25 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Paul, Do you think this class added to the players we will have coming back next year will make the illini a top 25 team for the 2009-2010 season? What kind of player does the illini need to sign next year to make the illini a top 10-12 team in 2 years?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 06:26 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Mitch- It
lance from rockford, illinois — 06:26 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Paul, who gets the credit for bringing in this great class?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 06:35 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Lance- Bruce Weber and his staff.
Here's a unique angle, and I don't think it's been mentioned before: When he's selling the program to recruits, Jerrance Howard sells Bruce Weber.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 06:36 PM on Wed, 11/12/2008
Okay, we've gone way over our time limit. I apologize for not getting to all of your questions, but we made a dent.
Check back for more signing day coverage on HQ, and from the season opener on Friday.
Good evening everyone. We
How do Joseph, Brandon, and D.J. compare to the three headed monster of Deron,Dee, and Luther?
Andy- There is a similar type of versatility
With our great basketball tradition at Illinois, how did we get out recruited by Minnesota with their class being ranked at #11) and Indiana's class coming in at #7? Especially Indiana? WOW. Illinois comes in at #13 according to Scouts, Inc. I realize that the kids signing with Indiana are going to get major playing time next season, but it just seems like such a slap in the face not being able to out recruit a program in disgrace and ruins which is what Indiana basketball is. Hopefully the rankings are very close and not a true forecast of the future.
Grady- Thanks for the question. Tubby Smith and Minnesota got the best prospect (Royce White). Tom Crean and Indiana are in the midst of a program overhaul and secured three of their six recruits from outside the state. Illinois needs guards and signed three.
A favorite signing-day refrain among coaches is "We'll see in four years" before measuring a recruiting class.
For example: Take the University of Washington's 2006 class, ranked sixth nationally by Scout.com. UW missed the NIT and NCAA tournaments in 2007 and lost a home game in the CBI last season. So it
Out of the Class of 2009, who do you feel will come in next year and have an immediate impact as a Freshman?
Bob- Provided he qualifies, I think it
Paul, Is this Illini mens basketball class a top 10 class nationally?
Mitch- If you go by rankings, Rivals.com has Illinois at No. 8, and Scout.com has the Illini at No. 13.
Klee
PK - how does Crandall's game compare to his elder bros'?
Thanks for your coverage today.
Jason- I could tell you, but I think Luther Head is a better source on the subject. Go to IlliniHQ.com, under Archives, and go to June 15, 2008.
I did a story on the Head brothers on that date. They are strikingly similar, in several ways.
Klee
Has there been any further word on what Stan Simpson is going to do regarding redshirting?
Alexei- Bruce Weber said today he's spoken with Stan Simpson's family about this season. The coach said he's going to talk with the freshman before the season opener Friday to discuss the possibility of a redshirt. Another thing to consider: Simpson might not play in the first few games, while Weber and Co. look at the other big men, to see if they need him.
"We
I believe the strength of next years team will be our Bigs yet I believe you stated that D.J. will start at some point next year. Assuming that Legion and McCamey will also start, that is putting 3 of our experienced bigs on the bench between Cole, Davis, Keller, Semrau and Tisdale. If you are correct then I would expect the Illini to break the top 20 and to compete for the B10 title next year. After watching the 1st two exhibition games do you still think that D.J. will break into the starting line up?
Chuck- Yes, I think D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul will compete for starter's minutes. Actually, I think the strength of next year
When these 2009 guys come to Champaign to scrimmage with the team, how competitive are they, and do they give the current team a run for their money?
Keith- Good question. The scrimmages are usually closed to the media. But I can tell you D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul would have no problem fitting in right now.
Richardson and Paul were teammates during a scrimmage on Oct. 11 and won 12 or 13 consecutive games, Richardson told me. The pickup games mostly included other recruits
Out of all the recruits Illinois signed today, which one do you think will have the biggest impact while playing for the Orange and Blue?
Ryan- Collectively, I think this group already has had an impact on Illinois basketball, in terms of recruiting. When the three guards committed last October, they made it cool to go to Illinois again. Tyler Griffey said as much on Monday.
"The three guards committing, that was a big factor," Griffey said. "I wanted to play with them."
I think you will see that continue with the 2011 recruiting class.
"They
Illinois' 2009 recruiting class also shows the fruits of the coaches' early labors. They started tracking Tyler Griffey as an 8th-grader. Same for D.J. Richardson (though Wayne McClain knew of D.J. long before that - he taught D.J.'s father). Sterling coach Peter Goff told Bruce Weber about Joseph Bertrand when Bertrand was in junior high.
And, of course, Illinois (Tracy Webster) began following Jereme Richmond when the latter was in the seventh grade.
Klee
is it possible that coach Weber is a little to old school? I never hear about coach Self having the problems that Weber has had with players I'm talking about seams like good players get in his dog house while he makes excuses to play guys like Frazier , Meacham ,and Tisdale
Mike- No, and here
Paul,
Thanks for taking my question. I enjoy your chats. It's very nice to get the four guys signed and start looking forward to basketball again. What's with Chris Colvin? Are we recruiting the young man from Chicago or is he recruiting UofI. Keep up the good work.
Matt- I wrote on Aug. 16 that Illinois had cooled on Chris Colvin. That hasn't changed. There were concerns that if you add another guard, you rock the boat with the current guards. I thought that if USC offered Chris Colvin a scholarship, he would play in the Pac-10. Doesn't look like that has happened.
Look for a point guard in the 2011 class. Mt. Carmel's Tracy Abrams is a top recruiting target for Illinois.
Here's what Bruce Weber said when asked today if the 2009 class is complete.
Paul - we know about Purdue and Michigan St. this year in the BT. But, who is your sleeper? Does Tubby have enough in the Minny to make some noise?
Josh- Good question. Does Ohio State count as a sleeper? They weren't picked to finish in the top 3. You could make the argument the Buckeyes have the most talented team in the Big Ten. I like them to finish third.
On a sidenote, interesting how Tubby Smith and Bruce Weber, two coaches dogged for their recruiting (at Kentucky and Illinois), put it together the same year.
Klee
I can't believe some people get so worked up about whether our recruiting class is 13th and someone else's class is 11th or 7th or whatever. That's just asinine. The rankings are all guess work. Sure, there's probably a difference between class no. 3 and class no. 20, but can we seriously gripe about our class being 13th and someon else's being 11th? Measure the results in terms of success on the court. For those people who insist upon looking at this type of stuff, go look at the Illinois class with Dee, Deron, James and that other kid from Texas (what was his name?) Only Dee was a top 10 recruit and the class was not ranked that highly. Top 20 yes, but not top 2 or 3.
After watching to first 2 pre season games I don't think the illini have enough at gaurd to bee a very good team.With the highly rated gaurds due to sign.It would be nice if they would red shirt Simpson,and from what I can see Cole as well.That would be a real solid foundation for thefurure,expecily with the group coming in 2010.Do you see Coach Weber doing this?
Geno- I think Stan Simpson will redshirt. But it wouldn't surprise me if he chose not to. Weber said he'll take Simpson's academics progress into account, so some of it will depend on how he's faring in the classroom.
Klee
I want to ask these kids why they have faith in Weber's coaching ability. And what led them (individually and collectively) to play for Weber and Illinois.
Charley- Here's what two of the four recruits said in regards to your question.
Joseph Bertrand: "I've always like them. I've really liked coach (Bruce) Weber. I've been down there to scrimmage with them and with my team down there. I've been going down there since I was 14 or 15. It was real exciting for me when they offered me."
Tyler Griffey: "The three guards committing, that was a big factor. I wanted to play with them. And they're all great guys. I felt real comfortable with coach Weber and coach (Jay) Price. That's what it came down to. And the type of offense, the style of play coach Weber runs, I think I fit really well in that system."
You can see their interviews in their entirety on IlliniHQ.
D.J. Richardson's comments on Jamar Smith were particularly insightful.
Klee
Paul - Its great to know you appreciate Montana's rivers - Im guessing you've been to Yellowtail Dam as well to fish!
According to many websites Tyler Giffey's biggest weakness is rebounding and post defense. Will he be another James Augustine in your opinion? I'd hate to watch another weak post that can't rebound get dominated in March for another four years. I like James just fine, he was a great player for Illinois, but I still blame him for the loss to NC... wrong or not...
Jesse- If Scout.com ranked Montana
Hi Paul! Great work today on all the signing day coverage for both the men's and women's teams. You guys do a fantastic job!
My question is in regards to Tyler Griffey. When I saw him play two summers ago at the June camp here on campus, I was very, very impressed with his skill level and athleticism. I really believe he will get playing time as a freshman. What are your thoughts as to how quickly he could contribute?
Eric- Thanks. It's been an enjoyable day at HQ. Tony Bleill has some great stuff on the women's No. 2-ranked recruiting class, as well.
I think what helps Tyler Griffey is that he'll be physically well-prepared for the college game. He has played a lot of basketball, from St. Louis to Portland to Africa to Europe. Tyler said Monday he's working out with a personal trainer three times a week. And he's up to 230 pounds.
"He played varsity basketball, really, as an eighth-grader, that summer before his freshman year," Bruce Weber said today.
Tyler Griffey is not a big-bodied banger. He's a skilled guy, who even played some shooting guard as a member of the adidas Nations select team over the summer. That was a result of a thin roster. He'll be a 4 at Illinois.
"When I describe him, he's kind of that international type of forward, one of those new style of forwards," Weber added. "A face-up forward that can shoot the ball and pass the ball. His body is developed."
Klee
Paul, With the class of 2009 signed and ranked in the top 20 nationally, and the players in the class of 2010 they have committed and ranked by some to be in the top 5 nationally will people finally put to bed the "Weber can't recruit" manta? I hope so.
Chris- Maybe. But Bruce Weber is paid a lot of money to deal with criticism. He also knows you don't win Big Ten titles in November. If he doesn't win, the mantra probably will be "Weber can't coach." Win and everyone's happy.
He told me something in July that stuck with me. It is just as true today and gives you some insight into how these coaches approach it.
"Do you win the war in November, or do you win the war when it really matters?" Weber said. "Do you win the signing day war, or do you win the war of Ws and Ls? That's the most important one when it comes down to it."
Klee
Is it just me, or are the expectations for Joe Bertrand not the same as the other three recruits? If so, why not? Could any of this have to do with his summer ankle injury, or that he plays in Sterling and not Chicago?
JT- He did miss some games with Illinois Wolves as the result of an ankle injury. But I think Joe Bertrand is not quite as assertive -- at this point -- as the other two guards. That said, you could make the argument he has the highest ceiling for improvement. He's all of 6-foot-5, and he's been well-coached by Peter Goff and Mike Mullins.
If you don't play in Chicago, that certainly plays a factor in prospect evaluations. I still think Lewis Jackson contends for a McDonald's All-American spot if he's out of Chicago instead of Decatur.
Klee
Paul, Do you think this class added to the players we will have coming back next year will make the illini a top 25 team for the 2009-2010 season? What kind of player does the illini need to sign next year to make the illini a top 10-12 team in 2 years?
Mitch- It
Paul, who gets the credit for bringing in this great class?
Lance- Bruce Weber and his staff.
Here's a unique angle, and I don't think it's been mentioned before: When he's selling the program to recruits, Jerrance Howard sells Bruce Weber.
Okay, we've gone way over our time limit. I apologize for not getting to all of your questions, but we made a dent.
Check back for more signing day coverage on HQ, and from the season opener on Friday.
Thanks again.
Paul