Talk with Illinois men's basketball beat writer Paul Klee.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:33 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Good afternoon everyone, welcome to another Illini basketball chat.
Klee just returned from practice at Ubben. The team is still there, going through post-practice shooting drills, an Alex Legion specialty. Everyone was there, everyone seems relatively healthy, and finals are wrapping up.
Loads of questions today. Let's get to it.
Klee
Tom from Champaign, IL — 12:33 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Paul,
are people possibly expecting to much from Legion right away? Dont get me wrong, I think he will be a good player. But having not played in over a year, I think its going to take him some time.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:35 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Tom- Of course they are expecting too much. That's what fans do. Nothing wrong with that. If you don't expect much from a guy, he's probably not a very good player.
I wrote on Tuesday that I think Alex Legion will be the team's second-leading scorer
Jim from Urbana, IL — 12:36 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Paul,
in theory, wont having Legion able to play also help Weber in not having to play the other guards as many minutes? Specifically Meachem and Frasier who have had leg problems.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:40 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Jim- That's the plan. Chester Frazier - the only player to go 3-0 in the mini-scrimmages on Monday, by my count - will see his minutes drop. At least that's what Weber is hoping for, because he thinks it will help the team's best defender stay fresh.
"The good thing is, I think Trent will get better, get open shots," Weber said Monday. "You have another offensive threat (Legion) who I think they'll put the best defensive player on. Or Demetri (McCamey). I think it will help Trent's legs, Chester's legs, down the road."
Keep this in mind, though: Weber still doesn't feel comfortable playing McCamey, Meacham and Legion together. For example, the Purdue guys would have a field day (on offense) against that lineup. I think Meacham's steady defense - he's been pretty good on that end - will help, and he might be able to use those three guys together in the future.
Klee
Tom from Winnetka, IL — 12:42 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Paul,
How many years of eligility does Alex Legion have? Will he have two or three years left after this season? Thank you.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:43 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Tom- Alex Legion has 2 1/2 seasons of eligibility remaining. The second "half" of this season, and two more full seasons. He's a sophomore.
Klee
Lindsay from Chambana, IL — 12:43 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
What was Legion's major weakness while at Kentucky? What kind of impact can we expect when he steps onto the floor? Does he possess the ability to take the ball to the hoop at will?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:47 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Lindsay- Ballhandling and defense. And he doesn't have to be Brandon Jennings or Corey Brewer, just serviceable in both.
He took it to the basket today, scoring a driving layup against a solid defender. But that's not really his game. His mid-range game - off a pass - is the best on the roster.
And I think you will see his game evolve under these coaches. Obviously, Luther Head was a different type of player as a senior than he was as a sophomore. Legion's addition is a plus for this season, but it might be a bigger plus for the next two seasons.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:49 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
If Alex thought he escaped a passionate fandom by leaving Kentucky, I suppose this chat says otherwise.
He didn't think that, by the way. He knew about you guys.
Klee
Kyle from Champaign, IL — 12:50 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Does this Illinois team beat Clemson(and possibly be ranked) if Alex had been playing in games from Day 1?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:53 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Kyle- I don't think so. Illinois didn't struggle to score against Clemson -- the Illini shot 52 percent from the floor, remember -- they struggled to stop Demontez Stitt. I think Clemson is better than they're given credit for. The Tigers could be the best or second-best team Illinois will face the season.
But.... if Illinois stays on track and the NCAA tournament is a possibility, I think you'll hear Bruce Weber talking about the fact Alex Legion wasn't in the rotation for the first 10 games, and "now" he is.
Klee
Kyle from Champaign, IL — 12:54 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Coach has mentioned many times about Alex's deficiencies in defense. How bad is he really, from what you have seen in practice?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:57 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Kyle- It's relative. And much of that is for motivation. But yes, there is room for improvement on that end.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:59 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Taking an Alex Legion break. In honor of Mike Tisdale's 25-point outing against Chicago State, the stat of the day.
The Rivertonian is the fifth 7-footer in UI basketball history. The list:
- Bill Rucks, 7-0, Waukegan, 1973-76
- Olaf Blab, 7-0, Charleston/West Germany, 1984-86,
- Jens Kujawa, 7-0, Taylorville/West Germany, 1986-88
- Nick Smith, 7-2, Valrico, Fla., 2002-05
- Mike Tisdale, 7-1, Riverton, 2008-current
Note: Blab transferred to the University of Evansville in January 1986.
Meyers Leonard said the other day he thinks he'll grow to 7-0. So that would make six.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:02 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
For more on Alex Legion, go to the college basketball blog on HQ.
And Legion will be made available to media on Thursday. So you can get your fix in a number of media outlets on Thursday night and Friday.
Klee
Ryan from Cooksville, Il — 01:02 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Paul,
I know it's early, but I wanted your thoughts on the class of Blackshear, Shaw, etc. Any vibes on which ones are are likely to call Illinois their college home (just looking for your gut feeling). Also, what out of state prospects are we overlooking in that class due to the talent level in state.
Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:05 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Ryan- You saw two of the better 2011 prospects - Wayne Blackshear and Chasson Randle - in the Shootout at the Hall on Saturday. Both players told us they are in no hurry to make a college decision.
I think Illinois is in great shape with Mount Carmel sophomore Tracy Abrams. The Illinois coaches have done a fine job with his recruitment, and I think Illinois is currently the team to beat for a commitment. To me, Tracy Abrams is the key to their 2011 recruiting class. He's a dynamic player.
Klee
John from Utica, Illinois — 01:06 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Is Richard McBride playing basketball overseas somewhere?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:06 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
John- Last time I talked to Rich McBride was at Ubben in the preseason. He was riding a stationary bike and still rehabbing a broken leg he sustained in February. Don't believe he's playing anywhere, but I'll check.
Klee
Michael from Chicago, Illinois — 01:07 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Paul,
Do you think Weber and Co. regret not offering Lewis Jackson a scholarship? With Lewis starting on a very good Purdue team and with no true point guard recruits coming to CU until 2011, wouldn't it have made sense to bring a point guard on board in case there's an injury to McCamey anytime over the next two years. Jeffrey is a good role player and all, but I don't see him being able to fill in full-time if McCamey has to miss any time.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:12 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Michael- Illinois and its apologists will tell you Lewis Jackson was, in fact, offered a scholarship. Okay. But he wasn't recruited like others have been.
I think there was some second-guessing, yes, but they had their reasons. I think Lewis Jackson will be a tremendous four-year player at Purdue, and the Purdue coaches love what he brings to the table. The Decatur product is currently tied for the team lead with 33 assists.
To rehash the situation, here's what Lewis Jackson told me for the News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year article on April 6 (you can find it in the HQ Archives.)
"It wasn't like they (Illinois) were saying, 'We don't want you here.' It was more like, 'If you want to come here, you can,'" Jackson said. "It was like when you see a girl. You're kind of afraid to ask her out.
"Honestly, I don't think people over there are really that heartbroken that I'm not going there. They probably don't think I'm going to do anything. I feel like I got a chip on my shoulder."
So there ya go.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:14 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
I should also that Jeff Jordan has really made an effort to improve, and he's been a team guy, despite limited minutes. His work on defense is going to be an asset for Illinois in the Big Ten season, when Chester Frazier needs a breather. Jordan has turned into a fine defender.
You kind of saw it coming in the overtimes of the Purdue and Indiana games last season. Jordan was a big part of the Purdue win at the Big Ten tournament (2-for-2 for 4 points in 15 minutes) when Frazier was struggling (0-for-4).
Klee
Sean from springfield, Il — 01:18 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
So far this season, which Big Ten team would be the most pleasant surprise and which the most disappointing?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:25 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Sean- Michigan would be the surprise. Coaches thought John Beilein would be successful, but not this quickly, and the Duke/UCLA wins are the nation's best wins for a single team. Frankly, I don't see a disappointment. Soft scheduling plays a part in that.
Ohio State has won 11 straight, dating back to its NIT title last season. Iowa (9-2) is off to its best start since 2004-05. Michigan State has won 24 straight at home.
But remember, Big Ten teams are 59-3 at home. And the Big Ten is 67-5 against teams outside the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Pac-10 and SEC. That plays an even bigger part in the fast start.
Klee
Eric from Chicago, IL — 01:26 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
The crowds at Assembly Hall have not been great so far this year. Not too much enthusiasm and lots of empty seats everywhere. On TV, there are very noticeable gaps even in the best section A seats.
Do you expect this to change for the Big Ten games if the Illini continue to fight hard and play well?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:28 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Eric- In person, the empty seats and subdued atmosphere are magnified. Students really haven't turned out, and they're on break now, so you won't see many at the Detroit or Eastern Michigan games.
Not sure what it's going to take. Last season soured a lot of people, and I don't blame 'em.
Klee
Ryan from New York, New York — 01:29 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Paul, Looking ahead to the Big Ten opener against the Boilermakers. How do you think we'll match up against them and who do you see getting the most minutes guarding E'Twuan Moore?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:31 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Ryan- Good question. I think you'll see Chester Frazier and someone else rotate on E'Twaun Moore. As for playing Purdue, I think you'll see more and more teams try to go deep into the shot clock against their pressure defense. They can really defend, but it has a tendency to break down late in the shot clock or with several ball reversals. I think you'll see the Fighting Stephen Currys use that approach on Saturday in Indy.
Klee
Bob from Ft. Myers, FL — 01:32 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
What style of play can we expect to see from him? Is he just a shooter or can he also drive to the basket or finish on a fast break. Really appreciate the job you guys at HQ are doing for us fans.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:36 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Bob- Thanks. I'll summarize it. Alex Legion will add another scorer to an Illinois lineup that has already proven it can score. The next issue becomes not rocking the boat, because their best attribute right now is team chemistry. He's a very well-liked teammate and an easy guy to get along with, though, so I don't see that being an issue. The issue comes when guys minutes are trimmed. Fortunately for Illinois, two of the guys that will see their minutes cut are seniors, and Chester Frazier and Trent Meacham simply want to win.
"There's no doubt - chemistry's an issue now," Weber said Monday. "We had kind of built up some roles, some chemistry, some confidence. Now, you know, a good scenario is we're doing well and we've got to mix him in."
Weber, who is recruiting in Peoria today, put an emphasis on the coaches to make it work.
"A key thing will be me and the coaches: how we keep everyone involved and yet back off their minutes a little bit, and yet get Alex involved," he said.
Hope that helps.
Klee
Jay from Rockford, IL — 01:37 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Is James Augustine playing anywhere?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:37 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Jay- James Augustine is playing in Spain, for a franchise on the Canary Islands.
Klee
Illini1973 from Belleville, ILL.....ini — 01:38 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
How do you feel Demetri will "accept" his role when Legion is in his "expected" form? Will it make Demetri better or worse?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:39 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Illini- A shot-making guard makes a point guard better. I think that will be case with Demetri McCamey, too.
And they're roommates. So that helps.
Klee
Mitch from Jerome, Illinois — 01:39 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
All signs seem to point to Stan Simpson redshirting, so will there be a formal announcement on that or will the coaches continue to play wait and see?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:43 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Mitch- For all intents, that decision has been made. There doesn't have to be a formal announcement for a redshirt. They don't apply for a waiver until after the season. Stan Simpson practiced today. He's got a ways to go, but they like what he could become.
"To me sometimes, people don't realize that it's a compliment that we redshirt you," Weber said. "That means we think you can be a player down the road, that you can really help us."
Klee
Carl from Savoy, IL — 01:44 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Paul, I know you're busy, but I have to say I love these chats. Thanks for taking the time. My question is, sure, Illinois has played probably beyond my and many others' expectations so far, but what do you believe, now that you've seen the Illini through a number of games, is realistic to expect in the Big Ten season?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:46 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Carl- My pleasure. I think it's still too early to say. I don't think they've beaten an NCAA tournament team yet. Look at the records of the best wins on Illinois' resume: Kent State (3-5), Tulsa (6-4) and Vanderbilt (7-4).
The Missouri game is a big one for them, not only in terms of their resume, but in terms of their chances at cracking the Top 25 poll. Today I wrote about that possibility on the HQ blog. Bruce Weber talked about their Top 25 prospects.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:48 PM on Wed, 12/17/2008
Going to wrap this up. Thanks for all of the questions in today's Alex Legion biography. Saturday figures to be the first game at his final stop - collegiately, at least - on a roundabout basketball tour:
Three seasons at Detroit Country Day; one season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia; an oral commitment to Michigan; a decommitment from Michigan; a signed a letter of intent with Michigan; enrollment at Kentucky; one semester at Kentucky.
And now he'll wear No. 33 at Illinois.
Loads of basketball coverage coming this weekend on HQ. We'll profile the life of a new father/husband/coach, namely Jerrance Howard.
Good afternoon everyone, welcome to another Illini basketball chat.
Klee just returned from practice at Ubben. The team is still there, going through post-practice shooting drills, an Alex Legion specialty. Everyone was there, everyone seems relatively healthy, and finals are wrapping up.
Loads of questions today. Let's get to it.
Klee
Paul,
are people possibly expecting to much from Legion right away? Dont get me wrong, I think he will be a good player. But having not played in over a year, I think its going to take him some time.
Tom- Of course they are expecting too much. That's what fans do. Nothing wrong with that. If you don't expect much from a guy, he's probably not a very good player.
I wrote on Tuesday that I think Alex Legion will be the team's second-leading scorer
Paul,
in theory, wont having Legion able to play also help Weber in not having to play the other guards as many minutes? Specifically Meachem and Frasier who have had leg problems.
Jim- That's the plan. Chester Frazier - the only player to go 3-0 in the mini-scrimmages on Monday, by my count - will see his minutes drop. At least that's what Weber is hoping for, because he thinks it will help the team's best defender stay fresh.
"The good thing is, I think Trent will get better, get open shots," Weber said Monday. "You have another offensive threat (Legion) who I think they'll put the best defensive player on. Or Demetri (McCamey). I think it will help Trent's legs, Chester's legs, down the road."
Keep this in mind, though: Weber still doesn't feel comfortable playing McCamey, Meacham and Legion together. For example, the Purdue guys would have a field day (on offense) against that lineup. I think Meacham's steady defense - he's been pretty good on that end - will help, and he might be able to use those three guys together in the future.
Klee
Paul,
How many years of eligility does Alex Legion have? Will he have two or three years left after this season? Thank you.
Tom- Alex Legion has 2 1/2 seasons of eligibility remaining. The second "half" of this season, and two more full seasons. He's a sophomore.
Klee
What was Legion's major weakness while at Kentucky? What kind of impact can we expect when he steps onto the floor? Does he possess the ability to take the ball to the hoop at will?
Lindsay- Ballhandling and defense. And he doesn't have to be Brandon Jennings or Corey Brewer, just serviceable in both.
He took it to the basket today, scoring a driving layup against a solid defender. But that's not really his game. His mid-range game - off a pass - is the best on the roster.
And I think you will see his game evolve under these coaches. Obviously, Luther Head was a different type of player as a senior than he was as a sophomore. Legion's addition is a plus for this season, but it might be a bigger plus for the next two seasons.
Klee
If Alex thought he escaped a passionate fandom by leaving Kentucky, I suppose this chat says otherwise.
He didn't think that, by the way. He knew about you guys.
Klee
Does this Illinois team beat Clemson(and possibly be ranked) if Alex had been playing in games from Day 1?
Kyle- I don't think so. Illinois didn't struggle to score against Clemson -- the Illini shot 52 percent from the floor, remember -- they struggled to stop Demontez Stitt. I think Clemson is better than they're given credit for. The Tigers could be the best or second-best team Illinois will face the season.
But.... if Illinois stays on track and the NCAA tournament is a possibility, I think you'll hear Bruce Weber talking about the fact Alex Legion wasn't in the rotation for the first 10 games, and "now" he is.
Klee
Coach has mentioned many times about Alex's deficiencies in defense. How bad is he really, from what you have seen in practice?
Kyle- It's relative. And much of that is for motivation. But yes, there is room for improvement on that end.
Klee
Taking an Alex Legion break. In honor of Mike Tisdale's 25-point outing against Chicago State, the stat of the day.
The Rivertonian is the fifth 7-footer in UI basketball history. The list:
- Bill Rucks, 7-0, Waukegan, 1973-76
- Olaf Blab, 7-0, Charleston/West Germany, 1984-86,
- Jens Kujawa, 7-0, Taylorville/West Germany, 1986-88
- Nick Smith, 7-2, Valrico, Fla., 2002-05
- Mike Tisdale, 7-1, Riverton, 2008-current
Note: Blab transferred to the University of Evansville in January 1986.
Meyers Leonard said the other day he thinks he'll grow to 7-0. So that would make six.
Klee
For more on Alex Legion, go to the college basketball blog on HQ.
And Legion will be made available to media on Thursday. So you can get your fix in a number of media outlets on Thursday night and Friday.
Klee
Paul,
I know it's early, but I wanted your thoughts on the class of Blackshear, Shaw, etc. Any vibes on which ones are are likely to call Illinois their college home (just looking for your gut feeling). Also, what out of state prospects are we overlooking in that class due to the talent level in state.
Thanks and Merry Christmas.
Ryan- You saw two of the better 2011 prospects - Wayne Blackshear and Chasson Randle - in the Shootout at the Hall on Saturday. Both players told us they are in no hurry to make a college decision.
I think Illinois is in great shape with Mount Carmel sophomore Tracy Abrams. The Illinois coaches have done a fine job with his recruitment, and I think Illinois is currently the team to beat for a commitment. To me, Tracy Abrams is the key to their 2011 recruiting class. He's a dynamic player.
Klee
Is Richard McBride playing basketball overseas somewhere?
John- Last time I talked to Rich McBride was at Ubben in the preseason. He was riding a stationary bike and still rehabbing a broken leg he sustained in February. Don't believe he's playing anywhere, but I'll check.
Klee
Paul,
Do you think Weber and Co. regret not offering Lewis Jackson a scholarship? With Lewis starting on a very good Purdue team and with no true point guard recruits coming to CU until 2011, wouldn't it have made sense to bring a point guard on board in case there's an injury to McCamey anytime over the next two years. Jeffrey is a good role player and all, but I don't see him being able to fill in full-time if McCamey has to miss any time.
Michael- Illinois and its apologists will tell you Lewis Jackson was, in fact, offered a scholarship. Okay. But he wasn't recruited like others have been.
I think there was some second-guessing, yes, but they had their reasons. I think Lewis Jackson will be a tremendous four-year player at Purdue, and the Purdue coaches love what he brings to the table. The Decatur product is currently tied for the team lead with 33 assists.
To rehash the situation, here's what Lewis Jackson told me for the News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year article on April 6 (you can find it in the HQ Archives.)
"It wasn't like they (Illinois) were saying, 'We don't want you here.' It was more like, 'If you want to come here, you can,'" Jackson said. "It was like when you see a girl. You're kind of afraid to ask her out.
"Honestly, I don't think people over there are really that heartbroken that I'm not going there. They probably don't think I'm going to do anything. I feel like I got a chip on my shoulder."
So there ya go.
Klee
I should also that Jeff Jordan has really made an effort to improve, and he's been a team guy, despite limited minutes. His work on defense is going to be an asset for Illinois in the Big Ten season, when Chester Frazier needs a breather. Jordan has turned into a fine defender.
You kind of saw it coming in the overtimes of the Purdue and Indiana games last season. Jordan was a big part of the Purdue win at the Big Ten tournament (2-for-2 for 4 points in 15 minutes) when Frazier was struggling (0-for-4).
Klee
So far this season, which Big Ten team would be the most pleasant surprise and which the most disappointing?
Sean- Michigan would be the surprise. Coaches thought John Beilein would be successful, but not this quickly, and the Duke/UCLA wins are the nation's best wins for a single team. Frankly, I don't see a disappointment. Soft scheduling plays a part in that.
Ohio State has won 11 straight, dating back to its NIT title last season. Iowa (9-2) is off to its best start since 2004-05. Michigan State has won 24 straight at home.
But remember, Big Ten teams are 59-3 at home. And the Big Ten is 67-5 against teams outside the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Pac-10 and SEC. That plays an even bigger part in the fast start.
Klee
The crowds at Assembly Hall have not been great so far this year. Not too much enthusiasm and lots of empty seats everywhere. On TV, there are very noticeable gaps even in the best section A seats.
Do you expect this to change for the Big Ten games if the Illini continue to fight hard and play well?
Eric- In person, the empty seats and subdued atmosphere are magnified. Students really haven't turned out, and they're on break now, so you won't see many at the Detroit or Eastern Michigan games.
Not sure what it's going to take. Last season soured a lot of people, and I don't blame 'em.
Klee
Paul, Looking ahead to the Big Ten opener against the Boilermakers. How do you think we'll match up against them and who do you see getting the most minutes guarding E'Twuan Moore?
Ryan- Good question. I think you'll see Chester Frazier and someone else rotate on E'Twaun Moore. As for playing Purdue, I think you'll see more and more teams try to go deep into the shot clock against their pressure defense. They can really defend, but it has a tendency to break down late in the shot clock or with several ball reversals. I think you'll see the Fighting Stephen Currys use that approach on Saturday in Indy.
Klee
What style of play can we expect to see from him? Is he just a shooter or can he also drive to the basket or finish on a fast break. Really appreciate the job you guys at HQ are doing for us fans.
Bob- Thanks. I'll summarize it. Alex Legion will add another scorer to an Illinois lineup that has already proven it can score. The next issue becomes not rocking the boat, because their best attribute right now is team chemistry. He's a very well-liked teammate and an easy guy to get along with, though, so I don't see that being an issue. The issue comes when guys minutes are trimmed. Fortunately for Illinois, two of the guys that will see their minutes cut are seniors, and Chester Frazier and Trent Meacham simply want to win.
"There's no doubt - chemistry's an issue now," Weber said Monday. "We had kind of built up some roles, some chemistry, some confidence. Now, you know, a good scenario is we're doing well and we've got to mix him in."
Weber, who is recruiting in Peoria today, put an emphasis on the coaches to make it work.
"A key thing will be me and the coaches: how we keep everyone involved and yet back off their minutes a little bit, and yet get Alex involved," he said.
Hope that helps.
Klee
Is James Augustine playing anywhere?
Jay- James Augustine is playing in Spain, for a franchise on the Canary Islands.
Klee
How do you feel Demetri will "accept" his role when Legion is in his "expected" form? Will it make Demetri better or worse?
Illini- A shot-making guard makes a point guard better. I think that will be case with Demetri McCamey, too.
And they're roommates. So that helps.
Klee
All signs seem to point to Stan Simpson redshirting, so will there be a formal announcement on that or will the coaches continue to play wait and see?
Mitch- For all intents, that decision has been made. There doesn't have to be a formal announcement for a redshirt. They don't apply for a waiver until after the season. Stan Simpson practiced today. He's got a ways to go, but they like what he could become.
"To me sometimes, people don't realize that it's a compliment that we redshirt you," Weber said. "That means we think you can be a player down the road, that you can really help us."
Klee
Paul, I know you're busy, but I have to say I love these chats. Thanks for taking the time. My question is, sure, Illinois has played probably beyond my and many others' expectations so far, but what do you believe, now that you've seen the Illini through a number of games, is realistic to expect in the Big Ten season?
Carl- My pleasure. I think it's still too early to say. I don't think they've beaten an NCAA tournament team yet. Look at the records of the best wins on Illinois' resume: Kent State (3-5), Tulsa (6-4) and Vanderbilt (7-4).
The Missouri game is a big one for them, not only in terms of their resume, but in terms of their chances at cracking the Top 25 poll. Today I wrote about that possibility on the HQ blog. Bruce Weber talked about their Top 25 prospects.
Klee
Going to wrap this up. Thanks for all of the questions in today's Alex Legion biography. Saturday figures to be the first game at his final stop - collegiately, at least - on a roundabout basketball tour:
Three seasons at Detroit Country Day; one season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia; an oral commitment to Michigan; a decommitment from Michigan; a signed a letter of intent with Michigan; enrollment at Kentucky; one semester at Kentucky.
And now he'll wear No. 33 at Illinois.
Loads of basketball coverage coming this weekend on HQ. We'll profile the life of a new father/husband/coach, namely Jerrance Howard.
See you at the Assembly Hall on Saturday.
Klee