Talk with Illinois men's basketball beat writer Paul Klee.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:32 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Good afternoon, time for our weekly Illini basketball chat. Plenty of questions, as you might expect after Illinois' big win at Purdue. Fire away and thanks again for coming by.
Klee
Bruce Pierce from Covington, Indiana — 12:33 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Hi Paul,
Are you getting any folks calling for Coach Webers' head this year?!?!?!
Didn't think so. I think the entire staff is doing an outstanding job.
Those "A" section seats better start filling back up now or they should refund their money and re-sell them to REAL fans!
Bruce
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:42 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Bruce (Pierce, not Weber)- Sure, there are plenty of Illini fans who don't like Bruce Weber. His coaching or past recruiting, not the man, because it would be awfully difficult for a fan to dislike Bruce Weber, if they knew him.
The quick answer: Much of the criticism he faced was unjustified. Some of it was deserved - they butchered several recruitments, but they were dealt more bad breaks than good. Remember, criticism comes with the territory. Bruce Weber gets paid a lot of money to deal with the bad along with the good.
I've written extensively about the coaching this season, particularly the advanced scouting. Through 14 games, the Illini haven't trailed at halftime, a testament to scouting, and the in-game adjustments, such as his decision to go small after Mike Tisdale fouled out, were effective.
Thought this was a telling example of what Weber's peers think of his job (so far): Klee received three texts from Big Ten and former UI coaches in the final 4 minutes of the game last night. Each one said the same thing, in so many words: Weber is coaching his (woo-hoo) off. Those are guys that have either coached with or against Weber and his staff, and not all of them have good relationships with the staff, so that says something.
But Illinois plays five more games against ranked opponents in January. If they hit a rough patch, there will be more Bruce Weber detractors on this chat than supporters.
Klee
Michelle Scrogum from Kingdom City, Missouri — 12:43 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Do you know what Weber said to the players on the bench during the last few seconds of overtime? The TV scanned to the Illinois bench and he called all the bench players together and said something to them.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:45 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Michelle- Bruce Weber told the players not to celebrate on Purdue's court. He wanted them to behave as though they expected to win, and respect their opponent. He told them that when they get in the locker room, they can celebrate with abandon, which they did.
When Bruce Weber entered the Illinois locker room, Chester Frazier promptly put him in a playful headlock and gave him a bear hug. Little emotion there, given the hardships last season.
In front of the Illinois bench was the "Keady Court" logo, so I'm sure there's a respect factor there. Gene Keady, Steve Lavin and a couple of the Illini guys ate at the same pizza place in Lafayette, too.
Klee
John from Urbana, IL — 12:49 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Paul,
how is Bertrand doing? It seems like he is the recruit least talked about for next season. How will he fit in next year?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:54 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
John- Good question. This morning I talked to Joseph Bertrand's coach, Peter Goff, to hear about the UI recruit's progress. Sterling dropped a pair of games at the State Farm tournament and felt as though it wasn't one of their better performances. Bertrand is averaging about 14 points per game.
Bruce Weber was in attendance for at least one of Bertrand's games at the State Farm tourney, and Goff said Bertrand has excelled on the defensive end and with getting teammates involved.
"A lot of people see that Joseph is not scoring 16, 20 points a game, and they think he can't be a McDonald's All-American," Goff said. "But look how many assists he gives out. He passes up so many shots to get other guys shots. He's so unselfish."
Sterling is 9-4 and has upcoming road games at Ottawa Township (Friday) and Moline (Saturday).
Thanks for the question.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:00 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Don't forget about the way Calvin Brock played last night. He made several veteran moves, and his knowledge of the motion offense was evident when Illinois needed a basket. Seven rebounds in 18 minutes, as well. The three seniors - Brock, Trent Meacham and Chester Frazier - had 17 rebounds.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:03 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
And Mike Davis' parents - Steve and Tangie Davis - made the drive from the the Washington D.C. area for the last two games. They were in attendance at Mackey Arena to see one of the more entertaining Illinois games of the past three seasons.
Klee
Dave C. from Champaign, IL. — 01:06 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Paul:
This is a question more fitting for Fred Kroner but looks like he's off this week. I'm wondering when the next Illinois High School Basketball Poll comes out? Where do you think Centennial will be ranked since they've beat 3 ranked teams since the last poll came out and if they win tonight, will have bagged their second tournement championship?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:07 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Dave- Good to hear from you. Hall of Famer Fred Kroner just stepped into the office with an answer. Here's what he said:
The next poll comes out on Jan. 7. The polls will be released each Wednesday after that. Fred said Centennial should be ranked in the Top 5, provided they don't lose to Chicago Hope tonight.
Klee
Aaron from Jacksonville, IL — 01:11 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
How difficult will it be for the Illini to face a defense like Purdue, and then have to go against a defense such as the 1-3-1, that Michigan runs?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:15 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Aaron- Very difficult. That's why I wrote about it on Tuesday on HQ. But Illinois gets a break by having Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday before playing at Michigan. They'll be prepared, and this has turned into an above-average team against the zone. Alex Legion's emergence will give it another boost.
Go on HQ - the Live Report from last night - to read more about Legion's history with Michigan. He's tight with Michigan star Manny Harris, too.
If we had a nonconference (plus-one) Big Ten Coach of the Year vote, John Beilein and Bruce Weber would be 1-2, in that order.
Klee
Nis from Los Angeles, CA — 01:15 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
given the early success of the team, do you see the tough strech in Jan being a trap for this young team? They are winning but could the ghosts from last seaons start re-appearing? I'm just worried about them loosing a handful of games, and what that might do to thier esteem.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:17 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Nis- The ghosts are dead. Chester Frazier buried them in a Baltimore basement somewhere.
I asked one of the coaches how the Illini maintained their poise after falling behind 60-56 to start overtime.
"Chester Frazier," he said.
Klee
Brian from Lincoln, NE — 01:20 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Paul - Can you give any additional insight on the recent benchings of McCamey? If you have already answered this, please disregard. I just logged on and wanted to get this question submitted. Thanks!
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:25 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Brian- Good question. This is going to be an ongoing drama with Demetri McCamey and Bruce Weber. Their personalities clash. And that's fine. But I thought Demetri had one of his most important games last night at Purdue. He didn't play well early in the first half, but came back to draw a crucial charging foul late in the game.
"I think he grew up there," Weber said. "He could have pouted and he didn't."
Demetri is still their most talented player, though his roommate, Alex Legion, could give him a run over the next few seasons.
Klee
Jim Morris from Batavia, IL — 01:27 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Dear Paul:
Do you feel that Coach Weber is too much in the mind of Demetri McCamey? Additionally, do you feel that Coach Weber should tone down the public outbursts regarding a bad game or bad play by one of his players? I love Coach Weber and trust his judgement because first of all, he is a darn good coach, and secondly, he is an honorable and just person..... but, I have never been comfortable with his bluntness regarding bad play by his players. I am from the school that says these types of things should be handled behind closed doors and privately. What are your thoughts?
Jim Morris
Batavia, Illinois
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:31 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Jim- I think he's too hard on Demetri McCamey. And I think I'm wrong for thinking that. Here's why:
- McCamey's former coaches - Gene Pingatore and Mike Mullins - have told me on numerous occasions that "you have to stay on him" to draw the best out of him. And both those guys want to see Demetri McCamey succeed.
- Weber took a similar approach with Deron Williams. Jerrance Howard said Weber used to put Deron Williams on the weaker team in scrimmages, to test his resolve and force him to play at a higher level.
Do I think Bruce Weber goes overboard with Demetri McCamey? Yes. Does he have his reasons? Yes.
Thanks for the question.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:38 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
On a sidenote, Alex Legion is just getting started at Illinois. They haven't seen the best of him, either in practice or in games, and I think he's going to be a significant part of the rotation from here on out. While Legion was at Kentucky, former UK players that returned to UK in the offseason would comment on his scoring ability.
Really, the only thing he did wrong last night was the ill-advised 3 in the corner. But he got the rebound and was fouled. I thought Bruce Weber was going to stomp a hole through Keady Court. Assistants reminded the head coach to take it easy on Legion, because he still had free throws to shoot.
"I was trying to get the game over with. But I really wasn't thinking of the clock at that time, but since I was wide open I took it," Legion told our Marcus Jackson after the game. "Thank God I got that rebound."
Should be an entertaining homecoming for the Detroit-area product on Sunday at Michigan. I think the guy that's going to help Legion - and McCamey - in the future is D.J. Richardson. Coaches would like to see D.J. Richardson take on a Chester Frazier-type role as a guy who pushes others.
Klee
DC from champaign, Illinois — 01:40 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Mike Tisdale had a very impressive game again, and when he fouled out I thought we were in trouble. But to my surprise it appeared that not having him in there didn't hurt us at all. Do you think we played better with Tisdale or without him?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:42 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
DC- With him. He had 18 points. Don't think there's much of an argument there. The sophomore was averaging 19.3 points and 7.3 boards in the previous four games, as well.
"Like coach said, 'We got one up on everybody with a road win,'" Tisdale said after the Purdue game. "There's not many teams that are going to come in here and win."
Klee
Mitch from Barry, IL — 01:44 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Paul, What are the keys to beating Michigan on Sunday? Who are the Illini recruiting the hardest for the class of 2011?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:46 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Mitch- The zone, because it is different from what Illinois has seen, presents a dilemma. And Manny Harris is the Big Ten's best player. The UI coaches have already watched film of Michigan to prepare.
I think you'll see De La Salle sophomore Mike Shaw at an Illinois game in January. He's one.
Klee
John from Springfield, IL — 01:47 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
how do you think they will do against Michigan? Might we be in for another pleasant surprise?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:52 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
John- Too early for a prediction, though my prediction last night was unbelievable, and you should all buy my New Year's beer.
I'm interested to see what kind of crowd there will be at Crysler Arena. Michigan has only averaged about 8,812 in eight home games. Illinois is, once again, in a position where it has little to lose, and much to gain. A road sweep would put them in fine shape, and a split is nothing to scoff at.
Even so, caught the first half of Minnesota-Michigan State this morning. Like I wrote Tuesday on HQ, still think the Spartans are the Big Ten favorite.
The Kalin Lucas-Al Nolen matchup was great entertainment from two of the Big Ten's two better point guards.
"He can go at that warp speed and still be under control," Tom Izzo said of Lucas at halftime.
Klee
Matthew from Chicago, Il — 01:53 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Paul,
I wanted to pass along, what a terrific site to have - Illini HQ. All Illini fans have a place to get a handful of news about our team. You guys are first class. Keep the information and stories coming.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:53 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Thanks Matt. Happy New Year's.
Klee
Karm from Chicago, IL — 01:54 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Hey Paul,
I was wondering how many NCAA Bids you thought the Big Ten will get? With so many teams getting fast starts and putting together decent resumes, I figured at least 6. Based solely on non-conference, who would you have in from the Big Ten? Thanks
Paul Klee (moderator) — 02:00 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Karm- Kind of early, but I'll say six: Ohio State, Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois and Wisconsin, with Michigan and Minnesota right there. There was more on that subject on HQ on Tuesday.
The Big Ten is better, but it has benefited greatly from favorable nonconference scheduling. As of a week ago, the Big Ten had played 69 home games and 18 true road games. Those deep pockets for guarantee games pay off in the wins column.
Klee
Garyental from 303, IL — 02:06 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Mr. Klee,
What did you think of the talent at Mackey Arena last night? I was very shocked to find that there were indeed several attractive women at the game. Do you think this is due to the fact that all the students were on break, giving the local talent a chance to get to the game?
Thoughts, Comments?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 02:08 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Garyental- Thanks for stopping by at Mackey Arena last night. On the Live In-Game report, we wrote about Purdue's improvement in that area, though Indiana and Iowa are still the Big Ten favorites.
Klee
Illini1973 from Belleville, ILL.....ini — 02:09 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Boy is this TEAM fun to watch. Almost as much as 04-05. Did Pruitt and Smith cause that much disruption last year? Do you foresee any letdown and what do we need to do to scalp those weasels?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 02:13 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
Illini- Illinois had problems last year, that was well-documented. Thought it was ironic last night. In the same visitors locker room where they had their biggest meltdown, they had one of their biggest celebrations one year later.
Jamar Smith played his first game at Southern Indiana on Tuesday. He had 11 points on 4-for-14 shooting, with four rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes. At least two of the Illini talked to him on the phone Tuesday, before his Southern Indiana debut.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 02:14 PM on Wed, 12/31/2008
It should be noted that Illinois caught Purdue at a good time. Robbie Hummel left Mackey Arena on crutches. The Boilers were the Big Ten's fourth-best free throw shooting team (71.4 percent) and missed 12 free throws. And JaJuan Johnson was 8-of-9 from the line before missing the final free throw in regulation.
Doesn't take away from Illinois' win - its first on the road against a Top-10 opponent since the Flyin' Illini - but it's worth keeping in perspective.
"We talked about a boxing match the whole time," Weber said. "They're going to jab you and you've got to keep standing up and jab back."
We've gone over, but a couple of programming notes...
-Lou Henson will be in the N-G for an online chat with readers at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Thank you to the coach for coming by, and you can submit your questions early on HQ.
-Free tickets for the Indiana game on the front page of HQ.
-If you're in the Champaign-Urbana area, be sure to pick up a copy of the N-G on Sunday. Photographer John Dixon was afforded tremendous access for a behind-the-scenes photo package of the Illini preparing for a home game.
-All of our coverage from the Purdue game is on HQ, including the Live In-Game Report.
-Now a moment of silence for the Mike Shanahan era.
Good afternoon, time for our weekly Illini basketball chat. Plenty of questions, as you might expect after Illinois' big win at Purdue. Fire away and thanks again for coming by.
Klee
Hi Paul,
Are you getting any folks calling for Coach Webers' head this year?!?!?!
Didn't think so. I think the entire staff is doing an outstanding job.
Those "A" section seats better start filling back up now or they should refund their money and re-sell them to REAL fans!
Bruce
Bruce (Pierce, not Weber)- Sure, there are plenty of Illini fans who don't like Bruce Weber. His coaching or past recruiting, not the man, because it would be awfully difficult for a fan to dislike Bruce Weber, if they knew him.
The quick answer: Much of the criticism he faced was unjustified. Some of it was deserved - they butchered several recruitments, but they were dealt more bad breaks than good. Remember, criticism comes with the territory. Bruce Weber gets paid a lot of money to deal with the bad along with the good.
I've written extensively about the coaching this season, particularly the advanced scouting. Through 14 games, the Illini haven't trailed at halftime, a testament to scouting, and the in-game adjustments, such as his decision to go small after Mike Tisdale fouled out, were effective.
Thought this was a telling example of what Weber's peers think of his job (so far): Klee received three texts from Big Ten and former UI coaches in the final 4 minutes of the game last night. Each one said the same thing, in so many words: Weber is coaching his (woo-hoo) off. Those are guys that have either coached with or against Weber and his staff, and not all of them have good relationships with the staff, so that says something.
But Illinois plays five more games against ranked opponents in January. If they hit a rough patch, there will be more Bruce Weber detractors on this chat than supporters.
Klee
Do you know what Weber said to the players on the bench during the last few seconds of overtime? The TV scanned to the Illinois bench and he called all the bench players together and said something to them.
Michelle- Bruce Weber told the players not to celebrate on Purdue's court. He wanted them to behave as though they expected to win, and respect their opponent. He told them that when they get in the locker room, they can celebrate with abandon, which they did.
When Bruce Weber entered the Illinois locker room, Chester Frazier promptly put him in a playful headlock and gave him a bear hug. Little emotion there, given the hardships last season.
In front of the Illinois bench was the "Keady Court" logo, so I'm sure there's a respect factor there. Gene Keady, Steve Lavin and a couple of the Illini guys ate at the same pizza place in Lafayette, too.
Klee
Paul,
how is Bertrand doing? It seems like he is the recruit least talked about for next season. How will he fit in next year?
John- Good question. This morning I talked to Joseph Bertrand's coach, Peter Goff, to hear about the UI recruit's progress. Sterling dropped a pair of games at the State Farm tournament and felt as though it wasn't one of their better performances. Bertrand is averaging about 14 points per game.
Bruce Weber was in attendance for at least one of Bertrand's games at the State Farm tourney, and Goff said Bertrand has excelled on the defensive end and with getting teammates involved.
"A lot of people see that Joseph is not scoring 16, 20 points a game, and they think he can't be a McDonald's All-American," Goff said. "But look how many assists he gives out. He passes up so many shots to get other guys shots. He's so unselfish."
Sterling is 9-4 and has upcoming road games at Ottawa Township (Friday) and Moline (Saturday).
Thanks for the question.
Klee
Don't forget about the way Calvin Brock played last night. He made several veteran moves, and his knowledge of the motion offense was evident when Illinois needed a basket. Seven rebounds in 18 minutes, as well. The three seniors - Brock, Trent Meacham and Chester Frazier - had 17 rebounds.
Klee
And Mike Davis' parents - Steve and Tangie Davis - made the drive from the the Washington D.C. area for the last two games. They were in attendance at Mackey Arena to see one of the more entertaining Illinois games of the past three seasons.
Klee
Paul:
This is a question more fitting for Fred Kroner but looks like he's off this week. I'm wondering when the next Illinois High School Basketball Poll comes out? Where do you think Centennial will be ranked since they've beat 3 ranked teams since the last poll came out and if they win tonight, will have bagged their second tournement championship?
Dave- Good to hear from you. Hall of Famer Fred Kroner just stepped into the office with an answer. Here's what he said:
The next poll comes out on Jan. 7. The polls will be released each Wednesday after that. Fred said Centennial should be ranked in the Top 5, provided they don't lose to Chicago Hope tonight.
Klee
How difficult will it be for the Illini to face a defense like Purdue, and then have to go against a defense such as the 1-3-1, that Michigan runs?
Aaron- Very difficult. That's why I wrote about it on Tuesday on HQ. But Illinois gets a break by having Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday before playing at Michigan. They'll be prepared, and this has turned into an above-average team against the zone. Alex Legion's emergence will give it another boost.
Go on HQ - the Live Report from last night - to read more about Legion's history with Michigan. He's tight with Michigan star Manny Harris, too.
If we had a nonconference (plus-one) Big Ten Coach of the Year vote, John Beilein and Bruce Weber would be 1-2, in that order.
Klee
given the early success of the team, do you see the tough strech in Jan being a trap for this young team? They are winning but could the ghosts from last seaons start re-appearing? I'm just worried about them loosing a handful of games, and what that might do to thier esteem.
Nis- The ghosts are dead. Chester Frazier buried them in a Baltimore basement somewhere.
I asked one of the coaches how the Illini maintained their poise after falling behind 60-56 to start overtime.
"Chester Frazier," he said.
Klee
Paul - Can you give any additional insight on the recent benchings of McCamey? If you have already answered this, please disregard. I just logged on and wanted to get this question submitted. Thanks!
Brian- Good question. This is going to be an ongoing drama with Demetri McCamey and Bruce Weber. Their personalities clash. And that's fine. But I thought Demetri had one of his most important games last night at Purdue. He didn't play well early in the first half, but came back to draw a crucial charging foul late in the game.
"I think he grew up there," Weber said. "He could have pouted and he didn't."
Demetri is still their most talented player, though his roommate, Alex Legion, could give him a run over the next few seasons.
Klee
Dear Paul:
Do you feel that Coach Weber is too much in the mind of Demetri McCamey? Additionally, do you feel that Coach Weber should tone down the public outbursts regarding a bad game or bad play by one of his players? I love Coach Weber and trust his judgement because first of all, he is a darn good coach, and secondly, he is an honorable and just person..... but, I have never been comfortable with his bluntness regarding bad play by his players. I am from the school that says these types of things should be handled behind closed doors and privately. What are your thoughts?
Jim Morris
Batavia, Illinois
Jim- I think he's too hard on Demetri McCamey. And I think I'm wrong for thinking that. Here's why:
- McCamey's former coaches - Gene Pingatore and Mike Mullins - have told me on numerous occasions that "you have to stay on him" to draw the best out of him. And both those guys want to see Demetri McCamey succeed.
- Weber took a similar approach with Deron Williams. Jerrance Howard said Weber used to put Deron Williams on the weaker team in scrimmages, to test his resolve and force him to play at a higher level.
Do I think Bruce Weber goes overboard with Demetri McCamey? Yes. Does he have his reasons? Yes.
Thanks for the question.
Klee
On a sidenote, Alex Legion is just getting started at Illinois. They haven't seen the best of him, either in practice or in games, and I think he's going to be a significant part of the rotation from here on out. While Legion was at Kentucky, former UK players that returned to UK in the offseason would comment on his scoring ability.
Really, the only thing he did wrong last night was the ill-advised 3 in the corner. But he got the rebound and was fouled. I thought Bruce Weber was going to stomp a hole through Keady Court. Assistants reminded the head coach to take it easy on Legion, because he still had free throws to shoot.
"I was trying to get the game over with. But I really wasn't thinking of the clock at that time, but since I was wide open I took it," Legion told our Marcus Jackson after the game. "Thank God I got that rebound."
Should be an entertaining homecoming for the Detroit-area product on Sunday at Michigan. I think the guy that's going to help Legion - and McCamey - in the future is D.J. Richardson. Coaches would like to see D.J. Richardson take on a Chester Frazier-type role as a guy who pushes others.
Klee
Mike Tisdale had a very impressive game again, and when he fouled out I thought we were in trouble. But to my surprise it appeared that not having him in there didn't hurt us at all. Do you think we played better with Tisdale or without him?
DC- With him. He had 18 points. Don't think there's much of an argument there. The sophomore was averaging 19.3 points and 7.3 boards in the previous four games, as well.
"Like coach said, 'We got one up on everybody with a road win,'" Tisdale said after the Purdue game. "There's not many teams that are going to come in here and win."
Klee
Paul, What are the keys to beating Michigan on Sunday? Who are the Illini recruiting the hardest for the class of 2011?
Mitch- The zone, because it is different from what Illinois has seen, presents a dilemma. And Manny Harris is the Big Ten's best player. The UI coaches have already watched film of Michigan to prepare.
I think you'll see De La Salle sophomore Mike Shaw at an Illinois game in January. He's one.
Klee
how do you think they will do against Michigan? Might we be in for another pleasant surprise?
John- Too early for a prediction, though my prediction last night was unbelievable, and you should all buy my New Year's beer.
I'm interested to see what kind of crowd there will be at Crysler Arena. Michigan has only averaged about 8,812 in eight home games. Illinois is, once again, in a position where it has little to lose, and much to gain. A road sweep would put them in fine shape, and a split is nothing to scoff at.
Even so, caught the first half of Minnesota-Michigan State this morning. Like I wrote Tuesday on HQ, still think the Spartans are the Big Ten favorite.
The Kalin Lucas-Al Nolen matchup was great entertainment from two of the Big Ten's two better point guards.
"He can go at that warp speed and still be under control," Tom Izzo said of Lucas at halftime.
Klee
Paul,
I wanted to pass along, what a terrific site to have - Illini HQ. All Illini fans have a place to get a handful of news about our team. You guys are first class. Keep the information and stories coming.
Thanks Matt. Happy New Year's.
Klee
Hey Paul,
I was wondering how many NCAA Bids you thought the Big Ten will get? With so many teams getting fast starts and putting together decent resumes, I figured at least 6. Based solely on non-conference, who would you have in from the Big Ten? Thanks
Karm- Kind of early, but I'll say six: Ohio State, Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois and Wisconsin, with Michigan and Minnesota right there. There was more on that subject on HQ on Tuesday.
The Big Ten is better, but it has benefited greatly from favorable nonconference scheduling. As of a week ago, the Big Ten had played 69 home games and 18 true road games. Those deep pockets for guarantee games pay off in the wins column.
Klee
Mr. Klee,
What did you think of the talent at Mackey Arena last night? I was very shocked to find that there were indeed several attractive women at the game. Do you think this is due to the fact that all the students were on break, giving the local talent a chance to get to the game?
Thoughts, Comments?
Garyental- Thanks for stopping by at Mackey Arena last night. On the Live In-Game report, we wrote about Purdue's improvement in that area, though Indiana and Iowa are still the Big Ten favorites.
Klee
Boy is this TEAM fun to watch. Almost as much as 04-05. Did Pruitt and Smith cause that much disruption last year? Do you foresee any letdown and what do we need to do to scalp those weasels?
Illini- Illinois had problems last year, that was well-documented. Thought it was ironic last night. In the same visitors locker room where they had their biggest meltdown, they had one of their biggest celebrations one year later.
Jamar Smith played his first game at Southern Indiana on Tuesday. He had 11 points on 4-for-14 shooting, with four rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes. At least two of the Illini talked to him on the phone Tuesday, before his Southern Indiana debut.
Klee
It should be noted that Illinois caught Purdue at a good time. Robbie Hummel left Mackey Arena on crutches. The Boilers were the Big Ten's fourth-best free throw shooting team (71.4 percent) and missed 12 free throws. And JaJuan Johnson was 8-of-9 from the line before missing the final free throw in regulation.
Doesn't take away from Illinois' win - its first on the road against a Top-10 opponent since the Flyin' Illini - but it's worth keeping in perspective.
"We talked about a boxing match the whole time," Weber said. "They're going to jab you and you've got to keep standing up and jab back."
We've gone over, but a couple of programming notes...
-Lou Henson will be in the N-G for an online chat with readers at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Thank you to the coach for coming by, and you can submit your questions early on HQ.
-Free tickets for the Indiana game on the front page of HQ.
-If you're in the Champaign-Urbana area, be sure to pick up a copy of the N-G on Sunday. Photographer John Dixon was afforded tremendous access for a behind-the-scenes photo package of the Illini preparing for a home game.
-All of our coverage from the Purdue game is on HQ, including the Live In-Game Report.
-Now a moment of silence for the Mike Shanahan era.
Thanks for reading HQ.
Klee