Moderator: Welcome to another basketball chat. Paul is on the road, but he will be calling in his answers. So, away we go.

Tom, Northfield, IL: Paul,

Do you know where I can get a basketball team poster? Prior to the last game I stopped by Game Day on Green Street and the athletic ticket office outside Assembly Hall and neither had team posters. Thank you.

Moderator: Tom,

We have oodles of basketball team posters and paraphernalia at The News-Gazette. Stop by during business hours or send me an email at pklee@news-gazette.com and we'll set you up.

Trent , Urbana, IL: Paul,

I know its still early in the season, but if Cole is not going to play more than he has been, than why not redshirt him? I believe since he has played, now that he cant redshirt?

If my math is correct, I believe Cole, Semrau, Tisdale and Davis are all Sophs. Which will be nice the next two years with there experience, but kinda forces you to get atleast 3 bigs in that class to replace them when they graduate.

Moderator: Trent,

You're right. Billy Cole has played in both games. The minute he subbed into the Eastern Washington game, the redshirt option was void.

The frontcourt was the question mark heading into this season. The development of players like Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale is as important as the arrival of the three 2009 guards.

Geno, Warrenton, Missouri: Paul I keep hearing how bad Alex Legion is on defense if this is true,with the way Coach Weber demands that players play solid defense,Do you see him getting much playing time?

Moderator: Geno,

Yes, Alex Legion after a few games I expect will see significant playing time. Because of their defensive shortcomings, coaches had concerns with playing Demetri McCamey, Trent Meacham and Alex Legion together. But Trent took three charges on Sunday and has developed into a solid defender.

Tim, Champaign, IL: Paul,

what should we expect from the Illini at Vandy?

Moderator: Tim,

Both teams are very young. Vanderbilt might be more inexperienced than Illinois, one of the few times you'll say that about an opposing team this season.

There will be no surprises because Kevin Stallings and Bruce Weber know the other system as if it was their own.

I put a blog up about that relationship on Tuesday.

Todd, Griggsville, IL: Paul -

Is the coaching staff concerned/disappointed in the production so far from Tisdale?

I for one was expecting him to be a force shooting free throw line jumpers.

Thanks for your time Paul.

Todd

Moderator: Todd,

Bruce Weber said the other day that he's not concerned about Mike Tisdale's performance thus far, but I think he needs to get tougher. Once that happens, he can become a dependable member of the frontcourt. Remember, Mike never played more than 20 minutes in a game last season. But he clearly has a ways to go.

Bill, Peoria, IL: Great recruiting class by Coach Weber! I'm excited to see them play with the current group. I have heard rumblings that the coaching staff is concerned that DJ Richardson may not qualify for the 09-10 season. Has DJ taken the ACT recently? Has he improved his ACT test score enough to qualify for a scholarship since heading to preparatory school? Illini fans are cheering for you DJ!

Beat Vandy.

Moderator: Bill,

DJ Richardson told me he will take the ACT again in December. He is taking a three-hour ACT preparation course each week. Until he qualifies of course there will be concern. He is a top 30 level talent.

Jeremy W, Champaign, IL: Paul,

Chicago Whitney guard Chris Colvin is expected to make his college decision today. Where do you think he'll end up and do you think it would be better for him to wait until the spring to sign, ala Verdell Jones.

Moderator: Jeremy,

Nobody but Chris Colvin knows. It obviously worked well for Verdell Jones, but that's his decision.

Adam R, Lincoln, IL: Klee,

We are off to a good start so far this year. We will get a good challenge from a good team on thursday in Vandy.

While being at both games and watching the Illini play it seemed to take about 5 minutes into each game before they really started playing hard. What might be the cause for this?

Also how good do you think Keller will be as he continually learns his role and the type of offense we run?

Thanks again and keep up the great work.

The future of Illini basketball it looking bright.

Adam

Moderator: Adam,

If Illinois can replicate its first half on Sunday it has a fine chance to beat Vanderbilt.

Dominique Keller told us Tuesday he is starting to feel more comfortable on the court. He enjoys playing alongside Mike Davis.

tourguide, canton, illinois: We all know that a couple priority recruits are Shaw and Blackshear for 2011. Why is it not showing on scout that we have offered them while it shows we offered 5 guards? thanks tourguide

Moderator: Tourguide,

I don't work for Scout. But Wayne Blackshear and Mike Shaw have been offered scholarships by Illinois.

Ian, West Orange, Nj: Where can I find a picture of that poster? out in jersey Illini posters are hard to find. Question: How much stock can we put in Mike Davis and his first two games, taking into consideration the level of front court play of those opponents?

Moderator: Ian,

To turn you into believers, Mike will have to have a similar type of performance against a high-level team. He also led the Illini in scoring over the two exhibition games.

Jeff, Rockton, IL: Paul,

Do you have any change in your thoughts or expectations for this season following the first two games?

I think if the Illini win a few more here the expectations will rise quickly.

Moderator: Jeff,

No change in my thoughts at this point.

Jjohnson, Tucson, Arizona: I know Tisdale is starting, but both Cole and Semrau appear more athletic; who is the best defender among this trio?

Moderator: Jjohnson,

I would say Rich Semrau. He is the strongest big man in the Illinois rotation. All of them need to get stronger on the defensive end. On Thursday night, defending A.J. Ogilvy will also depend on ball pressure from the guards.

Moderator: We're just passing the outlet mall in Tuscola, so I'm going to get off and buy Loren Tate a scarf.

Check out the ingame report Thursday night and the massive amounts of coverage both before and after the game.

I'll be back for a chat next Wednesday.