Tate & Turpin chat: 11 a.m. Monday
Monday, January 5, 2009 - 11:00am
Chat with the hosts of "Saturday Sportsline" and "Monday Morning Quarterback."
Chat with the hosts of "Saturday Sportsline" and "Monday Morning Quarterback."
Was there a difference in how Weber coached the game down the stretch at Purdue as oppose to Michigan? The possession when Legion took a one-on-one shot, down by 4, less than 2 minutes left, shouldn't Weber had called a time out and set something up, like he did at Purdue on numerous occasions?
Danny: Just because you don't get the same results doesn't mean you have coached differently. Sometimes the ball goes in, sometimes not. That's basketball. It happens all the time. Legion, with that quick release, tends to attempt shots that aren't always measured.
As for the time outs, sometimes that works and other times it is better to let the game proceed. It is easy to second-guess anything that doesn't work. Jim and Loren
Guys,
Happy New Year!
What do you think the biggest factor has been for the Illini turning around recruiting after the Gordon mess?
What do you think of the hire of Schultz? Who will replace Simms?
Thanks
Marcus
Marcus: Hard, hard never-let-up hard, hard work. And a decision to recruit younger classes, and land commitments at an early age. Jerrance Howard is also more of a "player" in recruiting than his predecessor, Tracy Webster. They have some very good momentum going right now, particularly with the recent commitment of Abrams.
We like Schultz a lot because of his success in running the offense at TCU. As for Sims, we don't know what happened other than the fact that Zook wants to make some changes on defense, and maybe wanted a more aggressive recruiter. It is likely that Zook already knows what he intends to do defensively, and might even bring in a coordinator who coaches the line. Jim and Loren
Do you think Illinois should be ranked in the top 25?
Mark: From Jim, No, I don't think Illinois should be ranked in the Top 25.
Had they beaten Michigan and Purdue back-to-back on the road, they probably would have been.
From Loren, I beg off because I have made no attempt to study the other teams who would be competing with Illinois for the last five positions in the Top 25. Frankly, at this juncture, I don't care because the outcome of future games will determine it.
HELLO JIM AND LOREN. MY QUESTION IS ABOUT WHETHER YOU GUYS FEEL THE ILLINI ARE STRONGER DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING WITH THE MORE AGILE, COORDINATED AND FASTER RICHARD SEMRAU ON THE FLOOR INSTEAD OF MIKE TISDALE----AND THEN SHUTTLING TISDALE IN THE BALLGAME WHEN WE GO ON OFFENSE??? ESPECIALLY AT THE ENDS OF A BALLGAME
Jim, yes, generally speaking, when the opposing team has a legitimate center, the UI defense is stronger with Semrau in the game. Neither Tisdale nor Semrau has shown the ability to guard smaller, quicker players on the perimeter. But Tisdale will be in there most of the time because he is much better offensively. As for shuttling, this isn't hockey. You can't call time out every time you get the ball. Jim and Loren
Hey Guys:
Why do you think the defensive rotation and help defense broke down so much in the second half of the michigan game?
You guys are doing a great job with illinihq, I love all the content.
Scott: The UI's defensive rotation failed because, as Meacham said, they were extremely conscious of Michigan's three-point shooters and were "hugging" their men instead of providing help against dribble penetration. Michigan was able to spread the Illini out and drive because the Wolverines didn't have a center clogging the middle. Even the big guy, Gibson, drove Tisdale for a dunk. Jim and Loren
What is the latest with the Defensive Line position? Any news on the search, and also why Tom Sims contract was not renewed?
Ken: We have no clue where Zook will go for a defensive line coach, although several names have popped up.
Zook may have a plan in mind, and maybe that's why he cleared the way by dropping Sims. And maybe Zook wants a stronger recruiter. Best guess is that this is part of a master plan to restructure the defense. Jim and Loren
Any word, rumors or ideas on the basketball recruiting front?
Mike: Nothing new although we're keeping a close eye on the DeLaSalle sophomore, Shaw. Weber is busy making trips. He is digging into the junior and sophomore classes. Jim and Loren
Do you think the B10 will get 6 NCAA bids? I see Purdue and MSU as locks and then Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio St. fighting for the next four. Who gets left out?
This year's BCS mess is worse than usual and I'd still like to see an 8 team playoff. Why not maintain the 4 major BCS bowls and conference tie-ins and 2 or 3 at large teams? Keep the Big 10 and Pac-10 tied to the Rose bowl. Would that not placate Jim Delany and the Pac-10?
Tom: National people say the Big Ten is the most improved conference in the country and will probably get as many as six bids.
Pre-conference records were impressive. Of the seven you mentioned, Ohio State appears to be the shakiest since Lighty was injured. Jim and Loren
Loren,
I hate to jump on a bandwagon topic, but in watching the game on Sunday it's pretty obvious the effort put forth by McCamey on the defensive side of the basketball is subpar. If four out of five guys are busting their tails to deny the basketball to the person their guarding and one player is playing off and also letting a player drive past them to the bucket, it has an effect on the entire defense. When is McCamey going to understand that in order for the Illini and him to reach their outmost potential he needs to give 110% effort at all times.
Michael: I don't think all the defensive shortcomings should be blamed on McCamey. Virtually every player has shown weaknesses, and have let players get around them for baskets, and this was certainly true at Michigan. It is amazing how good the team defense has been this season when Weber has so many individuals who have defensive weaknesses.
You and Weber are apparently in agreemenht about McCamey's effort. Not everyone, however, agrees. Jim and Loren
With the economy in the tank, Iseems to me the massive renovation of the assembly hall has to be on hold. Do you agree,?
Al, we agree that nothing will be done until the money is in hand or pledged, and those pledges will have to be pretty firm. It could be years, although they might go in small phases that could begin soon. Jim and Loren
Any word, rumors or ideas on the basketball recruiting front?
Mike, we aren't aware of any new rumors on basketball recruiting. Jim and LOren
Loren:
Do you think Bruce Weber can continue the recruting momentum if/when Jerrance Howard leaves to become a head coach somewhere?
Also, how important has Worldwide Wes been to the improvement in the Illini's recruiting?
Stephano: Jerrance Howard has only been a full-time, on the court coach for one year, so it is a bit early to be discussing him getting a head job. He will probably be at Illinois for some time.
You'd have to get the inside dope on Worldwide Wes someplace else. But one thing is certain: It is important to get along with everybody who might influence prospects. Jim and Loren
Thanks for the Questions. See you next week.