Talk with Illinois men's basketball beat writer Paul Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:29 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Good morning everyone. It
Jerry from San Antonio, Texas — 12:30 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
You hear the description, "They can make a run in the NCAA." But, usually, "run" is never quantified..the S16, E8, the FF? In your opinion, what would constitute a "run" for the ILLINI? To me it is play the second weekend/S16. Thanks
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:34 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Jerry- In the case of these Illini, I think a run would be defined by advancing to the Sweet 16. I remember watching the Illini's practice - think it was in October - when Bruce Weber put that goal in front of the team. I think it opened their eyes that the head coach believed they were better than people were saying.
Jerry, from 2011-16 your state will host three Final Fours. The next eight Final Fours go in this order: Detroit, Indy, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Arlington (Texas), Indy and Houston.
Klee
Ryan from Champaign, IL — 12:34 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
I know you've probably heard this enough this week, but what is the status of Mr. Frazier?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:37 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Ryan- He's out for this weekend, at least, according to Bruce Weber yesterday. The coach is still holding out hope that Chester could return for the second weekend. I would never doubt Chester's toughness or his will - he's my favorite athlete I've covered - but he has a broken hand.
Here's what Chester's older brother told me about the injury the other night. It was on HQ.
"He said it happened in practice. He said he went up for a rebound and hit somebody's knee. He said he heard a 'crunch,'" James Frazier said by phone Monday. "Our mom asked him if it hurts. He said, 'Mom, it's a broken hand. What do you think?'"
Klee
Jeff from Darien, IL — 12:41 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Hi Paul,
Since we play the late game tonight, how is the team (players and staff) spending all of their free time today? Do they watch other tourney games or avoid them and treat it like any other game? Thanks for your time.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:42 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Jeff- There really isn
Kyle Hayden from Tolono, IL — 12:42 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Do you think that the Illini will be able to perform as well vs. Western Kentucky since Chester Frazier is out?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:47 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Kyle- No, Illinois is better with Chester Frazier.
Yesterday I asked Purdue assistant Paul Lusk, who scouted Illinois for the Boilermakers, how the Illini were different without the senior guard. Remember, Purdue was the last team to face Illinois sans Frazier.
"There was no doubt it helped us," Lusk said. "He's like Robbie Hummel to our team. Both guys are guys that don't score a lot of points. But they do so much for their team. They facilitate the offense, they get guys open. Then, obviously, Chester's such a great defender that there's no doubt it was an advantage for us."
UI assistant Wayne McClain has the Western Kentucky scout. (Read his breakdown on IlliniHQ.)
"I told Chester, 'You'd be so perfect for (A.J.) Slaughter,'" McClain said, referring to the Hilltoppers' leading scorer.
Hope that helps.
Klee
Bruce from Champaign, IL — 12:48 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Paul-
What are the possible tip-off times for Saturday once we win this evening? Have those times been disclosed or is it still up in the air?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:48 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Bruce- If Illinois wins today, it will play Akron or Gonzaga at 4:40 or 7:10 p.m. Saturday (CST).
Klee
Brett from Chicago, IL — 12:49 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Paul- Better mascot, Big Red from WKU or the Chief?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:49 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Brett- I'll take the St. Joe's Hawk. He just flaps and flaps and flaps.
Klee
James from Bloomington, IL — 12:51 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
I read in another article on HQ about DJ and he stated he should have no problems qualifying. When exactly does a player get submitted and it becomes official that they are qualified? Any concerns with DJ? Thought he was good to go since his ACT test.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:54 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
James- D.J. Richardson told me yesterday he has no concerns about qualifying. He was proud of his academics work at Findlay, saying he earned an "A" and three "B's" in the most recent grading period.
His Findlay Prep squad (30-0) has been off since the end of February. Richardson said his next game will be April 3 in a national tournament in Washington, D.C. He's put on 15 pounds since arriving at Findlay and said he's up to 6-foot-4, 185.
And Richardson has kept tabs on his future teammates. He watched the Youtube videos of Jereme Richmond (the technical foul that wasn't, and the buzzerbeater to beat Warren), and he text messages with Brandon Paul often.
And he thinks Illinois can be a Sweet 16 team.
Klee
Barack Obama from Washington, D.C. — 12:55 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Bruce Weber was robbed. Should have been Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:55 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Mr. President- The Illini noticed you had them bowing out in the second round.
"He picked us to win the first-round game but picked us to lose the second (to Gonzaga). So I'm kind of mad about that," Mike Davis said yesterday, obviously joking. "He's one of the few people who picked us to win, so we're motivated by that. Hopefully we can come out with a victory."
Klee
Jimmy from Normal, IL — 12:56 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Whats your prediction for tonight?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:56 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Jimmy- It's on HQ. Take a peek.
Klee
Tom Jones from Las Vegas, Nevada — 12:56 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Paul,
Do you have any more updates on whether or not Chester's going to go tomorrow?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:58 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Tom- Chester Frazier has been ruled out for this weekend. He was on the floor for the team's open practice yesterday, dribbling with his left hand.
His role this weekend, however, is no less important. One of the reasons he called a players-only meeting Saturday night is because he wanted the younger guys to know the NCAA tournament is no guarantee, and they should take advantage of it.
"It goes by really fast," Frazier said of a four-year career.
Klee
Nathan from Spokane, WA — 12:59 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Hey Paul,
Living in Spokane and coming from Illinois, I am really struggling with the potential second round matchup... UI & the Zags. Without Frazier, I really don't like it. Furthermore, I don't like that Obama picked the Zags over the Illini in his bracket (ESPN). What are your thoughts on this matchup? Will I be sucking up to all the Zag fans here in Spokane?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:04 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Nathan- No worries. Gonzaga fans like the Illini. I remember Zags great Dan Dickau telling me Frank Williams was one of his favorite players to watch.
The Gonzaga and Illinois staffs appreciate each other. I think a lot of that comes from the fact Mark Few raises millions of dollars for Coaches vs. Cancer
Dave from Rochester, IL — 01:06 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Paul,
Since W KY only has one big guy, this seems like the perfect opportunity to use the dump across from one big man to another (or a high-low). We ought to be able to do that all day long.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:08 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Dave- That's the focus for Illinois on offense today: getting the ball inside. Demetri McCamey said the Illini want to go "inside-out."
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:15 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Sorry for the delay. Just got off the phone with UI recruit Joseph Bertrand. He's in Peoria today for the high school dunk contest. He won it last year, in his class, and said he hasn't really practiced any special dunks to break out.
"It's all in my head right now," Bertrand said.
He likes the Illini's chances today.
"If they play like they know like they know how, they
Boulevard Gender from Smithsville, Arkansas — 01:15 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Do u think Alex will break out tonight?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:18 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
BG- I don't see Alex playing significant minutes tonight. And I could be wrong. But the Illini coaches have emphasized one thing in preparations for WKU.
"We
Bill Tate from Omaha, Nebraska — 01:18 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Paul. I live in Omaha, Nebraska and wish to see the Illinois/Western Kentucky game. Where is the closest location to see the game? Bill
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:20 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Bill- Good to hear from you. Bill Tate was a great running back at Illinois and a star in a Rose Bowl win. Our resident Omaha expert, Bob Asmussen, suggests D.J.'s Dugout, which is at 636 N. 114th Street. Bob just called them and they said they will definitely have the game on.
Klee
Cal from Oak Park, ILL — 01:20 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Paul, Gonzaga looks like a potential Final Four team to me. Do you agree?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:25 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Cal- Gonzaga has Final Four-type talent. There's no question about that. They also have the ability to bow out in the first round.
One thing to remember: Gonzaga owns the ACC (something like 9-2 in its history) but really has struggled with the Big Ten. Three of Gonzaga's recent NCAA tournament losses stand out in that respect: a loss to Brian Cardinal's Purdue squad in the Sweet 16, a loss to Michigan State in the Sweet 16, and a loss in the second round to one of Bobby Knight's Texas Tech teams, which amounts to a Big Ten squad. That bodes well for Illinois, if both teams advance, and I think Illinois can beat Gonzaga.
Klee
Bob Knight from Mahomet, IL — 01:26 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
The Illini have struggled defending teams with outstanding, small, quick guards like Clemson, Michigan State, and Penn State. Are WKU's guards in the same class with those guards? If so, why do you think Illinois will win today's game?
Thanks!
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:29 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Bob- No, they're not. They're a different kind of guard. They seem to prefer the outside shot to penetrating. The Sun Belt Player of the Year, Orlando Mendez-Valdez, is listed at 6-foot-1, but he looked more like 5-10 or 5-11 to me. Good player, though. And he's a senior. That means something on this stage.
I think Illinois wins largely because of the Bruce Weber factor, and because its defense has been a constant, even when its shots aren't falling.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:29 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Purdue and Northern Iowa are being introduced here at the Rose Garden.
Chris from Chicago, IL — 01:30 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Being around the team for the trip to Portland, do they seem confident to you? All I have been reading about is how they are looking to get back at all of the people picking against them, but I haven't heard anything about them believing that they WILL win the game. Do they seem like they are hoping not to lose instead of feeling like they are going to win?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:31 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Chris- As one Illinois coach said, "I' a coach, not a psychologist." But these Illini have played with a chip since the preseason. The experts have provided plenty of fodder in that respect.
Klee
Ted from Champaign, IL — 01:31 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Paul,
Seems that our Illini players are listed as being taller than they actually are. Have you noticed and which one do you think are the most exaggerated?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:33 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Ted- Almost all rosters are exaggerated. A favorite exercise is to look at the official heights when NBA prospects go to the Orlando combine, and compare them to their listed heights in college. There's often a different. I don't think Jeff Jordan is 6-foot-1. (A 44-inch vertical, according to Weber, helps make up for it.) I don't think Dominique Keller is 6-7, more like 6-6.
For some reason, Trent Meacham seems taller than 6-2. But maybe that's because he's sometimes standing up while I'm sitting down when we work on his diary for the News-Gazette.
Klee
terry from Waynesboro , Va. — 01:34 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
who will be getting the majority of time at the two guard or will it be a cast? Also, do you really think that Illinois could get by Gonzaga if they do defeat W. Ky? Illini For Life!
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:37 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Terry- I think you'll see a rotation of Trent Meacham (he'll play major minutes tonight), Calvin Brock, Jeff Jordan and Demetri McCamey in the backcourt. Alex Legion and Billy Cole could see spot duty.
Perhaps Bruce Weber was using a little gamesmanship yesterday, but he had high praise for the Hilltoppers' backcourt.
"I'm worried about all the matchups, to be honest," he said. "It's a different look, a look we had in the nonconference (with Kent State, among others) of perimeter guys. They don't have quite the size of maybe our guys, so they're going to bring us out and maybe use their quickness and shooting ability."
Klee
Doofy from Warwick, RI — 01:37 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Hi Paul Hi Paul,
Are you watching this Memphis game? Can they possibly lose in the first round?
Also, what is your final 4?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:40 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Hi Doof Hi Doof- Unfortunately the Memphis game is back in the press room, but I'm out on the court at the Rose Garden. Looks like the Tigers were given a run, though.
Klee's Final Four: Pitt, UNC, Purdue, Louisville. Not sold on the Louisville pick. But don't think Michigan State has enough shooters to win four games.
Buy Freshy a beer for me, Doof. Or some Via Via.
Klee
Ted from Decatur, Illinois — 01:42 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Earlier in the year there was talk of a future 4 game series with Gonzaga. Is that still in the works and when might it start?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:43 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Ted- Lots of Gonzaga questions today. (Yours, not mine.) The series would be a four-game set. The GU officials I talked to yesterday said it would be Chicago-Seattle-Champaign-Spokane, in that order, starting next season.
Klee
Jeff from Chicago, The Great State — 01:43 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
So if (when) we beat WKU, can we expect a big apology from the national press/experts for not picking the Illini to win?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:44 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Jeff- If everyone had to apologize for picking games incorrectly in March, everybody would be sorry. The Hilltoppers were a trendy upset pick. I took the Illini. But I'm not apologizing if they lose.
Klee
Alan C from Oswego, IL — 01:45 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Hi. Paul, Love the Illini basketball chats...Anyways what will Alex Legion role in the tournament. His shooting percentage is down and if McCamey is not shooting well I dont forsee an easy night. Where will the scoring come from?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:47 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Alan- Thanks for the question. I think it's been tough for Alex Legion to find a rhythm. Starting at the midway point of the season didn't help. Expectations were too high, a result of recruiting rankings and otherwise. I don't think Demetri has to be a scorer to have a productive game. He needs to be a facilitator, much like Chester Frazier was.
Klee
Kyle from Champaign, IL — 01:50 PM on Thu, 03/19/2009
Paul, please tell me BAM is going to send in Billy "Burner" Cole once in awhile tonight to hit a three. What is Bruce saying about him after his performance vs Purdue?
Good morning everyone. It
You hear the description, "They can make a run in the NCAA." But, usually, "run" is never quantified..the S16, E8, the FF? In your opinion, what would constitute a "run" for the ILLINI? To me it is play the second weekend/S16. Thanks
Jerry- In the case of these Illini, I think a run would be defined by advancing to the Sweet 16. I remember watching the Illini's practice - think it was in October - when Bruce Weber put that goal in front of the team. I think it opened their eyes that the head coach believed they were better than people were saying.
Jerry, from 2011-16 your state will host three Final Fours. The next eight Final Fours go in this order: Detroit, Indy, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Arlington (Texas), Indy and Houston.
Klee
I know you've probably heard this enough this week, but what is the status of Mr. Frazier?
Ryan- He's out for this weekend, at least, according to Bruce Weber yesterday. The coach is still holding out hope that Chester could return for the second weekend. I would never doubt Chester's toughness or his will - he's my favorite athlete I've covered - but he has a broken hand.
Here's what Chester's older brother told me about the injury the other night. It was on HQ.
"He said it happened in practice. He said he went up for a rebound and hit somebody's knee. He said he heard a 'crunch,'" James Frazier said by phone Monday. "Our mom asked him if it hurts. He said, 'Mom, it's a broken hand. What do you think?'"
Klee
Hi Paul,
Since we play the late game tonight, how is the team (players and staff) spending all of their free time today? Do they watch other tourney games or avoid them and treat it like any other game? Thanks for your time.
Jeff- There really isn
Do you think that the Illini will be able to perform as well vs. Western Kentucky since Chester Frazier is out?
Kyle- No, Illinois is better with Chester Frazier.
Yesterday I asked Purdue assistant Paul Lusk, who scouted Illinois for the Boilermakers, how the Illini were different without the senior guard. Remember, Purdue was the last team to face Illinois sans Frazier.
"There was no doubt it helped us," Lusk said. "He's like Robbie Hummel to our team. Both guys are guys that don't score a lot of points. But they do so much for their team. They facilitate the offense, they get guys open. Then, obviously, Chester's such a great defender that there's no doubt it was an advantage for us."
UI assistant Wayne McClain has the Western Kentucky scout. (Read his breakdown on IlliniHQ.)
"I told Chester, 'You'd be so perfect for (A.J.) Slaughter,'" McClain said, referring to the Hilltoppers' leading scorer.
Hope that helps.
Klee
Paul-
What are the possible tip-off times for Saturday once we win this evening? Have those times been disclosed or is it still up in the air?
Bruce- If Illinois wins today, it will play Akron or Gonzaga at 4:40 or 7:10 p.m. Saturday (CST).
Klee
Paul- Better mascot, Big Red from WKU or the Chief?
Brett- I'll take the St. Joe's Hawk. He just flaps and flaps and flaps.
Klee
I read in another article on HQ about DJ and he stated he should have no problems qualifying. When exactly does a player get submitted and it becomes official that they are qualified? Any concerns with DJ? Thought he was good to go since his ACT test.
James- D.J. Richardson told me yesterday he has no concerns about qualifying. He was proud of his academics work at Findlay, saying he earned an "A" and three "B's" in the most recent grading period.
His Findlay Prep squad (30-0) has been off since the end of February. Richardson said his next game will be April 3 in a national tournament in Washington, D.C. He's put on 15 pounds since arriving at Findlay and said he's up to 6-foot-4, 185.
And Richardson has kept tabs on his future teammates. He watched the Youtube videos of Jereme Richmond (the technical foul that wasn't, and the buzzerbeater to beat Warren), and he text messages with Brandon Paul often.
And he thinks Illinois can be a Sweet 16 team.
Klee
Bruce Weber was robbed. Should have been Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Mr. President- The Illini noticed you had them bowing out in the second round.
"He picked us to win the first-round game but picked us to lose the second (to Gonzaga). So I'm kind of mad about that," Mike Davis said yesterday, obviously joking. "He's one of the few people who picked us to win, so we're motivated by that. Hopefully we can come out with a victory."
Klee
Whats your prediction for tonight?
Jimmy- It's on HQ. Take a peek.
Klee
Paul,
Do you have any more updates on whether or not Chester's going to go tomorrow?
Tom- Chester Frazier has been ruled out for this weekend. He was on the floor for the team's open practice yesterday, dribbling with his left hand.
His role this weekend, however, is no less important. One of the reasons he called a players-only meeting Saturday night is because he wanted the younger guys to know the NCAA tournament is no guarantee, and they should take advantage of it.
"It goes by really fast," Frazier said of a four-year career.
Klee
Hey Paul,
Living in Spokane and coming from Illinois, I am really struggling with the potential second round matchup... UI & the Zags. Without Frazier, I really don't like it. Furthermore, I don't like that Obama picked the Zags over the Illini in his bracket (ESPN). What are your thoughts on this matchup? Will I be sucking up to all the Zag fans here in Spokane?
Nathan- No worries. Gonzaga fans like the Illini. I remember Zags great Dan Dickau telling me Frank Williams was one of his favorite players to watch.
The Gonzaga and Illinois staffs appreciate each other. I think a lot of that comes from the fact Mark Few raises millions of dollars for Coaches vs. Cancer
Paul,
Since W KY only has one big guy, this seems like the perfect opportunity to use the dump across from one big man to another (or a high-low). We ought to be able to do that all day long.
Dave- That's the focus for Illinois on offense today: getting the ball inside. Demetri McCamey said the Illini want to go "inside-out."
Sorry for the delay. Just got off the phone with UI recruit Joseph Bertrand. He's in Peoria today for the high school dunk contest. He won it last year, in his class, and said he hasn't really practiced any special dunks to break out.
"It's all in my head right now," Bertrand said.
He likes the Illini's chances today.
"If they play like they know like they know how, they
Do u think Alex will break out tonight?
BG- I don't see Alex playing significant minutes tonight. And I could be wrong. But the Illini coaches have emphasized one thing in preparations for WKU.
"We
Paul. I live in Omaha, Nebraska and wish to see the Illinois/Western Kentucky game. Where is the closest location to see the game? Bill
Bill- Good to hear from you. Bill Tate was a great running back at Illinois and a star in a Rose Bowl win. Our resident Omaha expert, Bob Asmussen, suggests D.J.'s Dugout, which is at 636 N. 114th Street. Bob just called them and they said they will definitely have the game on.
Klee
Paul, Gonzaga looks like a potential Final Four team to me. Do you agree?
Cal- Gonzaga has Final Four-type talent. There's no question about that. They also have the ability to bow out in the first round.
One thing to remember: Gonzaga owns the ACC (something like 9-2 in its history) but really has struggled with the Big Ten. Three of Gonzaga's recent NCAA tournament losses stand out in that respect: a loss to Brian Cardinal's Purdue squad in the Sweet 16, a loss to Michigan State in the Sweet 16, and a loss in the second round to one of Bobby Knight's Texas Tech teams, which amounts to a Big Ten squad. That bodes well for Illinois, if both teams advance, and I think Illinois can beat Gonzaga.
Klee
The Illini have struggled defending teams with outstanding, small, quick guards like Clemson, Michigan State, and Penn State. Are WKU's guards in the same class with those guards? If so, why do you think Illinois will win today's game?
Thanks!
Bob- No, they're not. They're a different kind of guard. They seem to prefer the outside shot to penetrating. The Sun Belt Player of the Year, Orlando Mendez-Valdez, is listed at 6-foot-1, but he looked more like 5-10 or 5-11 to me. Good player, though. And he's a senior. That means something on this stage.
I think Illinois wins largely because of the Bruce Weber factor, and because its defense has been a constant, even when its shots aren't falling.
Klee
Purdue and Northern Iowa are being introduced here at the Rose Garden.
Being around the team for the trip to Portland, do they seem confident to you? All I have been reading about is how they are looking to get back at all of the people picking against them, but I haven't heard anything about them believing that they WILL win the game. Do they seem like they are hoping not to lose instead of feeling like they are going to win?
Chris- As one Illinois coach said, "I' a coach, not a psychologist." But these Illini have played with a chip since the preseason. The experts have provided plenty of fodder in that respect.
Klee
Paul,
Seems that our Illini players are listed as being taller than they actually are. Have you noticed and which one do you think are the most exaggerated?
Ted- Almost all rosters are exaggerated. A favorite exercise is to look at the official heights when NBA prospects go to the Orlando combine, and compare them to their listed heights in college. There's often a different. I don't think Jeff Jordan is 6-foot-1. (A 44-inch vertical, according to Weber, helps make up for it.) I don't think Dominique Keller is 6-7, more like 6-6.
For some reason, Trent Meacham seems taller than 6-2. But maybe that's because he's sometimes standing up while I'm sitting down when we work on his diary for the News-Gazette.
Klee
who will be getting the majority of time at the two guard or will it be a cast? Also, do you really think that Illinois could get by Gonzaga if they do defeat W. Ky? Illini For Life!
Terry- I think you'll see a rotation of Trent Meacham (he'll play major minutes tonight), Calvin Brock, Jeff Jordan and Demetri McCamey in the backcourt. Alex Legion and Billy Cole could see spot duty.
Perhaps Bruce Weber was using a little gamesmanship yesterday, but he had high praise for the Hilltoppers' backcourt.
"I'm worried about all the matchups, to be honest," he said. "It's a different look, a look we had in the nonconference (with Kent State, among others) of perimeter guys. They don't have quite the size of maybe our guys, so they're going to bring us out and maybe use their quickness and shooting ability."
Klee
Hi Paul Hi Paul,
Are you watching this Memphis game? Can they possibly lose in the first round?
Also, what is your final 4?
Hi Doof Hi Doof- Unfortunately the Memphis game is back in the press room, but I'm out on the court at the Rose Garden. Looks like the Tigers were given a run, though.
Klee's Final Four: Pitt, UNC, Purdue, Louisville. Not sold on the Louisville pick. But don't think Michigan State has enough shooters to win four games.
Buy Freshy a beer for me, Doof. Or some Via Via.
Klee
Earlier in the year there was talk of a future 4 game series with Gonzaga. Is that still in the works and when might it start?
Ted- Lots of Gonzaga questions today. (Yours, not mine.) The series would be a four-game set. The GU officials I talked to yesterday said it would be Chicago-Seattle-Champaign-Spokane, in that order, starting next season.
Klee
So if (when) we beat WKU, can we expect a big apology from the national press/experts for not picking the Illini to win?
Jeff- If everyone had to apologize for picking games incorrectly in March, everybody would be sorry. The Hilltoppers were a trendy upset pick. I took the Illini. But I'm not apologizing if they lose.
Klee
Hi. Paul, Love the Illini basketball chats...Anyways what will Alex Legion role in the tournament. His shooting percentage is down and if McCamey is not shooting well I dont forsee an easy night. Where will the scoring come from?
Alan- Thanks for the question. I think it's been tough for Alex Legion to find a rhythm. Starting at the midway point of the season didn't help. Expectations were too high, a result of recruiting rankings and otherwise. I don't think Demetri has to be a scorer to have a productive game. He needs to be a facilitator, much like Chester Frazier was.
Klee
Paul, please tell me BAM is going to send in Billy "Burner" Cole once in awhile tonight to hit a three. What is Bruce saying about him after his performance vs Purdue?