Talk with Illinois men's basketball beat writer Paul Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:30 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for coming by for another Illinois basketball chat. We'll get to as many questions as possible over the next hour. Fire away.
Klee
Al Ryle from Champaign, Il. — 12:36 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Paul
Conflicting reports on Chester being aGAor Europe what do you know?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:38 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Al- I wrote a while ago that Chester is leaning toward an overseas career, and that's still the case. As for Illinois, I think the Illini will go another direction. I think they will recreate a video graduate assistant position and you'll most likely see a former manager type in that spot. Jeremy Izzo used to hold a similar position on the Illinois staff. If they go that direction, it would be a big help in film preparation and give Gary Nottingham a helping hand, for one. That's what I think. It could change.
Klee
Steve from Champaign Co, IL — 12:40 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Thanks for your time Paul. 2011 commitments to Illinois have been seriously stalled vs. movement at leading programs. Is our staff being out recruited by the competition? What else should the DIA and BB program leaders consider doing to bring in who we want now? Hope we don't have to wait for the BIG WIN on ESPN GameDay for results.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:42 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Steve- It
Ed from Lincolnshire, IL — 12:43 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Hi Paul, I kwno Egwu is out of the country, but any idea on when he plans coming to campus? Midnight Madess perhaps? I think he is quickly becoming our most important recruit in that class. After him and Abrams the others will follow.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:44 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Ed- Nnana (pronounced like the end of ("baNANA") Egwu probably will be on the UI campus in September. That
JE from Decatur, IL — 12:45 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Do you think it is possible of a starting line up of DJ, Paul, Legion, Davis, and Tisdale, with DJ running the point?
Any word on the next verbal may be ?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:47 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
JE
John from St Louis, MO — 12:48 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Paul, do you have any idea when the full scheduele comes out? MU already has theirs. Thanks!
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:48 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
John- I think you'll see the Illinois schedule this afternoon. Thank goodness.
Klee
Jayne from Savoy, IL — 12:49 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
This may have been asked before but is midnight madness at the assembly hall or football stadium this year?
Also is there a way for you, the media, to contact Italy where Dee Brown is going to play and request a website in English?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:52 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Jayne- Illini Madness is Oct. 16 at the Assembly Hall. It will be held in conjunction with an Illinois volleyball match that starts at 6:30 p.m.
As for an English website, that's probably a stretch. You can always go to www.Eurobasket.com for stats, once the season starts. We'll try to keep you up-to-date on Dee's progress in Italy. He was fired up about his situation with Air Avellino when I talked to him last week. The story's on HQ.
Klee
Chris from Aurora, il — 12:52 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Wow GameDay coming to the Hall. This is going to be great. So we know when the MIch St game is, what about the rest of the schedule?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:52 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Chris- This afternoon, hopefully. Thank goodness.
Klee
Dan from Springfield, IL — 12:56 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
When Crandall Head head committed to Illinois it was said that he was way ahead of Luther when he was in H.S. however his stock has continued to drop amongst recruiting analyst. What has caused his stock to drop and what do you think is hindering his development? Thanks for your time.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:01 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Dan- I'm fairly certain Luther Head was an unranked recruit when he committed to and signed with Illinois. So in that sense Crandall is still ahead of his brother, if you put it that way. Luther's told me on two occasions his brother is better than he was at the same stage. That doesn't mean he'll be a better college player, obviously, he was just comparing their progress at the same stage of high school.
Because recruiting analysts don't share lofty opinions of a recruit doesn't mean his development has been hindered. You guys put way too much value in recruiting rankings. Crandall Head is a better player now than he was 12 months ago. He's older, he's stronger, he's played more games. He's not a perfect player - far from it - but I don't think you could find 8-10 head coaches that would pass on a Crandall Head commitment today.
Klee
Jeff from Urbana, IL — 01:01 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Paul,
Last week Bruce Weber said that he wanted to run with the ball; however, it was up to the players to get the ball up the court. I also remember that last season, the coaches commented on how well Jeff Jordan pushed the ball up the court. Do you think that McCamey doesn't push the ball more because he is afraid of a turnover? Or is the wings who don't get up the court fast enough?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:03 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Jeff- Solid observation. That
Ryan from Decatur, IL — 01:04 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Even though the starters are still in debate this year, do you have a 6th man who really provides that boost off the bench?
Personally I like Stan Simpson but what's your opinion?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:06 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Ryan- Dominique Keller and Brandon Paul are your best options, at least to this point. Keller, because if he can up his rebounding numbers from 2.3 to 4.3, it would be a big help. Paul, because he could give you another scorer that would make it difficult on opposing scouting reports. Of course, Brandon Paul might be a starter, which would put Alex Legion in that sixth man role.
Klee
Tom from Chatham, IL — 01:06 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Paul - we just read about Martez Wilson benching 405. Who leads the way with strength from the basketball roster? And, has there been a concentrated effort on bulking up the guys during the off-season?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:08 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Tom- I
deeforthree from c-u, IL — 01:09 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
did dee brown win a ring with maccabi when they won the championship last season?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:10 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
DFT- Yes, Dee Brown told me he got a ring with Maccabi. And he said he gave his Final Four ring to his mother. He said she keeps it on her dresser.
Klee
Mike from Mahomet, IL — 01:10 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
I am very aware that much of Illinois' success this year will depend on the play of the Juniors. Specifically, how does Demetri look? Has is attitude improved? Might be live up to his potential?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:12 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Mike
Clay from Eads, Tennessee — 01:13 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
When do you think we will start hearing details about the 2010-2011 basketball schedule?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:13 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Clay- This afternoon, hopefully. Thank goodness. Klee
NV Illini from Carson City, NV — 01:14 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Haven't seen many reports on Semrau over the summer. How is he progressing, and what is your prognosis for him with the team this year?
Thanks in advance.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:18 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
NV- I wrote about Richard Semrau on Aug. 2. You can find the story in the HQ archives. He's the team's best cook, and his specialty is a hand-rubbed pork chop, though he makes a fine salmon filet and likes to toil in barbecue chicken. Semrau is up to 246 pounds, which is too high, and he'd like to get down to 240. He told me he's uncertain if he'll return for a fifth season in 2011-12 and believes he can win minutes by playing a well-defined role of rebounding and defending the post. One assistant coach said Semrau's defensive work against Vanderbilt's A.J. Ogilvy was, arguably, the best example of post defense Illinois had last season.
"I think I just have to play harder than everyone else. I really think that's one of the keys that I have to do this year, be the hardest-working player on the court," Semrau said. "I don't think people can match my intensity when I'm going that hard. I think that's really the most important thing for me. That, and keeping my confidence up."
Don Urbauer from Alsip, IL — 01:18 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Do you know the date and place for the Illinois-Georgia BB game?I have relatives in Geo. and I would like to set up a trip to attend the game with them. Any info would be appreciated.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:19 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Don
bridget from chambana, il — 01:19 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
paul, chats are great. jim rosso said tonight on the radio that you are on vacation. where? can I join you? are you in another big ten city? what is your fave?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:26 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Bridget- Just got back from celebrating my father's birthday with a few days on the South Platte River and Arkansas River in Colorado. Cheesman Canyon was fishing great, like the pre-Hayman Fire days, with an outstanding PMD hatch in the morning and hoppers in the afternoon.
And thanks for your phone number. You'll have to ask my girlfriend though.
Klee
Norman Dale from Milan, IN — 01:27 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Paul, Love the chats. What can you tell us about the center from CA that the Illini just offered? What level does his high school play at?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:29 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
ND- Jeremy Werner caught up with Kevin Johnson last week. You can read the report on the HQ blogs from Aug. 13.
"I'm hoping to take a visit there." Johnson told Jeremy Werner. "My mom's going to plan it."
Klee
Mark Fox from Ludlow, IL — 01:29 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
The major services covering recruiting (ESPN,Scout.com,Rivals.com) all seem to have conflicting information regarding who the Illini are recruiting in basketball and who has been offered. Sometimes the information they have seems to be months old. In your opinion, which service is most up to date and accurate?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:30 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Mark
MJ from Chicago, IL — 01:33 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Why did Weber wait so late to announce the schedule? I thought the reason was to let the Big Ten announce the conference schedule.
Unless its timed expertly, I don't see that happening...
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:35 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
MJ- It's this staff's preference to release the schedule in its entirety, including the Big Ten portion. Other guys, like Purdue, release their nonconference schedule before the Big Ten portion is released.
If the schedule is released today or tomorrow, that's in line with schedule releases in 2003 (Aug. 19), 2004 (Aug. 25), 2005 (Aug. 19), 2006 (Aug. 16) and 2007 (Aug. 14). The 2008-09 schedule (Sept. 3) was a late exception.
Klee
CTK from London, UK — 01:35 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
bridget is creeping me out.
2 questions: Any further news on how Mike Davis is recovering from his injury? Have you heard anything about potential freshman redshirts this year?
Thanks!
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:38 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
CTK- Mike D. joined 5-on-5 pickup games shortly before he left for the D.C. area. So his ankle is recovering well. He said it was 100 percent.
As for redshirts, I don't think you will see one in 2009-10. I've said before that Tyler Griffey probably would be the only candidate. But I don't see that happening. He came on over the final 2-3 weeks of pickup games and workouts.
Klee
Karl Z from Columbia, IL — 01:39 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Paul:
Have you heard any more of the ESPN Game Day visit to C-U? I think it would be awesome to have Stephen Bardo on the set that day!
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:42 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Karl- I wrote back on July 11 (Corner) and chats on July 8 and 15 that Illinois probably would host College Gameday for the first time this season. It's a great thing for the program, a day's worth of national exposure. It helps if you win the game, though, and Illinois is 1-6 against Michigan State in their last seven meetings. Yes, agreed on Stephen Bardo. Here's hoping he's on the Gameday lineup on Feb. 6.
For what it's worth, Michigan State (three times), Indiana (twice), Ohio State (twice) and Wisconsin are the Big Ten teams to play in the featured matchup on College Gameday.
Klee
Dave from Natick, Mass — 01:44 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Hello.. Thanks for the great chats and insights into all things Illini. My family will be visiting Champaign in a couple of weeks-- We haven't been on campus in years and I was hoping to check out Ubben. Is it open to the public? is there a better time/day to go?
Thanks so much,
Dave
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:44 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Dave- Your best bet is to contact the Illinois basketball office. Here's the number: 217-333-3400. Klee
Eric from Denver, Colorado — 01:46 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
The Big Ten seems to be heading for a powerhouse scenario similar to 1989 over the next couple years. What are your thoughts? Also, where are the next several Final Four's?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:52 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Eric- The players (and experience) is in place for a solid season. I don't see the NBA-caliber stars necessary for a 1980s-like scenario, though.
But next season the Big Ten returns 15 of its top 20 scorers, its entire first team all-league list and 11 of the 15 players selected to the first-, second- or third- teams. There were no coaching changes and recruiting has picked up (but won
Justin from Chicago, IL — 01:53 PM on Wed, 08/19/2009
Paul, thanks for all of your hard work. I keep trying to figure out how the guard/wing rotation is going to look next year and I keep finding out the team is very thin there. With Coach Weber wanting to "run more," don't you see this as a problem?
Only one player returning who played substantial minutes, one who played sparingly, one who did mop up duty and is a bit of a stretch at the 3, and three freshman. Help relieve my anxiety about this...
Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for coming by for another Illinois basketball chat. We'll get to as many questions as possible over the next hour. Fire away.
Klee
Paul
Conflicting reports on Chester being aGAor Europe what do you know?
Al- I wrote a while ago that Chester is leaning toward an overseas career, and that's still the case. As for Illinois, I think the Illini will go another direction. I think they will recreate a video graduate assistant position and you'll most likely see a former manager type in that spot. Jeremy Izzo used to hold a similar position on the Illinois staff. If they go that direction, it would be a big help in film preparation and give Gary Nottingham a helping hand, for one. That's what I think. It could change.
Klee
Thanks for your time Paul. 2011 commitments to Illinois have been seriously stalled vs. movement at leading programs. Is our staff being out recruited by the competition? What else should the DIA and BB program leaders consider doing to bring in who we want now? Hope we don't have to wait for the BIG WIN on ESPN GameDay for results.
Steve- It
Hi Paul, I kwno Egwu is out of the country, but any idea on when he plans coming to campus? Midnight Madess perhaps? I think he is quickly becoming our most important recruit in that class. After him and Abrams the others will follow.
Ed- Nnana (pronounced like the end of ("baNANA") Egwu probably will be on the UI campus in September. That
Do you think it is possible of a starting line up of DJ, Paul, Legion, Davis, and Tisdale, with DJ running the point?
Any word on the next verbal may be ?
JE
Paul, do you have any idea when the full scheduele comes out? MU already has theirs. Thanks!
John- I think you'll see the Illinois schedule this afternoon. Thank goodness.
Klee
This may have been asked before but is midnight madness at the assembly hall or football stadium this year?
Also is there a way for you, the media, to contact Italy where Dee Brown is going to play and request a website in English?
Jayne- Illini Madness is Oct. 16 at the Assembly Hall. It will be held in conjunction with an Illinois volleyball match that starts at 6:30 p.m.
As for an English website, that's probably a stretch. You can always go to www.Eurobasket.com for stats, once the season starts. We'll try to keep you up-to-date on Dee's progress in Italy. He was fired up about his situation with Air Avellino when I talked to him last week. The story's on HQ.
Klee
Wow GameDay coming to the Hall. This is going to be great. So we know when the MIch St game is, what about the rest of the schedule?
Chris- This afternoon, hopefully. Thank goodness.
Klee
When Crandall Head head committed to Illinois it was said that he was way ahead of Luther when he was in H.S. however his stock has continued to drop amongst recruiting analyst. What has caused his stock to drop and what do you think is hindering his development? Thanks for your time.
Dan- I'm fairly certain Luther Head was an unranked recruit when he committed to and signed with Illinois. So in that sense Crandall is still ahead of his brother, if you put it that way. Luther's told me on two occasions his brother is better than he was at the same stage. That doesn't mean he'll be a better college player, obviously, he was just comparing their progress at the same stage of high school.
Because recruiting analysts don't share lofty opinions of a recruit doesn't mean his development has been hindered. You guys put way too much value in recruiting rankings. Crandall Head is a better player now than he was 12 months ago. He's older, he's stronger, he's played more games. He's not a perfect player - far from it - but I don't think you could find 8-10 head coaches that would pass on a Crandall Head commitment today.
Klee
Paul,
Last week Bruce Weber said that he wanted to run with the ball; however, it was up to the players to get the ball up the court. I also remember that last season, the coaches commented on how well Jeff Jordan pushed the ball up the court. Do you think that McCamey doesn't push the ball more because he is afraid of a turnover? Or is the wings who don't get up the court fast enough?
Jeff- Solid observation. That
Even though the starters are still in debate this year, do you have a 6th man who really provides that boost off the bench?
Personally I like Stan Simpson but what's your opinion?
Ryan- Dominique Keller and Brandon Paul are your best options, at least to this point. Keller, because if he can up his rebounding numbers from 2.3 to 4.3, it would be a big help. Paul, because he could give you another scorer that would make it difficult on opposing scouting reports. Of course, Brandon Paul might be a starter, which would put Alex Legion in that sixth man role.
Klee
Paul - we just read about Martez Wilson benching 405. Who leads the way with strength from the basketball roster? And, has there been a concentrated effort on bulking up the guys during the off-season?
Tom- I
did dee brown win a ring with maccabi when they won the championship last season?
DFT- Yes, Dee Brown told me he got a ring with Maccabi. And he said he gave his Final Four ring to his mother. He said she keeps it on her dresser.
Klee
I am very aware that much of Illinois' success this year will depend on the play of the Juniors. Specifically, how does Demetri look? Has is attitude improved? Might be live up to his potential?
Mike
When do you think we will start hearing details about the 2010-2011 basketball schedule?
Clay- This afternoon, hopefully. Thank goodness. Klee
Haven't seen many reports on Semrau over the summer. How is he progressing, and what is your prognosis for him with the team this year?
Thanks in advance.
NV- I wrote about Richard Semrau on Aug. 2. You can find the story in the HQ archives. He's the team's best cook, and his specialty is a hand-rubbed pork chop, though he makes a fine salmon filet and likes to toil in barbecue chicken. Semrau is up to 246 pounds, which is too high, and he'd like to get down to 240. He told me he's uncertain if he'll return for a fifth season in 2011-12 and believes he can win minutes by playing a well-defined role of rebounding and defending the post. One assistant coach said Semrau's defensive work against Vanderbilt's A.J. Ogilvy was, arguably, the best example of post defense Illinois had last season.
"I think I just have to play harder than everyone else. I really think that's one of the keys that I have to do this year, be the hardest-working player on the court," Semrau said. "I don't think people can match my intensity when I'm going that hard. I think that's really the most important thing for me. That, and keeping my confidence up."
Do you know the date and place for the Illinois-Georgia BB game?I have relatives in Geo. and I would like to set up a trip to attend the game with them. Any info would be appreciated.
Don
paul, chats are great. jim rosso said tonight on the radio that you are on vacation. where? can I join you? are you in another big ten city? what is your fave?
Bridget- Just got back from celebrating my father's birthday with a few days on the South Platte River and Arkansas River in Colorado. Cheesman Canyon was fishing great, like the pre-Hayman Fire days, with an outstanding PMD hatch in the morning and hoppers in the afternoon.
And thanks for your phone number. You'll have to ask my girlfriend though.
Klee
Paul, Love the chats. What can you tell us about the center from CA that the Illini just offered? What level does his high school play at?
ND- Jeremy Werner caught up with Kevin Johnson last week. You can read the report on the HQ blogs from Aug. 13.
"I'm hoping to take a visit there." Johnson told Jeremy Werner. "My mom's going to plan it."
Klee
The major services covering recruiting (ESPN,Scout.com,Rivals.com) all seem to have conflicting information regarding who the Illini are recruiting in basketball and who has been offered. Sometimes the information they have seems to be months old. In your opinion, which service is most up to date and accurate?
Mark
Why did Weber wait so late to announce the schedule? I thought the reason was to let the Big Ten announce the conference schedule.
Unless its timed expertly, I don't see that happening...
MJ- It's this staff's preference to release the schedule in its entirety, including the Big Ten portion. Other guys, like Purdue, release their nonconference schedule before the Big Ten portion is released.
If the schedule is released today or tomorrow, that's in line with schedule releases in 2003 (Aug. 19), 2004 (Aug. 25), 2005 (Aug. 19), 2006 (Aug. 16) and 2007 (Aug. 14). The 2008-09 schedule (Sept. 3) was a late exception.
Klee
bridget is creeping me out.
2 questions: Any further news on how Mike Davis is recovering from his injury? Have you heard anything about potential freshman redshirts this year?
Thanks!
CTK- Mike D. joined 5-on-5 pickup games shortly before he left for the D.C. area. So his ankle is recovering well. He said it was 100 percent.
As for redshirts, I don't think you will see one in 2009-10. I've said before that Tyler Griffey probably would be the only candidate. But I don't see that happening. He came on over the final 2-3 weeks of pickup games and workouts.
Klee
Paul:
Have you heard any more of the ESPN Game Day visit to C-U? I think it would be awesome to have Stephen Bardo on the set that day!
Karl- I wrote back on July 11 (Corner) and chats on July 8 and 15 that Illinois probably would host College Gameday for the first time this season. It's a great thing for the program, a day's worth of national exposure. It helps if you win the game, though, and Illinois is 1-6 against Michigan State in their last seven meetings. Yes, agreed on Stephen Bardo. Here's hoping he's on the Gameday lineup on Feb. 6.
For what it's worth, Michigan State (three times), Indiana (twice), Ohio State (twice) and Wisconsin are the Big Ten teams to play in the featured matchup on College Gameday.
Klee
Hello.. Thanks for the great chats and insights into all things Illini. My family will be visiting Champaign in a couple of weeks-- We haven't been on campus in years and I was hoping to check out Ubben. Is it open to the public? is there a better time/day to go?
Thanks so much,
Dave
Dave- Your best bet is to contact the Illinois basketball office. Here's the number: 217-333-3400. Klee
The Big Ten seems to be heading for a powerhouse scenario similar to 1989 over the next couple years. What are your thoughts? Also, where are the next several Final Four's?
Eric- The players (and experience) is in place for a solid season. I don't see the NBA-caliber stars necessary for a 1980s-like scenario, though.
But next season the Big Ten returns 15 of its top 20 scorers, its entire first team all-league list and 11 of the 15 players selected to the first-, second- or third- teams. There were no coaching changes and recruiting has picked up (but won
Paul, thanks for all of your hard work. I keep trying to figure out how the guard/wing rotation is going to look next year and I keep finding out the team is very thin there. With Coach Weber wanting to "run more," don't you see this as a problem?
PG: McCamey, Richardson, Bertrand
SG: Richardson, Paul, Bertrand
SF: Legion, Cole?, Bertrand
Only one player returning who played substantial minutes, one who played sparingly, one who did mop up duty and is a bit of a stretch at the 3, and three freshman. Help relieve my anxiety about this...