Scott- Demetri McCamey did what he's been doing in offseason pickup games and fall workouts. He was very good. He's more explosive, he's not taking as many questionable shots, he's been more consistent with his decision-making.

Whether that continues throughout the season, no one knows. But I really like the way he's committed himself. AAU coach Mike Mullins, who's known Demetri for years, told me this is the most focused and determined he's seen Demetri.

I think a few factors are at work here. One, he's seen close friend and former teammate Evan Turner pop up on magazine covers and All-American lists, and Evan Turner isn't shy about telling him about it. Bruce Weber isn't, either. I remember last season when Weber reminded McCamey, "You were just as good coming out of high school," or something along those lines. Weber knows how good McCamey can be, and he believes Demetri is the team's most important player.

Three, McCamey told me he's ignoring the NBA mock drafts and not thinking about his professional future this season.

"That

Ha! Loren Tate actually bought lunch at the Esquire yesterday. I almost fainted. We're usually roommates on road trips. He snores and says I get up too early. Other than our opposing viewpoints on redshirts and point guards, we are great friends. Klee

Tom

Chris- I think they'll move the event to a Saturday. That's just what I think. Maybe I was too critical of last week's Illini Madness. I don't think so, though. But I expect changes next year. That wasn't the kind of atmosphere you want if you have a Bradley Beal-type recruit on campus.

As for your second question, D.J. Richardson has made Demetri McCamey a better player. That's the best example.

Asked associate head coach Wayne McClain about that the other day. Here's what he said:

"We've got a good blend - youth and the other kids. I just kind of like how they respect each other. And obviously our younger kids are pushing our older kids, too. You cannot act like that doesn't exist. And I think that makes our older kids more accountable."

Klee

Jeff- I apologize. We get a load of questions. Several dozen go unanswered, it's nothing against you. Klee

Alon- No, the Big Ten Network handed broadcast rights over to the individual schools this year. Illinois' event was not televised. Klee

Peter

Dan- Richmond, Head and Leonard told me in the past week they will sign a letter of intent with Illinois in November.

"I can't wait. That's the date I've been waiting for since I committed last summer," Meyers Leonard said. "That's the No. 1 day, so we can get it on paper and get down here."

Klee

Darrin- I think the closest you'll get to that scenario is playing Jereme Richmond at the 4 at times. He's not a guard, but he jumpstarts the break at Waukegan, throws a mighty outlet pass and I think his passing ability might be his best attribute. You still need some size, though. Klee

Mike

Phillip

Jeff- A little of everything. For example, Monday's practice largely was devoted to defensive footwork and basics of the man-to-man help defense. They did the charge drill, where a defender must race to catch a ballhandler before getting bowled over and taking a charge. The coaches split up the big men and guards - Mike Davis and Billy Cole stayed with the guards - at one point. There was some zone work. Last season I saw more shooting drills - mainly after practice - than in previous seasons. And that was a better shooting team. But there were fewer free throw drills. And it was a better free throw shooting team. Go figure.

So far you've had at least two marathon 3-hour practices, and today is their first day off since last Thursday.

Hope that helps.

Klee

Greg- You hit the nail on the head. That was actually the discussion point with Mike Davis and Dominique Keller before practice yesterday - the importance of getting to the free throw line.

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