Moderator: Good afternoon everyone, thanks for coming by for another Illinois basketball chat.

Klee's in a Minneapolis hotel, where he can see the cranes working on the Gophers' new football digs, TCF Bank Stadium. The Illini just finished their pregame shootaround at Williams Arena in preparations for a late tipoff tonight.

Fire away.

Klee

Dan C., Nashville, TN: Hi Paul:

When do you suppose we'll know definite times and days of the "flex games" at the end of the season? Do we know anything yet? Thanks for your chats and all your fine work.

Moderator: Dan-Thanks for the question. Here's the rundown.

We should know the dates/times for the Ohio State road game (Feb. 21/22) and the Penn State road game (March 3/4/5) by Monday. And we should know the Michigan State home game (Feb. 28/March 1) by Feb. 16.

TV runs college basketball, so that explains the waiting game.

Klee

Dave, Newark, NJ: What do the Big Ten Standings look like using the Bruce Weber system of +1 for road wins, -1 for home losses and zero points for road losses and home wins?

Moderator: Dave- By my calculations, here's how the top half of the Big Ten standings would look:

Michigan State: plus-3

Purdue: plus-2

Illinois: plus-2

Minnesota: plus-1

Penn State: even

Ohio State: even

Michigan State already has four road wins, so the Spartans are in the driver's seat. Both Purdue and Michigan State won at Minnesota, which makes tonight's game especially important for your Illini.

Klee

Stan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Hey Paul,

I have a few questions about stats and stuff between IL and MN.

In comparing both schools game notes for tonight's game, from the teams' sites, there are a lot of differences. For example, the gophers site says they have a 57-104 record in the series, while ours says we have a 113-60 advantage. Maybe its because of those games that were wiped from the record.

They are also claimed the streak is 19 because a game in 1999 had been vindicated. There is other stuff as well.

Obviously, MN is trying to turn the stats in their favor, but who is technically correct?

Stan

Moderator: Stan- Coach Tate had a fine column on Illinois' unprecedented 20-game winning streak on HQ on Tuesday. Here’s some of what Loren wrote:

"Actually, the Minnesota run goes deeper than 20 in the official book because the Gophers previously won five of eight that were vacated due to infractions related to the Clem Haskins era from 1993-94 to 1998-99. So, actually, it has been 28 games since Minnesota won one that counted, although Illinois doesn't get credit for these forfeitures.”

As far as the overall record, that would take some more time, and there's a ton of chat questions, so I'll have to get back with you.

On a side note, Loren Tate just returned to the hotel and said, "It's a little brisk outside.” I would refer to the Minneapolis weather as “freakin' freezing" or "a recruiting disadvantage."

Klee

Moderator: Quick note: An overlooked factor in the Illini's steady play this season: good health. (Go ahead, knock on wood.) If he sticks with the same lineup – and there’s been no indication he won’t – Bruce Weber tonight will use the same starting lineup for the 19th straight game.

Trent, Urbana, IL: Paul,

just read your blog about Henson being on the committe for the new tournament. Does that mean there are now 4 tournaments? The NCAA, NIT, CBI and this new one, the Collegeinsider.com postseason tournament.

Moderator: Trent- Yep. There are four postseason tournaments, at least for now. In fact, Klee just got an email from the Gazelle Group, which operates the CBI, that said the 16-team tournament will be broadcast on HDNet. The press release included a comment from Mavs owner Mark Cuban.

"We're excited to bring the College Basketball Invitational to HDNet," said Cuban, president and co-founder of HDNet. "This tournament is an excellent showcase for some of the best and brightest in college basketball and we're proud to bring it to our viewers."

Gradually, college basketball will have as many postseason qualifiers as college football has bowl participants. Percentage-wise, at least.

Klee

Fisher, LaHarpe, Illinois: How do you see the scholarship situation working itself out over the next couple of years? There were whispers a while back about Cole not being happy with his PT.

Moderator: Fisher- If my team had played seven Big Ten games, and I had only played in two of them, with a total of nine minutes, I probably wouldn't be happy with my playing time, either. Not saying that's the case with Billy Cole, who's been a team guy, but you can understand if that's the case.

Klee

Marcus, Colorado Springs, CO: Paul,

One more, since you grew up in Colorado and I grew up in Paxton.

Has college sports always been such a non issue and note covered by the papers or local sports talk shows in the Denver area?

Even if I want to follow one of the local teams here it would be hard because there is very little coverage.

I am so thankful for the HQ because I prefer college sports and now I can keep track of my ILLINI!

Moderator: Marcus- Denver has always been a pro sports-dominated scene. It was a great baseball town even before the Rockies, and it's always been a great hockey town (check out a DU hockey game some time), but the Broncos have and always will be the biggest ticket. The Nuggets were bad for so long, so that made it tough to draw, but it also makes the glory days (now) that much more gratifying.

It's disappointing the colleges don't receive the coverage, but really, it's their own fault. I remember going to Buffs basketball games and the only game that would come close to a sellout was when Kansas came to the Coors Events Center. And most came to see the Jayhawks, not the Buffs.

You'll be pleased to know Klee was in attendance for ex-Nugget Allen Iverson's clash with the Timberwolves last night. Former Unity star Brian Cardinal got about 6 minutes of playing time, and it's clear there's a youth movement with the T-Wolves, so it's going to be tough for Cardinal to find a niche.

Klee

Danny, Deerfield, IL: All you at all concerned that the Big 10 has become so underrated, that it is now overrated? Looking at the conference, the top 3 (MSU, Illinois, and Purdue) have started to distance themselves from the pack, but how much noise do we really see any of them making in the tourney?

Moderator: Danny- Yes, I think that's the case. The Big Ten was weak the past few seasons, and now that there's been an upswing, I think the national types are making up for it by exaggerating its level of play.

It's clear the Big Ten is more competitive. But they still don't have the players you see in the Big East, ACC or Pac-10. That figures to come with the 2009, 2010 recruiting classes, with Illinois and Ohio State leading the way with their hauls.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is the level of scouting that's performed in the Big Ten. I think the scouting and coaching is what makes almost every game a test. But the majority of the teams - if you really watch the games - aren't going to scare anybody.

Klee

Tyler, Springfield, Il: With the amount of calories Tisdale is consuming what is the weight that the Illini staff are hoping he will reach? And do you think a freadhman can come in and be the floor leader luke Chester is now? And who?

Moderator: Tyler- D.J. Richardson is the guy. But I don't expect to see it from him as a freshman. Bruce Weber already has been in his ear about leading - not just next season, but for the course of his career - so that process is underway.

Leadership - no, toughness - is the coaching staff's chief concern with next season's team. I wrote about that a few weeks ago. It's on HQ somewhere.

Klee

Blake, Naperville, IL: As you know, Big Ten road games are always tough. What do you believe the key to the game will be to get a win against Minnesota?

Moderator: Blake- The keys will be Illinois' defense (Minnesota has struggled to score of late) and limiting turnovers against Minnesota's pressure (the Gophers lead the Big Ten in steals).

And those are two areas where Illinois has excelled, which is why I think the Illini win tonight.

Here's a stat that struck me: Trent Meacham has committed only three turnovers in 203 minutes of Big Ten play. Three!

“I guess that’s pretty good," Meacham said when I told him that. "But I think there’s times I probably get a little more aggressive. That’s one of the reasons I don’t have as many turnovers.”

“Chester and Demetri, their assists-to-turnovers ratio has been great also. If you can get that from all three guards, that’s pretty tough. It gives us that many more possessions.”

Klee

Wayne Jacob (Illinijake), Freeport, Florida: Paul.....Nice meeting you the other day at the B Ball practice.

This team has been such a pleasant surprise, I was wondering what your take is on the tremendous turnaround from last year?

By the way, you and staff do a real nice job on HQ.

Thanks again

Moderator: Wayne- After losing a number of close games as the season wore on, last season's Illini became weary in end-game situations, especially at the free throw line. These guys have a late-game confidence that I think was born when they held off Vanderbilt. When it's close - at Purdue, against Kent State, for two examples - these guys believe they'll win.

Wayne, I enjoyed our conversation as well.

Klee

Moderator: On a sidenote, caught up with Stan Simpson the other day. He's going through redshirt workouts (and had one this morning). His least favorite part of the workouts?

“The weighted ball doing Mikan drills,” Simpson said. “And the running. I’m running all the time.”

I thought he had one of his better practices Monday. He had a blocked shot and swished a hook over another big guy.

“Stan, he surprises us in practice. There’s times that he makes moves that surprise some people,” Trent Meacham said of Simpson. “He’s got a ways to go, but he does some things that you can’t teach. His instincts, blocking shots, rebounding.

“I think he’s got great hands and he really finishes down low really well. He’s got some tools there that you can’t teach."

Klee

Dave C., Champaign, IL.: Paul,

Did you see the pick with the forearm shiver, Krabenhoff (sp?)set on the Purdue player (I believe it eas Jackson) Tuesday night?It was similar to the pick that broke Darrin William's nose a few years back. The refs missed it so not even a foul was called. Any chance the Big 10 may look at the tape and suspend Krabenhoff or sanction this behavior. There's no need to swing an elbow like that to set a pick. The onlt intent seems to be to hurt the player who's blind to what's coming.What does it take to crack down on such dirty play?

Moderator: Dave- I think it's part of the game. I'm glad Lew Jack wasn't injured, he's a great kid with a radiant future at Purdue. But basketball is a physical game.

Klee

John, Champaign, IL: Klee, love your coverage of Illini Basketball. What are the chances we can get some pictures or a story on the old school cadillac Jerrance bought a while back. You wrote about it briefly in a blog a while back but i havent seen or heard anything about it since. Do you think that could be a strong tool for recruiting.

Moderator: John- I didn't realize my story on Jerrance Howard's new ride would cause such a stir. Good to see. Jerrance Howard is a car junkie, especially older cars, and that's his baby. I remember the night he purchased the vehicle. It was like his Christmas.

Don't know if you would call it a "strong tool for recruiting," but he's definitely a guy who thinks outside the box.

Klee

Ed, Minneapolis, Minnesota: Hello from Apple store Mall of America. I am ready for the game. Go illini!!

Moderator: Ed Bond, everyone. Making his biannual trip to the Mall of America.

Kevin, Shelbyville, Illinois: With reduced playing time the last couple of games how is Alex Legion been doing in practice lately? Mentally and Physically?

Moderator: Kevin- With Illinois playing well when he became eligible, Alex Legion knew that he would have to work his way into the rotation, and that Bruce Weber wasn't going to rock the boat. He's been fine in practice. Thought he played well on Monday and Tuesday, hitting shots.

Against Wisconsin, the Illinois coaches felt that if they limited Jason Bohannon, Marcus Landry and Trevon Hughes, they would win the game. So there was an even greater emphasis on defense in the game, and Trent Meacham is the superior defender.

Alex Legion's time will come. He's going to be big part of the next two-plus seasons, and that includes the remainder of this season.

Klee

Julie, Monticello, Illinois: What is the best college basketball game you've seen? Best college basketball arena you've been to for a game?

Moderator: Julie- The most memorable game I've witnessed was Bucknell's upset of Kansas in the 2005 NCAA tournament in Oklahoma City. Not because of the game, but because of the radical emotions. I remember when the kid banked in the game-winner; the Bucknell bench was a sight of pure ecstasy - there were tears, in fact - while the KU bench was in sheer disbelief.

In a bar after the game, a Kansas fan asked a Bucknell fan, "Where's Bucknell?" The Bucknell guy, who played at Bucknell, looked back at him and said sarcastically, "Where's Kansas?"

My favorite arena? The Pit in Albuquerque. The Lobos are the state's "pro" team, and the New Mexico-New Mexico State affair is one of the great (and often overlooked) rivalries.

Klee

Marc, Chicago, IL: Klee,

Thanks for doing these chats -- I look forward to them.

Any word on Legion's attitude with respect to the [sometimes limited] role he is playing? Is it positive, or one of frustration?

I know that he has great potential and that he and his family have big dreams. After a game like Wiscy where he played very little I can't help but wonder if he is upset/angry/jealous/frustrated. Does he understand that games like that come with the territory?

Thanks for any insight.

Moderator: Marc- Alex Legion seems fine today. Of course, when a guy goes for 15 point at Michigan State, he's going to be in a better mood than if he only plays 4 minutes.

Klee

Moderator: One minute, folks. Got a phone call. Back in a minute. Klee

Dan, Chatham, Il: You often tie in the team's performance to their focus during recent practices so how has the team looked the last couple of days?

Moderator: Dan- Thanks for noticing. Yes, and I think one of this team's better qualities is how they don't go down in the dumps after a loss and they don't throw confetti after a win - at least for more than one day. That comes from the three seniors, who saw last season how one loss quickly can turn into two losses.

Frankly, these guys are loose. I think they enjoy road trips. And I think they enjoy road games. When Chester Frazier took the court at Breslin Center, the Izzone had a few choice words for him, and he just smiled and clapped and hopped into the layup line.

Klee

Gaeta, West Orange, NJ: Everyone seems to think only one freshman will start next year. Do you think its a lock that Legion will be in the starting line-up? Or do you think Paul and Richardson could crack into the line-up and Legion remains instant offense off the bench?

Moderator: Gaeta- I think your starting lineup for the season opener is McCamey, Legion, Richardson, Davis and Tisdale. Of course, that could change, for any number of reasons, but that's what I foresee on Jan. 29, 2009.

Klee

Mike Perry, Decatur, IL: Paul, thanks for taking my question. What are the Illini's chances of getting 3 or 4 of the top players from Illinois in the 2011 class ? How tall is Abrams, the point guard that has already verballed in that class.?

Moderator: Mike- I like their chances with Mike Shaw, though they have work to do with his recruitment. I think would be beneficial to get him on campus for a game this season. The 2011 in-state class is deep, which helps them, because if you miss on one of the top guys, there's another guy right behind him. That hasn't been the case in Illinois the past few years. There were a clear-cut four or five guys, and then a considerable drop-off.

I think Tracy Abrams is right around 6-foot, maybe a tad under 6-foot. He's listed at 6-1. Very good player. He's the kind of competitive spirit that won't let you have a bad practice.

Klee

Paul Noerenberg, Tolono, IL: Defense wins in this league. Does Illinois have a strong enough defense to win in their building and maintain the winning streak? A win would be another big step in the unlikely battle for a regular season championship.

Moderator: Paul- I think Purdue and Illinois are the top defensive teams in the Big Ten. Illinois, right now, is playing the best team defense in the time I've covered the program. In their last five games, they've limited Wisconsin (35.6-percent shooting), Ohio State (41.3), Michigan State (40.0), Michigan (32.2) and Indiana (39.2).

Klee

Moderator: Going to wrap this up for today. Thanks again for all of the questions, and I apologize for not getting to all of them. Hope to see you here next week.

I'll have a Live In-Game Report from Williams Arena tonight, so feel free to send any questions or observations and I'll get them posted. And, of course, full coverage of the game on HQ tonight and Friday.

Today on HQ you can see what bracketologists Jerry Palm and Joe Lunardi think of Illinois' status, and how Trent Meacham was aware one of the first- and second-round sites is in Dayton, his old stomping grounds.

Klee