Moderator: Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for coming by for another Illinois basketball chat. Be patient, there's a ton of questions and we got a late start today. Shorter answers today, so we'll try to get to as many of them as possible. Fire away.

Klee

Jancy, Urbana, IL: Hey, Paul! Cory Bradford is still one of my all-time favorite Illini, and I enjoyed his interview with Loren Tate at half-time of last night's game. Did you get a chance to sit down with Cory, and could I anticipate something more in Illini HQ?

Moderator: Jancy— Here’s some info for you. Cory Bradford just finished a three-month stint playing in Colombia. He told me he’ll return to Venezuela in the near future. He’s got this overseas gig down pat. With all of the connections he's made over the years - and with his consistent play - he's almost able to pick and choose where he wants to play.

After watching the team's shootaround Tuesday, and the first half of the NIU game, Cory also shared some insight on the current Illini.

On Brandon Paul: "He reminds me of Jason Richardson that played at Michigan State with his athleticism, long arms. Jason wasn't quite that shooter in college. But Brandon's consistently stepping up there and making three after three after three."

Bradford laughed and added, "Hopefully he doesn't get a streak going and break my record (of consecutive games with a three)."

He also thinks the Illini need to get tougher. He believes that's their weakness. Agreed.

Klee

Ryan, Oswego, IL: Are you concerned at all that a freshman has been carrying the weight of the scoring burden while seasoned juniors who led the scoring last year (McCamey Davis, Tisdale) have not really stepped up their offensive game? What do you see happening the firs time Brandon Paul has a bad game?

Moderator: Ryan- Not concerned. The juniors will be fine. I thought Mike Davis had one of his best games as an Illini last night. Played with a nasty streak. Gary Nottingham deserves some of the credit for Mike D.'s strong start. He watched film with Mike and pointed all of the times he didn't box out. "I don't box out enough," Davis said last night.

Remember, too, that D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul have taken 41 shots through two games. The three juniors - McCamey, Davis, Tisdale - have taken 40. More shots equals more scoring opportunities. The old guys will be fine. It's refreshing to see they haven't been bitter about the young guns' success thus far.

Klee

Matt, Champaign, Illinois: Even given the 2-0 start for our team it seems like the two Mikes, especially Tisdale, have struggled offensively. Given that the big men we are playing against early in the season aren't of the caliber of Big Ten big men shouldn't this be a time for big production from them? Is this a sign that Tisdale and Davis aren't as far along in their development as we thought or is something else causing this?

Moderator: Matt- Tisdale and Davis are shooting 63 and 57 percent from the field, respectively. Last night Mike Tisdale didn't score until 10:06 remained in the second half... but the starting guards also fired up 31 shots. The big guys aren't getting as many clean looks as they did with Chester Frazier running the point. It's a different approach with the new guards - they look to score instead of looking to pass.

If you get a chance, listen to Bruce Weber on the sideline Saturday. He's been imploring the guards to get the ball inside. I counted at least three times in the first half Tuesday when he screamed, "Get a touch!"

Klee

Marcus, Washington, DC: It looks like Coach Weber is playing freshmen and bench players more this year than last. Reportedly MSU's commitment to using a deep bench opened Weber's eyes about this last year. In your opinion is this a change in philosophy, a recgonition or more talent on the roster, and/or simply a function of easier games against outmatched nonconference opponents?

Moderator: Marcus- Weber watched all of Michigan State's games in the NCAA tournament last season. He admired how Tom Izzo used guys like Idong Ibok and Marquise Gray early in the season, so they were confident when their name was called. Now, some of that was due to the fact MSU had injury issues, and those guys were forced into the rotation. I think Weber wants to go 9 or 10 deep - but the eighth, ninth and 10th guys will have to perform, as well.

Klee

WILL, U-TOWN, I-L-L: Paul -

Keep up the good work!

After last night's game Bruce Webber said in his post game interview that DJ was having some ball handling confidence issues. Do you see this as a worry for illinois going forward? This could become a problem once big ten play starts up or if we have foul trouble problems at point. Your thoughts?

Moderator: Will- D.J. Richardson's hyperextended elbow - he injured the elbow while getting through a screen in practice - is a factor. He also has a tendency to get in the air with nowhere to go. In high school he could get a way with it. In practice last week, coaches harped on that tendency. He'll be fine. He's only played two games. And Jeff Jordan is a capable ballhandler that will get some minutes on Saturday.

But you could see last night, when Demetri McCamey went to the bench late in the first half, Northern Illinois feasted on Illinois' ballhandling. There were two consecutive steals and there should have been a third, but there was a bad foul call on NIU. After watching Clemson yesterday, I think Demetri might have to play 35-40 minutes at Clemson for the Illini to get a win. Their pressure was impressive.

Klee

Scott, Shawnee Mission, KS: Paul, I heard Gonzaga & Texas held a closed-door scrimmage in Denver before their exhibition games. What a great idea to get a feel for where your team is against great competition. Do you think there's any chance the Illini will try something like that in the future?

Moderator: Scott- Gonzaga and Texas held a scrimmage at Denver's Pepsi Center last week. It's something both the Zags and the Longhorns do every preseason. They fly in refs from other leagues, lock the doors and play a 40-minute game. From what I'm told, Texas won 77-74, or something like that.

I've asked Illinois if that's a possibility. It doesn't sound like it. The Illini value the revenue generated from an exhibition game - and you won't get that revenue with a closed-door scrimmage. NCAA rules say that such a scrimmage has to replace one of the two exhibition games.

Klee

Scott, St. Louis, MO: Paul:

I have really enjoyed Richard Semrau's play so far this year. He brings a physcial element that I havn't seen from our other bigs. What is your take on his potential for playing time this year.

Moderator: Scott- Richard Semrau told me he met with coaches recently to discuss where he stands in the rotation.

"He said do four things: Play harder than everybody else, be more physical, rebound and screen and then you'll play," Semrau said of the meeting.

Weber had good things to say about Semrau's progress... but then he only played two minutes last night. That tells us he doesn't believe Semrau is better than what he put on the floor.

Richard had two games, in particular, when he played well last season: Tulsa and Vanderbilt. In both games he was matched up with a very good center (Jerome Jordan, Tulsa; A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt). If he shows a knack for post defense, he'll probably play more.

On a related topic, Semrau is the team's best cook. He's been grilling a lot of salmon lately.

"I buy it fresh from County Market. Put some lemon pepper on it. Some pasta."

Klee

John, Pekin, IL: With the addition of Richmond and Head, two superathletic wingmen, will the much heralded Legion be relegated to Bubba minutes (no offense to Bubba) next year?

Brad, Champaign, IL: Klee,

so is Legions role going to be a shooter of the bench this season?

Would have to say, right now atleast, you cant even think about taking Paul out of the starting lineup.

Jeff Rapp, Boonville, MO: If Bertrand didn't get hurt would he be ahead of Legion on the depth chart? I would much rather have him out there getting experience than watching Legion look lost.

Matt, Naperville, IL: Klee,

What's up with Alex Legion? I hear from direct sources at Illini practices and shootarounds that he's almost always the best player. He even asserts himself and scores at will. Does he just lack that carry over to real games? It sounds like he's also pretty demanding of playing time, but with Paul proving himself like he is and the recruits coming in next year, will he ever average more than 8 minutes a game? I'm worried about him becoming a detriment to the team.

Moderator: All- There's an unhealthy obsession with Alex Legion among the Illini fandom. Like Sean Harrington said on our pregame show last night, Weber is going to play the guys that perform the best in practice. The coach puts a high value on practice performance when determining the rotation. And there are only so many minutes to go around. I've been critical of Weber's rotation in the past, but it seems to me he's handled their biggest dilemma very well - so far.

Klee

Ryan, Lombard, Il: What is the difference from Legion in practice and Legion in the games. It seems as if he lights it up in scrimmages and practice, but in the game nothing. Now I did notice he seems to hesitate when open before shooting instead of just letting it fly, then he looks to the bench. I haven't given up on him yet, he did some nice things in a few games last year. When he finally gets it look out.

Moderator: Ryan- See above. Alex spent time before last night's game working out and shooting jumpers with his godfather, Tim Green, at the Assembly Hall. If he's one of your two or three top reserves off the bench, it's not a bad thing. I don't think it's Alex's fault he carries such high expectations. He didn't rank himself as a top-50 recruit in 2007. As long as the upperclassmen continue to encourage a positive vibe in the locker room, I don't see this as a problem. And the older guys, especially, Dominique Keller, have done a great job of that so far.

Klee

Ed, Lincolnshire, IL: Kudos to the Huskies for playing us this year they were a good test and brought out some things we need to work on. Since this is an in state rival and it makes economic sense to play them is there any chance we have a regular series with NIU?

Moderator: Ed- Bruce Weber said he'd be glad to have NIU on the Illinois schedule - provided the Huskies are willing to go to the Assembly Hall. Illinois doesn't look for games on the homecourts of in-state schools.

Klee

Ronny Criss, Chicago, IL: Klee - Before the season, all I was hearing about was how great of a defender DJ Richrdson is, yet in the first two games, he seems to get beat off the dribble consistently. Is this just first game jitters, or was his defense a little over-hyped?

Moderator: Ronny- He's been their best perimeter defender in practice, though I think Brandon Paul can be that guy if he puts as much focus into his defense as he does his scoring. We'll know more when the Illini face top guards/wings like Demontez Stitt (Clemson), Brad Tinsley/Jeff Taylor (Vandy) and James Anderson (Oklahoma State). JT Tiller (Missouri) will be a test as well.

Much has been written about the freshmen pushing the veterans in practice. But Demetri McCamey pushes those young guys even more. They don't really have anyone that's been effective against him in practice. He gets where he wants to get.

Klee

Travis, DeKalb, il: Will IlliniHQ be bringing back the weekly interviews with Bruce like last year (and similar to Zook's Monday Morning interview)?

Always enjoy those...

Moderator: Travis- Good to hear from you. Our brilliant producer, Ed Bond, tells me the Bruce Weber podcasts will return to HQ on Dec. 7.

Klee

Jeff, Buckley, IL: When will Joseph Bertrand be ready to play? Have there been any issues with his recovery, slowing the process?

Moderator: Jeff- Weber said he hopes to get Joseph Bertrand back in the mix some time after the games in Vegas. So that's about two weeks. He hasn't practiced in two weeks. At this point I think he'll redshirt, due in large part to the knee injury, and the fact the other guards have played well so far. But that could change if his knee improves. He came back too soon from the surgery.

Personally, I really liked what I saw from Joseph Bertrand, especially in June and July. He hasn't gotten an honest chance to show what he can do in the system yet.

Klee

Ben, Washington, IL: Is Brandon Paul's fast start (21 pts/gm) killing any confidence Legion has left? Do you think the solid play from Cole, Keller and Griffey could potentially push Legion further down the depth chart if he doesn't start playing well? It is frustrating to watch because Legion is so much more athletic than the teams the Illini have faced.

Moderator: Ben- The competition in practices is toughest in the backcourt. Not everyone is going to play. In Alex Legion's case, he's dependent on his shot falling, and it's tough to find a rhythm in 12 spotty minutes. To earn minutes, I think, he has to find a way to impact a game in ways other than scoring. The other guards are more effective at the moment.

Klee

Barbara, Urbana, Illinois: I thought Tyler Griffey did well and looked good last night. But I am unclear whether or not he is considered a center and a substitute for Tisdale, who did and often can, get into foul trouble. Is Rich Semrau the only center backup?

Barbara, Urbana

Moderator: Barbara- We wrote about Tyler Griffey's illness in the Live Report last night. You can find it on HQ. He lost about 10 pounds and said he had a crazy headache while running up and down the court. Tyler also had pneumonia twice in high school. He doesn't think his latest illness was H1N1. His uncle, formerly a 6-7, 310-pound offensive lineman with the Raiders and Redskins, has been a big help for Tyler as he transitions into college life. So I don't think you've seen Tyler Griffey put his best foot forward yet.

Last night they toyed with a lineup of DJ Richardson, Brandon Paul, Alex Legion, Griffey and Dominique Keller. Not a true center in the group. I think you'll see a handful of these unorthodox, center-less lineups in the future.

Klee

Quinn, Peoria, IL: Would like to say that the guys look good so far but cannot as I have yet to actually SEE them play.

Of the 19 games covered in ESPN's Tip-Off Marathon yesterday, ours was the only one that was not televised.

I thought I remember reading that the Vegas tournament will also not be broadcast. Looking at the competition for our two prior games, would I be correct in assuming that I will not watch Illinois play on TV until the Clemson game(12/2)?

Why have we been relegated to stream-vision while Indiana has already had 2-3 games covered on the BTN (including both exhibition and regular) and will likely have a handful more by the time we catch our first air time.

Moderator: Quinn- The Vegas games are not on TV. They will be broadcast online. It's unfortunate, and I think that's part of the reason Illinois is looking to get into a more high-profile preseason tourney next season, in New York City.

You will be able to watch Illinois on Saturday against Presbyterian (Big Ten Network) and Nov. 24 against Wofford (ESPNU). And the Clemson game is on ESPN.

Klee

Pat, Chicago, IL: as a chicago sports fan, i'm always switching between 670 score and espn 1000. throughout the week theres tons of stuff on all teams (even weekly's with carmody and wainwright) except illinois.

how does scheduling work? is it the radio that reaches out to UI Media dept or the other way around? could Bruce do a show up here? a lot of beat writers also do shows - why not have a paul klee call in once a week? I'm sure there are contractual issues, but it seems in media its not uncommon for guys to work with two different companies as long as they are two different mediums (e.g., tv / newspaper). anyways, would just love to hear more about the illini up here.

Moderator: Pat- Your best bet is probably to contact UI sports info. Here's their number: 217-244-6533. Klee is on a handful of radio shows through the week. I'm more than happy to join when they ask. Our pregame radio show with Steve Kelly, Loren Tate and myself starts about 90 minutes before each game, and so far it's been very enjoyable.

Klee

Brian, St. Charles, IL: If season ticket holders are unable to use any game tickets, what local charities can we donate the tickets to?

Moderator: Brian- Great question. The Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club. Get in touch with them here: 217-352-4229. Lots of kids that never get to see a game in person.

Klee

Brandon, South Holland, IL: How good will Brandon Paul be when the coaching staff teaches him to abandon the jumper when it stops falling and go back to attacking the other team off the dribble?

Moderator: Brandon- Said last week he has NBA potential, and I think he's their top professional prospect. Shot selection needs work, as does his defensive effort. Those will come. It's been an almost-surreal start to Brandon Paul's career. He's been terrific.

Not everyone is surprised, however. His parents expected as much.

"I've seen Brandon play well often. My expectations are that he will consistently play like that," said Lynda Paul, who coached Brandon on the club circuit. "Those are my expectations. I'm sure those will soon be coach Weber's expectations, too."

Klee

Tino Martinez (Big Ten Dog), Chicago, IL: Klee - My owner and I were getting in a heated debate last night. I contend that most of the 2009-2011 recruits were recruited by Jerrance Howard, his contention is that Bruce Weber has had a big role in getting these recruits to Champaign. Please settle this debate and tell him I am correct.

Moderator: Tino- We could break it down recruit-by-recruit... But I think if Weber drew much of the abuse for their recruiting struggles, he deserves much of the credit for their recruiting successes.

Klee

Moderator: Someone asked about Frank Williams last week. He's playing in Argentina, fyi.

Jake, Shelbyville, Il: Paul,

I see from the schedule I have that the the games in Vegas aren't on TV or ESPN 360. Is that still the case or has that changed?

Moderator: Jake- The two games in Las Vegas are on something called HoopTV.net. Haven't seen it before, unsure of its quality. Let me know how it goes. Klee

Nate Mast Fan, Urbana, ILL-INI: Mr. Klee, I didnt get to see the Illini game. Why is it not on TV???? I watched Gonzaga and Michigan State tho. All I can say is WOW. Zaga is REALLY good. And so young! That was a high level game in Novemeber. Keep up the great work - I've been sick and read HQ all day!

Moderator: Nate- The game's on DVR, haven't had a chance to watch it yet. Had an assistant coach text me last night, "Their (Gonzaga's) players are as good as Michigan State's players." Remarkable that's even a possibility, really, considering they lost four starters.

With the way Illinois has recruited, and the way Gonzaga has continued to recruit, that stands to be one of the more entertaining series in college hoops over the next four seasons.

Impressive showing by Memphis last night, too.

Klee

Alex, Carbondale, IL: Last week, Coach Weber hinted that he might have another early commitment in the works. Any ideas on who he was referring to? One of the big three perhaps? Thanks.

Moderator: Alex- Tommy Hamilton Jr. would be the most likely candidate. At Illini Madness, he mentioned to rivals.com's Brad Sturdy and Klee that Illinois was the "only" school he's really looked at. And it's still early, obviously. But he would be the guy.

Klee

Dan, Chatham, Il: Over under on the number of conference games Iowa wins this year? 2?

The Hawkeyes seem to have less hope than Indiana did last year.

Moderator: Dan- Tough one. What was more startling was the size (or lack of size) of the crowd at Carver-Hawkeye. It looked like there were 700 people there. Indiana of last season was bound to win a Big Ten game based on its homecourt advantage alone. This Iowa team won't have that.

Klee

Mark, Normal, IL: After watching the first two games it is clear Illinois needs to get tougher and rebound better. Much of this is due to Mike and Mike's stature and style of play, however I'm wondering what the staff's philosophy is on shot blocking vs rebounding. Often offensive rebounds are being given up after one or both Illini interior defenders attempt to block a shot and put themselves in an undesirable rebounding position.

What the coaches are teaching in regards to this?

Moderator: Mark- Bruce Weber made a point to emphasize Mike Davis' four offensive rebounds. That was one shy of tying a career high. They felt that if Mike can average closer to three offensive boards per game, he can average 10 rebounds per game. That's his goal, and something that hasn't been done at Illinois since 1973.

The Matto chart from last night was a good sign. Illinois had 54 Matto points. Its highest score last season was 51, and, glancing over my handy Matto chart, those blue-collar Illini only scored more than 46 Matto points on one occasion.

Klee

Will, Champaign, IL: Are you concerned about how much our defense has declined since last year? I was at the game last night and I felt that the NIU guards were driving in at will. What happens when we play more athletic guards who can finish at the rim?

Moderator: Will- I'll let Cory Bradford handle this one.

"You know they can put the ball in the hole. But you can't outscore everyone," he said. "When you play a team that's going to battle you on the defensive end, like a Wisconsin, or a team like Michigan State, that's going to battle you down to the last second of the shot clock, it will come down to those intangibles on defense. Who's going to be the guy that's going to get on the floor for those loose balls? Who's the guy that's going to stop their best offensive scorer every possession?

"Once they figure that out, and offense comes from defense, they could be really good. Things can only get better for them."

Thought that was a solid summary.

Klee

Nathan, Champaign, IL: Did you get to watch any of the MSU-Zags game? If so, what is your take? MSU overrated, or Zags need to be ranked top 20? I'm thinking a little of column A, a little of column B.

Also, do you get as much enjoyment out of watching Iowa and Indiana stink it up as the rest of us do?

Moderator: Nate- Gonzaga and Memphis both should be ranked in next week's Top 25 poll, as Andy Katz tweeted this morning. In regards to Michigan State, I don't know who you'd put ahead of the Spartans. I don't see anyone yet. They're deserving of that No. 2 or 3 spot, I think.

Watching the Lakers/Raiders lose is the extent of my negative rooting. Still recovering from the Nuggets' exit in the Western Conference Finals, but Melo's quick start is a feel-good cure.

Klee

Jimmy, Dallas, TX: Paul, I think Mark had a good question that you didn't answer, are our bigs taught to block shots? I know for example, Bo Ryan teaches his guys to not try and block shots at all, they go after the boards instead.

Moderator: Jimmy- Weber's defensive principals, from what I've seen, are based on positioning. He would rather have a guy take a charge than attempt to block a shot, putting him out of position. Illinois had only one guy (Mike Tisdale) among the top 13 shot-blockers in the Big Ten last season, yet the Illini were the best defensive team in the league. There's not a great emphasis on blocking shots - just getting stops.

I like my Marcus Camby example. When the Nuggets traded Marcus Camby, there was a worry their defense would suffer. But their defense actually improved, in part because Camby often would lose his man in an attempt to block a shot from the weakside.

That's my quick answer. Hope that helps.

Klee

Phil, Mahomet, Illinois: I didn't see a whole lot of positives from Tyler Griffy against SIU-E. Was his illness affecting his play?

Moderator: Phil- Tyler Griffey said Sunday's practice was the first time in several weeks that he felt 100 percent. He's just getting back into the flow. They'll take eight points in nine minutes every night. His rebounding numbers could use a boost. I think that will come with time.

Klee

Moderator: Going to wrap this up. I apologize to those that didn't get answered, tried to get to most of them. Working with Loren Tate on a column for Friday. It's about how a guy that hadn't yet found his way into a varsity rotation (Brandon Paul) and how a guy that had limited scholarship offers (Mike Davis) have developed into big pieces in the Illini puzzle.

Jeremy Werner will have some recruiting info on a pair of Illinois targets from Indiana on Thursday and Friday on HQ. Keep an eye out for those.

Hope you enjoyed the chat and we'll see you here next week.

Klee