Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 10:59 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Good morning...lets get started!
Ed from Champaign, Il; — 10:59 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Hey Brian: I played Babe Ruth baseball on DEAN'S Milk with Andy Dixon(equipment manager for the Illini) He hit a home run at canaday park in Urbana.It hit the barn way past the outfield fence.He also went on to play football for Wyoming.Is he still with the Illini. He was a catcher back then.Awesome athlete.Go Champaign Central!!
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:09 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Ed,
Yes...Andy is still with the Illini as the equipment manager. I knew that he was a great athlete in the day.
Jay S. from Oakwood, il — 11:09 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Reggie Mitchell left and took what appears to be the same job at Kansas. Was it a money thing or is he getting off the Titanic?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:16 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Jay,
Reggie worked at Kansas before and was asked to return to Lawrence by new Kansas coach Turner Gill. I dont know what the money situation is for his new job. Reggie was a key member of the Illini staff and will do a great job at Kansas.
David from Chicago, IL — 11:16 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Brian - I have not heard of Bruce's name come up for any jobs since he has has been at the U of I. Is he that committed to the program or is no one else interested?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:21 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
David,
I believe that Bruce Weber is here for the long haul. He said as much the day he was hired and while all coaches say that their first day on the job....I think Bruce means it. He waited a long time to get a head coaching job and is very committed to the Illini program. Other schools know that also.
NaPalm from Chicago, IL — 11:23 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Outside of the 2005 team, who is the best player Bruce Weber has developed in his tenure at the U of I?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:33 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
NaPalm,
I think all of the players that have played for Bruce Weber and have WANTED to improve their level of play have been able to do so.
I think he helped take Deron, Dee, Luther, James and Roger reach another level and helped them all make the NBA at some point in their careers.
He took a team last year that was not expected to do much and helped them along the way to a 24-win season.
Think about how far Chester Frazier...Trent Meacham...Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis have come in recent years.
Does every player Weber coaches get to the NBA. No....Will there be some get there over the next few years? In my opinion...yes.
My feeling is that anyone who wants to improve his game and is willing to work hard at it....Bruce Weber is as good as they come in the college game.
Remember.... the percentage of college players that actually make it to the NBA is very, very, very small.
Wally Solala from Los Angeles, CA — 11:37 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Brian - Do the struggles surrounding this years team have to do with the lack of talent or the coach's system/scheme not making the most of the talent?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:43 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Wally,
The Illini have a lot of talent and a lot more on the way.
The struggle this year is with consistency. The freshman are up and down. The junior class needs to lead the way both on and off the court...and the whole team needs improvement on defense.
I see improvement in all of these areas on some days...and then dont see it on other days. It has been kind of a "two steps forward-one step back" situation so far this season.
Two things Bruce Weber was concerned about as far back as last summer. Who would be the team leaders? And could we be tough enough on defense? So far the results have been mixed.
Elroy from Philo, IL — 11:45 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Brian,
I see the current Basketball situation similar to that of which when BW first arrived. It took some time for Coach to convince Deron Williams and Dee Brown that his system works. Now we have some young guns (especially at Guard) who aren't quite in sync with the program. Patience can only take you so far. DC is finally showing what he can do and he is in his 3rd year. Do you see Paul and Richardson getting closer or are we in for rougher times before it gets bettter.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:48 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Elroy,
See above answer for my thoughts on the first part of your question.
I think the coaching staff feels like DJ and Brandon are improving and are beginning to fight their way thru that "freshmen wall". I think that could be kind of an "x-factor" for the Illini in the last month and a half of the season. They will need them.
Mike from Mattoon, IL — 11:49 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Do you think Coach Weber understands the Illini fan bases frustration? And if so, do you think coaches take any of that into consideration or do they even care?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:51 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Mike,
Sure he understands. He was as upset as I have seen him in a long time after the Gonzaga loss in Chicago. He also was down in our post-game interview after the Purdue loss.
Coaches often lay awake at night going over losses in their mind.
Fans arent the only ones that lose sleep when the team is struggling.
Chris from Tremont, Illinois — 11:51 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Each loss moves the Illini farther and farther away from an invite to the Big Dance. What record do you see Bruce Weber's squad needing in order to be dancing in March?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:56 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Chris,
I think they need to win all 4 of the next games (at NW...at Penn State...Indiana...at Iowa). That would make them 8-2 in the Big Ten and then they would need to win most of the home games (Michigan State....Ohio State....Minnesota...and Wisconsin) and maybe steal another road game somewhere(at Michigan?)
In my mind...that would do it....which is why the next week is critical...and why the Purdue loss hurt.
CJ from Findlay, IL — 11:57 AM on Thu, 01/21/2010
How much influence do donors have on a program? Like in the case of Zook, how much if any difference do their $$ make?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 12:02 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
C.J.
You have to have a strong donor program. They help support the overall program and get you through the tougher times when the team is struggling.
I think all college programs need to pay attention to all of their fans..no matter how much they donate.
Because when you think about it....every fan that has season tickets or just attends one game... has made a "donation" of some kind.
Earl from Champaign, Illinois — 12:03 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
What is the status of the head coaching position for Men's track at Illinois? Has a head coach been named, or just an interim?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 12:04 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Earl,
Last I heard...Mike Turk is the interim coach after taking over for Wayne Angel. I havent heard any more on that position lately.
Charles from Charleston, IL — 12:05 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
How do guys like Calapari just walk into a recruits house and get anyone they want? What's the secret? Winning starts with recruiting and keeps it going. How can Illinois ever compete with N.C., Kentucky or Kansas?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 12:11 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Charles,
Some programs just walk into a place and great high school players want to play there. There is a reason that the winningest programs in college history (Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas)have success recruiting. They have decades of tradition to sell.
Calipari has left two programs under heavy NCAA scrutiny during his time as a college coach (UMass/Memphis.)
Sometimes we are too close to our own team to realize what a great reputation Illinois basketball has around the country. I have lived in a handful of places around the country in the last 25 years...and a lot of schools I have been around would love to have the kind of success and tradition Illinois has. So lets not take it for granted.
Donor from Champaign, IL — 12:13 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
It seems like, while these chats are interesting, nobody ever answers tough questions directly but skirts around them and takes the easiest answer. Is IlliniHQ worried about being to critical or what? Nobody has ever answered this question. Do you think Weber should be on the hot seat based on his record, specifically his NCAA record over the last 4 years (one win in NCAA) and the teams overall record over the last 3 years?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 12:14 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Donor,
To answer your question.... NO
Charley from Bellingham, WA — 12:15 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
What's your 'feeling' about next years UI football team? Exceed expectations? Or Not exceed expectations?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 12:17 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Charley,
I think with the returning players and the excitement around the new coordinators...My feeling is the Illini could surpass expectations.
But ask me again after the spring game and closer to the start of next season. I will have a better idea then.
Laurie Jamieson from Bellevue, WA — 12:18 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
What about a starting lineup of: DJ, Demetri, BP, Griffey and Davis?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 12:22 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Laurie,
I think you need Tisdale in the lineup...but Griffey is coming on pretty well.
I also would worry about 3 freshman is the starting lineup at the same time.
I like your lineup...but as Coach Weber says...it doesnt really matter who starts...it matters who is on the court when the game is on the line.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 12:22 PM on Thu, 01/21/2010
Went long here...but wanted to get them all in...Thanks for your questions!
Good morning...lets get started!
Hey Brian: I played Babe Ruth baseball on DEAN'S Milk with Andy Dixon(equipment manager for the Illini) He hit a home run at canaday park in Urbana.It hit the barn way past the outfield fence.He also went on to play football for Wyoming.Is he still with the Illini. He was a catcher back then.Awesome athlete.Go Champaign Central!!
Ed,
Yes...Andy is still with the Illini as the equipment manager. I knew that he was a great athlete in the day.
Reggie Mitchell left and took what appears to be the same job at Kansas. Was it a money thing or is he getting off the Titanic?
Jay,
Reggie worked at Kansas before and was asked to return to Lawrence by new Kansas coach Turner Gill. I dont know what the money situation is for his new job. Reggie was a key member of the Illini staff and will do a great job at Kansas.
Brian - I have not heard of Bruce's name come up for any jobs since he has has been at the U of I. Is he that committed to the program or is no one else interested?
David,
I believe that Bruce Weber is here for the long haul. He said as much the day he was hired and while all coaches say that their first day on the job....I think Bruce means it. He waited a long time to get a head coaching job and is very committed to the Illini program. Other schools know that also.
Outside of the 2005 team, who is the best player Bruce Weber has developed in his tenure at the U of I?
NaPalm,
I think all of the players that have played for Bruce Weber and have WANTED to improve their level of play have been able to do so.
I think he helped take Deron, Dee, Luther, James and Roger reach another level and helped them all make the NBA at some point in their careers.
He took a team last year that was not expected to do much and helped them along the way to a 24-win season.
Think about how far Chester Frazier...Trent Meacham...Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis have come in recent years.
Does every player Weber coaches get to the NBA. No....Will there be some get there over the next few years? In my opinion...yes.
My feeling is that anyone who wants to improve his game and is willing to work hard at it....Bruce Weber is as good as they come in the college game.
Remember.... the percentage of college players that actually make it to the NBA is very, very, very small.
Brian - Do the struggles surrounding this years team have to do with the lack of talent or the coach's system/scheme not making the most of the talent?
Wally,
The Illini have a lot of talent and a lot more on the way.
The struggle this year is with consistency. The freshman are up and down. The junior class needs to lead the way both on and off the court...and the whole team needs improvement on defense.
I see improvement in all of these areas on some days...and then dont see it on other days. It has been kind of a "two steps forward-one step back" situation so far this season.
Two things Bruce Weber was concerned about as far back as last summer. Who would be the team leaders? And could we be tough enough on defense? So far the results have been mixed.
Brian,
I see the current Basketball situation similar to that of which when BW first arrived. It took some time for Coach to convince Deron Williams and Dee Brown that his system works. Now we have some young guns (especially at Guard) who aren't quite in sync with the program. Patience can only take you so far. DC is finally showing what he can do and he is in his 3rd year. Do you see Paul and Richardson getting closer or are we in for rougher times before it gets bettter.
Elroy,
See above answer for my thoughts on the first part of your question.
I think the coaching staff feels like DJ and Brandon are improving and are beginning to fight their way thru that "freshmen wall". I think that could be kind of an "x-factor" for the Illini in the last month and a half of the season. They will need them.
Do you think Coach Weber understands the Illini fan bases frustration? And if so, do you think coaches take any of that into consideration or do they even care?
Mike,
Sure he understands. He was as upset as I have seen him in a long time after the Gonzaga loss in Chicago. He also was down in our post-game interview after the Purdue loss.
Coaches often lay awake at night going over losses in their mind.
Fans arent the only ones that lose sleep when the team is struggling.
Each loss moves the Illini farther and farther away from an invite to the Big Dance. What record do you see Bruce Weber's squad needing in order to be dancing in March?
Chris,
I think they need to win all 4 of the next games (at NW...at Penn State...Indiana...at Iowa). That would make them 8-2 in the Big Ten and then they would need to win most of the home games (Michigan State....Ohio State....Minnesota...and Wisconsin) and maybe steal another road game somewhere(at Michigan?)
In my mind...that would do it....which is why the next week is critical...and why the Purdue loss hurt.
How much influence do donors have on a program? Like in the case of Zook, how much if any difference do their $$ make?
C.J.
You have to have a strong donor program. They help support the overall program and get you through the tougher times when the team is struggling.
I think all college programs need to pay attention to all of their fans..no matter how much they donate.
Because when you think about it....every fan that has season tickets or just attends one game... has made a "donation" of some kind.
What is the status of the head coaching position for Men's track at Illinois? Has a head coach been named, or just an interim?
Earl,
Last I heard...Mike Turk is the interim coach after taking over for Wayne Angel. I havent heard any more on that position lately.
How do guys like Calapari just walk into a recruits house and get anyone they want? What's the secret? Winning starts with recruiting and keeps it going. How can Illinois ever compete with N.C., Kentucky or Kansas?
Charles,
Some programs just walk into a place and great high school players want to play there. There is a reason that the winningest programs in college history (Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas)have success recruiting. They have decades of tradition to sell.
Calipari has left two programs under heavy NCAA scrutiny during his time as a college coach (UMass/Memphis.)
Sometimes we are too close to our own team to realize what a great reputation Illinois basketball has around the country. I have lived in a handful of places around the country in the last 25 years...and a lot of schools I have been around would love to have the kind of success and tradition Illinois has. So lets not take it for granted.
It seems like, while these chats are interesting, nobody ever answers tough questions directly but skirts around them and takes the easiest answer. Is IlliniHQ worried about being to critical or what? Nobody has ever answered this question. Do you think Weber should be on the hot seat based on his record, specifically his NCAA record over the last 4 years (one win in NCAA) and the teams overall record over the last 3 years?
Donor,
To answer your question.... NO
What's your 'feeling' about next years UI football team? Exceed expectations? Or Not exceed expectations?
Charley,
I think with the returning players and the excitement around the new coordinators...My feeling is the Illini could surpass expectations.
But ask me again after the spring game and closer to the start of next season. I will have a better idea then.
What about a starting lineup of: DJ, Demetri, BP, Griffey and Davis?
Laurie,
I think you need Tisdale in the lineup...but Griffey is coming on pretty well.
I also would worry about 3 freshman is the starting lineup at the same time.
I like your lineup...but as Coach Weber says...it doesnt really matter who starts...it matters who is on the court when the game is on the line.
Went long here...but wanted to get them all in...Thanks for your questions!