Talk with Illinois men's basketball beat writer Paul Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:01 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Good afternoon everyone. Just arrived in Iowa City. I
Brian from Urbana, IL — 04:04 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Klee,
1) Where are they going to put the game day set? The walkways in the Hall arent that wide to put on there without affecting traffic. Put it on the floor?
2) Lots of recruits coming?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:05 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Brian- The GameDay set will be at center court. For the morning broadcast, fans and students will sit (stand, cheer, raise a ruckus) on the West side of the Hall. Illinois and the ESPN folks have had several walk-throughs to discuss the logistics. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for students and 8 a.m. for the general public. Illinois says it encourages (clever) signs, and all signage will get a stamp at the door if it's approved. We
Illini1973 from Belleville, ILL...ini — 04:06 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Who's starting tonight?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:09 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Illini- I usually learn the definitive starting lineup about 10-20 minutes before tipoff. Sometimes it takes longer on the road. My educated guess tells me Demetri, D.J., Bill, Tyler and Mike Tisdale will be your starters. Tyler Griffey worked with the starters for most of practice this week.
As always, that can change. Against Indiana, Tyler said he learned of his starting assignment about seven minutes before tipoff. Prior to his start against Penn State, he learned he would start just hours after the previous game, at 2 a.m. after the team returned from Northwestern.
Klee
Jeff from Hoffman Estates, IL — 04:11 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Thanks again for the chats. How has the mood at practice been over the past week or two? Has it changed much throughout the season?
Thanks!
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:12 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Jeff- I saw a loose group yesterday in practice. It
Jeremy from Benton, Illinois — 04:13 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Hey ,Paul it seems like davis is starting to get back in flow of the game ,I also think brandon shoud go back to the mohawk ,that's when he played his best ball if you would pass it along.My question is how many more rec do you think we add to th 2010 class and who might they be? Thank's love the chats
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:17 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Jeremy- Illinois needs Mike Davis for a stretch run - and for next season. They don't want to lose him. Illinois is still recruiting for 2010. I don't see them adding more than one to the three signees already in the fold. They like the idea of an additional PG or a tough guy in the paint.
And I'll tell Brandon Paul your opinion on the mohawk. If a guy can swing a mohawk, it's usually a sign he's a good player. Take past examples of Osiris Eldridge, Trevon Hughes or Brandon Jennings.
Klee
Jason from Champaign, IL — 04:18 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Not sure if Asmussen answered this in his chat yet. But it's kinda basketball related ... and perhaps some other sport. not sure. At Saturday's basketball game, there were about 10 guys sitting in the first couple rows of A section all wearing the same "Florida Gator" warm up pants, shirts and jackets. Any idea who they were? I doubt Illinois would have any of the football recruits on campus wearing Florida Gator gear? It looked like some type of team, but I don
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:19 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Jason- Good to hear from you. Marcus Jackson, who covered the Indiana game with me, tells me those were East St. Louis football players. Klee
Andrew from Westfield, IN — 04:21 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Since the field expanded to 64 (now 65), has Illinois ever been a bubble team on selection sunday? I only remember them being clearly in or clearly out.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:26 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Andrew- Illinois slipped past the guard dog and through the back door - when no one was looking - in 2007. Those Illini were the definition of a bubble team. I remember walking out of this Carver-Hawkeye Arena on the final game of the 2006-07 regular season, after an Illinois loss, thinking it was going to be really, really close. And it was. I think the Big Ten tournament win against Indiana (in overtime) nudged the Illini into the NCAA tournament. It's quite possible they were the last team in the field.
Also think this year's Big Ten tournament is going to be huge in terms of the fifth (and potentially) sixth NCAA tournament bid from the Big Ten.
Klee
Ed Zientek from Champaign, Il. — 04:29 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Hello Mr. Klee: Since Iowa will be shooting 3's and firing from the perimeter, the Illini should get some long rebounds.Do you think this will keep Tis and Davis from getting into foul trouble?More playing time means rebound/points from the inside players. Do you agree? You guys do a great job every game! Home Boy expects a win!
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:31 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Ed- The Mikes were quiet against Iowa in the first meeting (combined 13 points, seven boards). DJ Richardson was the only Illini in double figures, with 17. You might remember Richardson and McCamey came of the bench. I also think you'll see more Tyler Griffey tonight.
We'll start the HQ Live Report around 6:45 p.m. tonight.
Klee
joe from chicago, il — 04:33 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
if lucas doesnt play saturday, and illinois wins, do you think the committee might put an asterisk by that win
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:36 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Joe- Under that scenario, I tend to think the committee would "place an asterisk" next to MSU's loss - more so than placing an asterisk next to an Illinois win. That would still be the biggest win on Illinois' resume. The committee takes into account when a team plays without a key player due to injury. That's one reason I think Ohio State, if it keeps playing well, is in line for a higher seed than its 16-6 record might indicate.
Klee
Jeff from Urbana, IL — 04:40 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Klee,
Has Tisdale gained any weight this season? I think he has been playing alot better recently. His rebounding average has gone up dramatically this season from last season. Is it a product of him just wanting it more?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:42 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Jeff- I remember Mike Tisdale told me he would drop up to seven pounds a day during fall conditioning, but he seems to have maintained his weight through the season. He's more aggressive. He's had 5, 6, 7 and 7 rebounds in the last four games. I think that's also a product of the competition, with the last three games against NW, Penn State and Indiana. It's going to be important to have a productive center during the difficult eight-game stretch run - not to mention tonight.
Klee
Steve from Champaign Co, IL — 04:43 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Is Weber aware that he cannot let BB get in the shape FB is in? He needs to take seriously the dips and downfalls he sees.
Signing day for FB wasn't so special for the Illini today and we will be paying for bad Zook coaching that we all acknowledge for years.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:49 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Steve- I won't speak to football, because I don't cover it. But nobody cares about the Illinois basketball program more than Bruce Weber. Sometimes I think he takes the lows harder than he enjoys the highs, if that makes sense.
He seemed especially passionate in practice this week. I tend to think that was to avoid a player letdown against Iowa. If you think he's been animated this season, wait until you see him at Carver-Hawkeye tonight.
Klee
headiqe from Peoria, IL — 04:50 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Hello Sir: 2 questions...
1) Given Iowa's love of the 3-ball, can we expect Illinois to reduce its "help" defense tonight? It seems this defense frequently results in a kick to an open shooter behind the arc leaving the helpful Illini player to lung back in attempt to recover.
2) You recently provided a statistic that was to indicate how the offense struggles when Demetri is sitting. Have you considered expanding the analysis to see if it is in fact not due to Demetri sitting but to Jordan playing? I definitely appreciate Jordan's hustle and attitude, but the offense really seems to struggle when he is out there.
Thanks
Paul Klee (moderator) — 04:55 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
H- It's a good question. Illinois won't alter its defensive principles, and help defense is a big part of that. It's an area where Illinois struggled earlier in the season but has gradually improved. At times we see the perimeter players get beat off the dribble and point the finger at the guards. But guys are going to get beat, and that's where the big guys have to step in.
As far as Demetri, he's having his way in practice of late. When he heads to pro workouts in the future, he should take an Illinois teammate or two as a practice partner. That's part of the reason Weber doesn't want Demetri to "settle" for the jumper.
Illinois really struggles when he's off the floor. I know what stat you're talking about. I vow to get further in-depth with that, thanks for the request.
Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 05:01 PM on Wed, 02/03/2010
Going to wrap this up, need to get over to Carver-Hawkeye. We'll be on the air with the TIS College Bookstore Pregame Show at 6 p.m. Apologies to those questions that didn't get answered. We'll get to more questions next week after the Wisconsin game. As always, I appreciate your time, thank you.
Good afternoon everyone. Just arrived in Iowa City. I
Klee,
1) Where are they going to put the game day set? The walkways in the Hall arent that wide to put on there without affecting traffic. Put it on the floor?
2) Lots of recruits coming?
Brian- The GameDay set will be at center court. For the morning broadcast, fans and students will sit (stand, cheer, raise a ruckus) on the West side of the Hall. Illinois and the ESPN folks have had several walk-throughs to discuss the logistics. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for students and 8 a.m. for the general public. Illinois says it encourages (clever) signs, and all signage will get a stamp at the door if it's approved. We
Who's starting tonight?
Illini- I usually learn the definitive starting lineup about 10-20 minutes before tipoff. Sometimes it takes longer on the road. My educated guess tells me Demetri, D.J., Bill, Tyler and Mike Tisdale will be your starters. Tyler Griffey worked with the starters for most of practice this week.
As always, that can change. Against Indiana, Tyler said he learned of his starting assignment about seven minutes before tipoff. Prior to his start against Penn State, he learned he would start just hours after the previous game, at 2 a.m. after the team returned from Northwestern.
Klee
Thanks again for the chats. How has the mood at practice been over the past week or two? Has it changed much throughout the season?
Thanks!
Jeff- I saw a loose group yesterday in practice. It
Hey ,Paul it seems like davis is starting to get back in flow of the game ,I also think brandon shoud go back to the mohawk ,that's when he played his best ball if you would pass it along.My question is how many more rec do you think we add to th 2010 class and who might they be? Thank's love the chats
Jeremy- Illinois needs Mike Davis for a stretch run - and for next season. They don't want to lose him. Illinois is still recruiting for 2010. I don't see them adding more than one to the three signees already in the fold. They like the idea of an additional PG or a tough guy in the paint.
And I'll tell Brandon Paul your opinion on the mohawk. If a guy can swing a mohawk, it's usually a sign he's a good player. Take past examples of Osiris Eldridge, Trevon Hughes or Brandon Jennings.
Klee
Not sure if Asmussen answered this in his chat yet. But it's kinda basketball related ... and perhaps some other sport. not sure. At Saturday's basketball game, there were about 10 guys sitting in the first couple rows of A section all wearing the same "Florida Gator" warm up pants, shirts and jackets. Any idea who they were? I doubt Illinois would have any of the football recruits on campus wearing Florida Gator gear? It looked like some type of team, but I don
Jason- Good to hear from you. Marcus Jackson, who covered the Indiana game with me, tells me those were East St. Louis football players. Klee
Since the field expanded to 64 (now 65), has Illinois ever been a bubble team on selection sunday? I only remember them being clearly in or clearly out.
Andrew- Illinois slipped past the guard dog and through the back door - when no one was looking - in 2007. Those Illini were the definition of a bubble team. I remember walking out of this Carver-Hawkeye Arena on the final game of the 2006-07 regular season, after an Illinois loss, thinking it was going to be really, really close. And it was. I think the Big Ten tournament win against Indiana (in overtime) nudged the Illini into the NCAA tournament. It's quite possible they were the last team in the field.
Also think this year's Big Ten tournament is going to be huge in terms of the fifth (and potentially) sixth NCAA tournament bid from the Big Ten.
Klee
Hello Mr. Klee: Since Iowa will be shooting 3's and firing from the perimeter, the Illini should get some long rebounds.Do you think this will keep Tis and Davis from getting into foul trouble?More playing time means rebound/points from the inside players. Do you agree? You guys do a great job every game! Home Boy expects a win!
Ed- The Mikes were quiet against Iowa in the first meeting (combined 13 points, seven boards). DJ Richardson was the only Illini in double figures, with 17. You might remember Richardson and McCamey came of the bench. I also think you'll see more Tyler Griffey tonight.
We'll start the HQ Live Report around 6:45 p.m. tonight.
Klee
if lucas doesnt play saturday, and illinois wins, do you think the committee might put an asterisk by that win
Joe- Under that scenario, I tend to think the committee would "place an asterisk" next to MSU's loss - more so than placing an asterisk next to an Illinois win. That would still be the biggest win on Illinois' resume. The committee takes into account when a team plays without a key player due to injury. That's one reason I think Ohio State, if it keeps playing well, is in line for a higher seed than its 16-6 record might indicate.
Klee
Klee,
Has Tisdale gained any weight this season? I think he has been playing alot better recently. His rebounding average has gone up dramatically this season from last season. Is it a product of him just wanting it more?
Jeff- I remember Mike Tisdale told me he would drop up to seven pounds a day during fall conditioning, but he seems to have maintained his weight through the season. He's more aggressive. He's had 5, 6, 7 and 7 rebounds in the last four games. I think that's also a product of the competition, with the last three games against NW, Penn State and Indiana. It's going to be important to have a productive center during the difficult eight-game stretch run - not to mention tonight.
Klee
Is Weber aware that he cannot let BB get in the shape FB is in? He needs to take seriously the dips and downfalls he sees.
Signing day for FB wasn't so special for the Illini today and we will be paying for bad Zook coaching that we all acknowledge for years.
Steve- I won't speak to football, because I don't cover it. But nobody cares about the Illinois basketball program more than Bruce Weber. Sometimes I think he takes the lows harder than he enjoys the highs, if that makes sense.
He seemed especially passionate in practice this week. I tend to think that was to avoid a player letdown against Iowa. If you think he's been animated this season, wait until you see him at Carver-Hawkeye tonight.
Klee
Hello Sir: 2 questions...
1) Given Iowa's love of the 3-ball, can we expect Illinois to reduce its "help" defense tonight? It seems this defense frequently results in a kick to an open shooter behind the arc leaving the helpful Illini player to lung back in attempt to recover.
2) You recently provided a statistic that was to indicate how the offense struggles when Demetri is sitting. Have you considered expanding the analysis to see if it is in fact not due to Demetri sitting but to Jordan playing? I definitely appreciate Jordan's hustle and attitude, but the offense really seems to struggle when he is out there.
Thanks
H- It's a good question. Illinois won't alter its defensive principles, and help defense is a big part of that. It's an area where Illinois struggled earlier in the season but has gradually improved. At times we see the perimeter players get beat off the dribble and point the finger at the guards. But guys are going to get beat, and that's where the big guys have to step in.
As far as Demetri, he's having his way in practice of late. When he heads to pro workouts in the future, he should take an Illinois teammate or two as a practice partner. That's part of the reason Weber doesn't want Demetri to "settle" for the jumper.
Illinois really struggles when he's off the floor. I know what stat you're talking about. I vow to get further in-depth with that, thanks for the request.
Klee
Going to wrap this up, need to get over to Carver-Hawkeye. We'll be on the air with the TIS College Bookstore Pregame Show at 6 p.m. Apologies to those questions that didn't get answered. We'll get to more questions next week after the Wisconsin game. As always, I appreciate your time, thank you.
Klee