Talk with Illinois men's basketball beat writer Paul Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:30 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
What's up. Today's Illinois basketball chat coming to you from I-74. Jackson's driving, Klee's chatting. Be here for about an hour. I'll get to as many questions as possible. Fire away.
Klee
David from Madison, WI — 12:31 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Looking at a must-win situation in Indianapolis against Wisconsin. If the Illini get past the Badgers and face OSU in the semi's do you think fatigue plays a factor for OSU since they only go 6 deep?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:32 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
David- No, I don
Adam from Lincoln, Illinois — 12:33 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Klee, thanks for the chats. You such a great job covering the Illini. With D.J. winning the freshman of the year by the coaches poll and Crawford winning the award by the media, I heard some shocking news on the big ten network the other night. They said that Purdue and Michigan St. had never had a freshman of the year winner. I was wondering if you could find a site that has a list of all the previous winners of that award? I also just want to congradulate D.J. on a good season. Thanks
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:37 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Adam- Surprising, isn't it? Some coaches lean toward veterans, so that could explain some of it. But you're right - Purdue and Michigan State haven't had a Freshman of the Year. DJ Richardson, who is quite proud of the award, as he should be, is the third Illinois player to earn top rookie status.
Here's the list:
1987
Stan from Milwaukee , WIsconsin — 12:39 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Hey Klee -
I've been arguing with some of my buddies in Wisconsin about this. . . do you think that many other fan bases could have filled up the United Center like we did against Gonzaga this year? Badger fans seem to think they could.
Stan
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:42 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Stan- Enjoy hosting the NCAA tournament. Illinois would love to be placed in your town. Or anywhere.
I wouldn
Rich Patton from Laurel, Nebraska — 12:44 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
The Illini looked slow and lifeless last Sunday against Wisconsin. How much of this do you think was caused by the grueling eight game stretch? This would certainly be discouraging, frustrating and exhausting especially for a team that struggles with sustaining intensity and focus. I suspect this is a significant factor in their recent and disappointing performances. Rich from Nebraska but just moved from Alaska.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:47 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Rich- Thanks for writing in. If fatigue is a factor, then it's a factor for the other 10 teams. Can't use that as an excuse. Illinois was beaten and beaten soundly. The Illini turned around and had a practice on Monday that "felt like the toughest of the season," as one player put it. It was all about competitive drills, where losers run.
Bob from Aurora, IL — 12:50 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Who are you picking to win the Big Ten Tourney?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:52 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Bob: "On the banks of the Red Cedar,
There's a school that's known to all;
Its specialty is winning..."
Gimme Sparty. Favorable bracket, good teams have a way of rallying when a key player is out.
Klee
Tom from Los Angeles, CA — 12:54 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
What are the chances that Illinois gets in the tournament if they don't beat Wisconsin Friday?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:55 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Tom- Not good.
Brent from Rockford, IL — 12:57 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Paul, Thanks for talking with us. I was listening to a Texas game and they said one of their freshmen was contributing to the team and he was from Finley Prep.
Do you know of any other of D.J. Richardson's teammates from prep school contributing on their teams this year?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:02 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Brent- D.J.'s former teammate, Avery Bradley, is averaging 11.7 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.1 apg for the Longhorns. DJ's numbers are comparable: 10.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.2 apg. I'd have to go back to remember if there are more, but I know another Findlay Prep guard is at VCU. Issiah Grayson played in 10 games this season.
Klee
Jerry from SanAntonio, Texas — 01:03 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Noticed in an article on the WBTT, that the ladies are going from a 18 conferece season, back to 16 BT games, next year. Are the men considering the same change next year or in the immediate future? Thanks
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:03 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Jerry- Not that I'm aware of. But I'll ask around Conseco this weekend. Klee
Jason from Pekin, IL — 01:04 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Hey Paul. Enjoy your chats. Do you sense a problem with players possibly tuning Coach Weber out during practice and/or games? Just noticed alot of guys walking away from him this year and the McCamey deal on Sunday just really brought it to the forefront. Thanks.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:05 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Jason- That's not the case in practice. He has their attention at Ubben. I think coach/player interaction is under a microscope when you're losing too many games. I remember writing back in August the personalities of these Illini would clash with the personality of the head coach. One is laidback; the other is non-stop. Next season will be an even bigger challenge, in that respect. Klee
Alan from Oswego, IL — 01:06 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Hey Paul, Who do you think has more pure talent on there team Wisconsin or Illinois? I know games are not won on talent alone but its really perplexing to me that Illinois looked so out of it against them on Sunday because Illinois is more talented than the Badgers. Its really frustrating to watch the Illini get beat by a more smarter and tougher team despite our talent advantage. What are your thoughts?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:09 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Alan- Wisconsin has more talent. There's a notion out there that Bo Ryan is doing much with little. He has really good players that develop. Among the starters, Illinois arguably has the edge at one position, and that
Paul Smenis from Chicago, IL — 01:11 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Paul - Do you think it's possible that Coach Weber is more concerned about getting higher rated prospects instead of getting the right players to fit his system?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:14 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Paul- He wants a mix. Something Bruce Weber said back in December stuck with me. He said the staff has had discussions about which to aim for - the top-tier guys or the guys that fit a need. He used an example by saying Jerrance Howard is all about getting the best players... but Weber has talked to him about getting guys that fill a need, too.
Klee
Joseph from Chicago, IL — 01:15 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
The question that needs to be asked every week. Do you see McCamey coming back next year?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:18 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Joseph- The possibility is greater now than, say, three weeks ago. Do I think there
Jimbo from Mahomet, IL — 01:19 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Would the NCAA Selection Committee give Wisconsin a higher seed because Jon Leuer was out for 9 games and would they discount the impact of Illini wins vs. Wisconsin and Michigan State because of the Leuer and Lucas injuries?
How does the selection committee look at injuries when deciding seeds (if at all)?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:20 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Jimbo- Injuries are taken into account, both with a team that suffered an injury and a team that played another team with an injury. I wrote last week that the two biggest wins on Illinois
Steven from Kansas City, MO — 01:23 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Hey Klee. I don't read the message boards, so maybe this is something that's already been covered, but now that HQ has an article about Gillispie, how long will it be before the anti-Weber crowds starts throw Billy's name around as the next coach UI should target? A more appropriate question, perhaps: Where do you think Gillispie might end up in the next couple of years? Thanks.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:25 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Steven- I don't know him well enough to give you much insight. I would say the most likely destination is somewhere in Texas. Maybe an SMU, Houston-type situation. I know that Jerrance Howard, who worked under Gillispie, talked with Gillispie recently and said he's doing well. Klee
JudgementDay Friday2:30 from Indianapolis,, IN — 01:27 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Klee-
Have you seen the new HBO documentary "Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals"? Just saw it the other day and it's really one of the best shows I've seen in a while. Was thinking Bruce should just show his boys this movie Friday morning. Hits on a lot of areas when it explains how two guys with polar opposite personalities can still bring the intensity and competitiveness to every game - two things we'll desperately need if we have any chance Friday.
Jay 37 from Geneva, IL — 01:27 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
I have noticed that Mike Davis' shooting form seems off this year as compared to last year. He is dipping his body before shooting and has his elbows pointed out before release. Have the coaches noticed this and are they trying to correct it? Seems to me they should show him film from last year when his shot was falling.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:29 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Jay- Mike's a fan of HQ and is reading this chat, so he'll see your advice. Klee
John from Chicago, IL — 01:30 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Klee, in your opinion if the Illini win on Friday are the in the tourny? Or do you think they'd need to beat OSU too?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:32 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
John- As one of the Illini joked, "Down Wiscy and go Dancing." I liked that. Solid play on words. It's pretty simple: Beat Wisconsin, play in the NCAA tournament.
Klee
Klee from for , Governor — 01:33 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
I am amazed at some of the "criticism" our so-called fans level against players on the message boards. It is one thing to rip a coach or sportswriter -- they are professional, paid adults -- but another thing altogether to take anonymous cheap shots at players. A lot of it is really stunningly mean-spirited.
Iowa, Indiana and Michigan all have basketball traditions that are at least the equal of Illinois, and they are all faring far worse recently than Illinois. Are their fans as harsh toward their own coaches, sportswriters and players?
What say you?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:39 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
KFG- I don't mind it. Part of the job. Coaches, especially certain assistants, need a thicker skin. Coaches are paid well enough they should be open to criticisms. I agree wholeheartedly on criticizing players. It goes too far.
There's another side, though. If fans stop caring, then a program is really in trouble.
Klee
the bizz from chicago, il — 01:43 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Why not press vs. Wisconsin? It seems that everytime we have pressed we have at least played with some energy. I know a team like Wisc. will probably not make too many turnovers even against a press, but it would at least seem that we would come out with some energy if we started out with one. I am usually not in favor of radical changes, but i think we need to do somethign to shake some things up.
Also, probably decided whether to go to the Coaches v. Cancer in NYC or the UI v. Gonzaga game in Seattle. Have any guestimate when the Gonzaga game may be?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:46 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Bizz- Going off history here. Gonzaga traditionally hosts the Battle in Seattle right around Christmas. It hosted UConn (Dec. 20, 2008) and Tennessee (Dec. 29, 2007) around that time. Could be different next season, don't know.
Klee
Jason from Pekin, IL — 01:46 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
How is Tisdale's tendenitis? Will he be able to go on Friday? Thanks
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:47 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
J- Mike Tisdale said yesterday he's gone through "every" drill in the past couple days. He's getting treatment on the sore Achilles. Klee
Danny from Birmingham, Michigan — 01:49 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Paul, your analysis of Illini and college bball is outstanding. When the Illini played Purdue in Champaign, Purdue inserted a player who was not listed. If he wasn't listed at the start of the game as part of the roster with the official scorekeeper it seems odd he can be added once the game starts. Was that discussed at the time and both coaches agreed to let him play or is it just a techanical foul?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:50 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Danny- John Hart wasn't in the scorebook. Painter and Weber were right in front of us as they discussed the situation with the scorekeepers. Painter was stunned and quite unhappy. Purdue was assessed an "administrative technical foul." Hope that helps. Klee
Dr. Phil from Orland Park, IL — 01:51 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Paul, usually I am writing your colleague Bob about Illini football, but today I felt I needed to address some basketball concerns. I think Weber is a nice guy, but people should start objectively analyzing his coaching and recruiting. Today's Chicago Tribune had Weber moaning about his team missing football toughness. Wait a minute! Did he not recruit the current players on his team? Did he not have CJ Jackson, a former football player, on the team, but never played him?
You have been right on about how he has handled D-Mac.
I thought Weber mentioned to you at the beginning of the season that he was going to use his bench more and try other schemes. For instance, didn't the Illini practiced some zone in early games?
Finally, at the DePaul-Syracuse game that was very close, Syracuse was down big time in the first half, before Boeheim instituted a press with seven minutes left in the half. He cut the deficit from 16 points to four by the end of the half. He did not wait until the end of the game to do it. That is coaching, not waiting. Are fans wrong to question Weber's decisions? Thanks.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:53 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Dr. Phil- Illinois isn't going to use a zone. His teams haven't used a zone in 30 years. This Illinois team should be an NCAA tournament team. Missing the tournament would be a significant failure. There is no way around it. Klee
Jason from Pekin, IL — 01:54 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
What assistant coach or coaches are responsible for working with the big guys?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:56 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Jason- To answer your question, Jay Price spends most of the time with the big men.
Klee
Ed from Champaign, Illinois — 01:57 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Are you stopping for lunch at The Beef House?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:57 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Ed- No, just arrived in Indy. See you at Conseco tomorrow. Don't eat too many Beef House rolls. Klee
Andy from Ames, IA — 01:58 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Hey Paul,
Just wondered what your thoughts were on McCamey, should or would you think he will return next year?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 02:00 PM on Wed, 03/10/2010
Andy- I think people too often focus on Demetri's faults. He's been Illinois' most consistent player over the past two seasons, isn't getting enough help and has almost singlehandedly kept them in the mix for an NCAA tournament berth. He's been framed as the scapegoat when he's really been the golden pony. That's the short answer.
"We go as Demetri goes," as Bruce Weber put it.
I think he'll run the show at Illinois next season, but it's not a given. This weekend Illinois could use another Big Ten tournament performance like he had against Purdue as a freshman.
What's up. Today's Illinois basketball chat coming to you from I-74. Jackson's driving, Klee's chatting. Be here for about an hour. I'll get to as many questions as possible. Fire away.
Klee
Looking at a must-win situation in Indianapolis against Wisconsin. If the Illini get past the Badgers and face OSU in the semi's do you think fatigue plays a factor for OSU since they only go 6 deep?
David- No, I don
Klee, thanks for the chats. You such a great job covering the Illini. With D.J. winning the freshman of the year by the coaches poll and Crawford winning the award by the media, I heard some shocking news on the big ten network the other night. They said that Purdue and Michigan St. had never had a freshman of the year winner. I was wondering if you could find a site that has a list of all the previous winners of that award? I also just want to congradulate D.J. on a good season. Thanks
Adam- Surprising, isn't it? Some coaches lean toward veterans, so that could explain some of it. But you're right - Purdue and Michigan State haven't had a Freshman of the Year. DJ Richardson, who is quite proud of the award, as he should be, is the third Illinois player to earn top rookie status.
Here's the list:
1987
Hey Klee -
I've been arguing with some of my buddies in Wisconsin about this. . . do you think that many other fan bases could have filled up the United Center like we did against Gonzaga this year? Badger fans seem to think they could.
Stan
Stan- Enjoy hosting the NCAA tournament. Illinois would love to be placed in your town. Or anywhere.
I wouldn
The Illini looked slow and lifeless last Sunday against Wisconsin. How much of this do you think was caused by the grueling eight game stretch? This would certainly be discouraging, frustrating and exhausting especially for a team that struggles with sustaining intensity and focus. I suspect this is a significant factor in their recent and disappointing performances. Rich from Nebraska but just moved from Alaska.
Rich- Thanks for writing in. If fatigue is a factor, then it's a factor for the other 10 teams. Can't use that as an excuse. Illinois was beaten and beaten soundly. The Illini turned around and had a practice on Monday that "felt like the toughest of the season," as one player put it. It was all about competitive drills, where losers run.
Who are you picking to win the Big Ten Tourney?
Bob: "On the banks of the Red Cedar,
There's a school that's known to all;
Its specialty is winning..."
Gimme Sparty. Favorable bracket, good teams have a way of rallying when a key player is out.
Klee
What are the chances that Illinois gets in the tournament if they don't beat Wisconsin Friday?
Tom- Not good.
Paul, Thanks for talking with us. I was listening to a Texas game and they said one of their freshmen was contributing to the team and he was from Finley Prep.
Do you know of any other of D.J. Richardson's teammates from prep school contributing on their teams this year?
Brent- D.J.'s former teammate, Avery Bradley, is averaging 11.7 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.1 apg for the Longhorns. DJ's numbers are comparable: 10.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.2 apg. I'd have to go back to remember if there are more, but I know another Findlay Prep guard is at VCU. Issiah Grayson played in 10 games this season.
Klee
Noticed in an article on the WBTT, that the ladies are going from a 18 conferece season, back to 16 BT games, next year. Are the men considering the same change next year or in the immediate future? Thanks
Jerry- Not that I'm aware of. But I'll ask around Conseco this weekend. Klee
Hey Paul. Enjoy your chats. Do you sense a problem with players possibly tuning Coach Weber out during practice and/or games? Just noticed alot of guys walking away from him this year and the McCamey deal on Sunday just really brought it to the forefront. Thanks.
Jason- That's not the case in practice. He has their attention at Ubben. I think coach/player interaction is under a microscope when you're losing too many games. I remember writing back in August the personalities of these Illini would clash with the personality of the head coach. One is laidback; the other is non-stop. Next season will be an even bigger challenge, in that respect. Klee
Hey Paul, Who do you think has more pure talent on there team Wisconsin or Illinois? I know games are not won on talent alone but its really perplexing to me that Illinois looked so out of it against them on Sunday because Illinois is more talented than the Badgers. Its really frustrating to watch the Illini get beat by a more smarter and tougher team despite our talent advantage. What are your thoughts?
Alan- Wisconsin has more talent. There's a notion out there that Bo Ryan is doing much with little. He has really good players that develop. Among the starters, Illinois arguably has the edge at one position, and that
Paul - Do you think it's possible that Coach Weber is more concerned about getting higher rated prospects instead of getting the right players to fit his system?
Paul- He wants a mix. Something Bruce Weber said back in December stuck with me. He said the staff has had discussions about which to aim for - the top-tier guys or the guys that fit a need. He used an example by saying Jerrance Howard is all about getting the best players... but Weber has talked to him about getting guys that fill a need, too.
Klee
The question that needs to be asked every week. Do you see McCamey coming back next year?
Joseph- The possibility is greater now than, say, three weeks ago. Do I think there
Would the NCAA Selection Committee give Wisconsin a higher seed because Jon Leuer was out for 9 games and would they discount the impact of Illini wins vs. Wisconsin and Michigan State because of the Leuer and Lucas injuries?
How does the selection committee look at injuries when deciding seeds (if at all)?
Jimbo- Injuries are taken into account, both with a team that suffered an injury and a team that played another team with an injury. I wrote last week that the two biggest wins on Illinois
Hey Klee. I don't read the message boards, so maybe this is something that's already been covered, but now that HQ has an article about Gillispie, how long will it be before the anti-Weber crowds starts throw Billy's name around as the next coach UI should target? A more appropriate question, perhaps: Where do you think Gillispie might end up in the next couple of years? Thanks.
Steven- I don't know him well enough to give you much insight. I would say the most likely destination is somewhere in Texas. Maybe an SMU, Houston-type situation. I know that Jerrance Howard, who worked under Gillispie, talked with Gillispie recently and said he's doing well. Klee
Klee-
Have you seen the new HBO documentary "Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals"? Just saw it the other day and it's really one of the best shows I've seen in a while. Was thinking Bruce should just show his boys this movie Friday morning. Hits on a lot of areas when it explains how two guys with polar opposite personalities can still bring the intensity and competitiveness to every game - two things we'll desperately need if we have any chance Friday.
I have noticed that Mike Davis' shooting form seems off this year as compared to last year. He is dipping his body before shooting and has his elbows pointed out before release. Have the coaches noticed this and are they trying to correct it? Seems to me they should show him film from last year when his shot was falling.
Jay- Mike's a fan of HQ and is reading this chat, so he'll see your advice. Klee
Klee, in your opinion if the Illini win on Friday are the in the tourny? Or do you think they'd need to beat OSU too?
John- As one of the Illini joked, "Down Wiscy and go Dancing." I liked that. Solid play on words. It's pretty simple: Beat Wisconsin, play in the NCAA tournament.
Klee
I am amazed at some of the "criticism" our so-called fans level against players on the message boards. It is one thing to rip a coach or sportswriter -- they are professional, paid adults -- but another thing altogether to take anonymous cheap shots at players. A lot of it is really stunningly mean-spirited.
Iowa, Indiana and Michigan all have basketball traditions that are at least the equal of Illinois, and they are all faring far worse recently than Illinois. Are their fans as harsh toward their own coaches, sportswriters and players?
What say you?
KFG- I don't mind it. Part of the job. Coaches, especially certain assistants, need a thicker skin. Coaches are paid well enough they should be open to criticisms. I agree wholeheartedly on criticizing players. It goes too far.
There's another side, though. If fans stop caring, then a program is really in trouble.
Klee
Why not press vs. Wisconsin? It seems that everytime we have pressed we have at least played with some energy. I know a team like Wisc. will probably not make too many turnovers even against a press, but it would at least seem that we would come out with some energy if we started out with one. I am usually not in favor of radical changes, but i think we need to do somethign to shake some things up.
Also, probably decided whether to go to the Coaches v. Cancer in NYC or the UI v. Gonzaga game in Seattle. Have any guestimate when the Gonzaga game may be?
Bizz- Going off history here. Gonzaga traditionally hosts the Battle in Seattle right around Christmas. It hosted UConn (Dec. 20, 2008) and Tennessee (Dec. 29, 2007) around that time. Could be different next season, don't know.
Klee
How is Tisdale's tendenitis? Will he be able to go on Friday? Thanks
J- Mike Tisdale said yesterday he's gone through "every" drill in the past couple days. He's getting treatment on the sore Achilles. Klee
Paul, your analysis of Illini and college bball is outstanding. When the Illini played Purdue in Champaign, Purdue inserted a player who was not listed. If he wasn't listed at the start of the game as part of the roster with the official scorekeeper it seems odd he can be added once the game starts. Was that discussed at the time and both coaches agreed to let him play or is it just a techanical foul?
Danny- John Hart wasn't in the scorebook. Painter and Weber were right in front of us as they discussed the situation with the scorekeepers. Painter was stunned and quite unhappy. Purdue was assessed an "administrative technical foul." Hope that helps. Klee
Paul, usually I am writing your colleague Bob about Illini football, but today I felt I needed to address some basketball concerns. I think Weber is a nice guy, but people should start objectively analyzing his coaching and recruiting. Today's Chicago Tribune had Weber moaning about his team missing football toughness. Wait a minute! Did he not recruit the current players on his team? Did he not have CJ Jackson, a former football player, on the team, but never played him?
You have been right on about how he has handled D-Mac.
I thought Weber mentioned to you at the beginning of the season that he was going to use his bench more and try other schemes. For instance, didn't the Illini practiced some zone in early games?
Finally, at the DePaul-Syracuse game that was very close, Syracuse was down big time in the first half, before Boeheim instituted a press with seven minutes left in the half. He cut the deficit from 16 points to four by the end of the half. He did not wait until the end of the game to do it. That is coaching, not waiting. Are fans wrong to question Weber's decisions? Thanks.
Dr. Phil- Illinois isn't going to use a zone. His teams haven't used a zone in 30 years. This Illinois team should be an NCAA tournament team. Missing the tournament would be a significant failure. There is no way around it. Klee
What assistant coach or coaches are responsible for working with the big guys?
Jason- To answer your question, Jay Price spends most of the time with the big men.
Klee
Are you stopping for lunch at The Beef House?
Ed- No, just arrived in Indy. See you at Conseco tomorrow. Don't eat too many Beef House rolls. Klee
Hey Paul,
Just wondered what your thoughts were on McCamey, should or would you think he will return next year?
Andy- I think people too often focus on Demetri's faults. He's been Illinois' most consistent player over the past two seasons, isn't getting enough help and has almost singlehandedly kept them in the mix for an NCAA tournament berth. He's been framed as the scapegoat when he's really been the golden pony. That's the short answer.
"We go as Demetri goes," as Bruce Weber put it.
I think he'll run the show at Illinois next season, but it's not a given. This weekend Illinois could use another Big Ten tournament performance like he had against Purdue as a freshman.
"I remember that real well," he said yesterday.
So do I, and he was off-the-charts good.
Klee