Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 10:51 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
just starting a little early today as we sit courtside at Canseco Fieldhouse. Ohio State and Michigan about to take the floor
1974 Central Grad. from Champaign, IL. — 10:51 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Hello Orange Krush and Brian: Lu Nardi have the Illini in as a 13th seed going against Baylor the 4th pick. Can we lose and still be in? Hope is Good!
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 10:53 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
1974 Central Grad,
Lundardi and most of the national folks have us in at a 12 or 13 seed. I have been told by more than one person that they think the Illini are in the NCAA...even with a loss today. I am not sure I agree with that...but hopefully they will win and remove all doubt.
Bob Arking from Saugatuck, MI — 10:54 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Brian - Obviously the Illini need Demetri McCamey to play well to beat Wisky today, but who else needs to step up for the Illini to pull off the win?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 10:56 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Bob,
I would say that Demetri needs to play at the level he was at for almost all of February. He was special in those games. When he is special...he makes everyone else better around him...Mike Davis gets better looks at the basket...Mike Tisdale gets a variety of looks...and the whole offense runs much smoother. The Illini need to get more transition baskets today also.
BurfDunkedOnFitz from Sig House, Champaign — 10:56 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Brian - How would you rate the progress DJ and BPaul have made this year in adapting their game to the college level?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:01 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Burf,
I would say that DJ has had a pretty consistent year for a freshman. He did hit a bit of a wall at the end of the season as his 3-point shooting tailed off at the end of the year. He guarded a lot of the best players in the league this year and held his own. He deserved the Freshman of the Year Award.
Brandon has had his up and down moments....but his starting to figure out that if he drives to the basket...very few people have the talent to stay with him. He can get lots of rebound baskets and shoot freethrows.
Think about how Kendall Gill and Luther Head started out as freshmen....they were either one-dimensional...or just had tough years. And look where they ended up...in the NBA. It just takes time.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:01 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
MB in Hoosierland from Casket Country, IN — 11:02 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Brian: The U of I has a great psychology dept. Has anyone suggested a case study in what it takes to get a team fired up? The Mikes, Bill Cole, and Demitri all say the right things, but then seldom bring it on the court. Hopefully they fire up today with the age old saying "Don't leave anything on the court". And how are the assistant coaches feeling? Maybe they all need to come out in orange blazers and set the sidelines on fire.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:05 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
MB,
This year's Illini team has been a hard one to read. I compare it to being blindfolded while riding a roller coaster. Lots of great moments...lots of head-scratchers. Even a veteran coach like Bruce Weber has had a tough time getting a gauge on this team.
I can tell you...they have had a great week of practice and I think they will come out as if their (NCAA) life depends on it.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:06 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
By the way...Michigan 4- OSU 4 early
Peter from Daytona, FL — 11:07 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Will Illini win today? Can they stop Leuer, Hughes, etc?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:09 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Peter,
The big thing the Illini have to accomplish today is to not let Leuer catch the ball 2 feet from the basket. Bruce Weber told me this morning that the Illini big men have to fight him in the post.
They also have to match the coverage they had on Bohannon from the last game. Kind of a delicate balance there between helping on Leuer...but not leaving shooters wide open. They also need to value EVERY possession....and get some fast break baskets.
I think the Illini will make the necessary adjustments from the previous game...and will play at a high level today....
Will it be enough....?...we will see.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:12 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Michigan making shots early....is Ohio State rusty from the 10 day layoff since their final game against Illinois?....we shall see...If Michigan is hitting their shots....look out...
Tim from Urbana, IL — 11:15 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
1) Think Bruce and McCamey will have any "teaching moments" today?
2) Who's ready for some Spring Football? **raises hand**
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:17 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Tim,
I think everyone will be fine today...I think Demetri is going to have a big day today.
Spring football game is April 24th....mark it on your calendar. Looking forward to seeing the new offensive look
Illini_2010 from Paxton, Illinois — 11:18 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Do you feel a win over Wisconsin gets the Illini into the field of 64?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:20 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Illini 2010
Yes...I feel a win today gets them in...I have felt that way for the last couple of weeks. Some national people (Andy Katz-ESPN) say we are in the Big Dance....even if we lose.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:22 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Michigan up on OSU 19-12 8 min left first half
Larry from Decatur, IL — 11:23 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Do you have a sense of the teams attitude from practice for todays game?
They fired up, or am I going to be throwing my game hat all over my living room today?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:24 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Larry,
They have had solid competitive practices this week. In fact...the players were not scheduled to practice on Monday...and told coach they wanted to practice.
They will be ready today
Notahater from Champaign, IL — 11:24 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Brian,
I just cannot imagine this team in the tournament. The other bubble teams they're talking about have 20 or more wins. What makes Illinois a bubble team with 18 wins? Is it just because of the Big Ten's perceived toughness.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:28 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Notahater,
The Illini are in the NCAA picture because of the quality wins they have this year...at Clemson....Vanderbilt...Michigan State...at Wisconsin....and played a tough non-league sked...Mizzou...Gonzaga...at Georgia(turned out better than expected)...even Wofford (NCAA bound)....
They also finished in the upper division of a league that is going to have very highly-seeded teams in the NCAA's....
Also the last week has been kind to them when it comes to smaller conference tournaments not having major upsets with .500 teams getting in to the dance.
All of that adds up to them still being there on the cusp of the NCAA's
Jacoub from Chicago, IL — 11:29 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Brian I think you and Jerry do a great job with the play-by-play. Do you think McCamey will learn to kick it out more since Wisconsin figured out the Pick n Roll, but it seemed like when McCamey drove 2-3 Wisc guys collapsed on him leaving Cole or someone wide up for a shot. What do you think about this? Also, I think we would still have an outside shot if we lose, but a lot of things have to go our way like Minnesota losing today.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:31 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Jacoub,
Thanks for your thoughts on the broadcasts!
I was told that before last Sunday's game that the Badgers spent all week working on nothing but protecting against Demetri McCamey and the pick and roll.
Obviously that preparation paid off. I have said all year that Bill Cole should take more open shots when he gets them. That could be a factor today as Bill as scored in double figures the last couple of games.
Yes...Minnesota losing would be a big help to the Illini today.
Mike from Champaign, Il — 11:32 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Brian, love these chats. Thanks for giving us your insight. But no more backing out. We need a prediction. Or at least tell us why you seem uncomfortable giving us one (just like Tate).
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:33 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Mike,
Not uncomfortable at all about a prediction for today.
Illini win 60-56....and make it to the NCAA's
Bob from Philo, Il — 11:34 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Do you think messageboards negatively effect players and recruits?
Thanks,
I'll hang up and listen :)
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:35 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Bob,
I know that coaches tell players all the time to not read or listen too closely to what is said about them. I am sure some do take a peek at internet boards anyway....
Recruits?...who knows....they can change their mind several times over and over again.
Hard to pin it down on one thing.
Illini1973 from Scott AFB, ILL...ini — 11:36 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Any chance we will use full court pressure today before we get down by 15 with under 3 to play?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:38 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Illini1973
The Illini are not set up to play 40-minutes of pressing like a Missouri or Clemson. They can use it effectively from time to time.
They just need to get more transistion baskets today and not let the Wisconsin defense (half-man/half-zone) get set up
Bruce from Verona, IL — 11:39 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Brian: IF we fall to the NIT, and since the Hall is unavailable, any chance we play up in Chicago? I'm assuming we'd be the higher seed in a first round game.
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:40 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Bruce,
Dont think that Chicago is a possibility with the Bulls and Blackhawks in the middle of seasons right now.
If they are in the NIT...most likely they will have to go on the road. One NIT bracketology site (yes...there is one of those) has the Illini as a 2 seed....playing at Alabama...
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:41 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Ohio State back in front by 6 points wit 1:47 left in half
Laurie Jamieson from Bellevue, wa — 11:41 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Brian, could you compare/contrast the weakness and strengths of: DJ, Brandon, Joseph Bertrand and Jereme Richmond? Which 2 would you see starting next yr?
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:44 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Laurie,
DJ is a great shooter...and has become the best defender on the ball the Illini have.
Brandon is athletic enough to get points going to the basket...and has done a good job taking charges.
Joseph is probably a better passer than the other two.
Havent seen Jereme enough times to make a call on him
Brian Barnhart (moderator) — 11:45 AM on Fri, 03/12/2010
Ohio State leads 35-25 at half over Michigan.
Have to get the computer back to Ed Bond....
Illini tip at about 1:30 ct today
Thanks!
just starting a little early today as we sit courtside at Canseco Fieldhouse. Ohio State and Michigan about to take the floor
Hello Orange Krush and Brian: Lu Nardi have the Illini in as a 13th seed going against Baylor the 4th pick. Can we lose and still be in? Hope is Good!
1974 Central Grad,
Lundardi and most of the national folks have us in at a 12 or 13 seed. I have been told by more than one person that they think the Illini are in the NCAA...even with a loss today. I am not sure I agree with that...but hopefully they will win and remove all doubt.
Brian - Obviously the Illini need Demetri McCamey to play well to beat Wisky today, but who else needs to step up for the Illini to pull off the win?
Bob,
I would say that Demetri needs to play at the level he was at for almost all of February. He was special in those games. When he is special...he makes everyone else better around him...Mike Davis gets better looks at the basket...Mike Tisdale gets a variety of looks...and the whole offense runs much smoother. The Illini need to get more transition baskets today also.
Brian - How would you rate the progress DJ and BPaul have made this year in adapting their game to the college level?
Burf,
I would say that DJ has had a pretty consistent year for a freshman. He did hit a bit of a wall at the end of the season as his 3-point shooting tailed off at the end of the year. He guarded a lot of the best players in the league this year and held his own. He deserved the Freshman of the Year Award.
Brandon has had his up and down moments....but his starting to figure out that if he drives to the basket...very few people have the talent to stay with him. He can get lots of rebound baskets and shoot freethrows.
Think about how Kendall Gill and Luther Head started out as freshmen....they were either one-dimensional...or just had tough years. And look where they ended up...in the NBA. It just takes time.
Brian: The U of I has a great psychology dept. Has anyone suggested a case study in what it takes to get a team fired up? The Mikes, Bill Cole, and Demitri all say the right things, but then seldom bring it on the court. Hopefully they fire up today with the age old saying "Don't leave anything on the court". And how are the assistant coaches feeling? Maybe they all need to come out in orange blazers and set the sidelines on fire.
MB,
This year's Illini team has been a hard one to read. I compare it to being blindfolded while riding a roller coaster. Lots of great moments...lots of head-scratchers. Even a veteran coach like Bruce Weber has had a tough time getting a gauge on this team.
I can tell you...they have had a great week of practice and I think they will come out as if their (NCAA) life depends on it.
By the way...Michigan 4- OSU 4 early
Will Illini win today? Can they stop Leuer, Hughes, etc?
Peter,
The big thing the Illini have to accomplish today is to not let Leuer catch the ball 2 feet from the basket. Bruce Weber told me this morning that the Illini big men have to fight him in the post.
They also have to match the coverage they had on Bohannon from the last game. Kind of a delicate balance there between helping on Leuer...but not leaving shooters wide open. They also need to value EVERY possession....and get some fast break baskets.
I think the Illini will make the necessary adjustments from the previous game...and will play at a high level today....
Will it be enough....?...we will see.
Michigan making shots early....is Ohio State rusty from the 10 day layoff since their final game against Illinois?....we shall see...If Michigan is hitting their shots....look out...
1) Think Bruce and McCamey will have any "teaching moments" today?
2) Who's ready for some Spring Football? **raises hand**
Tim,
I think everyone will be fine today...I think Demetri is going to have a big day today.
Spring football game is April 24th....mark it on your calendar. Looking forward to seeing the new offensive look
Do you feel a win over Wisconsin gets the Illini into the field of 64?
Illini 2010
Yes...I feel a win today gets them in...I have felt that way for the last couple of weeks. Some national people (Andy Katz-ESPN) say we are in the Big Dance....even if we lose.
Michigan up on OSU 19-12 8 min left first half
Do you have a sense of the teams attitude from practice for todays game?
They fired up, or am I going to be throwing my game hat all over my living room today?
Larry,
They have had solid competitive practices this week. In fact...the players were not scheduled to practice on Monday...and told coach they wanted to practice.
They will be ready today
Brian,
I just cannot imagine this team in the tournament. The other bubble teams they're talking about have 20 or more wins. What makes Illinois a bubble team with 18 wins? Is it just because of the Big Ten's perceived toughness.
Notahater,
The Illini are in the NCAA picture because of the quality wins they have this year...at Clemson....Vanderbilt...Michigan State...at Wisconsin....and played a tough non-league sked...Mizzou...Gonzaga...at Georgia(turned out better than expected)...even Wofford (NCAA bound)....
They also finished in the upper division of a league that is going to have very highly-seeded teams in the NCAA's....
Also the last week has been kind to them when it comes to smaller conference tournaments not having major upsets with .500 teams getting in to the dance.
All of that adds up to them still being there on the cusp of the NCAA's
Brian I think you and Jerry do a great job with the play-by-play. Do you think McCamey will learn to kick it out more since Wisconsin figured out the Pick n Roll, but it seemed like when McCamey drove 2-3 Wisc guys collapsed on him leaving Cole or someone wide up for a shot. What do you think about this? Also, I think we would still have an outside shot if we lose, but a lot of things have to go our way like Minnesota losing today.
Jacoub,
Thanks for your thoughts on the broadcasts!
I was told that before last Sunday's game that the Badgers spent all week working on nothing but protecting against Demetri McCamey and the pick and roll.
Obviously that preparation paid off. I have said all year that Bill Cole should take more open shots when he gets them. That could be a factor today as Bill as scored in double figures the last couple of games.
Yes...Minnesota losing would be a big help to the Illini today.
Brian, love these chats. Thanks for giving us your insight. But no more backing out. We need a prediction. Or at least tell us why you seem uncomfortable giving us one (just like Tate).
Mike,
Not uncomfortable at all about a prediction for today.
Illini win 60-56....and make it to the NCAA's
Do you think messageboards negatively effect players and recruits?
Thanks,
I'll hang up and listen :)
Bob,
I know that coaches tell players all the time to not read or listen too closely to what is said about them. I am sure some do take a peek at internet boards anyway....
Recruits?...who knows....they can change their mind several times over and over again.
Hard to pin it down on one thing.
Any chance we will use full court pressure today before we get down by 15 with under 3 to play?
Illini1973
The Illini are not set up to play 40-minutes of pressing like a Missouri or Clemson. They can use it effectively from time to time.
They just need to get more transistion baskets today and not let the Wisconsin defense (half-man/half-zone) get set up
Brian: IF we fall to the NIT, and since the Hall is unavailable, any chance we play up in Chicago? I'm assuming we'd be the higher seed in a first round game.
Bruce,
Dont think that Chicago is a possibility with the Bulls and Blackhawks in the middle of seasons right now.
If they are in the NIT...most likely they will have to go on the road. One NIT bracketology site (yes...there is one of those) has the Illini as a 2 seed....playing at Alabama...
Ohio State back in front by 6 points wit 1:47 left in half
Brian, could you compare/contrast the weakness and strengths of: DJ, Brandon, Joseph Bertrand and Jereme Richmond? Which 2 would you see starting next yr?
Laurie,
DJ is a great shooter...and has become the best defender on the ball the Illini have.
Brandon is athletic enough to get points going to the basket...and has done a good job taking charges.
Joseph is probably a better passer than the other two.
Havent seen Jereme enough times to make a call on him
Ohio State leads 35-25 at half over Michigan.
Have to get the computer back to Ed Bond....
Illini tip at about 1:30 ct today
Thanks!