Talk with Illinois men's basketball beat writer Paul Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:31 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Good afternoon everyone. Time for another Illinois basketball chat. Had a one-week hiatus from this space - but we're back, baby. Just sat down so we haven't looked over the questions. There are a number in line so let's get to it. Fire away.
Klee
Hopeful from Armpit, Illinois — 12:33 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Hey, Paul, What's the latest on Jerrance? Some people are saying that it is all settled and he is staying at Illinois and the Kentucky flap is over. Is that solid? Or is the matter undecided and still open?
Love your chats - and the Monday night radio show with the goofballs.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:39 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Hopeful- Illinois A.D. Ron Guenther told me this morning he is in the process of reworking Jerrance Howard's contract.
"I would hope by next week we
Pogo from Springfield, MO. — 12:42 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Paul, do you see Griffey stepping up this year and getting more minutes? Between Cole and Griffey, which one is more likely to develop a mid-range dependable scoring threat?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:43 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Pogo- They are different kinds of players and I don
Mike from Carbondale, IL — 12:43 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Do you think Bertrand, Paul, or Head can pose a serious threat to take D.J's starting spot from him next season?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:44 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Mike- Nope. Klee
Santa's Little Helper from Springfield , USA — 12:44 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Paulie
2 questions: 1) is Henry the guy they wanted? I realize they offered him because they want him, but i would imagine they have a pecking order of recruits they want.
2) With Griffey likely to improve, Cole always willing to play hard, and assuming leonard gets some minutes next year, do you think Mike D feels some pressure on him to step it up (which would be a good thing)?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:46 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Santa- My crystal ball tells me Bruce Weber loves what Mycheal Henry can become. Loves his skillset, loves his range, loves his scoring ability. He
Marcus from Monument, Colorado — 12:53 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Paul,
With all of the Juniors returning and the talent we have coming in what should be real expectations for this team? What will it take to accheive these expectations? Toughness!?
What should our Nugs do in the off season?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 12:54 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Marcus- Always good to hear from you. Too early for expectations. Need to see these guys over the offseason. Clearly it should be an NCAA tournament team - at the very least. We'll have more direct expectations as the season gets closer.
The Nuggets, in order: need their head coach to beat this damned disease, and God bless George Karl for his courage, his battle extends far beyond basketball in terms of importance; fleeced the Bulls for J.R. Smith, but the J.R. Smith era in Denver has run it course, and the Nuggs need to get what they can for him; must add another big man. I expect an active offseason at The Can.
Klee
Mark from Urbana, IL — 12:59 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Paul,
As we all know defense is big factor in getting more minutes from Bruce Weber. Last years starters had some deficiencies when it came to playing good team defense. In my opinion Davis and Tisdale being on the floor at the same time caused a lot of issues on the defensive end (Davis' rebounding aside). Do you see Paul, Leonard, Griffey, and Richmond stepping up right away on that end of the floor so that Weber has more line up options that he feels comfortable with?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:01 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Mark- Freshmen rarely have a clue when it comes to team defense. At least, what Bruce Weber wants on defense. That seemed pretty evident last season. DJ Richardson was very good on that end toward the end of the season, but even the Big Ten FOY had his struggles to start. The big men must be better on the defensive end. The only teams with weaker defensive frontcourts in the Big Ten also missed the NCAA tournament. Klee
Western Big 6 fan from Central IL boons, Illinois — 01:04 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Paul:
I've seen Chasson Randle dozens of times. While a nice player, he always seems best for a school like Bradley. Why are Illini fans so obsessed with landing a 6-foot combo guard? What's the latest on him?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:07 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Western- I can't explain your brethren's obsessions. Those are beyond me. I think it comes from Internet types that hype these guys to make them sound like the second coming. He's a solid player. I've said for a while I don't think he would fit at Illinois, and I think Illinois has spent too much time there. He's also played with all these guys committed to/playing at Illinois and knows what he would be getting into. Maybe I'm wrong. Doubt it. Klee
Bob from Peoria, IL — 01:13 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
From what you've seen so far this offseason, is it reasonable to expect big gains from Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis this coming season?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:16 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Bob- I believe Mike Tisdale is the only guy currently on campus. This seems like a good time to give him some credit. He's been a maniac of late, in the gym every day, working out, went home for a short time and then returned to campus. He's working harder than I've seen him work over the past three years. And yes, I think that should have started sooner, but credit where credit's due. He's up to 245 pounds, and that's legitimate. Who knows if that makes him a better player next season - or if he can keep on the weight - but he's putting his best foot forward. He wants to go out a winner. I can appreciate that.
Mike is also taking May classes at the UI. Told me he has a vegetable gardening class this summer. Give him grief for that if you see him.
Klee
BRucks from In Iowa, Iowa — 01:23 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Do you have a true height and weight on Meyers?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:27 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
BRucks- On our tour of Robinson yesterday - thanks for the tour, Meyers - the big kid said he's right around 230 (but hasn't weighed himself recently) and he's 7-feet tall. Said he set a personal high this week with 15 reps of 185 pounds on the bench. He still has room to fill out, and that will be his next challenge. He also was able to take off the walking boot on Monday.
Meyers said he will be on campus for orientation on June 9. Since there are three incoming freshmen - an odd number - he's rooming with a good friend from Robinson.
And when in Robinson, I recommend the Los Jardines burrito from Los Jardines Mexican Restaurant on Main Street.
Klee
Nathan from Sidell, IL — 01:31 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Do you have any updates on the summer team camp the U of I normally hosts?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:33 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Nate- The Senior High team camp (June 18-20) is still on. It's the early June team camp - designed to get prospective recruits on campus - that is still to be determined. Will pass along any more information as it trickles in. I know there has been interest in this camp in the past. Klee
Robert from Peoria, IL — 01:35 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
There is so much talk about some man named William Wesley and his relationships with players, coaches, agents, etc. These connections start with high school players and go all the way to the NBA. What do you know about this man? He jets all over the world - someone is paying for this. Sounds very shady to me.
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:40 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Robert- Don't have enough time to get too far into this subject. I've talked to him on the phone a few times. Sat next to him at the United Center a few years back. He sent a text to Michael Jordan, who was in his luxury suite and waved back. He's connected, to say the least. Connections that extend through sports and into politics and everywhere in between. He likes Jerrance. He met Jerrance through Deron Williams. He's tight with Deron, too. He sent Jerrance a care package - complete with a pair of baby Jordans - when the Howards' first son was born. And that's part of the connection with Kentucky. When you have support from guys like Wes and Josh Pastner - opinions that John Calipari values - you're going to get looks. But William Wesley has ties to Illinois long before Jerrance. He was close with Marcus Liberty and once served as Liberty's "host" at the 1987 McDonald's All-American game, for one example. He picked him up from the airport. I want to write Wesley's book. He said he already has someone in line - if he ever decides to write a book - so I guess I'm out of luck there. That's the short answer. Hope it helps. Klee
Charley from Bellingham, WA — 01:44 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Paul - with the result of Snack's newly restructured contract with whatever raises, does this force pay raises or restructured duties among other assistant coaches so to keep everyone reasonably taken care of?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:45 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Charley- I think they are already reasonably taken care of. And I think they would tell you the same. Now it's time to win some more games. Klee
Matt Hagel from New York, NY — 01:46 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
I read some comparisons of Leonard to James Augustine. I have not seen him play much but I hear his shot is much better. What would be a better comparison? I'm thinking Brad Miller
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:49 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Matt- I picture Meyers more like Brook Lopez, but that's just me. Obviously that's on the high end and he's not nearly that good yet, but I didn't see Brook Lopez in high school, either. Similar builds, similar shot-blocking, similar raw offensive games. Similar potential.
We'll have more on Meyers in the coming weeks.
Good to hear from you again, Matt. Look forward to that cocktail and basketball talk in NYC in November.
Klee
Daryl from Champaign, IL — 01:50 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Did you play golf at Gonzaga? What is your handicap?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:51 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Daryl- Yes, but not necessarily well. I don't play enough now to have a handicap. I do enjoy taking Tate's money, though. Klee
Joe from St. Joe, IL — 01:52 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Where did you go fishing? Redfish are nice but nothing compared to Snook! Have any luck?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:55 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Joe- Snook are tremendous. Not sure you can beat stalking redfish in skinny water, though. Strongest fish I know of, at least in the flats. They were taking Clousers and topwater poppers, despite the wind. Let's trade hot spots - I'll tell you were the redfish are if you tell me where in central Illinois I should take this fly rod. Klee
Brandon from Pana, Illinois — 01:56 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
hey klee love the chats, any chance the illini will take 2 of the following 3...Anthony Davis, Kyle Cain, and Matt Shaw? Also what do you think the chances are of Lebron and Calipari to Chicago?
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:57 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Brandon- Minimal chance of that happening, at least right now, and it's fluid, so it could change tomorrow. Your best shot is with Mike Shaw. If Illinois doesn't land Mike Shaw, it won't be for a lack of effort. Klee
Paul Klee (moderator) — 01:58 PM on Wed, 05/19/2010
Gotta run. Thanks for all the questions and apologies to those that didn't get answered. Full page of college basketball coverage coming in Sunday's News-Gazette. And we'll be back here next week. Chat with you then.
Good afternoon everyone. Time for another Illinois basketball chat. Had a one-week hiatus from this space - but we're back, baby. Just sat down so we haven't looked over the questions. There are a number in line so let's get to it. Fire away.
Klee
Hey, Paul, What's the latest on Jerrance? Some people are saying that it is all settled and he is staying at Illinois and the Kentucky flap is over. Is that solid? Or is the matter undecided and still open?
Love your chats - and the Monday night radio show with the goofballs.
Hopeful- Illinois A.D. Ron Guenther told me this morning he is in the process of reworking Jerrance Howard's contract.
"I would hope by next week we
Paul, do you see Griffey stepping up this year and getting more minutes? Between Cole and Griffey, which one is more likely to develop a mid-range dependable scoring threat?
Pogo- They are different kinds of players and I don
Do you think Bertrand, Paul, or Head can pose a serious threat to take D.J's starting spot from him next season?
Mike- Nope. Klee
Paulie
2 questions: 1) is Henry the guy they wanted? I realize they offered him because they want him, but i would imagine they have a pecking order of recruits they want.
2) With Griffey likely to improve, Cole always willing to play hard, and assuming leonard gets some minutes next year, do you think Mike D feels some pressure on him to step it up (which would be a good thing)?
Santa- My crystal ball tells me Bruce Weber loves what Mycheal Henry can become. Loves his skillset, loves his range, loves his scoring ability. He
Paul,
With all of the Juniors returning and the talent we have coming in what should be real expectations for this team? What will it take to accheive these expectations? Toughness!?
What should our Nugs do in the off season?
Marcus- Always good to hear from you. Too early for expectations. Need to see these guys over the offseason. Clearly it should be an NCAA tournament team - at the very least. We'll have more direct expectations as the season gets closer.
The Nuggets, in order: need their head coach to beat this damned disease, and God bless George Karl for his courage, his battle extends far beyond basketball in terms of importance; fleeced the Bulls for J.R. Smith, but the J.R. Smith era in Denver has run it course, and the Nuggs need to get what they can for him; must add another big man. I expect an active offseason at The Can.
Klee
Paul,
As we all know defense is big factor in getting more minutes from Bruce Weber. Last years starters had some deficiencies when it came to playing good team defense. In my opinion Davis and Tisdale being on the floor at the same time caused a lot of issues on the defensive end (Davis' rebounding aside). Do you see Paul, Leonard, Griffey, and Richmond stepping up right away on that end of the floor so that Weber has more line up options that he feels comfortable with?
Mark- Freshmen rarely have a clue when it comes to team defense. At least, what Bruce Weber wants on defense. That seemed pretty evident last season. DJ Richardson was very good on that end toward the end of the season, but even the Big Ten FOY had his struggles to start. The big men must be better on the defensive end. The only teams with weaker defensive frontcourts in the Big Ten also missed the NCAA tournament. Klee
Paul:
I've seen Chasson Randle dozens of times. While a nice player, he always seems best for a school like Bradley. Why are Illini fans so obsessed with landing a 6-foot combo guard? What's the latest on him?
Western- I can't explain your brethren's obsessions. Those are beyond me. I think it comes from Internet types that hype these guys to make them sound like the second coming. He's a solid player. I've said for a while I don't think he would fit at Illinois, and I think Illinois has spent too much time there. He's also played with all these guys committed to/playing at Illinois and knows what he would be getting into. Maybe I'm wrong. Doubt it. Klee
From what you've seen so far this offseason, is it reasonable to expect big gains from Mike Tisdale and Mike Davis this coming season?
Bob- I believe Mike Tisdale is the only guy currently on campus. This seems like a good time to give him some credit. He's been a maniac of late, in the gym every day, working out, went home for a short time and then returned to campus. He's working harder than I've seen him work over the past three years. And yes, I think that should have started sooner, but credit where credit's due. He's up to 245 pounds, and that's legitimate. Who knows if that makes him a better player next season - or if he can keep on the weight - but he's putting his best foot forward. He wants to go out a winner. I can appreciate that.
Mike is also taking May classes at the UI. Told me he has a vegetable gardening class this summer. Give him grief for that if you see him.
Klee
Do you have a true height and weight on Meyers?
BRucks- On our tour of Robinson yesterday - thanks for the tour, Meyers - the big kid said he's right around 230 (but hasn't weighed himself recently) and he's 7-feet tall. Said he set a personal high this week with 15 reps of 185 pounds on the bench. He still has room to fill out, and that will be his next challenge. He also was able to take off the walking boot on Monday.
Meyers said he will be on campus for orientation on June 9. Since there are three incoming freshmen - an odd number - he's rooming with a good friend from Robinson.
And when in Robinson, I recommend the Los Jardines burrito from Los Jardines Mexican Restaurant on Main Street.
Klee
Do you have any updates on the summer team camp the U of I normally hosts?
Nate- The Senior High team camp (June 18-20) is still on. It's the early June team camp - designed to get prospective recruits on campus - that is still to be determined. Will pass along any more information as it trickles in. I know there has been interest in this camp in the past. Klee
There is so much talk about some man named William Wesley and his relationships with players, coaches, agents, etc. These connections start with high school players and go all the way to the NBA. What do you know about this man? He jets all over the world - someone is paying for this. Sounds very shady to me.
Robert- Don't have enough time to get too far into this subject. I've talked to him on the phone a few times. Sat next to him at the United Center a few years back. He sent a text to Michael Jordan, who was in his luxury suite and waved back. He's connected, to say the least. Connections that extend through sports and into politics and everywhere in between. He likes Jerrance. He met Jerrance through Deron Williams. He's tight with Deron, too. He sent Jerrance a care package - complete with a pair of baby Jordans - when the Howards' first son was born. And that's part of the connection with Kentucky. When you have support from guys like Wes and Josh Pastner - opinions that John Calipari values - you're going to get looks. But William Wesley has ties to Illinois long before Jerrance. He was close with Marcus Liberty and once served as Liberty's "host" at the 1987 McDonald's All-American game, for one example. He picked him up from the airport. I want to write Wesley's book. He said he already has someone in line - if he ever decides to write a book - so I guess I'm out of luck there. That's the short answer. Hope it helps. Klee
Paul - with the result of Snack's newly restructured contract with whatever raises, does this force pay raises or restructured duties among other assistant coaches so to keep everyone reasonably taken care of?
Charley- I think they are already reasonably taken care of. And I think they would tell you the same. Now it's time to win some more games. Klee
I read some comparisons of Leonard to James Augustine. I have not seen him play much but I hear his shot is much better. What would be a better comparison? I'm thinking Brad Miller
Matt- I picture Meyers more like Brook Lopez, but that's just me. Obviously that's on the high end and he's not nearly that good yet, but I didn't see Brook Lopez in high school, either. Similar builds, similar shot-blocking, similar raw offensive games. Similar potential.
We'll have more on Meyers in the coming weeks.
Good to hear from you again, Matt. Look forward to that cocktail and basketball talk in NYC in November.
Klee
Did you play golf at Gonzaga? What is your handicap?
Daryl- Yes, but not necessarily well. I don't play enough now to have a handicap. I do enjoy taking Tate's money, though. Klee
Where did you go fishing? Redfish are nice but nothing compared to Snook! Have any luck?
Joe- Snook are tremendous. Not sure you can beat stalking redfish in skinny water, though. Strongest fish I know of, at least in the flats. They were taking Clousers and topwater poppers, despite the wind. Let's trade hot spots - I'll tell you were the redfish are if you tell me where in central Illinois I should take this fly rod. Klee
hey klee love the chats, any chance the illini will take 2 of the following 3...Anthony Davis, Kyle Cain, and Matt Shaw? Also what do you think the chances are of Lebron and Calipari to Chicago?
Brandon- Minimal chance of that happening, at least right now, and it's fluid, so it could change tomorrow. Your best shot is with Mike Shaw. If Illinois doesn't land Mike Shaw, it won't be for a lack of effort. Klee
Gotta run. Thanks for all the questions and apologies to those that didn't get answered. Full page of college basketball coverage coming in Sunday's News-Gazette. And we'll be back here next week. Chat with you then.
Klee