Moderator: Welcome back. Before we get started, a quick reminder: No chat next Friday (I'll be at the NCAA headquarters in Indy participating in a mock bracket that we'll be writing about for the N-G and HQ) or Feb. 12 (all-too-brief vacation to warmer climes). But we'll return Feb. 19 with plenty to discuss, I'm sure. Lots of questions today, so let's hit it....

loser looking to win, champaign, il.: Good morning Illini fans: Tony, Do you think the lack of respect of not hand shakeing the Ohio State players shows Coach's Law lack of respect for the game.She does not win games and has ran off plenty of players. Why do we keep a loser like her!

Moderator: Loser,

I wouldn't make too much of the handshake thing. From what I understand, it was a misunderstanding and I'm not sure Law knew what to make of it. I think you'll see Illinois shaking hands with all of their opponents going forward, including Ohio State ... which Illinois just might see in the Big Ten tournament.

Disappointed, Champaign, IL: I've been at a handful of games recently. The crowd is a nonfactor. Isn't it time to move the Illini back to Huff? If the crowd is a nonfactor, doesn't it make more sense? It would have to save money, and the crowd -- no matter the size -- would be more of a factor, which could only help. Thanks.

Moderator: Disappointed,

You've hit a hot-button issue for me. Believe me, I can list 1,000 reasons why moving back to Huff is a terrible, awful, horrible idea. Time and space don't permit me to do that, but let me just say this: If you put this team in Huff, along with the 1,200 fans that are showing up, the Illini's record wouldn't be any different than it is right now. Huff Hall won't make Illinois a better shooting team on the perimeter, or a better defensive team on three-pointers, etc, etc, etc. The venue is entirely irrelevant.

Sorry for the rant, but I have EXTREMELY strong beliefs on this topic. I'll save the rest for another time.

Sandy, Feelin' the 'Paign, IL: I disagree with the fan comment which said the team isn't playing with heart; however, I do believe they could better display some fundamental skills. How do you think the lack of a third assistant coach has affected player development this season?

Moderator: Sandy,

I've heard from a source that there might be more to the story than just getting a "sense of urgency" from her seniors. Lacey missed a practice, and Jenna and Whitney missed the start of the same practice. If that's the case, I don't know why Jolette chose not to reveal that publicly.

Moderator: Sorry, that answer is addressed to next question. Getting ahead of myself. And here it is...

Brian, Urbana, IL: what is your thoughts on not starting the Srs last night?

Havent been to a practice or know whats happening behind closed doors, but there must be something really wrong if you bench a player who gets a double-double each game.

Ken, Urbana, IL: Tony,

so where does the season go from here?

Where do they finish in the league now?

Moderator: Ken,

Been wondering that myself. Worst-case scenario: it's entirely conceivable they could finish dead last. The next two games are near-certain defeats (at Minnesota, at Purdue, both of whom rarely lose at home). Later, there are road games against Michigan State, Northwestern and Iowa. Iowa just drilled Illinois at the Hall. Northwestern is much, much improved. And no way does Illinois win at Michigan State.

That leaves home games against Purdue (which just won at Penn State after beating Ohio State), Indiana (winnable) and Northwestern (winnable). In the best scenario, I can't see Illinois finishing higher than 7th.

J-Ran, Champaign, IL: Tony, love the chats. Hey, how do you think Geno Auriemma would do as a men's coach? Do you think the school would consider him if this was in fact Jim Calhoun's last season? Also, if you had to take a surprise team to make a run in the NCAA tournament this year, who do you think it would be. Next, give me your Super Bowl pick, with score. Finally, who is your early Daytona 500 pick?

Thanks for the reports.

Moderator: J-Ran,

You're killing me, man. Had to throw that Daytona pick in there, didn't ya?

Ok, here goes. I'm fascinated by the idea of Geno coaching men, and I keep wondering if, as his last coaching gig, he'd want to give it a try somewhere. Doing it at UConn might make some sense, although that would be a pretty funny scene because Calhoun and Geno don't get along.

My surprise team....I'll take Kentucky. Very athletic, they use fullcourt pressure and play at a quick tempo. Very underrated team.

Super Bowl: Colts 38, Saints 31. Daytona: Can't remember who I picked in the paper a few weeks ago... was it one of the Busches? I know this: it won't be Jeremy Mayfield.

Flight Fan, The Sky, Earth: Tony, I've been doing some research and can't seem to find what kind of flyover the NFL is planning for the Super Bowl. As a fellow flyover fan, can you find this out for me? Also, which team do you think will benefit more from the flyover? Do they offer any prop bets on the flyovers? If not, they should.

Moderator: Flight fan,

You know that if they had a prop bet on the flyover, I would be ALL OVER IT. But I gotta take the Colts on this one. Why? Because the Colts are named after God's greatest animal, the horse, and I like nothing better than A) a fast racehorse and B) a good flyover.

Jerry, Sidney, IL: Re: Women's Basketball

What is the logic of Coach Law's actions in benching her seniors? How much better can they play? They're already setting all kinds of records.

Moderator: Jerry,

It seemed strange to me last night, and it only seemed more strange when I read Jolette's comments in yesterday's Daily Illini, where she said "My seniors are stepping it up and getting it done." Just didn't make sense. But if it's true that the three seniors missed part or all of practice, some things come into focus a little more.

ILLINI IN TEXAS, Hollywood Park, Texas: I know Coach Law was an outstanding player and did well as an assistant. But, watching the team from afar, I found it perplexing that her first year, she had key players transfer, and the turnover seems to continue. Can you provide some insight, is it the demands, she puts on the team, her personality, discipline...? Thanks.

Moderator: Illini,

I do think that the demands and expectations that she has for her players can cause some hard feelings. She demands a lot, and some players just aren't going to be on-board. I wouldn't get too wrapped up in what has happened with players in the past, becuase those players weren't recruited by her. That was, so to speak, a shotgun marriage. The coach didn't recruit the player, and the player didn't commit to the coach, so it's natural that there would be some defections/transfers. Now, if Law's own recruits start leaving at a rate that's higher than the national average, then you're talking about a different story.

Brent, Lincolnwood, IL: I think the team is sliding due to low morale stemming from the reasons for Destiny's departure -- which we are all still in the dark about. I think the coach needs to come clean. Thoughts?

Moderator: Brent,

As I mentioned last week, I'm still working on this story and am hopeful that we'll be able to answer some of these questions about Destiny's situation soon. I know folks want to know now, and I'm doing my best to expedite. As far as whether she needs to speak, I can't say because I'm the reporter on the story. Hope you understand.

CarolB, Champaign, IL: Does the tactic of benching the seniors make you wonder more about Destiny Williams' departure?

Moderator: Carol,

From what I know at this point, the Destiny situation had some unique characteristics that probably aren't applicable to last night's situation. But in any event, added up, it all has led to a soap-opera-ish feel surrounding the program. Makes you wonder what's next.

Carol, Champaign, IL: Tony,

I thought Coach Law's strategy was similar to what the Michigan coach thought it might be until I read the article tonight. I thought she'd bring in the regulars at the first time-out. Since Lacey and Jenna seem to give their all during a game, I hope she doesn't use this approach again. Pull a player if they aren't performing during the game. Your thoughts?

Moderator: Carol,

Just a hunch, but I think you'll see Jenna and Lacey back in the starting lineup, and perhaps Whitney, for the Minnesota game on Sunday. I don't think you'll see a carryover, but I could be wrong.

Moderator: One final question ... (I couldn't resist, J-Ran)...

J-Ran, Champaign, IL: Hey Tony, Once again the Cubs haven't addressed the leadoff spot. What about Orlando Hudson? Reports have the guy wanting $9 million per year, which is too much, but for the love of God, why do the Cubs continue to not address this issue? Ugh.

Moderator: As my man Marty Brennaman likes to say ... "At the end of the day, they are still the Cubs."

Moderator: Thanks again for all of the great questions. See you all again on the 19th, and keep an eye on the blog for updates.