http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball Latest Illini sports stories for IlliniHQ.com en-us Copyright 2009, The News-Gazette, Inc. http://www.illinihq.com/news/rss Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:48:26 PST <p>After routs of SIUE and NIU, Illinois on Saturday hosts ... Presbyterian College. But there are a few challenges awaiting the Illini. Beat writer Paul Klee examines when Illinois will dive into the deep end of its pre-Big Ten schedule</p> <p><strong>Utah:</strong> Losing money at the blackjack tables is a bigger concern.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/20/for_ui_basketball_fans_waiting_is_the_hardest_part/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>— Bruce Weber spent part of Friday at Winnetka New Trier. He wasn't recruiting, but watching his daughter Emily represent Centennial at the IHSA diving championships. The senior's score of 282.40 made her one of 12 divers to qualify for Saturday's state final.</p> <p>— Weber anticipates "another two or three weeks" before Joseph Bertrand (knee) can return to practice.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/20/weber_on_his_daughter_bertrands_injury_tuesdays_late_start/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – Recruiting down to the wire against national basketball powerhouses hasn't proven beneficial for Illini coach Bruce Weber.</p> <p>Sometimes it almost seems like drawing to a four-card flush against a pat hand. Imagine the lost hours in the futile quests – just to name a few – for Jon Scheyer, Julian Wright, Iman Shumpert, Derrick Rose, Eric Gordon, Evan Turner, Sherron Collins, Darius Miller and Dar Tucker.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/19/tate_getting_in_early_pays_for_weber/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>PEORIA — A once-popular basketball talent analyst with a history of robbery and theft has been indicted by a federal grand jury for bank robbery again.</p> <p>Stephen D. Wacaser, 57, no address available, was indicted Wednesday for the Oct. 19 robbery of the Regions Bank in Decatur and the Oct. 20 robbery of the Illini Bank in Sherman.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/19/wacaser_indicted/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>— With both the Illinois men's basketball team and the football team playing Friday, Voice of the Illini BRIAN BARNHART won't be able to broadcast both events. Barnhart will work the Illinois-Cincinnati football game with KURT KITTNER and STEVE KELLY. DAVE LOANE will work the Illinois men's basketball games in Las Vegas with JERRY HESTER.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/19/media_notes_destiny_williams_and_all-big_ten_teams/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>We've got two to give away to Saturday's men's basketball game against Presbyterian. I'll draw a winner first thing in the morning.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/19/last_call_for_presbyterian_tickets/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>The expenditure line items show how much the Big Ten has developed into a league of the haves (Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan and Iowa) and the have-nots (Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue, Indiana and Minnesota).</p> <p>The formers spend at least $70 million a year; the latters spend $48 million to $58 million annually. Michigan State ($60.9 million) occupies the middle ground.</p> <p> </p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/18/dollars_and_sense_ui_athletics_a_have-not_in_the_big_ten/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>I've given them a 'B' just because of the level of competition.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/18/grade_the_illini_after_their_2-0_start/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – The shot-making of precocious leaper Brandon Paul is the talk of the town – 42 points in his first two games – but it still appears the Illini will go only as far as remade point guard Demetri McCamey takes them.</p> <p>Playmakers are always the key because they make their teammates better. We saw this with Bruce Douglas years ago, and with pass-minded guards like Larry Smith, Kiwane Garris, Frank Williams, Deron Williams and, in recent years, Chester Frazier.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/17/tate_illini_offense_needs_mccamey/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Remember David Freeman? The former Illini basketball player is making it big on TV.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/17/from_illini_to_tv_star/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>News you can't leave work without:</strong></p> <p>Deron Williams wants to be an NBA All-Star. Here's how you can help.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/17/5_oclock_shadow/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue point guard Lewis Jackson, the 2007 News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year from Decatur Eisenhower, will be out indefinitely after undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair a foot injury he suffered in practice last week.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/17/lewis_jackson_sidelined/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN - The No. 1 statistical goal for Mike Davis has little to do with upping his scoring average.</p> <p>He wants to average 10 rebounds per game, something that hasn't been done at Illinois since Nick Weatherspoon averaged 12.3 boards in 1973.</p> <p>The junior forward is off to a commendable start. No. 23 Illinois didn't play well, but Davis did, and the Illini left the Assembly Hall on Tuesday with a 80-61 win against an overmatched squad from Northern Illinois.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/17/live_from_assembly_hall/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>Overall</strong><br />Illinois: B-plus<br />NIU: B-minus<br />Illinois had 54 Matto points. What does that mean? Well, the blue-collar Illini of last season never scored more than 51. Brandon Paul worked his way to a game-high 11 Matto points.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/17/illinois_grade_b-plus/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – Stretching one of his rubbery arms over his head, Mike Davis said he's heard the buzz about his game.</p> <p>And not all of it has been positive.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/17/ui_men_80_niu_61/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>Q: What's a concern you have for Illinois?</strong></p> <p><strong>A:</strong> Finding another dependable ballhandler - to spell Demetri McCamey - is one. But more important I want to see how the upperclassmen respond when two freshmen become mainstays in the starting lineup.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/16/klee_a_chemistry_test/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Heading into Friday's centennial season opener, Bruce Weber was still only four days removed from an appendectomy.</p> <p>"I was hoping I didn't have to yell so much tonight and get mad," Weber said after Illinois routed Delaware State 87-67. No such luck.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/16/memory_lane_2004-05_illini_start_off_slow/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>After season-opening victory, Illini move into No. 25 in coaches poll, stay at No. 23 in AP Top 25 and move up a spot in Paul Klee's AP Top 25 ballot</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/16/illinois_in_both_top_25_polls/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Watch Illinois-Northern Illinois game online</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/16/5_oclock_shadow/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>SALT LAKE CITY — Utah point guard Deron Williams plans to play this week after missing two games to be with his family.</p> <p>The former Illini returned to practice Monday after missing time as one of his young daughters went through medical tests for an undisclosed condition.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/16/deron_williams_returns_to_work/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>EVANSTON — Northwestern senior forward Kevin Coble, the team's leading scorer and rebounder the last three seasons, is having season-ending surgery.</p> <p>The 6-foot-8 Coble made his decision Monday after seeing a specialist who examined his fractured left foot.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/16/northwestern_star_out_for_season/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Illinois 88, NIU 60</p> <p>Here's what Bruce Weber expects tonight: "It will be a game that will be up and down. We're trying to push it. They like to push it." Yes, those 30- and 40-point games are history. The idea that Weber wants a plodding, deliberate tempo is a misconception. His recent Illinois teams didn't have the scorers of this outfit, and he adopted a (defensive) style that fit his personnel. But over a four-season stretch – spanning two seasons at SIU and two at Illinois – Weber's teams ranked first or second in their respective leagues in scoring. If he has the horses, he's not afraid to run with them. Provided it's a controlled pace, of course. Northern Illinois will be without high-scoring guard Xavier Silas, who is sidelined with a fractured hand. The Huskies haven't beaten a Big Ten team in a decade, and it won't happen tonight. (News-Gazette prediction record: 1-0).</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/16/illini_basketball_prediction_illinois_88_niu_60/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>We've got two tickets to Tuesday's men's basketball game against Northern Illinois.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/15/last_call_for_northern_illinois_tickets/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CLEVELAND — Utah point guard Deron Williams missed his second straight game Saturday night against Cleveland to deal with a family medical issue.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/14/williams_to_miss_another_jazz_game/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN - From her seat in the courtside bleachers, Lynda Paul could see that her son had some anxiety humming through his 18-year-old bones.<br /><br />"When he's nervous, he adjusts his jersey. That's how he channels his energy," she said. "Brandon's a neat freak. Everything has to be perfect."</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/13/freshman_sizzles_as_illinois_wins_opener/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN - So that's what all the buzz was about.</p> <p>Brandon Paul got his Illinois career off to a wicked-good start with 22 points in Friday's 96-69 season-opening win against Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville at the Assembly Hall.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/13/live_from_assembly_hall/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>* * *</strong></p> <p>The three recruits who signed with Illinois on Wednesday committed to the program well in advance of the signing date. Crandall Head committed in January 2008. Meyers Leonard committed in July 2008. And, of course, Jereme Richmond committed in November 2006 – three years ago.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/13/buzzer_beaters_recruits_mesh_well/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Star of the Game: Bruce Weber</p> <p>The Illini coach isn't a fan of starting freshmen but was willing to bend with the talented duo of D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul, whose commitments helped Illinois re-establish itself as a big-time player in recruiting. Weber made the right decision with outstanding performances from Paul (22 points) and Richardson (14 points, four assists).</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/13/game_1_grades_ui_earns_a-/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>One of Bruce Weber's basketball players? Terry Hawthorne? How about Destiny Williams? Let us know today by voting here</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/12/whos_the_best_freshman_on_campus/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Twice a week, we'll spotlight an Illini-related video on YouTube.</p> <p>Today: “The Dunk” by Luther Head</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/12/youtube_and_the_illini/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>News you can't leave work without:</strong></p> <p>Want to party with Sergio McClain? The former Illini is having a birthday bash in downtown Champaign on Saturday.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/12/5_oclock_shadow/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>For the three UI freshmen expected to debut tonight, there will be some anxiety leading up to tipoff. "There will be a lot of nervous energy running through our bodies," Brandon Paul said. D.J. Richardson's expectations: Nerves? What nerves? "I don't think I'll have any nerves," he said. "I'll just be ready to play."  But don't expect to see guard Joseph Bertrand on the court tonight. The Sterling product hasn't practiced for over a week, and coaches plan on holding him out of action early in the season to reserve the option of a redshirt. "At one time he did not want to (redshirt).</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/12/illini_basketball_prediction_illinois_86_siue_51/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – It's been an agonizing, three-year wait for Jereme Richmond's signature, and it'll be another year before the 6-foot-7 powerhouse dons an Illini jersey for competition that counts.</p> <p>He's worth the wait. At this point in his burgeoning career, he projects as the UI's most prolific basketball prospect in 20 years, more mobile than Brian Cook, rangier by far than Frank Williams (Chicagoans Nick Anderson and Marcus Liberty predated the 20-year period) and well ahead of Dee Brown and Deron Williams at this juncture.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/12/tate_stars_starting_to_align/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Ron Zook's program might not make the postseason, but this Illini cheerleader is in the running for a national title. The spunky senior is the Big Ten's representative in Athlon Sports' Sideline Spirit contest. If she wins – you can vote today at athlonsports.com/spirit – the Atwood-Hammond High product will deliver money and prizes to her Illinois cheerleading team. Sports editor JIM ROSSOW caught up to the daughter of Sam and Vickie Anderson of Garrett to discuss the rigors of cheerleading, the Illini's chances of making a bowl game and this weekend's busy schedule.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/12/10_questions_for_kristina_anderson/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>We've got two to give away for Friday's season-opener against SIU-Edwardsville. Deadline to sign up is Wednesday.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/11/last_call_for_illini_hoops_tickets/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>According to the recruits, the letters of intent are in Bruce Weber's office at the Ubben Basketball Complex. Here are Q&A's with the three prep superstars headed the Illini's way: Jereme Richmond, Crandall Head and Meyers Leonard.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/11/signing_day_special/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>According to the recruits, the letters of intent are in Bruce Weber's office at the Ubben Basketball Complex. Here are Q&A's with the three prep superstars headed the Illini's way: Jereme Richmond, Crandall Head and Meyers Leonard.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/11/signing_day_special/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Meet the newest Illini - Crandall Head said he has faxed his NLOI to Illinois</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/11/three_questions_for_crandall_head/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Today, three highly touted prep basketball players are expected to ship their letters of intent to Bruce Weber, who has lined up his second consecutive nationally ranked recruiting class.Beat writer Paul Klee sat down with all three players in advance of their big day.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/11/three_questions_for_jereme_richmond/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Meet the newest Illini - Robinson big man says he has faxed his national letter of intent to Illinois</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/11/three_questions_for_meyers_leonard/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN - Jeff Jordan will have to sit out the first two games of the season after he played in a non-sanctioned event during his time away from the Illinois basketball team.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/10/jordan_sidelined_for_two_games/ Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – Illinois raised its 2004 championship banner Sunday.</p> <p>And in their exhibition finale, the Illini didn't do anything to lower lofty expectations.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/09/memory_lane_banner_day_for_2004-05_illini/ Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN — Long before Bubba Chisholm won the heart of the Orange Krush, before he learned two scoops at Jarling's Custard Cup is heaven on a sweaty July afternoon, before he mailed his own highlight tape to Bruce Weber ...</p> <p>... Bubba rollerbladed his way into News-Gazette history.</p> <p>And how many Division I basketball players can say that?</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/08/illinis_bubba_chisholm_a_special_delivery/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN - Thanks to a gutsy freshman, Illinois avoided what could have been a loss in an exhibition game Sunday.</p> <p>Peorian D.J. Richardson poured in 23 points, including eight straight midway through the second half, to lead No. 23 Illinois to an 84-63 win against Division II Quincy University at the Assembly Hall.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/08/live_from_assembly_hall/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – On a powerhouse roster at Findlay Prep, D.J. Richardson wasn't the go-to guy.</p> <p>Sometimes he wasn't Option A, B or C – at least on offense.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/08/ui_men_84_quincy_63/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Illini legends, lists & lore</p> <p>Luther Head</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/08/legends_lists_and_lore_luther_head/ Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p> “This year’s event is going to be the best yet and my foundation, The Point of Hope and I are excited to be a part of it," Deron Williams said. "The talent is high and the competition looks great.  It is a privilege to be supporting a great event and I wish every team and every player continued success.”</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/06/everything_you_need_to_know_about_the_shootout_at_the_hall/ Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>News you can't leave work without:</strong></p> <p>The fourth Shootout at the Hall will feature a point guard showdown between Chicago Mount Carmel's Tracy Abrams and Peoria Central's Bobo Drummond.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/06/5_oclock_shadow/ Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – Perceptions based on experience are not easily changed. So the idea that the Big Ten may be returning to the center ring in the basketball circus will take some getting used to.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/05/tate_big_ten_hoops_is_big_time_again/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Twice a week, we'll spotlight an Illini-related video on YouTube.</p> <p>Today: Gene Keady goes ballistic at the Assembly Hall.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/05/youtube_and_the_illini/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>We've got two to give away for Sunday's exhibition game against Quincy (4 p.m. start).</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/05/last_call_for_illinois_basketball_tickets/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>News you can't leave work without:</strong></p> <p>Pairings for the fourth Shootout at the Hall will be announced Friday morning.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/05/5_oclock_shadow/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>Each weeknight leading up to the season opener, beat writer Paul Klee will have an update on the Illini or the 2009-10 basketball season: </strong>Illinois and Purdue coaches - joined by analysts Stephen Bardo and Steve Lavin - raise money and share stories at the Beef House in Covington (Ind.)</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/04/nightcap_illini_boilers_entertain_beef_house/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>College basketball writer Paul Klee spent Big Ten media day harassing some of the bigger names. We hit them with three pressing - and not-so-pressing - questions. Here's their take on the 2009-10 season:</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/03/shooting_threes_klee_from_big_ten/ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Three more: Paul Klee's crystal ball is spinning. Here's his take on the 2009-10 season:</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/03/shooting_threes_big_ten_predictions/ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>News you can't leave work without:</strong></p> <p>Cubs rookie pitcher Randy Wells grew up an Illinois fan. On Feb. 6, the Belleville native will be surrounded by orange and blue as the marquee speaker at UI baseball's annual Hot Stove Banquet in C-U.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/03/5_oclock_shadow_randy_wells_coming_to_c-u/ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>7 p.m. each weekday leading up to the season opener, beat writer Paul Klee will have an update on the Illini or the 2009-10 basketball season: </strong>Minnesota could take the biggest hit with a roster that isn't at 100 percent</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/03/nightcap_big_tens_best_not_at_full_strength/ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – Shaun Pruitt wants to leap into the fire. Calvin Brock is content to simmer a while longer.</p> <p>Illinois whipped Southern Illinois-Edwardsville 78-58 in Friday's exhibition opener at the Assembly Hall, but the story of the night was the divergent paths chosen by the Illini's freshman duo.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/02/memory_lane_2004-05_illini_get_going/ Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Four Big Ten players were recognized on the AP preseason All-American team, although none on the first team.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/02/two_jayhawks_highlight_preseason_all-american_voting/ Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>7 p.m. each weekday leading up to the season opener, beat writer Paul Klee will have an update on the Illini or the 2009-10 basketball season:</strong><br /> D.J. Richardson reflects on his first exhibition game at Illinois</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/11/02/nightcap_richardson_aims_for_matto_title/ Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Purdue picks up commitment from promising 2012 recruit out of Champaign.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/31/centrals_simpson_commits_to_purdue/ Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – Midway through the second half at the Assembly Hall, a courtside observer discovered what the Illinois coaches have known for years.</p> <p><em>"Watch that Brandon Paul. He could be pretty good."</em></p> <p>It wasn't rocket science, or even figuring out the formula for Matto points. But Paul's natural gifts were evident during No. 23 Illinois' 95-67 exhibition win against Missouri Southern on Friday.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/30/illinois_95_missouri_southern_67/ Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>ROSEMONT – Illinois will start four juniors in today's exhibition basketball opener against Missouri Southern.</p> <p>It is a special class, the deadeye quartet of Mike Davis, Mike Tisdale, Demetri McCamey and Alex Legion forming the nucleus of Bruce Weber's seventh UI team. They contributed to 24 wins and a second-place finish in the Big Ten last season.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/30/tate_leagues_new_stars_a_junior_class_act/ Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Freshman Joseph Bertrand has some swelling in his right knee and sat out Thursday's practice at Ubben. He's considered questionable for Friday's exhibition game against Missouri Southern. You'll remember Bertrand underwent surgery on the knee in September.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/30/klee_on_bertrand/ Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>College basketball writer Paul Klee will be providing updates on Twitter from Big Ten media day at the Crown Plaza O'Hare in Chicago.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/29/klee_at_big_ten_media_day/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Illinois is receiving votes in the preseason USA Today-ESPN men's college basketball poll.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/29/illinois_misses_cut_in_coaches_poll/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Bruce Weber's Illini open the 2009-10 season ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press preseason men's basketball poll.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/29/illinois_no_23_in_the_ap_poll/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>News you can't leave work without:</strong> Don't put too much stock in Illinois' starting lineup in the exhibition game Friday - Bruce Weber often changes the lineup for the regular season</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/29/5_oclock_shadow/ Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>7 p.m. each weekday leading up to the season opener, beat writer Paul Klee will have an update on the Illini or the 2009-10 basketball season: </strong>Our preseason Associated Press Top 25 ballot and All-American team</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/28/nightcap_klees_top_25_poll/ Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>7 p.m. each weekday leading up to the season opener, beat writer Paul Klee will have an update on the Illini or the 2009-10 basketball season: </strong>Illinois schedule mostly includes teams expected to finish in the middle-of-the-pack in their leagues</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/27/nightcap_polling_illinis_opponents/ Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Based on Sunday's Orange & Blue Scrimmage outpouring at the Assembly Hall – 171 points in 32 minutes – Illinois has a bevy of jump-shooting deadeyes</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/26/tate_illini_back_to_their_scoring_ways/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN - You put the All-Big Ten backcourt on one side in an intrasquad scrimmage, and it's supposed to cruise.</p> <p>So in the last of three 10-minute Orange and Blue scrimmages Saturday night, an Orange team featuring Dee Brown and Deron Williams — the 2003 and 2004 preseason Big Ten players of the year — should've cruised, right?</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/26/memory_lane_orange_blue_scrimmage_in_04/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>On Thursday, the Big Ten will release it's All-Big Ten men's basketball team, including its Preseason Player of the Year. Here's your chance to tell us who's going to win. </p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/26/give_us_your_big_ten_basketball_mvp/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>7 p.m. each weekday leading up to the season opener, beat writer Paul Klee will have an update on the Illini or the 2009-10 basketball season: </strong>Teammates say Legion's conditioning, extra work translated into promising Orange & Blue performance</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/26/nightcap_legion_heats_up_now_must_perform_in_games/ Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Beat writer Paul Klee's five things that stood out at Sunday's Orange & Blue Scrimmage at the Assembly Hall</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/25/quick_take_5_things_from_ob_scrimmage/ Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>CHAMPAIGN – Exhausted cheers echoed around the Illinois practice facility. A three-hour marathon of a practice finally came to a close.</p> <p>Players tugged at their sweat-dripping jerseys. Demetri McCamey, a veteran, slumped into a courtside chair with an ice bag on either knee. "I'm getting old," he offered with a laugh.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/25/mccamey_a_new_man/ Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>7 p.m. each weekday leading up to the season opener, beat writer Paul Klee will have an update on the Illini or the 2009-10 basketball season: </strong>Three things to watch in Sunday's Orange & Blue Scrimmage</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/23/nightcap_what_to_watch_at_ob_scrimmage/ Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>7 p.m. each weekday leading up to the season opener, beat writer Paul Klee will have an update on the Illini or the 2009-10 basketball season: </strong>Bruce Weber says he would list three freshmen among the top seven players in practice so far</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/22/nightcap_freshmen_impressing_weber/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>Twice a week, we'll spotlight an Illini-related video on YouTube.</p> <p>Today: <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables /> <w:SnapToGridInCell /> <w:WrapTextWithPunct /> <w:UseAsianBreakRules /> <w:UseFELayout /> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <mce:style><! /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} --> <!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alex Dragicevich</span></p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/22/youtube_and_the_illini/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>x</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/22/orange_and_blue_scrimmage_ticket_winners/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p><strong>News you can't leave work without:</strong></p> <p>Will the Big Ten continue to put on a men's basketball tournament after the current deal with Indianapolis runs out in 2012? Commissioner Jim Delany isn't sure.</p> <p> </p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/22/5_oclock_shadow/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST <p>One of the most powerful figures in college sports isn't interested in leaving his job as Big Ten commissioner to run the NCAA. On the job since 1989, the former North Carolina basketball player still has work to do in the Big Ten, from fine-tuning the conference's television network to figuring out what to do with its men's basketball tournament. Sports editor JIM ROSSOW tracked down Delany this week to discuss Illinois' struggles in football, Iowa's chances of making the BCS title game and the commissioner's future.</p> http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2009/10/22/questions_for_jim_delany/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 CST