Maryland: Maniscalco is the man
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — As they walked toward the bus with a 71-62 win against Maryland, Illinois roommates Sam Maniscalco and Brandon Paul had plenty to look forward to when they got home.
For one, their apartment was probably spotless.
"I always thought I was a neat freak," Paul said late Tuesday. "He's actually cleaner than I am."
Oh, that crafty Maniscalco is full of surprises.
Be honest. How many of you really, sincerely, truly believed a 6-foot transfer from the Missouri Valley Conference would be this beastly at Illinois?
Welcome to Sammy's world. He quieted the Comcast Center and is doing the same to those who doubted a former Bradley point guard could compete with the, ahem, big boys.
"I think I've heard it (the doubts) since I was 10 years old," Maniscalco said with a smile after scoring a team-high 24 points to help Illinois win in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. "I thrive on that."
The Illini MVP through seven games made big play after big play to hold off the Terps (3-3).
Some were conventional, such as the three-pointer that gave Illinois (7-0) a 42-41 lead. Others were physically unthinkable, such as the twisting, left-handed layup in traffic that made it 63-57.
"It's kind of hard to understand how he can get in there and make layups," said Bruce Weber, whose program is fortunate Maniscalco was available on the college free-agency market. "But he just has that knack. He wants the ball at the end of the game."
"He's unbelievable," Meyers Leonard (12 points) added.
The Illini's third straight win in the Challenge hardly was a one-man show. That courteous roommate, Paul, snapped from a mini-slump and scored 17 points. His first-half hustle helped Illinois stay within four points at half and win the Matto battle, 28-21.
Tuesday's ESPN showcase was the first chance for Illinois to show what it is made of. It was also an introduction for Maniscalco, who didn't have the same type of exposure at Bradley.
Consider Illinois' fortunes so far if Maniscalco had stayed at Bradley for his fifth season. Tuesday marked the third tight game where he made the biggest plays, following wins against Richmond and Illinois State.
"We should be proud to wear this (Illinois) jersey," said Maniscalco, whose career high is 31 points during an MVC tournament game. "It's a privilege to put on this uniform."
I believe the reason Sam is so successful with the Illini is because he didn't have to endure the previous 4 years under Weber's coaching. Coach Les at Bradley didn't scream at him non-stop during games and destroy his confidence in putting the ball in the hoop. Sam is independent-minded and is the leader we've desperately needed. The same way that Deron Williams was when Bruce Weber took over the program during the Final Four basketball season. Deron was groomed to be a leader by Bill Self. Not sure that Bruce Weber knows how to develop leadership skills in his players.
A dandy win and folks should stop doubting the little fireplug, Maniscalco.
But, Myers Foul Machine Leonard is still immature and whiny. He needs to grow a pair and stop whining to refs. Funny we don't hear more on this from the Sleepy Gazoo. Maybe that gets in the way of asking players their favorite colors.
I'm so tired of Bruce Weber haters. Why are you even Illini fans if all you are going to do is complain ALL of the time about your coach, your team, etc.? He's a good coach who cares about his players. And the reason why Derron Williams was so successful was NOT because of Bill Self's grooming - that just started the process. Derron Williams is successful because of his talent, and his willingness to work hard under BOTH coaches. And what coach doesn't yell at his players from the sideline? If he didn't, you'd all be complaining that he was "soft." If these kids work hard, they will be successful under Weber. Just don't forget that they are kids, and that this is a college program and that they will lose games this season. Be good fans, be supportive of your team through the ups AND downs - thats what true fans do.
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