I come away from Sunday’s Illinois-Michigan State game not sure if I learned any more about Illinois, but pretty sure I learned a little more about Michigan State.
What I learned about Michigan State would require me to revise something I said in a recent blog while discussing the quality of teams in the Big Ten Conference. I believe I said I didn’t think a Big Ten team would make it to the Elite Eight. Great balance in the league but maybe not an elite team to break through.
Michigan State showed me something Sunday. If blessed with generally good health – and that’s been the issue they have battled all season – Michigan State has the athleticism, the quickness, the depth, the ability to play in a physical game and the proven coaching to go deep into the tournament.
I don’t know if they will, but they could. I wouldn’t want to play them.
I have to admire the way the Spartans played in the 74-66 victory over the Illini Sunday, the way they mixed lineups, relied on a deep and talented bench, used their quickness to attack the basket and withstood an assault from the crowd after Illinois battled back from 11 down to tie the game 58-58 on Jeff Jordan’s steal and driving basket.
At that moment, with just over seven minutes left in the game, the Assembly Hall was the loudest it has been all season.
Illinois fought back largely because it was able to do damage inside with Mike Tisdale, who scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half. But when Goran Suton got into foul trouble, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo made a decision to put 6-11, 260-pound senior Idong Ibok on Tisdale and that ended up being a more effective matchup for Sparty.
From that point forward, I felt Illinois’ guards underperformed. There were careless turnovers and way too often the offense ended up settling for forced plays late in the shot clock. And, on those times when Illinois did get a good look, the ball did not fall. I think particularly to that wide open on-the-run 3-pointer Meacham had. That would have been a big basket, but it just didn’t go.
In those final seven minutes of the game, Michigan State proved to be the better team on this day. And, frankly, when healthy, Michigan State is (in my opinion) clearly the best team in the league. This victory clinched at least a share of the Big Ten title and I would expect the outright championship to be locked up Tuesday night at Indiana.
Congratulations to the Spartans. A job well done.
As for the Illini, this was a good game to be playing now. This is the type of game you may have to win to reach the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Illinois fell behind 7-0 at the start of the game and got slapped in the face right out of the box in the second half.
Can’t happen in a big game. Those create the holes you end up digging out of all day. So there’s a lesson to be learned if the team is so inclined.
Also, if Illinois gets into a battle with a team that is tougher on the glass (Michigan State led 35-30), Illinois almost has to win the turnover battle in order to win the game. And that didn’t happen. Illinois had 17 turnovers, Michigan State 11.
McCamey had five turnovers and, overall, had a disappointing game. This is a game where they need him to be stronger with the ball and they probably need him to make more than three baskets. Kalin Lucas clearly outplayed him, which is why Lucas could end up being Big Ten Player of the Year. Lucas not only attacked the basket, he finished at the basket. He was the best player on the floor.
The second half started with just two referees. Steve Olson did not answer the second-half bell so Ed Hightower and Tom O’Neill handled the action until Olson returned at the 15:42 mark. He was wearing a bandage on his left wrist, where he’d received an IV. Feeling puny, I’m told, and, frankly, he looked a little pale.
It was also a good game for Tisdale to be reminded not to underestimate himself. He can wheel and deal in there and that hook shot from the baseline has a lot of touch. And, this season, if he draws contact he can make free throws. Tisdale was 7 for 7 from the free throw line and Illinois was 16 of 19 as a team. Nothing wrong with that.
The three starting guards (McCamey, Meacham, Frazier) were a combined 7-for-22 shooting with nine assists and eight turnovers. Not good enough to beat a pretty talented team.
Michigan State could make a tournament run. Let’s see if it will help Illinois to have played them this late in the season.
Oh, yes, I had a nice visit with Deon Thomas after his jersey was raised into the rafters at halftime.
Deon hasn’t been back on campus for a basketball event since he graduated in 1994. Illinois’ all-time leading scorer has played extensively in Europe, especially in Spain, and bounced back from a serious knee injury to play even more, last season ending his pro career in Israel.
This past season has was assistant varsity coach and head JV coach at the University School in Pembrook Pines, Fla., outside of Ft. Lauderdale. Deon said the varsity team finished 22-6, its first 20-victory season. I’ll take him at his word.
He loved the greeting given to him by Illini fans and said he was astonished to see some of the changes that have taken place since he left, including the Ubben practice facility and the “orange” Assembly Hall.
“There are no words to really describe it,” he said, smiling as always as he looked around the Hall.
Weber invited Thomas to address the team prior to the game and he thanked the seniors for their contributions and told them to “do what you do best. It’s going to be a physical fight. Take what you want,” he said.
Despite scoring more points than any player in Illini history, Thomas never won a Big Ten title, a fact that he would like to have changed. “The points are nice but I would rather have had a title,” he said.
Thomas said it won’t be long before he’s back again. “If coach needs me, all he has to do is call.”
He is also not surprised his record has endured. “Not really, because guys are leaving after two or two years. Not many stay four years.”
When he played at Illinois, Deon Thomas was always a soft-spoken, smiling, incredible likable guy. On Sunday, that’s exactly the way he still seems. He was always one of my favorites and not just because I covered every minute of his emotional story with the Bruce Pearl accusations, the NCAA investigation and all of that. Like I said, he was just an incredibly likeable young man.
I always wished Lou Henson could have put a big, bulky center along side of him. Deon would have made a heck of a power forward.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:52 pm
McCamey wilted from the start, had his couple of moments, but looked timid in crunch time. The announcers compared him to Deron’s build, but that’s where the comparisons end. He has the talent, but is lazy and doesn’t look confident out there. And can someone please tell him to stop the behind the back dribble!!
March 1st, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Mark
Living in Wheaton, I really enjoy your honest coverage of the Illini.
Totallly agree about today’s game. We seam to lack that one tough player that can emotionally change games on either side of the floor. When I think it might be Davis, he disappears in the last few minutes and makes a soft turn over on an entry pass…when push came to shove (Big Ten basketball….) we lost because Izzo had a big guy to neutralize Tisdale, and they guarded the perimeter making it tough for our guards.
We had better not look past PSU either. A loss Thursday and we could be a 5 seed in the Big Ten tourney, which could be trouble winning the first game. Going into the NCAA with 3 straight loses spells ….what do you think…a…8 . 9 seed in the Big Dance?
Russ
March 1st, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Hopefully we rebound against PS and in the BTT! We certainly didn’t rebound much today. At least we finally got some free throws. 19, is that the most all year? GO ILLINI!
March 1st, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Mark, I could not agree with you more. We just didn’t have the horses and could not get over the hump. The turnovers and Hightower led us to defeat. When Davis got shoved after the whistle was blown, a T should have been called. But MSU is the better team and my hat goes off to Tom Izzo and the Spartans.
March 1st, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Yes MIchigam state was and is the better team.. Im sick and tired of watching this illini team run the shot clock down to nearly 0 in the last 6-7 minutes of each game.. Its getting old. If coach Weber cant come up with something better to run and get a shot off then get someone else in there that can. This has happened time and time again this year. What is the problem??? One we dont have enough talent over there.. 6 years and no big time player! Another problem is the way Weber coaches. How about running some SET plays for guys to get open shots. Is it a crime to double screen for a good shooter. Maybe Meachum or davis??? Get the ball to the players that are hot. Davis did not touch the ball down the stretch? Tisdale did not touch the ball in the 1st half. Im sorry this team yes has overachieved but Weber will never make any adjustements during the game.. This goes for offense and especially on DEFENSE. How about playing a zone once in a while. State had what 42 points in the paint. A ton of points on Layups. They are not a great outside shooting team?? Maybe someone should tell that awesome coaching staff we have over there??
March 1st, 2009 at 9:33 pm
As Tupps said, the better team won today.
*
You just can’t lose the turnover battle and the rebounding battle and expect to beat a team like Michigan State. The turnovers that *really* bothered me, though, were all those sloppy, lazy inbounds passes under THEIR basket (following a made basket,) that led immediately to a steal and ANOTHER EASY basket for MSU. No excuse for that, IMHO!
-Zoik
March 1st, 2009 at 10:12 pm
am I the only person to wonder why legion had 15 points in 23 minutes at East Lansing and only got three minutes today when our guards were so bad
March 1st, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Great thoughts Tupp.
*
I still think DMac is tryng to be a star with the shot clock at 10 and counting. Plenty of time for a couple passes, cuts and get a good shot. Nope, everyone knows he wants to take the shot. I’d wager he is shooting 10-20%. If you want to shoot..and he does…give it up, move, then get it back in the flow. I also think DMac thinks he’s quicker than his body allows. Yes, he gets some buckets on the drive, but again the % is so low and he almost never gets to the line. Mostly a costly turnover. My last complaint is he doesn’t use a screen properly. He’s always wide around the screen rendering it useless. Final comment on DMac. With the talent coming in, I hope they are good enough to push DMac to excel or push him out of the way.
*
MSU is the better team, but we still had our chances and battled the whole game. But 18 turnovers isn’t gonna cut it. Many lazy, weak, bad decisions that really hurt momentum every time it started to change in our favor.
*
Would someone please RUN (Trent excepted) not jog on our out-of-bounds plays. Not hard to guard someone who is not trying to get away.
*
With all that venting, I thought we battled well and began to rebound with more desire. I hope the kids coming in have some toughness, because alot of it is graduating.
*
Peace Brothers
March 1st, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Tupps, your headline summed it up, the better team won. Im not sure how that happened when according to Brooks and some others ( Defense wins championships) and we were,according to the stats, the best defensive team in the conference. So how could the better defensive team lose at home in a big game with the big ten championship up for grabs. Maybe like i have been argueing with brooks and some others, we need to be able to play some offense too. If you watched this game soley for the entertainment, it had some good laughs. Like trying to watch us run a fast break. Man you never know when were gonna throw it over the backboard, or dribble it off are foot, or just dribble it right out of bounds. Sometimes we just pass it straight to the opposeing team. Its easy to see we dont spend much time running the break in practice. If you watched are guys towards the end of the game, you could see they were getting tired. Sure there breathing might of been ok, but you could tell there legs were about gone. You need your legs to shoot, amoung other things. Why this coach is so stubborn about getting his starters a few mins rest in the second half, so there fresher at the end of the game during the final stretch run, is beyond me. As bad as Dmac was playing in the sec half, I dont understand why Brock and Jordon didnt get to play more.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:00 am
I think Penn State is alot more physical then Michigan State. I have seen all the Big Ten Games. Penn State is physical and talented skills.
The most dissappointment out of the season is Weber knew what he had and he didn’t adjust the team to play according. With Davis and Tisdale and somewhat lesser Keller and Brock this team should of initiated the offense in the post, pick and row, and flashes. The purpose to take advantage of the skills, size and athelectism provide by the four. These four could of made the perimenter game alot easier. All day Tisdale and Davis could of ate up the MS front. They couldn’t guard Tis. The problem is the guards didn’t look to put it into the post. It was like they were determine to run the 3 perimenter shooters through screens until one was open for a 20 foot shot. That has to stop. Post first then Perimenter. That is my beef.
Everyone that saw the game knows we loss the way we always lose…crappy ball handling, timidness, poor shot selection. How many fast breaks were screwed up? Weber needs someone that can rebound with Davis or expect Davis pull 20 plus boards.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:47 am
Will someone tell Hightower to hang up his whistle. He is fat, slow and can’t see very well. I have been watching this guy screw Illinois for years and can’t wait to see him gone. I have never figured out how he gets big games? I thought the officiating was the worse of the year. I’m glad these two guys aren’t working in the old days, when there was only two officials. They couldn’t keep up Hightower was out of position several times when they were working with 2 officials. What happen to Davis the second half? He played great the first half and played awful the second half. Wow, did you see Legion almost make that layup. Do you people still think Weber should be playing him? I would rather see Cole play more. Keller was throwing up shots that didn’t have a chance at going in. He was playing one on one all night. Cole has to be better than those two guys. I really see the Illinois weakness tonight. The only Sub for Tisdale is Keller and the only guard replacement is Jordon. Brock must have got tied up with senior night, he didn’t play with much control either. The better team one and Illinois needs to get back to their team philosophy if they want to win over Penn State. But, I still thrilled with the season and no matter what happens the rest of the year, it has been a sucessful season.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:19 am
I would agree with Maybe, I would guess this is the most points allowd in the paint this season. I remarking during the game Davis kind of vanished in he second half, perhaps a stamnia issue A couple of ill-advised 3’s by Trent down the stretch, but you could almost tell he wanted to lead and how much he wanted it. Legion will have his change to lead next year. Our seniors have really elevated the team’s level of intensity and willingness to work hard, I hope that will carry over next year. Another tough one at PSU, hopes it’s “payback time.” crk
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:21 am
Oh yeah what do Bruce Weber, Roy Williams, and Tom Crean all have in common?
None of them played college basketball. crk
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:31 am
JG, I couldn’t agree with your comments aout Demetri more! I don’t like to single players out, but IMO this loss hangs solely on DMac. His lazy, sloppy turnovers late in the second half killed any momentum they had going. Dmac can be very, very good and then he can be very, very flat. Let’s hope the ‘good’ DMac shows up for PSU and the BTT.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:49 am
Clane, I couldn’t agree with you more. If motion is not going to work you need something else. They got beat because they took to many outside shots late in the game without Tis or Davis touching the ball down low. Our guards also gave up more lay ups and dunks than I have seen us give up this year. They played horrible. If you can’t get a shot in the first 10 seconds of that motion you better start looking for Tis on the block. I think he is going to be hard to guard next year. Meachum just doesn’t have the talent we need him to have.
March 2nd, 2009 at 7:58 am
Maybe - Don’t forget at least three times MSU wound the clock to 1 second and didn’t get a good shot. Also they had one 5 second call, bailed on one with a time out and should have had a third call. It is not just Illinois who gets locked up in the offense.
*
I watched the end of the ‘89 IU classic game. What do I see HIGHTOWER. The guy is everywhere.
*
This was the best I have seen MSU this year. If they play the games they played against Iowa, PSU and NW we blow them out. When they hit all cylinders they are really tough.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:22 am
It all came down to turnovers and more importantly points after turnovers. It’s one thing to get a turnover it’s another to score points off of it and MST did just that and therefore won the game. Our turnovers were ones you might see in a grade school game…..embarrassing!
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:36 am
Speaking of Hightower what the heck was he doing in the middle of Michigan State’s huddles during many of the timeouts. I was at the game and many people in the crowd were curious to why that was. I could understand them being semi-close to the huddle, but to be next to the coach as he was drawing up plays was very strange. I guess he wanted to be in the right position to call a foul on the Illini.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:37 am
SHELLY CLARK was what 6′8″ and 250? He played Deon’s Senior year. How soon they forget.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:47 am
First, Illinois did not play horrible. They were in the game until the final whistle.
Second, both teams made dumb mistakes; Illinois made more.
Third, MSU does have more and better athletes. Our guards are short (and so was their star), slower and clumsier than MSU.
(Cue: bash Weber for his poor recruiting and omit the whole saga of how Smith took himself off the team, etc. Please, no nuance or analysis here, just bash. Being sarcastic, BTW).
When the choice is between no pass and a tough pass to the interior, the guards sometimes make the bad pass and get picked off, and sometimes choose to look for a different play. Not one of them is tall enough or bulky enough or fearless enough to go inside and get pounded — plus ball handling is an issue with all three.
(Cue again to bash Weber)
Despite these deficiencies, which have been apparent all season long, Illinois was in the game and playing hard. They were disruptive on defense. They didn’t give up when Hightower and his gang refused to call MSU for all those fouls. I, for one, am proud of this team, the way they played and the coaching staff for a plan that gave them the best chance to win against a team that legitimately could be a final four team.
Pass the kool aid, and Go Illini.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 am
We can live with a loss like because as most have indicated and agree, the better team won although I don’t think that was the case when the teams played in east lansing. It’s those 33-point games against penn state and 36-point games against minnesota where it looked like they put forth only a half-hearted effort that are unacceptable. That goes back to coaching.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:14 am
Too many turnovers by the guards and McCamey decided not to show up. Quit dribbling between your legs and behind your back, this isn’t an All-star game. He’s effective when he penetrates and passes the ball. When he doesn’t, were just an average team. Give MSU credit, but we have to learn from this loss.
*
dp- Hard to justify more minutes for Legion when he blows an easy layups and then stands around on defense.
*
Bball- The $5 for a Zook hat sounds priced just about right. Does Zooking someone mean to not use ones talents to the best of there abilities?
*
I’m waiting for KYM to post about how much better Izzo and MSU are than us despite the fact that he probably didn’t even watch the game.
*
The best way to get Meachum open? Get the ball inside. If they have to double Tis, Machum can get open. Now lets rebound and beat PSU. Then all we need is for Purdue to lose to NW or MSU and we are the #2 seed.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
I agree namber. MSU rose to the ocasion. I also saw the Iowa, PSU and NW games, looked like playgound team.
What is is this with just get the ball inside the eveything will be right with the world? Tisdale and Davis were pretty well defended, its not like there were a massive number of open-looks that the guards were unable to take advantage of. crk
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
First off, people, you can’t blame this game on 1 player. It was not McCamey’s fault, although he did contribute. He actually played some good D, and was the only one driving to the basket. I don’t think he can help not getting calls that Lucas would.
*
MSU is fast. Seeing them on TV doesn’t do justice to their transition game. The ball was down the court ridiculously fast sometimes.
*
I think the points in the paint were bloated. A significant amount came on transition baskets. I thought Tis and MD could’ve blocked a little better, but Lucas made some circus shots. Also, maybe, if you actually watched games, you’d see that Meachum was double screened at least 3 times.
*
Remeber this guys: We played MSU tough, and we even had a chance to come back in the last minute if the stooge hadn’t called Trent for a intentional. Many thought they had a great game, and we played them tough, and I think that bodes well.
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:41 am
I agree–MSU is the better team. They have better individual players and a much deeper bench than we do. Lucas really impressed me–even super defender Frazier couldn’t stay with him. That said, we still had many chances to win the game. Poor decision-making and sloppy ballhandling (and, I agree with Gator, the worst officiated game I’ve seen all year) eliminated our chances. We have over-achieved this year, and I gave the credit for that to Weber, but…see below…
—
I have to vent again about substitutions. Raymar Morgan had 22 minutes as one of the first off the bench for MSU. Discounting the last few seconds with Cole, Jackson, and Bubba, our entire bench played 22 minutes. I realize Legion looked bad on his only two shots, Brock had foul trouble, and Keller, well, I don’t know what to say about Keller…Still, we cannot go into the last five minutes with our starters having played so many minutes, when so much is required of our players on the defensive end. Jordan played incredibly well for the few minutes he was in the game. Brock is a senior, on senior day, let him play until he fouls out if needed. We have Cole and Semrau. And Legion still needs more minutes (and the team needs Legion to get more minutes). KYM says we need to play our bench more in preparation for next year–I take that a step further and say we need to play our bench more in preparation for the end of games this year. Ok, I feel better again.
—
On to PSU this week. Let’s end the regular season on a high.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:08 am
Not quite ready for prime time.
Clearly nothing gets our guards more rattled than the crowd chanting down the shot clock. Wish they’d stop that.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:21 am
why is it that Legion is the only one that has to play great defense to get playing time when Davis. Tisdale and McCamey have trouble guarding anyone and they play all the time. Legion is supposed to be a shooter, but he has not gotten the chance to show his skill at 3 minutes per game. There are times in a game where you need some offense.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:26 am
I don’t agree with the statement “THE BETTER TEAM WON”….our beloved ILLINI were the best team….the trouble is….they just are too young to realize it….maybe this game will be a good slap in the face!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 am
Man, the talent differential was on full display yesterday wasn’t it. (We need some of that). I didn’t notice it nearly as much when we played them earlier. The lazy passes, turn overs and wasted possessions, Geez I thought we we’re better than that. Brooks, I’m with you, Legion blowing that bunnie about sums it up doesn’t it? Evidently he can’t handle the pressure( he’s putting on himself).
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 am
illiniwhirlpool- I agree, the substitutions aren’t nearly often enough. I like the way Weber normally subs in the first half, but he sticks with the starters way too much in the 2nd half. You could see that Davis was gassed at the end. I don’t like JJ playing with Frazier. Too little offense. He should come in to spell Frazier.
*
Keep in mind everyone, that we are ahead of schedule. A very good shot to finish 2nd in the Big Ten. 12-6. Who would have thought that? We lost to a good MSU team that is finally healthy. Lets get them back in the tourney.
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:27 am
Good game. However, can everyone now see why it will be a blessing when BOTH Meachum and Chester are gone? Neither can get their own shot.
I can’t wait to get some guys who actually can. (See Lucas on MSU) Clawing back and then staring at each other through one poor possession after another. that was painful!!
*
Bootheel - Are you kidding me? The fans are trying to help!! Especially, since it seems as if they didn’t, the team would never realize they are actually supposed to be going TOWARDS the basket.
*
Brooksy- WOW!! Your ideas of how to get Trent open sound a lot like the “high Low” to me. We all know (especially YOU) that Self teaches this and thus it must be evil and wrong. Also, it never would have worked with Deron, Dee Luther and one Charlie Villanueva.
*
Arter - I will admit that I am wrong about Tisdale in regards to his future status. I think he has HUGE holes in his game, BUt he has a beautfiul hook shot (and I LOVE the hook shot) AND he should most definitiely earn at least 3rd team ALL big ten.
*
Luke- Even I was dissapointed in McCamey. I give him props for trying to get to the basket. However, his ability to finish (at least in this game) was WOEFUL!!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:48 am
Brooks, wanna talk about useing someone to the best of there abilities, Hows Legion been doing lately. How about semarau. How many 25 point games did Keller have last year, and hows his scoreing this year? Maybe, in your mind, Zook doesnt play his players like you want him too. But at least he doesnt take away from them, what they do best.
Bootheel, I wish the team would quit running out the shot clock. Sometimes, the clock countdown, is the only thing the crowd has to cheer about are offense.
Exactly what i have been saying Illiniwhirlpool. Why this stubborn defensive minded coach hates to play and improve his bench play is unbeleviable. Well it came back to bite him yesterday.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:25 pm
It seems to me like it did come down to the night the guards were having. Compare it to the OSU game in Colombus. Now fast forward to the NCAA, we’ll be done the night we seize up from the outside like Sunday. But, if we can shoot a little bit, a couple of wins are possible.
I have a bad feeling about the B10 tourney for some reason.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Illini Gator…I see what you mean about that home court advantage.
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
First comment is “McCamey wilted.” Last comment (as of my posting) “not quite ready for prime time.”
Geez guys. What game were you watching? The CBS announcers got it right: the sum of our parts is better than the individual athletes - and oh, are we fun to watch when we play well!
We played great for much of the game, against a great team, and we had great coverage on CBS. I was SO proud of our guys for fighting back. How big was Jordan, after giving up a turnover, when he stole the ball, took the contact, and scored! That was his biggest play of his career, and talk about decibels!
It was a disappointing but not surprising end. After we tied them, we looked a little out of gas, or maybe State just took it to the next level.
I thought Weber was crazy at the beginning of the year when he talked about getting 24 regular season wins, but here we are - win at Penn State for number 24!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Coach don’t start McCamey at penn.A no show should not start.Even though MSU had better horses a good chance five players might have won instead of four only playing.
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
BBJones: sorry, I meant to give you a “shout-out” when I started venting about substitutions. Your previous blog was what got me going.
—
whippersnapper: I too have bad feelings about tournament settings when everyone you play already knows you well. I try to make myself feel better by remembering that we know the other teams as well as they know us. I have much better feelings about the NCAA when we get the chance to go against teams that don’t go up against us or other B10 teams often. Defensive intensity often can counter a team of more offensively skilled players. We just have to be able to maintain the intensity-so here’s hoping we SUBSTITUTE MORE.
—
Brooksy: we are way ahead of schedule, at least way ahead of where I though we be this year. I also like your attitude that we get another shot at MSU. Remember the old saying “It’s hard to beat a team three times.” Ouch, that made me remember Michigan in 1989.
—
Jessica: I agree with your three points. I would be interested in your perspective on what team played with more purpose (like the game meant something).
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I also think we played MSU tough, but they deserve credit for what they did. I think we got beat on the boards 35-30, which isn’t that bad against them. I know Weber has probably told DMac to drive the lane when he can, but I don’t think he’s making good choices as to when to do that. It seems like numerous times lately when he drives the lane, he leaves his feet with no place to go & noone to pass the ball to. Like Rosco said, maybe the new guys next year can push him some.
=
How can Hightower not call a T when Davis was shoved?
=
I really like & respect Izzo as a coach, but apparently he has quite a foul mouth on the sidelines. A friend of mine who sits in B section behind the benches said he could hear F words flying all over the place from the MSU bench. I guess that’s how he gets the players attention.
=
We’ve had a good year & I’m also proud of the Illini. I think we’ll get revenge Thursday against PSU. It will be interesting to see how the Illini play in the dance. Last Friday morning after the Illini had beaten Minny the night before, a BTN analyst said he thought the Illini were a sleeping giant going into the dance. I don’t know who he was or what his credentials are, but it’s still nice to hear something like that. I know, some of you will scoff at that, but I’m just a messenger. Go Illini!!
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Xavier-you and I agree on McCamey. His ability to finish was lacking this game, but I felt he could’ve drawn a foul on a couple of layups specifically. I just don’t want people to blame the whole game on him.
*
I think MSU did a good job of adjusting to Tisdale when he got going. I think Izzo got a little lucky that he was forced to take Suton out on fouls–he was getting blasted by the hook. Ibok came in and proceeded to maul Tisdale into obscurity (then Suton came back with Ibok and Tisdale was completely done). With our guards having mediocre shooting nights, we couldn’t recover.
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Bball- Legion hasn’t even played a full season yet. Don’t you think we should give him some time? Do you really want to grade Zook after his first season? Oh, and by the way, the talent is a little bit better in the Big Ten than in junior college. You are crazy if you expected 20+ ppg out of a JC player.
*
Xavier- High-Low is when the power forward catches the ball 15 feet out and lobs to the center, or vice versa. The motion uses ball movement and the guards pass the ball in the post. There’s a big difference. Chester and Meachum lack the height to effectively pass the ball into the post. That’s why I love the tall guards who are coming here. By the way, cheap shot on Chester during your last post. Give the kid credit. He got the most out of his talent this year. Cheap shot, Mr. Crow eater.
*
Fred Colvin- Put down the kool aid. Yes, we are young, but MSU is a much better team than us. They are one of the best rebounding teams in the country and have a good post game. The two things we lack when our shots aren’t falling. The better team did win.
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Illini fan. Illinois loses at Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin, but beats them at Illinois. Illinois beat Ohio State by 20 at Illinois and only won by 2 at OS. Illinois wins at Purdue by 4 in OT, but wins by 19 at home. They beat Indiana by 40 at Illinois, but win by 14 at Indiana. If this doesn’t prove any point to you, then you’re even less knowledgible that 99% of the fans who follow any kind of sports. Why don’t you vouleteer to coach a sport and learn something about the game. I suspect from the knowledge of the game, you should start with a pee wee team. Home court don’t matter much there. Illinois is not in Michigan States class right now, but will be soon.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
X-man - I’ll give you a lot of credit for manning up & admitting that you were wrong about Tisdale. I think he knows where the holes in his game are & he will work hard to fill them before next year. His stroke from the outside is already there, but that hook shot with either hand is going to be even harder to stop next year when he has a lot more confidence & muscle in the post. Maybe Archie will be a believer in the near future.
=
I think all of our sophomores will be much improved next year, including the ones coming off the bench. Starting out the season in the first semester next year should help Legion a lot. This year was a feeling-out process for them to see how they could compete. Mix in S Simpson & the new guys with them & I think there are a lot of possibilities for a lot of different combos of players next year. If the matchup calls for it, I would love to see us go big with Tis, Davis, & Simpson in at the same time on occasion next year. I know this year isn’t over yet, but I can’t help but dream a little already about the possibilities for next year & beyond.
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:42 pm
People like to say DMac is no DWill, but I think it’s important to remember DMac is a sophmore and will improve. He will also have inconsistencies as a soph. I would also suggest looking at the sophmore stats for both. I think we can still expect big things from McCamey. As a side note: I don’t think people should compare players all that much. Different players mature at different rates, and play differently. No two people or players are the same.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I have said for some time that I don’t see how Weber allows his starters to play the way they sometimes do but if a sub makes one mistake he is pulled out. No wonder their play becomes less than creative and cautious. He IMO really needs to get more players in the game to at least see what they can do. I know he sees them in practice but give them a break and see what they are capable of under game conditions. How can they be much worse than some of the starters sometimes play?
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Brooks-I’m no expert, but I thinks i see a lot of guards around the country distributing the ball down low and then get it back for a great shot. i didn’t know a power forward had to distribute the ball. Sometimes your comments are true head-shakers.
*
Not sure where my cheap shot on Chester was. In my world, the “no-call travel on him” when he was out of control on the break and passed it to himslef kind of sums up his offensive ability. I think he should get the Big 10 defensive player of the year award this year. he has earned it. However, having a guy who can’t pass and makes a low % of shots (and only the wide open looks he can’t create for himself) is not a good thing.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Oh, and I forgot to mention that our big guys are sticks.
Whirlpool — I think our team showed up to play. I also think they were overmatched at almost every position except center, which is where MSU was undertall until they put in that really big guy. This did not strike me as one of those games where they arrived sort of lackadaisical. Or however you spell that. This one hit me as a game where our guys had too much respect for the other team. I think MSU was in their heads. I really liked the way our guys played until that last 5 minutes or so when they just plain got outplayed.
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Brooks, Legion has been here for almost 2 years. I would at least think he should be ready by now, to give you a few mins each half. Keller scored at a high level in junior college. Not the big ten, but how good is the big ten? Just like Legion i think he should be good enough to get a few more mins a game. Face it Weber has not done a good job of getting these guys ready to play. Illiniwhirlpool, I think me and you are beating a dead horse wanting Weber to sub more. One Question i have for you and some others, Has this team improved sense the beginnig of the year. I dont think so. As a matter of fact, most of the bench has gotten worse as the season has gone along. Somebody beat me to the punch. Legion doesnt play much cause he gets beat on the defensive end at times. Now seeing he only played about 3 mins in the first half, Who then was getting beat by there guards driving to the basket, and on backdoor cuts the rest of the game? Lets see Chester and Trent played most of the game, and chester was on Lucas. Guess if Legion and Jordon would of played more,the guy they were guarding might of beat them to the basket. Now tell me again what would be the difference? Would we of lost alot on offense then? Guess thats why coach makes a million dollars a year. He sees more then we do.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I beg to differ with you, Mr. Tupper. While the Spartans looked pretty impressive, they did so against an IL team, with bunch of flunky coaches, which simply continue to underperform. I actually thought IL played better in its loss to MSU in East Lansing than they did at home yesterday…which means IL has got worse and MSU better as the year wore out. It also continues to prove my point that Weber teams and players hardly improve as the season, and years, wear out.
And then there is Weber’s infamous “blank period” (or “lapse”, if you prefer) in key games. It is bad enough that this guy has problem preparing his team for games that count (unispired, undisciplined, nervous, disroganized, etc., etc., etc), then his teams invariably go through these long durations where they not only can’t score, but play lousy (remeber the NCAA finals loss to NC? Same thing, then). I mean, come-on, man…how can you come back and tie the score and then go 5-7 minutes without a single basket…just three lousy FT points…and hand the game to the other team? It only happens (consistantly) to IL…no other team does this as often as Weber coached teams…it’s mind buggling…and it always happens in these key games. I mean, for goodness sake, give me a break.. every coach, that amounts to anythin, has a set play for times like these…when his team goes cold… he’d take a time out and put that play in, and get an easy basket and braek the ice…that is, every coach, except Weber…he is rapidly becoming known for these types of “blank periods” or “lapses” or “dead periods” or whatever the heck you wish to call them…he’s got them more than any other coach that I’ve ever seen…and I do watch an awful lot of college basketball.
Then there is his inability to teach these kids tough-inside-the-paint basketball. It was embarrasing to watch MSU players getting all those easy baskets inside, muscling their way to the basket without any resistance from the IL players. What the hack has happened to our guys? Weber has turned them into bunch of sissys with his stupid motion plays ending with a half-ass missed jump shot at the end…no rebounds, no forced plays, no dunks, no break away…no nothing!
The worse thing that happened to Weber and IL yesterday was that CBS showed the KS-Mo & IL-MSU back to back. For those of us who follow the career of these two coaches (Self and Weber), it was so easy to see what a raw deal we got, from our AD, Guenther, in losing Self and gaining this guy, Weber. Consider this…both of these two teams (IL & KS) started the season unranked with fairly young teams …and here they were at the end of the season playing crucial and very important games at home…Self beating the crap out of a ranked team, while Weber losing miserably to a another ranked team…bottom line, one team and its players have improved tremendously during the season, while the other has actually declined. CBS is too cruel…it shouldn’t have exposed Weber and his team’s deficiencies and shortcomings so openly to the Nation!
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Gator, that was a very funny reply to Illini Fan. Maybe he could start with t-ball. And I agree, Illinois will be in the MSU class, or better, very soon. Heck, they showed they are only a few points out of that class now.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
As much as I appreciate Frazier, Meacham and Brock I’m looking forward to some new faces. That will bring fresh discussion and debate to this board I’m sure. If you add Simpson to next years class that’s 5 new players, a lot to talk about…..
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Isn’t there a scenario in which we lose to Penn State and wind up tied for 3rd in the regular season with one or more teams? What would be the tie breaker in that case? Just trying to brighten your day a little.
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:28 pm
MSU is not that great of a team and they are not that much better than ILL. Remember this same team got beat by NW and PSU on their home court. So they must have had their two worst games of the year those nights (not to mention the beat down they took at Purdue two wks ago or the 18 pt beating to 10-loss Maryland at home, or the 35 pt loss to UNC)?? People are saying they played so well vs. Ill yesterday and they only really won it in the last 2-3 minutes???
+++
MSU is a team just like ILL, it has very little margin of error. Would it really surprise anyone if Wis, PSU, Mich, OSU, Pur, or ILL beat them in the B10 tourny? And they’re a potential #2 seed in the NCAA’s - got to be kidding me.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Hedgehog, what was impressive about Michigan States win was we were ranked number 20, we were playing at home in a big conference game, and we played about as good as we can play. We scored what 66 points, this offense doesnt score that many points as a rule. Running Red, It will be hard to talk about the 5 new players next year, unless they make the starting lineup. Coach doesnt believe in using players off the bench. Heck maybe all 5 will be better defensive players then what we got now. Then maybe we can start holding teams to 20 points a game. Then with Webers motion high scoring offense, when we score thirty points, we might still win. I have had this thing all wrong. Its are defense we need to get better. Also has anybody else heard the rumor, that Weber was trying to talk the NCAA into changeing the 35 sec clock to a 55 sec clock, to give his offense more time to throw it around? Just kidding, but it wouldnt suprise me.
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Oh and Brooks, They sold out of the Zook-em hats on sale for 5 dollars. They still had there allottment of the Illini Basketball caps though. Guy said they just werent selling. Worked with some guys last week in St louis that i hadnt worked with for about 8 years now. Both big college basketball fans. Both said they have seen Illinois play a couple times this year. Both said, and i quote ( Man there boring).
March 2nd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
DIF, I find it pathetic that you blame everything negative about the Illini on Weber. Did it ever occur to your tiny brain that the other team maybe has more talent? You are the worst fan EVER. GO AWAY!
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:39 pm
oops! I just remembered that I have never responded to a bunch of Guenther/Weber kool-aid drinkers on this blog who keep asking me (and other critics of Weber, here) who would we hire as our BB coach, if Weber was fired. I don’t know about others, but here is my response.
To begin with, as long as Guenther is our AD, I don’t recommend the firing of Weber because Guenther must not be given another chance to hire any more BB and FB coaches at IL. Let’s live with Weber and Zook until we have a new AD…otherwise, we are not gaining good new coaches, but only buying more time for Guenther to do more damage with his horrible hirings.
Now, if a new AD came in and gave weber his pink slip, here are my top 3 choices (my very top would have been Tom Crean, but too late for that…no thanks to Guenther) and their current schools:
1- The Vilanova coach
2- The Gonzaga coach
3- The Marquett coach
A good AD at IL can lure any one of these three coaches to leave their current successful programs for a much bigger, more prestigeous institution (such as IL) with a larger compensation package, more national exposure and one of the richest recruiting grounds in the nation in Chicago/Cook County, and the state of Illinois as a whole. And my second tier of possible coaches would be:
4- The Providnce coach
5- The Xavier coach
6- The Virgina Tech coach
I’ll bet that at IL, and with a new and competent AD, any one of these 6 coaches will establish and sustain an excellent program, and will bring us a National Championship in one full round of recriting (i.e., in four years).
March 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 pm
I have never blogged before, but as I was watching Ed Hightower from the metro East of St. Louis MO (He must not like illinois) I could not believe he missed the flagrant foul which slammed trent to the ground. Or the Flagrant push by walton which he was right in front of. He must have been close to the MSU bench to forsee the illegal MSU plays and allow them to happen unpunished. while i was watching the better team win, they got help from Hightower to make sure it happened. MSU really is the better team, but why did Ed have to solidily it??? Why cant Illinois get a break in a big game? Why didn’t anyone call the push in the back in the ‘89 game. I just read a few minustes ago how Ed was officiating that game. This cannot be a coincidence how we continually get the rw deal from Alton Ed Hightower. I know the better team probably won, but a fair battle with a fairly called game might have helped.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Character is revealed in hardship. This team is pretty much what it is. If it’s rolling they are rolling. If somebody didn’t grease the zert it locks up like a mother!!!
*
I don’t think you should judge this team on last year. Ask yourself this. If I told you right after the N.C. game that four years from that night we would have a experienced a sub .500 season and would be barely in the top 25: Would you be “pleasantly surprised”?????
*
N.C #2
Louisville #6
Michigan State #8
Illinois #23
*
Worlds worst coach #9! After basically losing his whole team. Good thing we don’t have that guy!!!
*
Adversity can be avoided. Here’s hoping that this year is the last year we embrace our loser binkie and step up with the big boys, and BELIEVE WE ARE THE BIG BOYS!!!!! Nothing would make Kentucky Mike happier than after a loss I never again hear: They wanted it more or The better team won!!!!
*
It’s the last year of excuses and for that I am eternally grateful!!!!!
*
See you folks at the dance!
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Bball- A 23-7 record and you tell us that Weber hasn’t done a good job getting this team ready to play? Are you serious? You didn’t even think that this was a tourney team. Care to explain? Then Zook-em goes 5-7, but you tell me that he does a good job getting his guys ready to play? Your logic makes absolutely no sense.
*
By the way, the items on the clearence rack normally sell quickly. Wear your hat with pride.
*
And wow, your friends have watched a couple Illini games this year? They sound about as knowledgeable as KYM. I think I will read the Wall Street Journal twice a month and then give people advice about what stocks to by. Guess what? The Holiday Inn Express commercials aren’t for real. I guess you enjoy watching Juice snap the ball and then run towards the sideline. Now that’s excitement. Go Illini!
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Bill (Arter) I’m still not a believer in Tisdale, and I don’t think he’s going make a believer out of me anytime soon… The Kid ain’t the answer in the post. TOO WEAK. I’m a gym rat, and I know a weak frame when I see one. and he’s not that much of an athletic big either (unlike Davis for example).
He can shoot though, I’ll give him that, but he is not going to be a force in the middle for me, and last I checked there was no such position as ’shooting forward’ for ’shooting center.’ Sorry, but I like my Bigs to at least (physically) intimidate the other team’s guards.
—-
Back to game; it was a disappointing loss, but the team is about 9 wins ahead of my most optimistic forecasts, so I’m not complaining. Here’s to the team dishing some payback at PSU.
I did come to appreciate Chester and Trent, but I am also looking forward to having better guards though. I can only wish that some of the more talented players we currently have (or are on the way) would play with the drive and heart these two kids possess.
———
Finally, I agree with what some of the posters said in criticizing coach Weber’s use of the bench. I say before and I’ll say again, I hate the fact that Weber stubbornly creates a 9-man rototation and sticks with it. I mean it was a forgotten Ibok that turned things around for MSU when the Illini made a dash. I cannot fathom why Weber doesn’t reach deep into his bench (Cole, Legion, Semrau) at times some of the starters are brainlessly cruising in a game.
March 2nd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
DIF- You compare KU and Illinois and you think that KU dominates us. Newsflash. We only have 2 more losses than KU does. We went to East Lansing and lost by 6, they lost by 13. How do you explain that? And then you still blame Guenther for Self leaving? It shows how little you know. Self himself said that it was hard to leave Illinois, but he left because KU was his dream job. It had nothing to do with money. The bad blood between Guenther and Self started after he left Illinois. Why? Because the day before he left, he was still telling everyone that he would not leave Illinois. Get your facts correct.
*
The one thing that I love about your posts is that you show everyone your own deficiencies and shortcomings everytime you post. Keep up the good work.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 am
Nice article this morning about Tisdale, Mark. I hope everyone gets a chance to read it in the paper or online. You’ll love it, Archie. I think you’ll see Tis a lot stronger next year & you’ll be a believer before the end of next year.
=
There are so many flaws in your logic, DIF, that I wouldn’t know where to begin in a rebuttal, so I won’t. BTW - Nice job on researching coaches that you want to replace Weber. It’s too bad you can only name the schools & not the coaches, since it has less of an impact when you’re trying to make a point.
=
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:20 am
Brooks, I have it from very reliable sources that Self would have stayed at IL if Guenther had pleased him on a few items, including compensation. Guenther is simply a midget who is affraid of coaches with strong personality around him… and he doesn’t want IL’s profile be raised too high with a National Championship in FB or BB because it would raise the Fans’ and alum’s expectations from him…he would rather stay under the proverbial radar screen…the guy is a total waste…has kept our sports down for years.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:26 am
Kansas is enjoying the fruits of a weak schedule. Big 12 basketball is not good this year, but is being overblown by the Eastern Sports Promotional Network. Griffin is terriffic and Oklahoma is terriffic when he’s playing. Kansas is basking in the light formerly reserved for Notre Dame’s football program when they beat Army.
If Missouri or Kansas make it past the Sw 16 I’ll dutifully eat the requisite crow, but enough about that.
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:44 am
Here, I thought, we were just ignoring DIF. Well, if we’re not, then I must say that he really has the worst logic of any poster I’ve ever seen. The fact that DIF would pick Tom Crean shows how much east coast media he has been watching. Let me hear what Tom Crean has done more than Weber DIF. Name one thing. Okay, okay, he got DWade, but beyond that. Now, tell me what Gonzaga has done this year. Have they over achieved? Or have they lost to most of the ranked teams they played? Marquette’s current coach was loaded and essentially in the same pos. as Weber in 03-04, but he will take us to the NC? I could go on, but it would waste my time. Let’s hear some justification for those picks. I mean it had to take you, what, five minutes to look on ESPN for teams with decent records? Too lazy to look up names, got to love it.
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:48 am
Jessica: thanks for your response. I have a difficult time sometimes understanding the careless play and apparent brain lock. Is it lack of concentration/focus/preparation? Or is immaturity and over-confidence (i.e., I know I’m not supposed to do it, but I think I can just this once!). Or is it something else? Always interested in another’s perspective.
—
BBall: It’s hard to tell if the bench (as a whole) has improved because we haven’t seen them that much. Individually (in my opinion and based on limited viewing of playing time)), Jordan is playing better and with more confidence, Brock has improved (although the MSU game didn’t show it), Keller has been inconsistent all year, and Legion’s minutes seem to have dwindled to almost nothing as the year progressed. So, in answer to your question–it’s a mixed report card. I’m still real high on Jordan’s defensive and leadership potential and Legion’s as of yet unleashed offensive firepower for next year. I think they can step in (with a step up) for Frazier and Meacham next year while we work our freshman class into the mix–however, if this year is any indication, next year at this time, you and I probably will be complaining about the lack of playing time for the freshman.
—
KYM: Embrace a binkie? I’m not even going to touch the imagery there. I hope you meant “lose the binkie.”
—
whippersnapper: A good friend of mine is a KU alum, ardent Jayhawk fan, and Big 12 fanatic so I hear talk of Self as national coach of the year all the time. I agree with you regarding the quality of the B12 and potential for Missouri and Kansas in the NCCA tourney, but it seems as if those two teams are on the “media darling” list this year. If either team makes a deep run, I think it translates into coach of the year honors for either Anderson or Self. Ugh!
March 3rd, 2009 at 9:49 am
whipper - Kansas has a SOS rating of 14, ILL has one of 30. Are we also enjoying the fruits of a weak schedule?
March 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 am
Bbjones, I’ll be willing to bet we will see plenty of minutes out of those freshman guards not only out of necessity but there will be plenty of pressure on Weber to play them. The fans will expect to see them play. We shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that collgege basketball is big business so to speak. This class and a couple of players in particular means way to much to this program not to be on the court. There will be much greater pressure on Weber next year to win it seems to me especially after this seasons surprise success and the pentup anticipation of these upcoming classes. I think the expectations from us fans are going to go through the roof whether it’s rational or not. We still have our minds on this season so it hasn’t started ramping up yet. This blog is a great barometer gauging fan expectations.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 am
DIF- I have a very reliable source. It’s Bill Self himself. Guenther had just given him a raise and would have given more. Self didn’t want to leave Illinois, but he is a Big 12 guy and Kansas was his dream job. Money wasn’t the deciding factor and the bad blood between Guenther and Self didn’t start until after Self left.
*
Nice list of unproven coaches. How do you know that any of those 6 coaches would do better than Weber? Chicago high school coaches are very picky. They want a local guy. How would any of those coaches bridge that gap? Weber is the first coach since Henson who actually has a great relationship with those coaches and the AAU coaches and the commitments of McCamey through Abrahms proves that. Getting rid of Weber now would be idiotic.
*
Your hatred of Guenther is ridiculous. Why would he be afraid of coaches with strong personalities and aspirations of NC’s? Going deep in the tourney or going to a bowl game is huge revenue for any school. He’s always proven to pay coaches well, too well if anything. It’s amazing how someone with a degree from Illinois has no clue how the athletic program truly runs. Like I said, you continue to show us your deficiencies and short comings. Keep it up.
March 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 am
Brooks, If you would take off your Kool-aid Glasses for just a sec and actually read what someone writes before answering them, you would make more sense. First go back and show me where i said this team wouldnt make the tourny. I said last year i liked this group of kids he brought in, especially Davis. Secondly, I said Weber has not done a good job, Getting his bench players ready to play this year. Care to prove me wrong there? Lastly, I told you what 2 guys, who are basketball junkies told me. These 2 eat sleep and drink college basketball. Both of them played college basketball. Just thought you might want to see, that its not just Jim Duther who doesnt like are offensive style. There are other people around the country, that view it much like Dutcher. Oh and by the way, EVERY CAP THROUGH OUT THE STORE that was originally selling for 20 some dollars, was selling for 5 bucks. Again you didnt read an early post where i told you this. Oh and you want to talk about exciting, Watching The basketball team go the Last 6 mins of the game scoring what, 1 basket? Or scoring 33 pts one game and 36 another, to go with are usual 50 pts a game. Man was I wrong. Now Theres some excitement!
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Well Hedge, we looked pretty good against our B12 opponent. I would like for the Illini to take a tour of the B12 this year. B10 was overrated during football season. B12 appears to be similarly overrated for basketball. All this is mere conjecture of course. We’ll soon find out if we’re back to Billy “fall one short of expactations” Self.
March 3rd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
KYM- Do you honestly think that Kansas is the #9 team in the nation? Or do you listen to ESPN for all of your news like DIF does? The Big 12 is very overrated. Self has done a good job with a young team, but he’s also done it in a weak Big 12. We whipped Mizzou and they lost on the road. I do have a gut feeling that we will get put in the same bracket as KU. I would love to see the two schools play. Keep this rivalry going.
*
DIF- Tom Crean? He yells more than Weber does. Why would you want him over Weber? Weber has a much better resume. It’s hard to take anything you say seriously, especially when you don’t even know the coaches names.
*
S.D.- The quality of our recruits are definitely going up. Most coaches would prefer to start senior guards over young, inconsistant talent. McCamey is a perfect example. He wins a game for you one night and loses one the next night. Chester and Trent give up scoring, but they run the offense and limit turnovers. Two things you need, especially on the road. I think that Paul and DJ will contribute alot of minutes next year. Especailly if McCamey and Legion don’t develop consistancy and better defensive play. Griffey and Simpson will give us a deep front court. Bertrand is the sleeper of the group. Youtube his highlights. The kid is very athletic. Next year will be a fun team to watch.
March 3rd, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I felt a sense of dread when Weber put Legion in early in the first half. As I’ve said before, I’m all for giving Legion some minutes, but not when a big game is on the line and close and not that early. So he did some good stuff in another game against Michigan State. Coincidence??? Probably. I do feel bad for the kid and I think he’s trying too hard, but you gotta go with proven players this late in the season.
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Brooks, KU did lose that game you’re correct, they led the whole game and should have won at Mizzou - Self let that one get away, but he took them to the woodshed on Sunday at a pt in the year when you can say Mizzou was playing improved from our win - they led by 26 at half and won by 25.
+++
Can just as easily say B10 is overrated as you can B12. Would it really surprise you to see all B10 teams out by the 2nd Rd this year?
+++
Whipper - you kiddin me on the Self talk? The guy has taken three different level programs to the E8 and won a title. His teams did blow those two games for sure, but you don’t take three programs to the E8 and win a title by not being a damn good coach.