Illinois vs. Wake Forest

The Illini Game Preview
***Accept No Imitations***

Dear Reader-

My apologies for not sending out an Illini Game Preview (IGP) for the first three regular season games. I was interviewing for the Illini Football Vacancy.

Mike

Illini vs. Wake Forest
6 p.m. on ESPN

Outlook
If the Illini backcourt is #1 in the country, then Wake Forest's backcourt is #1A. Everyone and their mother knows the Chris Paul story: lightning quick point guard, most votes of any player on this years Pre-Season All-American Team, yadda yadda yadda. Playing beside him is the Demon Deacon's stellar shooting guard Justin Gray, who played in Paul's shadow last season, much the way Deron Williams played second fiddle to Dee Brown during his freshman year. Gray is proving that he too deserves a share of the hype as he earned ACC Player of the Week honors with 21 pts, 5 stitches (eye injury) against Providence and a 21 pt performance against #17 Arizona.

I am curious to see how the Illini will match up against Wake. Deron Williams and Luther Head are both better defenders than Dee, but how exciting would it be to watch Dee and Chris Paul chase each other around for 40 minutes like a pair of 8 year olds on Jolt Cola and Pixie Sticks? Justin Gray is most dangerous coming off screens playing much the way Kirk Penney did for Badgers a few seasons ago. I would love to see Dee darting around picks denying Gray a good look, and Luther Head harassing Paul with his long reach and pressure defense. Whichever backcourt plays better will win this game.

I give a slight edge to the Illini because of Luther Head (OK, you're right, I would give the edge to Illinois if they were playing the Miami Heat, but hear me out). After Spitzer and I were kicked out of the 2002 Homecoming Football Game for drinking beers (it's impossible to watch Illinois football sober…I've tried.) We walked…ok stumbled...over to Assembly Hall to watch the Orange and Blue Hoops Scrimmage. Dee, Deron, and Co. were freshman, but we were struck by how dominant Luther Head looked. He was plagued by injury during 2002-2003, and last year he was plagued by the "five-oh"…that's street slang for the cops (an "alleged" burglary and an "alleged" suspended license for speeding tickets). This year body, mind, and police record are clear. Luther is ready to graduate w/a on top! See Oakland 22 pts 9 assists, see Gonzaga 20 pts 9 assists.

Throwbacks
Bruce Weber's squad was planning on playing in throwback uniforms worn by the 1989 Flying Illini, but the tailors at Nike sent shorts more suited for Shaq Diesel than Nick Smith. "They were too big - I never thought I'd see that - but the guys couldn't even keep them up," commented Weber. Nike will try again for the January 29th game against Minnesota. The fifth annual Paint the Hall Orange Game is tonight, so wear some shades when you turn on the game because you might be blinded by the orange.

Prediction
Wake is battle tested this year, and the Illini are not. Expect a huge game from Luther Head, but my key performers are the Illini Fans. Home court advantage will make the difference in this ACC-Big10 match up.

Illinois - 81
Wake Forest - 77


Sincerely,

Ron Zook