Illinois vs. Minny

Tonight, 7pm at the Barn
8pm at Finnegan's if you are in South Beach

In the history of the Illini Game Preview (9 years for any of you new subscribers), I’ve picked the Illini to lose only once.  I felt so guilty and there was such uproar from Illini fans that it never happened again.  Every week, when I pick them to win, I know they can do it.  Every so often, when we play a team like tOSU or Kansas last year in the tournament, I have a few doubts – but overall, I’m confident.

My confidence in the Illini is still there, but my confidence in the coach is gone. 

I have always been a fan of Bruce Weber.  I don’t think that any other coach could have done what he did with the 04-05 Illini.  He has helped his players grow as basketball players and as men – leading them to the NBA and to some of the highest ratings of academic achievement for a college sports team.  It is time, however, for coach to be dismissed at the end of this season. 

You’ve all seen the stats in recent articles: a .500 Big10 record over the last 5 years (48-47 including this year), making the NCAA tournament 3 out of the last 5 years, and only winning one time.  Some Illini fans point to our stagnant offense or poor play calling at the end of the game as reasons for the Illini descending to a middle of the road Big10 team.  I point to something else – a lack of identity.

In college basketball, a new group of players comes into the program every year.  When Dee Brown, Deron Williams, and James Augustine joined the Illini in 2003, it was still Brian Cook’s team; but the Illini had an entirely new dynamic.  They fed the post whenever they could, but they also converted more fast break points than we had seen in a while. 

In addition to new players joining the team, older players change dramatically – think Kevin Turner as a senior, Robert Archibald as a senior, Luther Head as a Senior, or Warren Carter as a senior.  All these guys were completely different players than they were as freshmen.

With a new crop of freshman and ever changing upperclassmen, the Illini identity should be different every year.  Under Coach Weber, the Illini offense has stayed the same, their defense has stayed the same, and the personality of each team hasn’t shown through.  In college basketball, heart, hutstle, and teamwork trump individual skill and coaching strategy 99% of the time.  Let’s give our Illini some freedom to play basketball.

Minnesota

The Illini already turned back the Gophers once before this year in Champaign, but it took them double overtime to do it.  Ralph Sampson III was excellent for the Lophers in the first meeting, but Meyers Leonard has been steadily improving throughout the year, and I expect him to get the best of this match-up tonight.

I hope to see one of my favorite newcomers Myke Henry get some bigger minutes tonight and team up with Brandon Paul to lead the way.

Minny – 57

Illini - 59

Sincerely,

South Beach

Illinois vs. the Golden Lophers

6:30 p.m. at Assembly Hall
TV: BTN

Add a few more Illini themed gifts to your shopping list for next year.  I received Illini cheese dip, salsa, tabasco sauce, chips, mug, and hot chocolate mix.  These will be consumed at an Illini themed taco night (dedicated to Timothy Ore) sometime very soon.

Mizzery


Mizzou lived up to expectations during the first half of last Thursday's contest by building a 41-30 halftime lead in St. Louis.  I was watching the game with a few fans who reminisced about how much the Tigers looked like the '04-'05.  They were hard to keep out of the lane, and they were shooting lights out.  The game was threatening to turn into a blowout until, lightly used red-shirt sophomore Joseph Bertrand sparked the Illini on a 17-2 run.  Bertrand poured in 19 points on 9-9 shooting, but the Illini fell short to the Tigers 76-74 after a pair of costly turnovers in the final minute.

Bertrand was spectacular in going strong to the rim and burying short jumpers.  The Illini played much more of a 4 guard lineup to counter Mizzou's speed.  Weber also installed Brandon Paul at the high post when Mizzou went zone.  Against a zone, the middle is always vulnerable to attack.  By having Paul who can shoot the short jumper or drive to the hoop, the Illini had many  more options to attack Missouri.

Minny


The Gophers frontcourt was looking solid early this year as shot blocking machine Ralph Sampson III ruled under the basket and forward Trevor Mbakwe was scoring 14ppg.  But Mbakwe suffered a torn ACL against Dayton a few weeks ago and is out for the remainder of the season.  The Lophers have actually excelled without Mbakwe defeating Virginia Tech and USC in back to back games.

I'd love to see the Illini repeat some of the strategies they used Thursday night against Missouri.

1. More Joseph Bertrand (I'd like to see more Crandall Head as well - Breaking News: Crandall Head has left the team per Illini beat writer Paul Klee.)
2. Play a 4-guard line up.  
3. Put Brandon Paul in the middle against a zone.  This gives the Illini more ways to score if the 3-pointer is not falling. 

The Illini need to start the game off right by putting the ball down low to Myers Leonard.  I expect a big game from him and from Brandon Paul who scored well against Missouri but made a few key turnovers late.

Illinois - 63
Lophers - 57


Sincerely,
Chips & Dip

Illinois vs. Mizzery

Tonight, 8pm @ The Barn & Company (950 W. Wrightwood)

Email me if you are going to come out.

Saturday was painful as the Illini fell to UNLV 64-48. It was difficult to watch for those in attendance at the United Center. There was even a smattering of boos as the final seconds ticked off the clock. The IGP does not condone booing a college team. Sitting in the 300 level, it was interesting to watch the game from above. I could see the sets develop much better than on TV and now understand why coordinators in football like to watch the game from above.

There was a lot that concerned me about the game:

· What’s the play?: Several times in Saturday’s game, the Illini looked at each other and pointed in different directions. Some on the court didn’t know the play or how to start the set. We need to know every play from every position on the court.

· Entry Pass: UNLV played up on the Illini and denied the first pass. When Maniscalco or Abrams couldn’t get rid of the ball after crossing mid-court, the offense looked discombobulated. After the screen and re-screen to get open, the shot clock was already down to 20 seconds and the offense had not been initiated yet. We need a counter when this happens – usually some sort of back door screen or cut to create a lay-up and hopefully loosen up the defense on future possessions.

· Inbounding the Ball: Have we ever scored off an inbounds play? I often watch them and wonder if we are trying to score or just avoid a 5-second call. We need to turn inbound plays into scoring opportunities.

· Middle of the Floor - Drive: The ball spun round and round the perimeter like a top. For Weber’s offense to be effective there needs to be a scoring threat. When Dee, Deron, and Luther were in their heyday, the Illini would pass around the perimeter but they were always a threat to drive to the front of the rim. This kept the defense off balance and created open three pointers, unlike the highly contested shots the Illini were taking Saturday.

· Middle of the Floor - Post: Feeding the ball into the post opens up the offense just like a drive. Meyers Leonard is a great passer from the post. When he was getting double teamed early, he drew fouls or found the open man. We need to keep going to the big man.

· Loosen up and play ball: I’d like to see our young athletes have some more freedom. Whenever a young player makes a mistake, he is benched. Coach, let these guys improvise a bit and see what happens.

UNLV exposed some holes, but let’s see how the team improves throughout the year. It’s early, and there is a lot of promise.

Mizzery

Missouri looks fantastic early in the year. They remain undefeated through 11 games and are ranked #9 in the country. They have played a cream puff schedule, but they are wining in impressive fashion. While the Illini have been allowing bad teams to stick around (Cornell, Illinois State), Mizzery is scoring 87.9 ppg (2^ndin the nation) and winning big.

UNLV ran the floor against us and so will Mizzou. They are fast and can light it up from long distance. Marcus Denmon is a deadeye shooter. Averaging 19.6ppg and shooting 45%from behind the arc, he is as pure as they come. Whoever draws him on defense cannot lose him for a second or 3-pointers will assuredly be raining down.

Paul Pressey runs the show. He’s fast and can distribute, averaging 6 assists per contest. The Illini have had trouble with fast guards all season. Instead of helping on defense, let’s make him finish. Once Leonard swats a few shots into the second row, Pressey won’t know where to go.

If we want to win, everyone has to play well - most importantly - Meyers Leonard. He needs to touch the ball every possession. If the offense runs through him, we will stand a fighting chance.

The Illini bench is the other place where we need solid production. They’ve been abysmal in the last few games. They have been outscored in the last six games and put up only three points in the last two. Tracy Abrams, Crandall Head, Nnanna Egwu, and anyone else willing to contribute are all welcome to the party.

It’s going to be an uphill battle folks, but I know we can do it.

Illinois – 76

Mizzery – 74

Sincerely,

The Newest Illini Fan - ALW

Illinois vs. The Runnin' Tarks

Tomorrow, 4pm at the United Center

You only have a precious few days before Hanukah, Christmas, or Kwanza to buy a great gift for that special someone in your life.  Let me give you a few ideas for some last minute shopping...Illini style.

I recieved an Illini glassware set during my first Christmas ever at the Haberkorn household (great Illini family).  "What an unbelievable gift," I exclaimed.  "Give me 6 beers, I need to test these glasses out."

A full size Paint the Hall Orange picture has to be the number one consideration for any Illini fan who doesn't have one.  When friends come over, they can't believe how many people are wearing orange in the picture.  They often ask if the picture has been painted or altered.  Nope, all natural baby.


The image to the left is the Paint the Hall Orange picture from the 2004-05 season, when the Illini hammered Chris Paul and #1 Wake Forest.  My Paint the Hall picture is from the inaugural event in 2001 vs. Michigan State.  I still remember shaming Roubi and Dimitry into wearing an Orange t-shirt to the game.  Check out www.LaPayne.com to order your PTHO picture.  (Disclaimer: the IGP receives no kickbacks for these great gifts)



In 2006, my mom and dad bought me a bronze Chief Illiniwek statue for my birthday.  I received a 1 line email from my mom when it arrived at her house.  "The chief is here.  He's big."  He measures 2 feet tall, weighs about 25 pounds, and holds a position of prominence in the Nett Househ



A year ago today, the Nett household was a household of one.  Now I am married to a beautiful woman who I met as an undergrad at Illinois (of course).  Melinda is a huge Illini fan (what did you expect?).  We were married two months ago yesterday (Happy Anniversary, Honey), and my wife surprised me with a gigantic ice statue of the Chief on the day of our wedding.  How many of you can say that the Chief was a witness at your wedding?  Interested in having an ice sculpture of the Chief at a special event? Shoot me an email and I'll get you some contact information.

Melinda's brother Lou is a Black Hawk Pilot in the Army stationed in Japan (what up Lou?).  Lou and his wife Caroline are extremely creative gift givers.  They outdid themselves with the wedding present at right.  It's a beautifully painted picture of Chief Illiniwek that I am currently lobbying for placement above the fireplace.

 What's the greatest Illini gift you've received?  Send it my way, because I am always looking for ideas.  Looking for a last minute gift?  I have two extra tickets to Saturday's game at the UC.  Email me if you are interested.  Apologies that the comments section of the IGP is not working.

National Champions?


The Illini basketball team is undefeated, but I am not drinking the Final Four cool aid just yet.  It's the women's volleyball team that we need to be cheering for this Saturday against UCLA.  They topped the  USC Lady Trojans in the Final Four last night and take on UCLA for the National Championship (ESPN2, 8:30pm on Saturday).  After you watch the Illini men top UNLV at the United Center (BTN, 4pm), make sure to tune in for the volleyball match.

The Rebs

For those of you headed to the United Center, it is a rematch of last year's 8 vs. 9 first round tournament game that featured the Illini shooting lights out from 3-point land en route to an 11 point win.  The Rebs are without our favorite unibrowed coach, Lon Krueger.  Still, we'll need the same shooting tomorrow to turn around a run of bad games at the UC.

UNLV is equally as streaky as the Illini have been this year.  They defeated #1 UNC Thanksgiving weekend, but then lost to Witchita State a week later.  Both teams are looking for consistency as we get closer to conference play.

In the front court, Chace Stanbeck and Mike Moser are the Reb's top scorers.  Both measure in at 6'8", so we'll have to keep them off the boards.  The veterans need to play well for the Illini who have lost two straight at the United Center.  Expect Brandon Paul and DJ Richardson to lead the way.

Illinois - 69
Runnin' Tarks - 64

Sincerely,
Two Tickets to Saturday's Game

Illinois vs. The Bonnies

Tonight @ 8 pm
ESPN2

She’s smoking hot, isn’t she?

Last week, we compared the Illini to a blind date.  We weren’t quite sure what to expect.  So far she’s smoking hot, isn’t she?  First, the Illini overcame a slow start to turn away Maryland 71-62; then they handed number 18 Gonzaga its first loss of the season with a commanding 82-75 win.  I can’t wait for the next date tonight.

If you watched either of these games, you became a huge fan of Senior transfer Sam Maniscalco.  Maniscalco was a clutch performer against Maryland (24 points) and Gonzaga (6 assists).  He does not look like your prototypical Division I basketball player.  He looks more like he could have a guest role on the Jersey Shore than be First Team All Big Ten.  He is chubby stocky and sports a buzz cut with ever present stubble on his chin.  What are we going to call him?  Last week, my wife suggested "Butterball" or "Sammy the Salami."  What do you think?  Leave your ideas in the comments section.  Whatever he looks like, he is a winner.  Even as a Freshman at Bradley University, Maniscalco was named captain of the team and continues in that role despite being the new guy on the block at Illinois.

Sophomore Center Meyers Leonard on the other hand looks every bit of his 7’0” frame.  He is athletic and has showed limitless potential early in the season.  What I’ve enjoyed the most is watching him get open by moving without the ball.  He has great spacing on the pick and roll and his slip screen reminds me of James Augustine, who would routinely show screen and break to the hoop early for an easy bucket.  Leonard is only going to get better as we get deeper into the season.

St. Bonaventure Bonnies

We have some pretty standard shtick over hear at the IGP.  We always pick the Illini to win, we hate the opposing team’s coach, and we make fun of the other team’s name by changing it in some way (i.e. Purdon’t, Loosiers, MerryLand, etc.).  We are playing the Bonnies tonight.  Seriously, that’s their team name.  Does anyone know what it means?

I am equally as clueless about the Bonnies basketball skills – though I have an idea because they play in the Atlantic 10.  They are 3-3, and we should have our way with them.

Illinois – 75

The Bonnies – 62

Sincerely,

“The Restricted Area”

Illinois vs. Merry Land

Illinois vs. Merry Land

Tonight @ 6:30 p.m. on ESPN/ESPN3

Illini fans, for the last year, our emotions have been toyed with.  We have been led on by a beautiful woman promising to meet us out for a night of drinks and dancing, but we were stood up…left waiting at the bar with a whiskey in hand. 

Last year’s basketball team started with sky high expectations, but fell flat during an up and down season that saw us lose the UIC at the United Center and barely make the NCAA tournament.  A few months later, our football team started 6-0. and we were talking Rose Bowl.  Instead, we ended up losing 6 straight and the Zooker was given his walking papers. 

What’s in store for this year’s Illini hoops team?  I have no idea.  We’re still at the bar (whiskey in hand), and we’re waiting on a blind date.  She could be drop dead sexy with long legs and an ass you could bounce quarters off of or she could show up with glasses, braces, and a slight resemblance to Mary Katherine Gallagher.

I’m hoping to put the quarters to good use, you?

Questions

After seeing a few pre-season games and the Cancun Classic (which was played at the same resort where IGP editor Matt Spitz took his honeymoon), I don’t know what to expect from these Illini.  Here are the most important questions as I see it.

How have Brandon Paul and DJ Richardson improved?

So far, DJ’s shooting has been sniper like, but neither has showed the aggression for which I was hoping.  Paul showed a few flashes against ISU…but it was ISU.  Red-shirt Sophomore Joseph Bertrand, playing solid minutes, could start stealing time from Paul.

How dominant will Meyers Leonard be against Big10 competition?

He’ll be good…as long as he can stay in the game.  Please don’t take after Robert Archibald or Mike Tisdale.

Will any of the freshman make a difference?

I like what I’ve seen so far.  Nnanna Egwu and Tracy Abrams have seen the most minutes, but my favorite player has been Mychel Henry.  He’s got great size and gets to the hoop.

Who is going to rebound for us?

Super important stat #1.

How many turnovers will we average?

Super important stat #2.

Illinois vs. Maryland

The Big10 has won the last two ACC-Big10 Challenges, but we still trail in the series 10-2.  Last year the Illini looked tremendous in a 79-67 shellacking of North Carolina.  Then we hobbled into the tournament, while UNC won the ACC and ended the year ranked #7.

The Merry-land Terrapins are playing shorthanded without 7-1 Alex Len and senior playmaker Pe’Shon Howard (broken foot).  With losses to Alabama and Iona already, the Terps are up against the ropes and are in desperate need of a W.  They have only seven scholarship players active, with Terrell Stoglin being huge bright spot (20.2 ppg). 

Illinois should plan to wear out the Terps and put their front court in foul trouble by feeding Leonard early and often.  I expect illinois to dictate the pace of the game as Maryland is without a natural point guard and any depth.  Leonard should come up aces and Sam “Butterball” Maniscalco (or Sammy 'Ice' as Pete Gillen called him in Cancun) needs to continue his consistant shooting and scoring.

Illinois – 65

Merry Land – 58

Sincerely,

Nelly

Illinois vs. Kansas

Illinois vs. Kansas

Tonight @ 7:30

I was a bit nervous as Illinois matched up against UNLV for the tip-off Friday night. The camera zoomed in, and I could see that Senior Mike Tisdale towered over Quintrell Thomas and won the opening tip. I felt a bit better, and then I felt ecstatic when Illinois came out firing and went on a 15-0 run midway through the first – would it last. From there, the Illini didn’t take their foot off the gas. Even at half time, when we were up 46-24, there were plenty of nervous Illini fans who were not going to celebrate until the final buzzer sounded. I put a bet down with the bouncer who was giving our group of Illini fans a hard time, and he was ready to pay up at intermission. There was no I was going to jinx us by collecting the bet before the game was over.

Rock Chalk Upset Hawk!

Last year, Kansas was in a similar position to where they are for tonight’s game. Playing as a number 1 seed, the Jayhawks lost a nail biter to Northern Iowa 69-67. Aside from losing to Northern Iowa, there are a few other upset losses that Bill $elf would like to forget:

There was 2005 when 14 seed Bucknell defeated KU 64-63.

Then again in 2006, number 13 Bradley pulled off the upset over KU 77-73.

Illini fans around the world are hoping to add to $elf’s growing list of choke jobs tonight. Kansas strength is their front court with twins Marcus and Markieff Morris contributing 31 points and 16 rebounds combined per game. KU runs a 4 out 1 in offense where they run a few picks to start their set, but end with one of the Morris brothers in the post and the rest of the team lining the perimeter, working the ball inside. Constant ball reversals in this set can lead to an open dunk. Tisdale and Mike Davis will have to be quick and tall in order to avoid being beat on a weak side entry pass. Likewise, the perimeter defense must cut off the passing lanes to prevent an easy basket.

Just like Wayne McClain had the inside scoop on Lon Krueger’s playbook, he will have a similar perspective on $elf’s habits tonight. McClain was an assistant coach with $elf and even planned on joining him at Kansas before he had a change of heart.

Scouting aside, we all know that Illinois goes how Dimitri McCamey goes. Illinois is 15-0 when McCamey has 7 assists or more. McCamey had the ball on a string Friday night, and he was all the more effective because his teammates were knocking down shots. Freshman Jereme Richmond would be a big help in this game, but we have no idea if he is going to play or not - so it is up to the seniors. A scary thought, but I think they are going to step up they was they did on Friday.

Illinois – 67

Upset Hawks – 66

Sincerely,

Lou Henson – The only former Illini Coach not in our bracket.