OK, this is probably the worst time to start a blog for Illini basketball fans, but it has been a long holiday weekend and I still can't believe how awful the Illini played at Xavier. I have been reading Mark Tupper's blog regularly and doing some posting on that blog, but for some reason it seems to be shut down this weekend. So, time to start my own blog. Please comment away if you are still following Bruce Weber's team.........
At least the Big 10 season is starting this week and we have some challenging games against Michigan (Ann Arbor) and Ohio State (in Champaign). First, I watched Michigan get nailed by UCLA recently (92-55) and will have a hard time understanding it if they blow us away, even though it is always tough to play on the road in the Big 10. Michigan has primarily been playing cupcakes this season (as has Illinois), and has tripped up against the stronger opponents of NC State, UCLA (extremely strong) and Georgetown. I would feel better about the game if I know which Illinois team will show up.
In the Georgetown game, Michigan had trouble scoring, and field goal shooting was 36% for the game, including 12% from three point range. That is really dismal from your home court, but similar to the Illini performance at Xavier.
The Ohio State game is going to be televised on ESPN, and really represents the opportunity of the season for the Illini. You might think I am overly optimistic or crazy, but I do think Illinois has a chance to knock off OSU. First, the home court advantage, but also Greg Oden is still playing through his wrist injury/recovery and is only shooting about 50% from the free throw line, and shooting them left handed. Illinois has plenty of fouls to give Oden (20 by my count) if they use their big guys off the bench. We have Pruitt starting, but can use Arnold, Carlwell and Jackson off the bench in a pinch. It makes more sense to send him to the line than letting Oden score at will. Oden is a huge shot blocker, so we can play our typical game of shooting lots of threes, and if they are falling, we could win.
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3 comments:
Good analysis. Illinios will be fine. Should win 9 or 10 in Big Ten. Use all the big dudes to contend with Oden. (Warning Hack a Shak is a little different with Oden, since Greg is a better free throw shooter.)
I would be happy will 10 wins in the conference right now. Glad you agree with the OSU strategy, but Michigan is first. I did notice Oden hit his foul shots against IU last night, which makes it really tough.
Watkins may help Illinois next year. On the other hand, a good psychologist to improve the attitudes may be the best bet. Pruitt and McBride have bad attitudes. Others are not far behind!
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