I took a few days off after the Arizona loss to collect my thoughts rather than lash out at the team or their fine head coach, Bruce Weber. After all, it's just another loss in a season that should have low expectations. I don't want to rehash the game, but rather comment on the rest of the season, and what Weber should do with this team.
Bruce Weber knows the team needs scoring at the end of the game, and players who can create offense. I can't think of anyone better at this than Rodney Alexander, yet he is in Weber's doghouse and hardly playing these days. Bruce, please wake up and put Rodney Alexander in the game again.
A bright spot within the freshmen this year is Mike Davis, who was expected to redshirt this season at earlier points in the year. Davis can leap, dunk and has a nice jump shot, so he needs to get more minutes at the expense of Randle or someone else.
Bill Cole has a great looking three point shot, and shows lots of hustle when he has had an opportunity to play. But for some reason (I know, a freshman), he has spent lots of time on the bench. Cole needs to play and be allowed to take some shots. Better him shooting than Frazier dribbling the ball.
Demetri McCamey looks like he will be a nice point guard for the Illini. He needs to be given the ball more minutes each week, so that he is playing point guard at least half the game by the Big 10 season. Sorry, Bruce. Frazier is too limited on the offensive side of the court.
At the end of the game, we need a team that can score and shoot free throws, maybe a lineup like this:
Trent Meacham
Demetri McCamey
Rodney Alexander
Mike Davis
Mike Tisdale
Come to think of it, that lineup would be nice at the start of the game, as well.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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2 comments:
The solution is simple. Illinois needs to learn to shoot free throws. If Illinois could hit 80% of their free throws,they could be big 10 champs.
Defense comes first with Weber. He will win his way or not at all. If you don't like it and you want offense, spend your time watching Indiana.
Ugh, I don't like Indiana due to their coach Cellvin Sampscum. Gordon is really impressive, though, and should be a nice challenge this year. I do think Randle can slow him down if given the opportunity.
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