The Illini start the Big 10 season tomorrow, with a game against OSU. This is a much better chance to beat OSU than the past couple of seasons, even though they will be tough this time as well. Butler is a talented guard, and the Buckeyes freshman center, Kosta Koufos, is a top scorer already in the conference. Word is out that Randle is questionable for the game, and that Alexander, Brock and Davis are likely to get increased minutes instead. Ohio State plays a zone defense and has had good luck with it thus far. The weakness of Ohio State in their losses has been troubles on the offensive end in the second half (sound familiar Illini fans?).
For the Illini, we need some energy for the entire game, and need someone besides Meacham to step up the scoring and shooting. I would like to see Mike Davis or Rodney Alexander take over and be one of the leading scorers for the game. Wisconsin actually had one of their freshman forwards (Jon Leuer) score a career high 25 points tonight in their win, so it can happen.
Gametime is 5pm Pacific, 7pm Central.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Could be a low scoring game where whoever plays the best defense wins.
Tried to be optimistic but it is hard with the current team. In order to win they have to play better defense and hit more free throws. The Knight and Keady motion offenses required a successful team to hit more free throws then the other team attempts.To catch up, you scored while the clock was off by driving and hitting free throws.
Frasier and McCamey started to drive but they can't convert on free throws so they back off the strategy.
My criticism of Weber is not his coaching, but his two years of absolutely worthless recruiting. I seriously doubt that any coach could win using a motion offense with players that are not good shooters.
For the Illini fans, I suggest you sit back with even lower expectations and control your anti Gordon feelings when IU torches the Illini from the field and uses every one of its fouls to exploit Illinois inability to hit free throws.
Scott
Lack of talent is a problme. Frazier was an emergency pick up in case Dee went pro. Tough kid but can't shoot. Brock was touted enough out of high school. But the fact is that Chet's other big offer was Hofstra. Brock was between U of I and Depaul. Neither made mosts top 100 lists.
Pruit was a Self recruit that stuck with U of I after Weber became coach. Samreau had a near career ending injury. Lucky to be alive. Carwell had a near career ending injury. Lucky to be alive too.
Meachem ia walk on. Alexander a Juco (historically not enough time for most Jucos to excel in the motion.(Keith Smart and Dean Garrett being two exceptions.)
Randall, great athlete who can't shoot.
Tiz, Cole, McCamey should be decent 2 years into the system.
Post a Comment