Illinitalk

What more could any great coach ask for on his 80th birthday? Former Illini coach Lou Henson got to see many former players, his name and picture raised to the top of Assembly Hall, a birthday serenade from Illini nation, and the upset of a top 5 team on his birthday. Sounds like a great day!

The upset win came despite Ohio State having more rebounds and significantly fewer turnovers (11, compared to 18 for the generous Illini). The current Illini starters did their part in giving Coach Henson a gift/game to remember:

• Brandon Paul... there aren't words to adequately describe his career performance. 43 points. 8 of 10 from 3, including that ridiculous shot at the end of the shot clock with Aaron Craft's hand in his face. 4 blocks - highlight material. 2 steals. 8 rebounds. And 7 turnovers, just so he has some room for improvement. Paul was determined to win, and his demeanor on the floor showed it.
• Meyers Leonard didn't achieve another double-double, but his 14 points and constant fighting with player-of-the-year candidate Jared Sullinger were critical to the win. Although he didn't have any blocks, he played solid defense, altered shots, and proved that he can play against the best. Leonard should have gotten the ball a bit more often, but game tape will show the Illini how to improve here.
• Joe Bertrand drove, pulled up and shot his floater with continued accuracy. He did miss a couple shots, but his game adds a valuable element to the Illini offense that opponents haven't clamped down on yet. Plus, he added 7 rebounds. He has earned his starting spot, and we are finally seeing why he, Paul and D.J. Richardson made up such a strong recruiting class.
• D.J. Richardson played all 40 minutes, even with his recently banged-up wrist. That's impressive in a game characterized by fast-paced runs alternating with long, grind-it-out half-court sets. Although his scoring was down, his defense, assists and tenacity were critical in the upset.
• Back-up point guard Tracy Abrams has lots to learn, but he earned plenty of experience in this game. And that will pay off as he develops.
  

Even with a big win, the Illinio gave Coach Henson plenty of reason to be glad he is retired. And reason for Coach Weber to keep them working during their 8-day break. Unforced turnovers. Not getting the ball to an open, hungry Leonard. No free throws for Leonard. A scoreless bench, even though Tyler Griffey added a couple key steals, and Myke Henry had another. Giving up 15 offensive rebounds.

Bruce Weber's Illini currently define the phrase "playing to the competition." Against Nebraska, a team struggling as they get to know their new conference, the Illini allowed them to hang around the entire game. But against #5 Ohio State, they stepped up with tough defense and great shooting. In fact, with the exceptions of the losses to UNLV and Purdue and a couple cupcake wins, the Illini have played everyone close. This will be another thing for the Illini to work on during their break in the conference schedule.

But all said, there was plenty to be excited about in Champaign, especially after that less-than-impressive home performance against the Cornhuskers last weekend. Go Illini!

Labels: Brandon Paul, Bruce Weber, D.J. Richardson, Illini basketball, Joseph Bertrand, Lou Henson, Myers Leonard, Tracy Abrams

The 2011 Braggin' Rights game was frantic. The quick pace contributed to a bit of sloppy play for the Illini, with lots of turnovers. But a key reason they were down much of the game was the poor transition defense. They often got lost, leading to an abundance of easy shots for Mizzou.

First-year Missouri coach Frank Haith did something new for a man in his position in the Braggin' Rights game. He won.

Mizzou drove into a very open lane a few too many times, both in their fast-break and half-court offenses. The Illini defense struggled to stay with their men, while on the other end, the Illini had more than their share of forced and unforced turnovers.

Many of the Illini issues are fixable...hit open shots, go stronger after rebounds and loose shots, work harder for stickier man-to-man defense, communicate better in the passing game. For as many of the 40 (or more) minutes as possible. Oh, and those unforced turnovers when you are on a run - those aren't necessary.

The Tigers are a very talented team, used to beating teams by well over 20 points per game. And credit Missouri - whenever the Illini took the lead, they came up with a big play and/or took advantage of an Illini mistake. This was a very tough test for the Illini. Although they lost, there were bright spots.

Down 14 points on multiple occasions, the Illini didn't give up. They fought hard, and when Mizzou started turning the ball over and missing tough shots midway through the second half, the Illini capitalized.

And a big part of that comeback was Joseph Bertrand off the bench. The promise he showed when he signed out of Sterling Illinois a few years ago. A redshirt sophomore, he had a career night with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Brandon Paul added 19 points, and Meyers Leonard had another strong double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

It's hard to watch a great comeback fall short, but if the Illini build on this game, they will be in good shape for Big Ten Conference play.

So, Bruce and boys, enjoy a Merry Christmas despite the loss, and then get focused on the challenge that is the conference.

Go Illini!

Labels: Brandon Paul, Illini basketball, Joseph Bertrand, Meyers Leonard

Bruce Weber's freshman class has generated their share of buzz as the Illini prepare to tip off their 2009-2010 season. Already, Coach Weber has said that he's seeing leadership from his freshman. So let's get to know them a bit.

This backcourt could be a memorable Illini backcourt, and easy as 1, 2, 3...

1 - D.J. Richardson - Peoria, Ill. Dietrich James Richardson is proof that the Peoria Connection is alive and well. D.J. is proud of his Peoria roots, and he says his favorite Illini growing up were Dee, Deron and Luther, and he's looking to follow in their footsteps. He says he's excited to improve his defense, but he put on a bit of a show in the final exhibition game against Quincy, scoring 23 points. He went 5 for 8 from 3-point range, as well. His team mentality, work ethic, conditioning and talent are all signs that we could see special things from this new Illini.

2 - Joseph Bertrand - Sterling, Ill. Joe Bertrand is one example of the influence D.J. has on others. D.J. helped persuade this 6'5" guard to join him in Champaign. Bertrand is the all-time leading scorer at his small-town high school, and became a familiar name on the local high school sports highlight show. He also joins the list of "freakish" Illini athletes. However, he had surgery on his knee in September, and still has the option to redshirt. That decision should be made this week, and although Bertrand wouldn't choose to redshirt, he will need to consider the condition of his knee. But he's got plenty of potential...

3 - Brandon Paul - Gurnee, Ill. The 2009 Illinois Mr. Basketball, Brandon Paul is the first Mr. Basketball to choose Illinois since some kid named Dee Brown in 2002 (remember him?). Paul also caught the attention of former Illini Deron Williams, who likes Paul's potential. Oh, and Paul can get to the free throw line -- one area that this team of talented jump shooters needs to work on. He scored 13 points in the Missouri-Southern exhibition game, and 11 points against Quincy. Another player to watch over the next few years.

And although the backcourt is getting plenty of attention, let's not forget the addition up front.

42 - Tyler Griffey - Wildwood, Mo. Tyler Griffey is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder at his St. Louis-area high school, which lists former Illini Robert Archibald among its alumni. Griffey could log some minutes as a backup for Mike Tisdale this year, unless he opts to redshirt. However, he could earn a spot in Coach Weber's rotation, as could every member of this class. Tisdale describes Griffey's game as European in style.

These boys should be fun to watch over the next couple months and years. Go Illini!

Labels: Brandon Paul, D.J. Richardson, Illini basketball, Joseph Bertrand, Tyler Griffey

Sun-Times' Michael O'Brien reports that Joseph Bertrand committed to Illinois last night.

This is very good news. O'Brien points out that the Richardson, Paul, Bertrand haul comes about a year after the guy Deron Williams affectionately referred to as "I don't know who that is" threw Weber under the bus by stringing him along. All you have to do is take a look at Illinois' '07 and '08 recruiting classes to see the impact that had.

Now, is the well still poisoned? Has Weber exorcised the demons?

Only time will tell but this is a very good start. Usually all it takes is one player to get the ball rolling and now we have three. Sorta reminds me of the roll Thad Matta got on about a year or two ago when guys started committing to him in droves.

Now I'm not saying Weber is Matta, or even Ron Zook for that matter, but if he can consistently recruit like this and turn it into a pattern, we should be in very good shape. BTW, this should also solidify Jereme Richmond in the '10 class.

Welcome to Guard U. fellas.

Labels: Brandon Paul, Bruce Weber, D.J. Richardson, Deron Williams, I don't know who that is, Joseph Bertrand, Michael O'Brien