Big Ten Basketball

[wolf stansson]

Dearon Williams

Did he redshirt? His HS was in my hs's conference, and he graduated the same year I did I thought ('04).

[badgercub]

Dearon Williams

Did he redshirt? His HS was in my hs's conference, and he graduated the same year I did I thought ('04).

 

Yes he redshirted last year. Getting on the court this year, he can jump out of the gym, just needs to get his confidence built up.

 

They have another kid from Illinois (not sure from where) that is redshirting this year by the name of Mickey Perry.

[wolf stansson]

Yes he redshirted last year. Getting on the court this year, he can jump out of the gym, just needs to get his confidence built up.

Yeah no joke. Every time we played him it was like the jordan rules. A rotation of three guys would just take turns mauling him.

[rawaction]

Clark Kellogg's take on the Big Ten

[Mark_R]

Mickey has got game. The only thing I'd be worried about is his size and strength. He might get pushed around a little bit by bigger guards in the conference. Great shooter and very athletic, but a little too small to probably be an impact player. Can't really run the point all that well.

 

And I hope I"m wrong, because I love seeing Proviso guys play on the next level.

 

I really hope Carlwell is an impact player at U of I.

[CP_414]

Clark Kellogg's take on the Big Ten

 

Do they have editors? Here is his IU description:

 

"D.J. White and Marco Killingsworth will be the top inside pair in the conference (and one of the best duos in the country) once White is fully recovered from a broken foot. Both can score inside, will demand double teams and can make the outside shot. White is also an excellent shot-blocker and will anchor the Hoosiers' inside defense.

 

Surrounding them are good athletes that are solid on both offense and defense. The way I see it, Mike Davis and his staff have a versatile roster with which to work. The only trouble spots so far for the Hoosiers have been committing too many turnovers and relying a little too much on the three. But White's return to form should help tighten up both areas.

 

The way I see it, Mike Davis and his staff have a versatile roster to work with. The only trouble spots so far for the Hoosiers have been committing too many turnovers and relying a little too much on the three. But White's return to form should help tighten up both areas. "

 

Good job Yahoo.

[stitchface]

That's pretty much how I think it will finish. I'd put Iowa ahead of Minnesota and Michigan, though. I'd have to say that Illinois is the biggest surprise. Everyone knew they would have a pretty good team, but they are a top 5-6 team. I think they have gone from possible Sweet 16 to a team that can make it to the Final 4.

 

 

I'm not convinced Raw - the Illini played a pretty easy schedule. I think to 16 is probably still a better estimate. I do think Weber is the best coach in the conference though. If he can recruit at all, illinois will be tough for years to come.

[Jon]

9. Northwestern Bad team that benefits form PSU and Purdue being in the conference. They will beat one of Illinois, MSU, Wiscy once though because they have some guys who can shoot.

We do? Even Vedran has had about four bad games in a row. Carmody said he was going to try to focus on the inside game since they can't hit a three to save their lives, but that didn't work out all that well last game, either. And considering that there's no inside/rebounding presence, unless something changes, 9th is optimistic.

I am thinking along the lines of Vucusic, who is leading the big ten in scoring. I still think you guys are too good to lose to either Purdue or Penn St.

As much as I love him, he looks tired out there the past few weeks and in the practice I saw. As expected, he's wasting too much energy in the low post. When he should spend more time outside of the lane.

 

But now that Mohamed Hachad is out 2-3 weeks after an emergency appendectomy, I'd imagine we'll drop the Big Ten opener against Purdue at home. Then probably lose to Penn State a week later.

[illiniguy]

9. Northwestern Bad team that benefits form PSU and Purdue being in the conference. They will beat one of Illinois, MSU, Wiscy once though because they have some guys who can shoot.

We do? Even Vedran has had about four bad games in a row. Carmody said he was going to try to focus on the inside game since they can't hit a three to save their lives, but that didn't work out all that well last game, either. And considering that there's no inside/rebounding presence, unless something changes, 9th is optimistic.

I am thinking along the lines of Vucusic, who is leading the big ten in scoring. I still think you guys are too good to lose to either Purdue or Penn St.

As much as I love him, he looks tired out there the past few weeks and in the practice I saw. As expected, he's wasting too much energy in the low post. When he should spend more time outside of the lane.

 

But now that Mohamed Hachad is out 2-3 weeks after an emergency appendectomy, I'd imagine we'll drop the Big Ten opener against Purdue at home. Then probably lose to Penn State a week later.

Well if that happens you guys are cooked as those are two games you have to have in order to avoid the basement.

[rawaction]

IU ended its non-conference season (minus a February tilt with UConn), 8-2 with a 24-pt win over Ball St. Again, IU held their opponent under 60 points.

 

Last 4 games- IU defense- 54.5 PPG, 32.2 FGA, 20.7 3PTA, +30 boards.

 

DJ White made a big splash last night with a season high 16. Killingsworth had foul trouble with a season low 7 points in 16 minutes. Vaden 6-6 from 3 (10 for last 10), with 22 points. Strickland 18 second half points.

 

IU leads the nation in FG% at 54.1%, and runs circles around the nation at 49.2% from 3pt range.

 

And unlike most major schools, IU will go exactly a month between home games (although, they've only left the state once).

 

Bring on the Big Ten.

[VicCub]

I wish that I still cared about Big Ten (Iowa) basketball. For most of my life it was a life or death matter with me. Now, I doubt that I could even name 10 players in the league (other than Hawkeyes)

 

Judging by the fact that no other Hawkeye fans have joined this thread, I doubt that I'm alone. Steve Alford has sucked all of the fun out of Iowa bb.

 

I was born a Chicago and Iowa sports fan and I will die one. But the next time I experience true joy or heartbreak from Iowa bb will be the first time in half a decade.

[illiniguy]

I wish that I still cared about Big Ten (Iowa) basketball. For most of my life it was a life or death matter with me. Now, I doubt that I could even name 10 players in the league (other than Hawkeyes)

 

Judging by the fact that no other Hawkeye fans have joined this thread, I doubt that I'm alone. Steve Alford has sucked all of the fun out of Iowa bb.

 

I was born a Chicago and Iowa sports fan and I will die one. But the next time I experience true joy or heartbreak from Iowa bb will be the first time in half a decade.

Hey now, you guys aren't that bad this year and Alford did get you a Big Ten Tournament Championship. I am sure you were pretty stoked during that run and the one the next year where they almost repeated. The big problem I have had with Iowa is the fact that they were so childish about not selling tickets to the Illinois game this year until about two weeks ago, that is so lame.

[VicCub]

Being bad has never stopped me from rooting for a team. I still root for 'em, I just don't care very much any more. Part of the reason is that I hate Steve Alford's excuses, part of the reason is that we play very boring ball, and part of the reason is that college bb has gone south IMO since most top high schoolers started skipping college a decade ago.

 

Your team from last year being an exception to that last rule. They were one helluva fun team to watch.

 

As far as tickets go, our arena is about half full most nights. It wasn't long ago that every game was a sellout. You shouldn't have any problem getting tix.

[illiniguy]

Being bad has never stopped me from rooting for a team. I still root for 'em, I just don't care very much any more. Part of the reason is that I hate Steve Alford's excuses, part of the reason is that we play very boring ball, and part of the reason is that college bb has gone south IMO since most top high schoolers started skipping college a decade ago.

 

Your team from last year being an exception to that last rule. They were one helluva fun team to watch.

 

As far as tickets go, our arena is about half full most nights. It wasn't long ago that every game was a sellout. You shouldn't have any problem getting tix.

not against us, that game is sold out. it sucks too. the first year that you had Recker and Evans you were entertaining to watch as well.

[Magnetic Curses]

Clark Kellogg's take on the Big Ten

 

translation:

 

the big ten has sucked the last 2 years because illinois has won it.

 

despite putting 2 teams in the final four, the big ten sucked because illinois won it. illinois could win 8 national titles in a row and each of those 8 years would be a "down year for college basketball".

 

what a joke. people are so afraid to give illinois any credit for anything they do.

[Bruno7481]

Clark Kellogg's take on the Big Ten

 

translation:

 

the big ten has sucked the last 2 years because illinois has won it.

 

despite putting 2 teams in the final four, the big ten sucked because illinois won it. illinois could win 8 national titles in a row and each of those 8 years would be a "down year for college basketball".

 

what a joke. people are so afraid to give illinois any credit for anything they do.

 

Do any group of fans whine more about "no respect" than Illinois fans?

 

Who cares what people say, prove them wrong on the court, like Illinois has done the past couple years. If your wining it shouldn't matter what others say.

 

The inferiority complex is getting old.

[Magnetic Curses]

Clark Kellogg's take on the Big Ten

 

translation:

 

the big ten has sucked the last 2 years because illinois has won it.

 

despite putting 2 teams in the final four, the big ten sucked because illinois won it. illinois could win 8 national titles in a row and each of those 8 years would be a "down year for college basketball".

 

what a joke. people are so afraid to give illinois any credit for anything they do.

 

Do any group of fans whine more about "no respect" than Illinois fans?

 

Who cares what people say, prove them wrong on the court, like Illinois has done the past couple years. If your wining it shouldn't matter what others say.

 

The inferiority complex is getting old.

 

this is a message board, the place for whining.

 

and what's getting old is the repeated lack of respect for the illini, who, as you've said, should have earned it with their performances over the last few years.

 

i don't know if the illini just aren't exciting enough for some people, or maybe it's that they don't have the program pedigree of an MSU or IU, or even an OSU, or maybe they don't like players who get angry with their girlfriends when refuse to watch roots--i don't know--you tell me.

 

why do you think the illini get disrespected every year?

[Bruno7481]

Clark Kellogg's take on the Big Ten

 

translation:

 

the big ten has sucked the last 2 years because illinois has won it.

 

despite putting 2 teams in the final four, the big ten sucked because illinois won it. illinois could win 8 national titles in a row and each of those 8 years would be a "down year for college basketball".

 

what a joke. people are so afraid to give illinois any credit for anything they do.

 

Do any group of fans whine more about "no respect" than Illinois fans?

 

Who cares what people say, prove them wrong on the court, like Illinois has done the past couple years. If your wining it shouldn't matter what others say.

 

The inferiority complex is getting old.

 

this is a message board, the place for whining.

 

and what's getting old is the repeated lack of respect for the illini, who, as you've said, should have earned it with their performances over the last few years.

 

i don't know if the illini just aren't exciting enough for some people, or maybe it's that they don't have the program pedigree of an MSU or IU, or even an OSU, or maybe they don't like players who get angry with their girlfriends when refuse to watch roots--i don't know--you tell me.

 

why do you think the illini get disrespected every year?

 

I don't think they get disrespected every year.

 

Everybody heaped praise on Illinois last year, and deservedly so.

 

I don't think its a slap in the face to not predict them #1 in the conference this year. There are some very good teams in the Big10 this year. Hell, finishing 2nd or 3rd this year could still equal a top 10 team.

 

Illinois is undefeated, but besides a win against a young (up and down) UNC team, who have they beaten? Xavier is a decent squad, but not top 25 material. They are a good team, but I don't think they are top 5 in the country good.

 

Michigan state has had its ups and downs as well, same can be said for IU. But again, It wouldn't surprise me to see any of those teams win the conference.

 

Nobody is out to get Illinois, picking them third still means they are a damn good team.

[Magnetic Curses]

Clark Kellogg's take on the Big Ten

 

translation:

 

the big ten has sucked the last 2 years because illinois has won it.

 

despite putting 2 teams in the final four, the big ten sucked because illinois won it. illinois could win 8 national titles in a row and each of those 8 years would be a "down year for college basketball".

 

what a joke. people are so afraid to give illinois any credit for anything they do.

 

Do any group of fans whine more about "no respect" than Illinois fans?

 

Who cares what people say, prove them wrong on the court, like Illinois has done the past couple years. If your wining it shouldn't matter what others say.

 

The inferiority complex is getting old.

 

this is a message board, the place for whining.

 

and what's getting old is the repeated lack of respect for the illini, who, as you've said, should have earned it with their performances over the last few years.

 

i don't know if the illini just aren't exciting enough for some people, or maybe it's that they don't have the program pedigree of an MSU or IU, or even an OSU, or maybe they don't like players who get angry with their girlfriends when refuse to watch roots--i don't know--you tell me.

 

why do you think the illini get disrespected every year?

 

I don't think they get disrespected every year.

 

Everybody heaped praise on Illinois last year, and deservedly so.

 

I don't think its a slap in the face to not predict them #1 in the conference this year. There are some very good teams in the Big10 this year. Hell, finishing 2nd or 3rd this year could still equal a top 10 team.

 

Illinois is undefeated, but besides a win against a young (up and down) UNC team, who have they beaten? Xavier is a decent squad, but not top 25 material. They are a good team, but I don't think they are top 5 in the country good.

 

Michigan state has had its ups and downs as well, same can be said for IU. But again, It wouldn't surprise me to see any of those teams win the conference.

 

Nobody is out to get Illinois, picking them third still means they are a damn good team.

 

i think that they've returned enough players from the 2004-2005 team to deserve respect as the #1 team in the conference until someone knocks them off.

 

and i think it patronizing to tell the two-time returning big ten champs that a #3 finish would be at all validating. illinois hasn't finished below 2nd in the Big Ten standings since the 1999-2000 season. finishing below #1 would be a major disappointment for them and their fans.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Clark Kellogg's take on the Big Ten

 

translation:

 

the big ten has sucked the last 2 years because illinois has won it.

 

despite putting 2 teams in the final four, the big ten sucked because illinois won it. illinois could win 8 national titles in a row and each of those 8 years would be a "down year for college basketball".

 

what a joke. people are so afraid to give illinois any credit for anything they do.

 

Do any group of fans whine more about "no respect" than Illinois fans?

 

Who cares what people say, prove them wrong on the court, like Illinois has done the past couple years. If your wining it shouldn't matter what others say.

 

The inferiority complex is getting old.

 

this is a message board, the place for whining.

 

and what's getting old is the repeated lack of respect for the illini, who, as you've said, should have earned it with their performances over the last few years.

 

i don't know if the illini just aren't exciting enough for some people, or maybe it's that they don't have the program pedigree of an MSU or IU, or even an OSU, or maybe they don't like players who get angry with their girlfriends when refuse to watch roots--i don't know--you tell me.

 

why do you think the illini get disrespected every year?

 

I don't think they get disrespected every year.

 

Everybody heaped praise on Illinois last year, and deservedly so.

 

I don't think its a slap in the face to not predict them #1 in the conference this year. There are some very good teams in the Big10 this year. Hell, finishing 2nd or 3rd this year could still equal a top 10 team.

 

Illinois is undefeated, but besides a win against a young (up and down) UNC team, who have they beaten? Xavier is a decent squad, but not top 25 material. They are a good team, but I don't think they are top 5 in the country good.

 

Michigan state has had its ups and downs as well, same can be said for IU. But again, It wouldn't surprise me to see any of those teams win the conference.

 

Nobody is out to get Illinois, picking them third still means they are a damn good team.

 

i think that they've returned enough players from the 2004-2005 team to deserve respect as the #1 team in the conference until someone knocks them off.

 

and i think it patronizing to tell the two-time returning big ten champs that a #3 finish would be at all validating. illinois hasn't finished below 2nd in the Big Ten standings since the 1999-2000 season. finishing below #1 would be a major disappointment for them and their fans.

 

Seriously, it's hard to talk B10 hoops with you if you are going to be this paranoid about Illinois getting disrespected.

[Magnetic Curses]

Seriously, it's hard to talk B10 hoops with you if you are going to be this paranoid about Illinois getting disrespected.

 

why would you even want to talk B10 hoops with me anyway? i don't matter, I'm an illini fan. :P

 

some of it's hyperbole and some of it's truth.

[illiniguy]

Some good points are raised here. Even last year when we destroyed Wake Forrest in the middle of the game Raftery was saying how we were good, but not as good as Kansas, UNC, or even WF they were just having a bad night. Bilas had to say hey Bill they are beating the number one team in the nation by 35 points. As for who has Illinois played, let me ask you, who has Duke played? Memphis and.... Don't feed me the Indiana game either, Indiana lost to Indiana State. No matter what IU is shooting for three they still lost to Indiana State. I for one like the that fact the media doesn't always give Illinois a lot of respect, it allows our players to feed off of it. I read an article last year that said Deron Williams would look for negative things written about himself or his team and then would let them know about it and they would get angry and rally to prove the naysayers wrong. As for the conference, yeah MSU could very easily win it all, but I still like our chances.

[snoodmonger]

Some good points are raised here. Even last year when we destroyed Wake Forrest in the middle of the game Raftery was saying how we were good, but not as good as Kansas, UNC, or even WF they were just having a bad night. Bilas had to say hey Bill they are beating the number one team in the nation by 35 points. As for who has Illinois played, let me ask you, who has Duke played? Memphis and.... Don't feed me the Indiana game either, Indiana lost to Indiana State. No matter what IU is shooting for three they still lost to Indiana State. I for one like the that fact the media doesn't always give Illinois a lot of respect, it allows our players to feed off of it. I read an article last year that said Deron Williams would look for negative things written about himself or his team and then would let them know about it and they would get angry and rally to prove the naysayers wrong. As for the conference, yeah MSU could very easily win it all, but I still like our chances.

 

Not sure what the ISU loss has to do with anything when measuring IU. Good teams CAN lose bad games. In one of KUs Final Four runs they lost to Ball State. Doesn't mean they sucked.

 

So who has Duke played? Memphis, Indiana, Texas for starters. No disrespect to UI, but they haven't played anyone near that caliber. And DUke is hammering a decent Bucknell team right now. I'd say they're for real, and they have far less to prove than UI, who has yet to play anyone outside of UNC.

[rawaction]

Some good points are raised here. Even last year when we destroyed Wake Forrest in the middle of the game Raftery was saying how we were good, but not as good as Kansas, UNC, or even WF they were just having a bad night. Bilas had to say hey Bill they are beating the number one team in the nation by 35 points. As for who has Illinois played, let me ask you, who has Duke played? Memphis and.... Don't feed me the Indiana game either, Indiana lost to Indiana State. No matter what IU is shooting for three they still lost to Indiana State. I for one like the that fact the media doesn't always give Illinois a lot of respect, it allows our players to feed off of it. I read an article last year that said Deron Williams would look for negative things written about himself or his team and then would let them know about it and they would get angry and rally to prove the naysayers wrong. As for the conference, yeah MSU could very easily win it all, but I still like our chances.

 

So, Indiana's not a good team because they lost to ISU? Not gonna earn respect by putting down every other team in the country. There was really no reason to bring up IU. And if you think IU isn't that good, then what does that make Illinois, who was picked behind them, and not unreasonably so?

 

BTW, Memphis is twice as good as any team Illinois has played all season.

[stitchface]

Some good points are raised here. Even last year when we destroyed Wake Forrest in the middle of the game Raftery was saying how we were good, but not as good as Kansas, UNC, or even WF they were just having a bad night. Bilas had to say hey Bill they are beating the number one team in the nation by 35 points. As for who has Illinois played, let me ask you, who has Duke played? Memphis and.... Don't feed me the Indiana game either, Indiana lost to Indiana State. No matter what IU is shooting for three they still lost to Indiana State. I for one like the that fact the media doesn't always give Illinois a lot of respect, it allows our players to feed off of it. I read an article last year that said Deron Williams would look for negative things written about himself or his team and then would let them know about it and they would get angry and rally to prove the naysayers wrong. As for the conference, yeah MSU could very easily win it all, but I still like our chances.

 

So, Indiana's not a good team because they lost to ISU? Not gonna earn respect by putting down every other team in the country. There was really no reason to bring up IU. And if you think IU isn't that good, then what does that make Illinois, who was picked behind them, and not unreasonably so?

 

BTW, Memphis is twice as good as any team Illinois has played all season.

 

At least Illinois beat the mediocre teams they played - unlike IU.