illiniguy

We were down by as much as 23 in the second half. We made a lat charge and got it respectable, but were never really in it after about 15 minutes in during the first half.

The Michigan St. game was a blow out loss really, we rallied a bit at the end to get it closer than what the game really was. The Purdue game was bad in that Purdue played as bad as they could for one half and we didn't take advantage of it. I am really discouraged by where we are. Logically I know it is because of the two years we didn't recruit anyone and this should be expected, but still this is painful to watch. It is also difficult to watch how Bruce has handled Brandon Paul. I know he has struggled a lot, but you have to play Mr. Basketball ahead of walk ons and role players if you ever wanna get more Mr. Basketballs. I really think the program is taking a step back and yet most of the fanbase is ok with it.

What sucks though is our schedule get really tough from here on out. We gotta start getting some good wins. What sucks is Pomeroy ratings have little if anything to do with how teams are placed in the tourney. We were a "10 seed" according to Pomeroy when we went 16-19 in '08. (This isn't to say I believe we belonged in the tourney in '08, or that we'd deserve it if the season ended today. It's just something nice to look at to talk me off the ledge a bit regarding this team's potential.) Did you see Ken Pom predicts we finish 0-8? That would be beyond awful.

What sucks though is our schedule get really tough from here on out. We gotta start getting some good wins.

For a road game, losing by 7 to Tech isn't so bad since I think ISU isn't so much different a team than Tech. Especially for the first game without Staiger. Please give Kansas a battle on Saturday so they're worn down come Monday. I will almost guarantee a close game on Saturday. Ames is a tough place to play, and Brackins just destroyed us last year. Plus, we look like crap, AND we're probably looking ahead to Mizzou. I don't have a win penciled in by any means. I don't care how bad ISU is playing. You kill me, they are easily one of the top three teams in America without even starting to play well yet. Self will get them where they need to be. Being in KC, I'm sure you've seen a few games. You don't think this team is pretty flawed? I think that they are struggling because Collins is sitting back too much and trying to let the offense flow. Sometimes I don't think he is selfish enough. Aldrich has been the real mystery to me, he's too good to be playing like this, but I think his grandmother might have a lot to do with that. But, the Morris twins have really stepped up a lot this year. I mix them up, but Marcus? has 61 points the last 3 games on like 21 shots. That's freaking amazing. Henry is a great shooter, but not the complete player I would expect from a top 5 recruit. Tyshawn Taylor has fallen off of a cliff. A bit flawed yes, but at the end of the year I'd be suprised if you weren't playing for the title.

For a road game, losing by 7 to Tech isn't so bad since I think ISU isn't so much different a team than Tech. Especially for the first game without Staiger. Please give Kansas a battle on Saturday so they're worn down come Monday. I will almost guarantee a close game on Saturday. Ames is a tough place to play, and Brackins just destroyed us last year. Plus, we look like crap, AND we're probably looking ahead to Mizzou. I don't have a win penciled in by any means. I don't care how bad ISU is playing. You kill me, they are easily one of the top three teams in America without even starting to play well yet. Self will get them where they need to be. The game against ISU isn't 3 months from now, it's against the same KU team that hasn't looked anything like a top 3 team all year. The Temple game KU looked very good. Yeah they have struggled some, but I they are going to handle Iowa State.

For a road game, losing by 7 to Tech isn't so bad since I think ISU isn't so much different a team than Tech. Especially for the first game without Staiger. Please give Kansas a battle on Saturday so they're worn down come Monday. I will almost guarantee a close game on Saturday. Ames is a tough place to play, and Brackins just destroyed us last year. Plus, we look like crap, AND we're probably looking ahead to Mizzou. I don't have a win penciled in by any means. I don't care how bad ISU is playing. You kill me, they are easily one of the top three teams in America without even starting to play well yet. Self will get them where they need to be.

We up to 6 or 7 moral victories this year? What's MSU's home record this decade? They're a top 10 team. They've beaten some of our NCAA Tournament teams by 30. We haven't won their in 17 years. We were 22 point underdogs. So yes, even if you're pissed about the state of the program that was a moral victory. Yeah definately gotta be happy with that effort. Alfrod basically quit trying for you guys the last year and a hlaf he was there, leaving you with little coming in for talent. It's gonna take a bit to rebound from that.

Do you think it is a foregone conclusion that LeBron is going to take a max contract instead of just getting a really big one and going to a place where he can win (Miami?)? LeBron can win in NY. Not sure if it will be next year, but LeBron in NY = many more opportunities for NY to improve their team. Yeah, CP3 can opt out after next year I believe. I imagine he would like to play for Mike D with LeBron.

I can't see Wade leaving South Beach. Hope he does, but doubt it. I think Bosh and Joe Johnson might be what we go after.

Agreed, Gordon was handled the right way. Cannot give him the kind of money that the Pistons did. I wish they would find a way to move Kirk. They do that they could possibly land Bosh and LeBron.

I agreed that he was not adequately replace, but let's face facts the Bulls were not seriously going to upgrade any position last summer if it jeopardizes their "2010 plan." So bemoan the fact the Bulls do not have a player that can stretch the court, complaining about it (sponge, this wasn't necessarily directed at you, but the Bulls fans on several different sites have simply frustrated me with their love of BG and their wishing he was still on the Bulls) really doesn't do a thing. I've learn to accept the Bulls for what they are this year and not what they don't have. They are who they are. And yes, they do need to fix it, but it won't happen till the summer. Exactly. I've never understood why people keep complaining in this thread like the Bulls dropped the ball for this season when it was obvious as can be that they were just going to in a holding pattern until the big offseason. It's obvious what needs need to be fixed, but it's also been obvious since Gordon was not signed that they're biding their times until the better FA's are out there. I think everyone knows the plan, but is a bit worried that it will end up just like the last time we geared up for the big free agents(Hill, TMac, and Duncan).

What will UNC be ranked next week? 24th?

Klee's chat was awesome this week. He hit on how wide the gap has become between Illinois and the great teams. He even told the fans feel free to vent away.

This is a quote from an article, or is this one of the goofs over there like Ryan Christie? I believe it is a goof, but I think he took the AD thing from an article. Not 100 percent sure. Either way intresting stuff. His seat has to be getting warmer. I agree his seat is getting a little warm. Missing the tournament this year is going to require some serious leaps forward next year. Obviously the tournament is necessary, but I'm not sure he can survive something like an 8 seed and done next year. I'm not sure he should either. Of course I'm a kool-aid swilling homer and think we're making the tourney this year, and have a Final 4 chance next year. I agree, now that the recruiting been fixed, he's running out of excuses, with the addition of Leonard, Richmond and hopefully, a healthy Crandell Head. There's no reason not to expect a elite 8 or more run in 2011-12, the team' going to be loaded with big time talent. We won't have an experienced point guard at that point. That worries me.

This is a quote from an article, or is this one of the goofs over there like Ryan Christie? I believe it is a goof, but I think he took the AD thing from an article. Not 100 percent sure. Either way intresting stuff. His seat has to be getting warmer.

From the illiniboard. Taken from a writer so obviously his seat must be getting a bit warm for this stuff to start showing up. I say about damn time. "Weber has been out of his league the day he left SIU. He was lucky to have Bill Self bless him with a roster full of ridiculous talent, but since then, his true capability (or lack thereof) is evident. A reporter yesterday used the acronym A.D. for After-Dee. Well, in the 4 years A.D., Weber's win % is 61%, his conference record is even, and he has won 0 tournament (NCAA) games in that span. Instead of the infamous funeral, he ought to send Bill Self thank you letters every month for building his reputation as a capable Big Ten coach"

He'd be dumb to turn pro. Im not sure hes a 1st round pick right now, maybe Im wrong, but in my opinion hes not. He disappears way to often, and gets lazy way to often. Isnt Abrams coming in next year? Or is he more of a SG than PG? Plus I think DJ could handle the point come next year. Abrams is a true point, but he's not in next year's class. Next year is Richmond, Leonard, and Head. (+ a redshirt Bertrand) I'd be shocked if DMac went pro after this year. He sticks around, I think he's a lock 1st rounder. He leaves now, he's pretty borderline. Besides, you've been saying all year he's not a point guard. He's not really, but besides Wall there really isn't much in this draft at Point Guard. Plus he's blowing up.

What happens when McCamey turns pro after this year and we don't have a point guard again next year? Could happen.

It has been, Gene is beaming with pride.

Oh, I think I could. Well, it's a hell of an excuse to get everyone back together in one place. Some of the guys couldn't go to the typical places (Vegas, Chicago, a beach somewhere) as their significant others wouldn't allow it. Besides, seeing #3 vs #9 will be a hell of a good time. Not to mention a bunch of guys in their early 30's going back to a college town. I forsee a weekend of dubachery. You will both be ranked higher than that by then, no? Great win by the way.

Hey we battled them at least. I came away a little excited about Tyler Griffey, just wish that someone would find Mike Davis from last year. he's a soft jump shooter that gets by on athletic ability and shooting touch. he's easy to shut down because he can't put the ball on the floor at all at this point. he needs to work on aspects of his game because teams have figured him out. True, but even the jump shot has gone away. I could live with what he was doing now if he was still making a decent clip of jump shots.

Hey we battled them at least. I came away a little excited about Tyler Griffey, just wish that someone would find Mike Davis from last year.

Yet Paul got a technical for something. On the replay I couldn't see what it was, but assume it had to be awful. :roll: