illiniguy

Last time I checked, Augestine is a senior now. Yeah I am aware. I am also aware he has cost us a national championship with his disappearing act. You would think a senior would play better than that. Every game in the last three years we have lost was because he was in foul trouble. Every single one.

not a bad idea! ah the beer won't even taste good.

Pretty amazing. I am sure at the other big ten arenas that one would have got overturned. Nice game again by James Augustine, maybe when he is a senior he will stop letting those guys shoot right in his face and step up like the biggest guy on the floor and get that last rebound. Pathetic. Congrats to psu they played great. I would say Iowa is gotta be the favorite after today.

Yet every year in the tournament, with non acc refs they seem to lose.

a division title in '03, it aint much but its more than the mavs have managed How? Cuban took the Devil Rays and turned them into the Red Sox in about a year. The Steve Nash decision looks bad now, but when his contract ends lets see how bad it is for Phoenix. We could do much, much worse than having Mark Cuban own the Cubs.

Nah he was an idiot, but not a frat boy. So you are half right. I am not paranoid. I am really just trying to enjoy the ride that Illinois has been on and enjoying Dee Brown play out his career. I am hopeful that Derick Rose decides to come with Eric Gordon so we can keep our momentum going. Even when I try to concede that Haluska is a damn good player I still get busted on.

Typical Illinois fan. oh jeez, if iowa had won back-to-back outright titles, you guys would be saying the same thing. plus iowa has always been our chief rival, imo (having grown up on the border), and the blood will always be bad between fans of the two teams. Well I should have clarified what I meant. I don't blame you guys for expecting to win, I think you'll probably win also. I was talking about the fact that he said Illinois played horribly at Iowa and still kept it close. Illinois fans refuse to give credit and whenever Iowa wins or keeps it close it's only because "Illinois played a terrible game." Respect goes both ways. Last year when we took you guys to overtime in Aseembly Hall it was only because you shot horribly and we heard that it would be a blowout in Carver because you would shoot better. Well you guys shot 48% in Carver and it was still a 3-point game with a little over a minute left. It's very possible that our coaching staff has devised solid gameplans and prepared the team well for Illinois. Some of your poor shooting could be due to us having one of the top defenses in the country. We only shot 35% against you guys also and I acknowleged that much of it was due to Illinois playing much better defense this year. Teams tend to miss more open shots when they have to work harder to get them. That's what Illinois and Iowa have done. In fact, Iowa and Illinois rank 2nd and 3rd in the country in defensive efficiency this year. Pretty impressive. It's called matchups. If you want to pretend it is because your team was close to ours last year go ahead and do so. It is just like the fans in Iowa City who told me last summer Iowa was the only team in the nation that could match up with USC in football. Its good for a laugh. Basically I think that you guys are a very good team this year, like us you over value your own players. I just don't get why you guys get all angry when we do with Randle. He is a young player who is getting a lot better, why shouldn't we be excited? I would rather have him than Haluska or our team. We have enough guys who can shoot, we need the defense. Conversley, you guys would rather have Haluska because he can shoot and you guys need that more than another defender. They are both good players.

This isn't difficult. Linebackers from generations ago aside, U of I hasn't been good with any consistency recently in the sport. They are a big school, in a major conference, and obviously aren't going to be competing with Middle Tennessee State in the recruiting rankings. The point is that they were terrible last year, and it's not a departure from the near past(11 wins the last 4 years, 5-19 in B10 play, including 1-15 most recently). How many 8 and 9 loss schools do you see near the top 30 in the recruiting rankings? top 50? It's great for the program that Zook's been able to do that, I'm just wondering how he did it. And no, I'm not implying any sort of illegal actions at all. Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice say hi.

Yeah, shouldn't you be judged by how you do against your schedule? I know how it's judged. There are 3 parts to it. One is based on your wins/losses and where they take place. The other is your opponents winning percentage and the other part is basically their schedule strength. It's the best measure we have to evaluate teams right now and that's why it's the most important tool to the selection committee. The top 25 polls are a joke. How many losses in a row did Louisville need to fall out? They were still ranked when they were 2-5 in their conference. To sum this whole argument up, I won't say that Haluska is a better athlete than Randle. But just because he's white and from Iowa doesn't mean he's not a hell of an athlete. His track times and distances would carry over very well to Illinois. He wasn't just another guy who won a couple of championships in Iowa. He's one of the better sprinter/jumpers in a long time and is also a skilled basketball player and our best overall player. Tim Dwight was also a white guy from Iowa, but I think he was a pretty good athlete and would have done just fine in Illinois. Greg Brunner is your best player. The things that guy does at his size in the big ten is amazing to me.

Yeah, shouldn't you be judged by how you do against your schedule? I know how it's judged. There are 3 parts to it. One is based on your wins/losses and where they take place. The other is your opponents winning percentage and the other part is basically their schedule strength. It's the best measure we have to evaluate teams right now and that's why it's the most important tool to the selection committee. The top 25 polls are a joke. How many losses in a row did Louisville need to fall out? They were still ranked when they were 2-5 in their conference. To sum this whole argument up, I won't say that Haluska is a better athlete than Randle. But just because he's white and from Iowa doesn't mean he's not a hell of an athlete. His track times and distances would carry over very well to Illinois. He wasn't just another guy who won a couple of championships in Iowa. He's one of the better sprinter/jumpers in a long time and is also a skilled basketball player and our best overall player. Tim Dwight was also a white guy from Iowa, but I think he was a pretty good athlete and would have done just fine in Illinois. Yeah but there are some flaws in it. Someone, I think Georgetown, played a home game yet it was a tourny game and gained points for it. I still like the polls better because at least if the somputer is way off then your own eyes will catch it.

What do you guys think of Rudy Gay? The reason I ask is because he can't shoot either, yet seems to get a pass for it.

i think this is a crazy assessment. there aren't many coaches in the big ten who wouldn't say that randle is by far the best leaper in the conference. It is a two man group of Pettway and Randle. As far as leaping and raw athleticism, Doug Thomas is right there with Petway. He is 6'8 with a legit 44 inch vertical. True I forgot about Thunder Doug. I would say he is right there with the other two I mentioned.

According to who? Randle may project to be more valuable in the NBA, but that has nothing to do with being a better athlete. If you can't say Haluska is a heck of an athlete without being moronic, well I would question what is really moronic there. Randle couldn't rival what Haluksa has done in track. Haluska is two-three inches shorter but weighs the same and is much stronger. Oh by the way he's also averaging 6 points more per game than Randle. So once and for all let's break this all down. Randle is averaging 8.3, 5.7 boards and 1.4 assists per game. Haluska is averaging 15.3 points, 4.9 boards and 2.5 assists. So Haluska has been much better this year. He's also faster and a better leaper than Randle. In addition he's stronger and has a much better build. Yet it's moronic to say that he's a heck of an athlete too? Good logic. By the way Haluska will be playing in the NBA some day also. Maybe not a lottery pick, but he'll be there. I can't believe how much some of you are overrating Randle. What has he done? And if you think those numbers can dictate greater value or a better player you are a moron. Brian Randle is a defensive stopper on the 6th best team in America. Adam Haluska, is a nice role player on a top 25 team. LOL what? Haluska is a nice role player on a top 25 team? That may be some of the best spin I've ever seen on here. Using the ridiculous polls was also a nice touch. How about saying Haluska is the best player on the #10 RPI team? That would be closer to the truth. I didn't say the numbers equalled value on the next level. Randle will be valued higher in the NBA because of his size. Unfortunately we aren't playing in the NBA right now. Haluska has shown much more than Randle has and it's not even close. sulleymon Randle and Haluska were matched up for most of the first Illinois-Iowa game. Haluska had 15 points, 3 boards and 1 foul. Randle had 4 points, 2 boards and 5 fouls. Haluska's offensive game most certainly did not suffer and I think he showed that he has quick enough feet to avoid fouls. In fact I think it was Randle who needed quicker feet to avoid foul trouble. You do know that RPI is just how you do against your schedule. It really doesn't rank you in terms that people think it does. To argue Randle's ppg as his value to our team is equally silly.

well, for one, he's probably the big ten's best defensive player. Ah but defense is only half of the game. I just wish he wouldn't have broke his hand last year. I think he could have done a heck of a job on Sean May, maybe even enough to swing the outcome of that game. Maybe not.

i think this is a crazy assessment. there aren't many coaches in the big ten who wouldn't say that randle is by far the best leaper in the conference. It is a two man group of Pettway and Randle.

i think this is a crazy assessment. there aren't many coaches in the big ten who wouldn't say that randle is by far the best leaper in the conference. Again I am not willing to concede he is faster with a basketball in his hands.

According to who? Randle may project to be more valuable in the NBA, but that has nothing to do with being a better athlete. If you can't say Haluska is a heck of an athlete without being moronic, well I would question what is really moronic there. Randle couldn't rival what Haluksa has done in track. Haluska is two-three inches shorter but weighs the same and is much stronger. Oh by the way he's also averaging 6 points more per game than Randle. So once and for all let's break this all down. Randle is averaging 8.3, 5.7 boards and 1.4 assists per game. Haluska is averaging 15.3 points, 4.9 boards and 2.5 assists. So Haluska has been much better this year. He's also faster and a better leaper than Randle. In addition he's stronger and has a much better build. Yet it's moronic to say that he's a heck of an athlete too? Good logic. By the way Haluska will be playing in the NBA some day also. Maybe not a lottery pick, but he'll be there. I can't believe how much some of you are overrating Randle. What has he done? And if you think those numbers can dictate greater value or a better player you are a moron. Brian Randle is a defensive stopper on the 6th best team in America. Adam Haluska, is a nice player on a top 25 team. So isn't it safe to say if haluska is stronger and a better athlete than Randle than he would average more boards than him?

randle's probably the quickest jumper in the BT, along with arguably it's best athlete. athletic-wise, i don't think there's any comparison. Jeff Horner got third or so in high jump. How do I know? My brother's got first and fourth. I guess that means Jeff is a better athlete than Dee Brown.

haluska's a more skilled basketball player than randle, but if randle draws him defensively, haluska's offensive game will suffer. plus, if last game is an indication of anything to come, randle will be taking the ball hard to the hole against haluska, who better have quick feet, or he'll get some early fouls. illinois shot terribly at carver, and part of that was iowa's defense. but i seem to remember several wide open threes each that were missed by dee, mcbride, and smith. illinois just didn't convert any open shots and then got bogged down in an ugly game. they didn't receive any help from the refs, the hawkeyes better not be expecting any special treatment at the AH. in the theoretical sense, yes, iowa has a shot, but to believe that it's anything more than a long-shot would be lying to onesself. What you mean the two uncontested layups Dee missed weren't Iowa's good defense? We missed a lot of shots, but giving credit where it was due they beat the tar out of us. I think we will return the favor at AH.

Not with the Randle I watched Tuesday night in Wisconsin, Haluska' a good player but, I don't believe he's as quick or long as Randle nor can he jump with him. Randle isn't even averaging 9 points a game...some of you act like he is Adam Morrissey offensively or something. Randle has a couple inches on him, sure...but Haluska is also a heck of an athlete. You really think he is an athlete in the same sense that Brian Randle is? I mean sure if a long jump breaks out he might win, but even then I doubt it considering Randle was in a far superior state for high school athletics. How can you judge that? Did Randle play anything besides basketball in high school? I can't find it on his bio. Haluska won the 100, 200, 400 and long jump as a senior. His junior year he won the 100, 200 and long jump. He also won the long jump his sophomore year. Yes obviously Iowa isn't on Illinois' level for high school athletics, I won't argue that. But if you take a look at his times and distances you would see that he also would have done VERY well in Illinois at the same time. He's also a legit 6'5, 210 with about 7% body fat. He's much stronger than Randle. You know he is much stronger based on what? I would argue that Randle is at least as strong as Adam. Look at how Randle was able to keep Tucker off of the block in the game against Wiscy. If Haluska would have been able to do that, you guys would have been in that game.

Sweet then you guys should order your big ten championship shirts then. Me I think I'll get my three peat one ordered. I don't think anyone ever said that, the discussion was about individual matchups. He said no one could match up with Randle, but Haluska matches up with him fine and Brunner can work on him also like he did last time. I know he's been improving but we certainly didn't have much problem with him last time. You don't think Haluska is as quick enough? Randle may have 2-3 inches on him, but Haluska is most definitely as quick if not quicker than Randle. It was funny at the first game in Carver some Illinois guys parked by us and were walking up with their sons. One of them had his 7 year old kid waving a sign that said "Iowa can't handle the Randle", just taunting everyone and holding it right up to the cars stuck in traffic. The dads thought it was just hilarious. Of course Randle then went on to foul out with a total of 4 points and 2 rebounds. Watching them after the game was priceless. And sorry if I'm not that impressed with McBride yet. He's been good the past two games, but he hadn't done much in the previous two months outside of one huge game against a terrible team. Jamar Smith is scary though. He was able to get a lot of open looks against us in January but wasn't hitting them early. He's the kind of guy who can just kill a defense when you defend well for 30 seconds and then he knocks down a 3. I think he contributes much more offensively than McBride. Anyways that Illinois game is still 3 weeks away. We've got a big one against Michigan tomorrow. Smith is very good, but McBride's ability to get into the lane and take pressure off of Dee like he has the last two games is what has made our offense so much better.

Not with the Randle I watched Tuesday night in Wisconsin, Haluska' a good player but, I don't believe he's as quick or long as Randle nor can he jump with him. Randle isn't even averaging 9 points a game...some of you act like he is Adam Morrissey offensively or something. Randle has a couple inches on him, sure...but Haluska is also a heck of an athlete. You really think he is an athlete in the same sense that Brian Randle is? I mean sure if a long jump breaks out he might win, but even then I doubt it considering Randle was in a far superior state for high school athletics. That is awful logic. Sure, while Illinois will produce better athletes than Iowa in general...that isn't a determinative factor when comparing two players. "Hmm...well, he came from Illinois, so he MUST be a better ahtlete than this guy from Iowa." That's not all that far from saying..."hmm...this kid is from Connecticut, so he must be smarter than this kid from Alabama...." It just doesn't follow in a discussion directly comparing two individuals. Anyway, back to the issue at hand...I didn't equate the two. I said that Haluska is also a heck of an athlete. Good enough to hold his own defensively against a player like Randle...sure. Just because one is a phenomenal athlete doesn't necessarily equate into that player being tough to stop defensively. Just look at Doug Thomas or Brett Pettway for as prime examples. It takes more than pure athleticism to be a great offensive threat. All that said...you guys act like I am saying Iowa will win. They most likely will not. I'm just saying...Iowa held the Illini to 48 points last game and are one of the best defensive teams in the country. They have a shot. And one better than 100-1. Nope I pretty much think you ask anyone about who the better ahtlete is between Brian Randle and Adam Haluska they will go with Brian Randle. So I guess you saying that Haluska is also a heck of an athlete is moronic. Brian Randle is a jumpshot away from being a lottery pick. I don't think Haluska is that type of athlete.

Sweet then you guys should order your big ten championship shirts then. Me I think I'll get my three peat one ordered. What does me saying Haluska can match up with Randle have to do with me making some sort of guarantee that Iowa will win the Big 10? Well It looks as if that game could be the determining one. If we both take care of business.

Not with the Randle I watched Tuesday night in Wisconsin, Haluska' a good player but, I don't believe he's as quick or long as Randle nor can he jump with him. Randle isn't even averaging 9 points a game...some of you act like he is Adam Morrissey offensively or something. Randle has a couple inches on him, sure...but Haluska is also a heck of an athlete. You really think he is an athlete in the same sense that Brian Randle is? I mean sure if a long jump breaks out he might win, but even then I doubt it considering Randle was in a far superior state for high school athletics.

Sweet then you guys should order your big ten championship shirts then. Me I think I'll get my three peat one ordered.