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[FEB. 13, 2001]  Every year a national argument is waged over which conference in America can claim to be the best. Most years, the Big Ten conference is able to argue fairly effectively about the merits of their conference of 11. One thing that cannot be argued, however, is the solid track record for great head coaches throughout the history of the Big Ten. In the last two decades alone, men like Lute Olsen, Bobby Knight, Bill Frieder, Gene Keady, Lou Henson, Dick Bennett and Lon Kruger have set themselves apart as excellent (in most cases) leaders of their respective teams. Today, the LDN looks at the current state of coaches in the Big Ten and assesses which coaches are in trouble, which ones are keepers and which leaders are probably headed for bigger (and maybe better) programs.

Coaches on the bubble and/or in trouble (have your resume ready)

1. Brian Ellerbe, University of Michigan

Insiders say Michigan never wanted Ellerbe for more than an interim period. However, his ’97-’98 team won the first ever Big Ten tourney, and Wolverine players lobbied hard for Ellerbe to stay. Many of those very players (Robert Trailor) never played another game for Michigan, and the Wolverines are just plain bad — they are light years behind rival MSU and might not even be the second best D-1 team in the state. Ellerbe is probably gone at the end of the year, and look for Michigan to hire one of two available legends: NBA failure Rick Pitino or former IU coach Bob Knight, with the former having the ability and willpower to come in and clean up a program which looks awful dirty on the outside. As an Illini fan, however, I sure hope Michigan locks up Ellerbe and signs him to another five-year contract!

2. Brad Soberberg, University of Wisconsin (interim)

Placed in a really bad spot early this season, Soderberg stepped in when Dick Bennett retired suddenly, and the Badgers have not missed a beat. The bruisers from Madison are still one of the two toughest teams in the Big Ten, and Soderberg appears to have continued the Wisconsin system without much trouble. If Soderberg does not get the job on a full-time basis, the next coach will have the problem of inheriting a team of blue-collar, hard workers who might not fit in a system that emphasizes athleticism. At this point, it appears any decision has not been made, but the LDN feels good about the possibility of Soderberg staying.

3. Mike Davis, Indiana University (interim)

Illinois plays at IU Saturday and something will be missing — big Bob Knight. When IU dismissed the man in the big red sweater on Sept. 10, very few thought Davis would have much of a shot of keeping the job past this season. The Hoosiers have been up and down throughout the year, losing to Indiana State (really bad loss), while handing Michigan State their first loss of the season (great win!). Davis appears to have the respect of the current players, but don’t be surprised to see a more established coach roaming the sidelines in southern Indiana next season (can anyone say Tim Floyd?). Again, from the view of an Illini fan, I would love to see Davis stay as head coach for many years to come.

Too early to tell

1. Dan Monson, Minnesota University

In just his second season, Monson inherited a program in serious trouble from the Clem Haskins era and has done a great job building respect and dignity in Minneapolis. This year’s version of the Golden Gophers has been decimated by injuries and will not win many more games this season. However, Monson looks like a keeper (only time will tell) and could be just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota in light of past moral and ethical problems.

2. Bill Carmody, Northwestern University

In his first season at NU, Carmody came this year from Princeton and installed a system which could prove to be a gold mine for the Wildcat program. Never able to compete with other Big Ten schools for high-profile athletes, Carmody looks like the man to create a "Princeton of the Midwest" — a team which will never beat you by 25 but could knock off anyone in the conference as a result of their discipline, ball control and unselfish play. Already, signs exist Northwestern has found a coach who is a keeper in more ways than one.

Hard to read

1. Jerry Dunn, Penn State University

Here is an idea: Try to build a basketball power in the back yard of one of the most storied football programs in the country. Penn State has been just about average during Dunn’s six seasons, but average may be good enough for Penn State basketball. Anyway, Penn State gets almost no serious press coverage, and unless a major scandal hits the basketball program, the LDN does not see Dunn leaving the program anytime soon.

[to top of second column in this article]

Coaches who are in great shape

1. Gene Keady, Purdue University

Keady is in his 21^st season in West Lafayette and will probably stay as long as he desires — more than likely until he retires. The coach who led the Boilers to three straight Big Ten conference titles in the ’90s (’94, ’95 and ’96), Keady has always kept Purdue in the mix of the conference race, and Mackey arena is usually one of the toughest places to win in the Big Ten. While Keady will not be confused with a Boy Scout anytime soon, he has a proven track record and appears set to stay at Purdue for the rest of his career.

2. Jim O’Brien, Ohio State University

O’Brien came to Ohio State when the Buckeyes were in sad shape and proceeded to lead the Buckeyes to the final four in just his second year. In addition, this year’s team was not expected to finish higher than seventh, yet is currently tied for third place, holds victories over Michigan State, Iowa and Wisconsin, and lost by just one point to No. 6 Kansas in December. O’Brien appears to like Columbus, and the natives in Ohio like him a whole lot more than John Cooper (although I’m not sure that is much of a compliment). Look for O’Brien to stay quite a while.

Coaches who could stay forever, but probably/maybe will not

1. Tom Izzo, Michigan State University

Izzo almost left for the NBA in May after leading MSU to the national title, but instead returned for his sixth year in East Lansing. All Izzo has accomplished in five seasons is this: three Big Ten titles, two final four appearances and a national title. Not bad for a coach from the upper peninsula of Michigan who many thought was not up to the job. MSU is the premier program in the Big Ten today, and they absolutely own of the state of Michigan when it comes to recruiting. Izzo was able to say no to the Atlanta Hawks, but will he be able to resist a premier college program (like Kentucky or UCLA) or a good NBA situation (maybe Detroit)? Our guess is Izzo stays for a while, but we don’t see him at MSU forever.

2. Steve Alford, Iowa University

Everyone in America (for the most part) thinks Alford will eventually end up in Bloomington, Ind. However, the Hawkeyes would love to lock him up and keep their conference rival from stealing their fair-haired boy. Alford says he plans to stay in Iowa forever, but — herein lies the program — we are talking about Iowa (ouch!). While the Hawkeye fans love their team, can Alford be happy long-term in Iowa City? (We don’t think so.) And what happens when one of the premier programs in America comes calling? We say Steve says, "See ya!"

3. Bill Self, University of Illinois

This one breaks my heart. I absolutely love Self and hope he stays in Champaign for 25 years. But the bottom line is this: Self is one of the rising stars in college coaching, and I could see him stick in Illini land just long enough to acquire a job like Kentucky, Kansas or UCLA. I do think Illinois A.D. Ron Guenther will do whatever he can to keep Self, and I don’t see him jumping ship to the NBA (like Lon Kruger), but I think eventually one of two things will happen: One, Self will build Illinois into one of the best five programs in America and stay forever (probably will not happen — but we sure would love it!). Or, number two, one of the top five programs in America will come calling and Self will be gone. Only time will tell, but right now, Self seems like a great fit in Illini-land.

Oh, by the way, what are the top five programs in the land, you may ask? From where I am looking, they would appear to be (in no particular order):

Duke

Kansas

Kentucky

North Carolina

UCLA

(Michigan State is knocking on the door)

We would love to hear what you think! E-mail us with your top five programs and/or any comments or predictions about Big Ten coaches.

[Greg Taylor]

[FEB. 12, 2001]  Led by Lincoln’s Brian Cook, Illinois beat Purdue for the first time in over four seasons — a streak which spanned nine games. Cook scored 17 points on the afternoon, including 10 during a decisive 21-9 Illinois run which allowed the visitors to expand a small four-point lead to 16 points and effectively end any hopes for a 10th straight Purdue victory. The partisan crowd seemed stunned as Illinois led from the opening tip and seemed to be in control most of the game. The Illini victory was the largest margin of victory ever for an opponent at Mackey Arena and was Purdue’s worst loss at home since 1954. Junior Lucas Johnson put the victory in perspective: "This was the first victory against Purdue for anyone in the program since Coach Judson played back in the early ’50s … and you can tell him I said so" (Judson actually played in the late ’70s).

However, in spite of the large margin of victory, 82-61, Illinois played far from a perfect game. Illinois missed 13 layups or shots from within five feet and allowed the Boilermakers to hang around for the first 25 minutes of the game. Despite a solid first half, Illinois led by just six points at the half and didn’t appear to be playing with the same urgency seen Tuesday night in the victory over Michigan State. Purdue’s lone senior, 6-1 guard Carson Cunningham, played as if Saturday’s game was his last, scoring a game-high 25 points. Purdue, which lost both 6-11 center John Allison and 6-7 forward Rodney Smith to broken feet this week, found themselves at a severe height disadvantage for most of the afternoon. Illinois made the most of the opportunity, as Cook, Marcus Griffin, Robert Archibald and Damir Krupalija combined to outscore the Purdue big men 43-5. Illinois out-rebounded the Boilermakers 36-22 on the afternoon.

Illinois had a very balanced effort, as six players scored at least eight points and no one played more than 30 minutes. Archibald again was a solid force down low. One unnamed Illini coach confirmed Archibald has passed senior Marcus Griffin in many ways and makes a nice inside-outside threat when combined with Cook.

Self was especially pleased with the development of Lincoln’s favorite son, stating, "Brian in the past has been like the Dow Jones, up and down, but he is really starting to come into his own. His confidence is sky high right now." Cook made all three of his 3-point attempts and both of his free throws, as well as three other layup/dunk opportunities to finish with a team-high 17 points in just 26 minutes.

Junior Cory Bradford made another two 3-point attempts to extend his streak of games with a made 3-point basket to 88 games.

Illinois shot an amazing 20 free throws in the first half alone, making 15, and finished the game shooting 82 percent from the free-throw line.

To Illinois it appeared that they were going to play most of the game against a team without their head coach. Purdue’s Gene Keady, known for his animation (among other things) on the sideline, received a technical foul just 1:12 into the game and appeared to come close to receiving a second technical (which would have resulted in disqualification) three other times during the first half. Keady was especially unhappy with veteran official Ed Hightower, who rewarded Keady with the technical foul.

[to top of second column in this article]

This game marked the second contest of a torrid six-game stretch which will decide the Big Ten title. Illinois is 9-2 in the conference and stands one full game ahead of Michigan State and 2½ games ahead of Wisconsin, Ohio State, Iowa and Indiana. Self noted after the game, "We control our own destiny."

Illinois returns to the Assembly Hall Tuesday night for an 8 p.m. ESPN game against No. 18 Wisconsin, a team which lost at Ohio State on Saturday.

Illinois should jump up to No. 4 in both the AP (writers) and ESPN (coaches) polls on Sunday. Most of the media pool agreed Saturday that if the season were to end today, Illinois would be in line for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tourney. Self, however, refused to comment, stating, "All I care about is winning the next game." Coach Self, we are with you on that — now let’s go get the Badgers!

• Both Illinois and Purdue made eight 3-point baskets.

• Illinois attempted 27 free throws, making 22, including all seven attempts in the second half.

• Illinois out-rebounded Purdue 36-22.

• Illinois committed the first five fouls of the second half.

• Illinois shot 44 percent from the field for the game.

• Illinois shot 44 percent from the 3-point line for the game.

• Illinois recorded 17 assists, a marked improvement from previous road games.

• Saturday’s game was a sellout.

• Purdue alum and current NBA player Brian Cardinal was in attendance.

• Damir Krupalija played strong once again, scoring seven points and recording three steals in just 11 minutes of action.

• Sean Harrington played 23 strong minutes, made two 3-point baskets and had no turnovers while playing point guard much of the game.

• Illinois committed just 10 turnovers, their lowest road game total of the year.

• Illinois’ last victory over Purdue was on 1/20/96 at Purdue (71-67 victory).

• Previous coach Lon Kruger never beat Purdue (in eight attempts).

[Greg Taylor]

Illinois vs. Purdue box score

http://fightingillini.fansonly.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/021001aaa.html 

[FEB. 8, 2001]  On the way to the Assembly Hall Tuesday night, I remarked to my fellow travelers that I did not have a good feeling about the game with Michigan State. And why should I have had a good feeling? Not only had the Illini lost five in a row to the Spartans, but they had looked ugly doing it. Case in point was the smash-mouth start of last season’s Big Ten Tournament championship game. MSU came out and punched Cook between the eyes and then broke Cory Bradford’s nose. Had it been a prize-boxing match, the fight would have been stopped. I also mentioned to my friends that how the game was officiated would be a major factor in the outcome. I have noticed that the Illini play much better in games were there’s a semblance of ebb and flow. In addition, I remarked that we needed a warrior performance from our crowd. And for a parting shot, I threw in that if we could shoot the ball a little better that might help, too. But as we entered the parking lot, that dark cloud of doubt had fully permeated my being…

And all of that happened before I knew that Michigan State was going to slap us with a 7-0 run to start the game…and a 10-0 run to start the second half! If you would’ve told me just that before the game, I would’ve told you that there would be no way in the world that the Illini could overcome that type of play from the defending national champs.

That is exactly why the LDN pays me the big bucks — it’s because of my deep analysis and my ability to project outcomes! Of course, if you believe that, I can also make you a really good deal on my wife’s ’84 Toyota Corolla!

So, just where to begin on describing the intangibles of one of the greatest Illini victories in history is a dice roll. I think I’ll start by mentioning the crowd…or I should say the fans! You are the ones that have backed this program and this team through some great victories but also through painful defeats and disappointments.

I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of our crowd than I was last night. First of all, people actually rose to the challenge of wearing orange for the game. The Assembly Hall was a sea of orange ... and never looked better in its life! Then there was the noise level. I would like to have taken my son to the game to indoctrinate him at an early age, but I feared that the decibel level might hurt his ears. I should have been worried about my ears! The deafening crescendo of the Illini nation rocked the Hall ... and several blocks of the greater Champaign-Urbana area! The crowd simply never gave up. Even after those two devastating runs to start either half, the fans continued to pump wind to the sails. It was a sight to behold.

Now as to where these people are during the non-conference portion of the schedule, I may never know. I do promise you loyal LDN readers that I will investigate it further and get back to you. And as to whether all of their orange duds are at the dry cleaners before Jan. 1 … I can only assume as much.

But what you witnessed last night was exactly the way the "big boys" do it. Go to a game at Kentucky, Memphis, Arkansas, North Carolina or Duke. People there are always clad in their team’s colors, and unless you’re on friendly terms with a scalper, acquisition of tickets will require the best of your creative energies. I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of Illinois kids wearing other schools’ colors. It’s time that Orange (and Blue) dotted the land! For crying out loud…WE ARE ILLINOIS!

The Honorable John Coady, who is a judge from Taylorville and has the good fortune of oftentimes sharing seats with the LDN sports crew, summed up last night’s mammoth win with two words: bench ’n’Bradford.

So, let’s talk about Illinois’ bench. First of all, our depth has been a strength all year long. Last night the Illini’s bench outscored MSU 18-8 and out-rebounded the Spartans 6-5. Sean Harrington came flying off the bench and hit a big 3 to get us going. Damir came in and gave us his usual solid play. Lucas Johnson came in and incited a riot. On the morning after, the riot had still not been quelled!

[to top of second column in this article]

But if you were handing out game balls, you’d have to give one to Robert Archibald. If he’s not the most improved Illini player, then I’m the next governor of Illinois! He was simply a load in the paint. Did you ever think that you would be uttering the word "unstoppable" to describe Arch’s prowess?…I didn’t. So, give me my 50 lashes with a wet noodle and let’s move on. The coaching staff has just worked a miracle with this kid. In many ways, he was the difference Tuesday night … and all of that — seven points, four big rebounds and two assists — with a very sore back. Don’t you wish we performed that well when we’re not 100 percent? Last night he won the Orange Ocean over. His fan clubs are probably springing up all over the state even as we speak. And he’s earned it! He has worked hard and strived to get better all the time. I just hope that he can be completely healthy when we make our stretch run.

Suffice it to say that the bench was the factor in giving us a 5-point first-half lead. They also came in and helped us claw our way back into the game after that ferocious run that MSU slammed on us to start the second session. The LDN awards a team game ball to the bench and, of course, an individual one to one of our new favorite players, Robert Archibald.

Judge Coady also muttered these words: "It was nice to see Bradford come up big in the biggest game of the year." Truer words were never spoken! Cory was — count them — 6-for-11 from downtown. How huge was that? In a word, very! He does look healthier, but that’s not what’s impressed me most. I confided in some friends that if the streak (hitting a 3-pointer in a now-record NCAA 87-straight games) were to come to an end, it wouldn’t kill me. And maybe it might help Cory’s game a little. I totally retract my earlier statement! But what’s really impressed me is that he hasn’t hung his head when he wasn’t living up to all of the preseason hype, mostly that of naming him as the probable Big Ten MVP. Instead he has become a more complete player and the consummate team player at that, making sure that the ball gets to Cook or Williams or whoever has the hot hand. He seems to be much more concerned about the only stat that really matters: the W! His unselfish play has been contagious to his Illini brethren. This year’s team has made the extra pass time and time again, and look what it has resulted in — a victory over what the LDN is calling the best team in America.

I do sort of feel like Apollo Creed from the closing scenes of Rocky: "Ain’t gonna be no rematch…Why?…Don’t want one." In fact, it’s fine with me if we never play Michigan State again. I vote to kick them out of the conference…Is that a second I heard?…All in favor…It’s unanimous!

Oh, by the way, after sizing up the final outcome, I’m starting to feel a lot better about Tuesday night!

[FEB. 7, 2001]  No. 7 Illinois overcame early jitters and defeated No. 4 Michigan St. 77-66 Tuesday night in Champaign. Several heroes stepped up for the 18-5 Illini and allowed them to gain sole possession of first place in the conference. Illinois fell behind 7-0 to start the game and Michigan State scored the first 10 points of the second half, but in each case Illinois rebounded with passion and power and knocked off one of the country's best (not to mention the fact MSU is the defending national champion). This was Illinois' first victory over a top five team in the Assembly Hall since Illinois beat No. 3 Indiana 69-67 on March 1, 1987 (The Hoosiers went on to win the national title in 1987).

Several individuals stepped up for the Illini on Tuesday night and carried them to victory. Below is the LDN Hero List for "the game":

1. Cory Bradford — The junior from Memphis broke out of a season-long slump with 22 points and made six huge 3-point baskets, including four during a five-minute stretch in the second half where Illinois extended a one-point lead to a 10-point lead. Bradford also played solid defense on Michigan State freshman Marcus Taylor.

2. Brian Cook — Lincoln’s favorite son scored seven straight points early in the second half, which allowed him to erase a five-point deficit. Cook also avoided foul trouble and played 33 big minutes for the Illini. Brian showed the toughness to stand up to the Michigan State big men and totally shut down MSU diaper dandy Zach Randolph, holding the best freshman in the Big 10 to just six points. Cook also led Illinois with five rebounds and two blocked shots.

3. Robert Archibald — Out of the lineup due to back pain on Saturday, Archibald made the most of his return, logging 20 game minutes while scoring seven points and grabbing four rebounds. He also showed a toughness the entire night and avoided foul trouble besides.

4. THE CROWD — It was without a doubt the loudest night on record at the Hall, as several MSU players and coaches said the crowd was the sixth man and made a big difference. Encouraged to wear orange, most fans did just that, and a sea of orange helped lead the Illini to victory. The MSU game was the sixth sellout of the year (out of 10 games to date) and the final two home games are already sellouts. What's next? Bill Self breaking out an orange blazer?

5. Coach Bill Self — I can remember crying in my coffee when I heard in late May that Lon Kruger was heading to NBA to coach the Atlanta Hawks. However, Self proved again Tuesday night why he has the inside track at Big 10 coach of the year. Self called two great timeouts when the Illini were in danger of getting blown out (early in the first half and early in the second half), went to the entire bench early (four subs entered the game in the first five minutes of the game and helped lead Illinois back into the game) and did not hesitate to sit Marcus Griffin for most of the second half when it became obvious Archibald was the better player on this night. Self left the officials alone, even when it appeared several calls went against Illinois early, and this also paid off as Illinois received several favorable whistles throughout the game.

[to top of second column in this article]

Now, Illinois must put this victory out of their minds and figure out how to play their A game on the road. Four of Illinois' final six games before the Big 10 tourney are on the road, including trips to Purdue this Saturday (Illinois last beat Purdue during the 1996 Big 10 season) and to Indiana on Feb. 17. If the season were to end today, Illinois would receive a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tourney, probably in the Midwest regional. However, nine games stand between Illinois and this important goal, and most of those games will be played away from the Assembly Hall. Illinois will need more energy like the display seen Tuesday night. Time will tell if the Illini are up to the challenge.

Tale of the box score

• Illinois made 10 3-point baskets; MSU made just three.

• Illinois had just 10 turnovers for the game.

• Illinois was called for just 16 fouls in the game.

• MSU reached the bonus in the last two minutes of each half, while Illinois reached the bonus at 7:11 in the first and 11:05 in the second.

• Illinois was 19-23 from the free-throw line in the second half.

• MSU shot just 16 percent from 3-point land for the game but shot 53 percent from the field minus the 3-point attempts.

• MSU outrebounded Illinois 35-29.

• MSU outscored Illinois 17-0 in the first three minutes of each half (7-0 in the first half; 10-0 in the second half); Illinois outscored MSU 77-49 the rest of the game.

[Greg Taylor]

Michigan State vs. Illinois box score

http://fightingillini.fansonly.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/020601aaa.html

[FEB. 7, 2001] 

• Illinois is now ranked No. 6 in both polls — the highest since ’89-’90.

• The Illini have previously appeared 10 times on national TV — six times on ESPN, three on ESPN2 and once on CBS. Their 11^th appearance was the Feb. 6 blockbuster with Michigan State in Chambana.

• Every Illinois Big Ten home contest will be sold out other than the Minnesota game.

• Illini have already appeared in the fourth- and sixth-largest-attended games in the USA this year: 4^th, Illinois vs. Missouri, 22,089; 6^th, Illinois vs. Arizona, 21,885.

• Illini reserves have outscored their opponents by nearly seven points a game. That includes an 18-1 ledger posted against Michigan on Jan. 25 in a 55-51 win.

• Illinois has held opponents to a miserly .371 field goal percentage and a Big Ten-leading 35 percent in league tilts.

[to top of second column in this section]

• Illini are first in the Big Ten in blocked shots, averaging 6.1 per game. Brian Cook and Robert Archibald have recorded 14 swats each.

• Overall Cook is the team leader with 30 blocks, good for third in the league with two per game. Cook is also third on the team in rebounds with 6.2 per contest. In addition, he is an incredible 15-of-40 for 38 percent on 3s and 75-of-150 for 50 percent field goals.

• Illinois is second in the Big Ten in steals, with Frank Williams leading at 2.7 steals per game. Sergio McClain is second with 2.14 steals per game.

Big Ten tournament

Tickets for the Big Ten tournament are available by calling (312) 559-1212.

[Jeff Mayfield]

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