Illinois squeaks past Texas-Pan American    

[NOV. 21, 2005]  The uniforms said Illinois, and I think we had a Dee Brown sighting, but the Illini reminded everyone in attendance that 2005-2006 is truly a new year. Struggling to find a flow for much of the game against the Texas-Pan American 1-3-1 zone, Illinois launched an unbelievable 34 three-point shots and struggled to a 71-59 victory. The win moves Illinois to 2-0 on the year ahead of tomorrow’s night game at the Assembly Hall against Texas Southern. Both games (Sunday and Tuesday) are part of the South Padre Island Invitational, and the final two games of the tourney will be played Friday and Saturday in South Texas.

Dee Brown and James Augustine once again saved the day for Illinois, who found themselves trailing for most of the first half.  A 14-0 run by the Illini late in the first half helped the hometown heroes turn a 30-22 deficit into a 36-30 lead.  The Illini led by four at the half, 36-32.  Illinois was forced to put up 19 long range attempts in the first twenty minutes and found themselves struggling to find any semblance of an offense against the zone of the Broncs.  Illinois was led in the first twenty minutes by Dee Brown’s ten points and the feeling at the Hall at the half was not one of jubilation or excitement.

Coach Bruce Weber changed his starting lineup to begin the second half, benching starters Brian Randle and Shaun Pruitt in favor of freshman Chester Frazier and post player Marcus Arnold.  Coach seemed frustrated w/ much of the play on the evening and our guess is changes could be in store with both the starting lineup and the playing time.  When Randle did return to the lineup, he was no longer playing on the wing and instead was occupying a spot in the paint.  Pruitt saw little time at all in the final thirty minutes and Calvin Brock didn’t make appearance in the game.

One positive for the Illini was the eleven three-point baskets made on the evening.  Frazier made a long range bomb, and Springfield’s Rich McBride continued to assert himself offensively.  While 34 three-point attempts are way too many for this squad, the fact the Illini connected on eleven is a positive.  Freshman Jamar Smith and McBride will become key cogs for this team if three-point shooting continues to be a major focus of the offense.

Weber said after the game that his best defensive team is not his best offensive team – and he seems to be willing to use much of the non-conference season to try and sort things out.  This much we know – Dee Brown and James Augustine have to be on the court the vast majority of the time.  My gut tells me Rich McBride will also see 30 plus minutes on most evenings as he develops a more well-rounded game (McBride led the Illini Sunday w/ eight assists – easily a career high). 

 The question then becomes who will earn playing time at the other two spots.  Jamar Smith and Chet Frazier both bring significant, however different strengths and could share a spot in the rotation.  The problem with this concept involves a very small three-guard lineup and forces Weber to play Randle at the four – thus taking playing time from guys like Arnold, Pruitt and Carter.  There is much to be worked out and again we are reminded what a difference a season makes.

 However, before all of you in Illini-land go off the deep end, just remember the following:

• Missouri lost their season opener at home to Sam Houston State

• Michigan State lost their season opener at Hawaii by 22 points

• North Carolina struggled to beat Gardner-Webb at home by 3 points

• DePaul was absolutely spanked at home by Bradley – losing by 15

So this tells us two things.  First, other teams are struggling, and losing, early games they should probably win.  And second, it is early.  I guarantee you Michigan State will have the ship righted by the time they come to the Hall in early January.  And my guess is that Missouri will look much better on December 21 in the Braggin’ Rights game than they did last Monday night.  And Illinois will be improved as well.

So hey – cheer up and look at the bright side of things.  Illinois could be playing without Dee Brown this year.  Illinois could have coaches like Alford or Snyder or Davis instead of Bruce Weber.  And, just for good measure – the Bears are 7-3 and in first place!

[Greg Taylor]

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