Illini news and notes by Greg Taylor
10 thoughts on the Illini season
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[February 20, 2013]
It's hard to
believe another Illini basketball season is winding toward the
postseason, but that is exactly where we sit -- just five games left
in the regular season. With this in mind, let me share 10 thoughts
rolling through my mind on a cold February evening:
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1. If you would have told me on Dec. 21, as
Illinois sat at 12-0 and ranked in the top 10, that Illinois would
be long gone from the top 25, I wouldn't have believed it! How good
things seemed to be on the eve of the Mizzou game! Who knew EIGHT
losses were upon us in the next six weeks? 2. If you would have
told me on Feb. 6, as Illinois found themselves just 2-7 in the Big
Ten and losers of 6 of 7, that Illinois would win four straight and
be poised to reach .500 in the conference standings after a home
game against winless Penn State, I wouldn't have believed it! I
thought Illinois was all done, and they proved me wrong with wins
against No. 1 Indiana, nemesis Purdue and road wins against ranked
Minnesota and Northwestern. Who knew FIVE wins in 14 days could
unfold?
3. If you would have told me that Bruce Weber would be considered
a leading candidate for NATIONAL coach of the year less than a year
after his much-anticipated firing by Illinois, I wouldn't have
believed it! And while I think Miami of Florida and their unheralded
coach will probably steal most of the national thunder, you have to
give Weber a ton of credit for landing on his feet at Kansas State
and storming back into the quality coach conversation. I realize
many a hater still lurks, looking to take potshots at Weber, but
2012-13 really speaks for itself for the man who took the Illini to
the brink of a national title eight seasons ago.
4. Am I the only Illini fan who can't get enough of Myke Henry? I
just about vomit when I hear reports of his possible transfer, and I
would LOVE to see Myke get 20 minutes a night. Yes, he isn't the
strongest defender on the team. Yes, he looks passive at times on
the court. But I love his game, and I think he is one of few on the
current team who can put points on the board in bunches. His prowess
on the offensive boards can be game-transforming, and he needs
serious minutes each night, in my humble opinion.
5. Illinois beat No. 1 Indiana on an uncontested layup at the
buzzer less than two weeks ago. I write this because I STILL cannot
believe how open Tyler Griffey was on that play! Great cut, Tyler
Griffey; great pass, Brandon Paul; great set play, coach John Groce;
and great defense, No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers. Three out of four isn't
bad, is it?
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6. Wow, am I glad the Big Ten tournament returns to Chicago for
the first time since 2007. Indy does a nice job with the tourney,
but there is only ONE Chicago. And oh, by the way, Illinois has won
two of the last three tournaments played at the house Michael built
(2003 and 2005).
7. How about the play of senior D.J. Richardson from Peoria? The
guy who seemed to lose his shot for quite some time is ON FIRE! What
a great conclusion to a really good career. Keep the shots dropping,
DJ!
8. Illinois should win remaining home games against Penn State
and Nebraska. Can they win one of three remaining road games
(Michigan, Iowa and Ohio State are on the schedule) to finish .500
in the conference schedule? Inquiring minds want to know.
9. I 've really been impressed and
encouraged by the positive spirit the Illinois coaching staff brings
to this team day in and day out. Head coach John Groce sets the
pace, but each member of the staff seems exceptionally good at
bringing encouraging words to this squad that struggled with the
tough love, tough truth of former coach Bruce Weber and his staff.
10. This has NOTHING to do with Illinois basketball, but “great
job” to the Mount Pulaski girls basketball
team on winning a supersectional title for the first time in school
history and advancing to the Class 1A state tournament in
Bloomington-Normal this weekend. This volleyball school is making a
basketball statement, and the trio of star seniors Jessica Awe,
Andrea Dickerson and Erika Leever are fun to watch in more ways than
one! Keep it rolling, Lady Toppers.
That's all for now. Stay warm and GO, ILLINI!
[By GREG TAYLOR]
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