Illini

[Da Coach]

The Illini struggled today, but managed to hold off Nebraska in a turnover and foul filled game 59-54. Joe Bertrand had a career game with 25 points, and nobody else scored more than 11.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/boxscore?gid=201201070267

[Chico]

In part, I think they've taken advantage of a fortuitous schedule, much the same way that the football team did for the first half of its season. However, not having those three seniors from last year has made this group a better "team".

Having a weak non-conference schedule has helped many teams and coaches.

[Old Coach]

That was an ugly win, but fortunately, they still get full credit.

[Da Coach]

The offense needs to change, or I see them struggling with a number of the teams in the Big Ten. It looks like with Sammy out, the offense consists of lobbing it to Meyers Leonard which didn't work well today, trying to go 1 on 1, which Bertrand did well today, or jacking a three nobody on the team does well.

[AZ BU Fan]

Winning!



Sure beats being not so good and losing!

[tornado]

The Illini play this Tuesday at home vs. Ohio State then have a nine day layoff..
that will help everyone get healthy for the stretch run..

[Old Coach]

I think the Illini will probably go 7-7 to end the year.

[tornado]

I think the Illini will probably go 7-7 to end the year.

If they do then 21-10 and 10-8 in the Big Ten is still probably good enough to dance...

[Old Coach]

If they do then 21-10 and 10-8 in the Big Ten is still probably good enough to dance...

Yep. I won't complain one bit about that, considering that the only senior on the roster is a 5th year transfer.

[Da Coach]

I've heard some interesting stuff about Meyers Leonard and what his plans include. Apparently he is convinced he'll go high in the NBA draft next summer, and is strongly considering going that way.

Article from Mark Tupper who follows the Illini-

http://www.herald-review.com/sports/illini/tupper-leonard-s-decision-will-dictate-where-scholarships-go-for/article_c67ea428-419c-11e1-98b7-001871e3ce6c.html

He references the rumors we've mentioned here surrounding Meyers Leonard- that he believes he will be a lottery pick in next year's NBA draft and is considering going pro after this season.
Also, the rumor of another 5th year transfer (ala Sam Maniscalco) keeps surfacing to fill the Crandall Head scholarship. Let's just hope it's not another player picked from the Bradley roster.

[lefty]

Article from Mark Tupper who follows the Illini-

http://www.herald-review.com/sports/illini/tupper-leonard-s-decision-will-dictate-where-scholarships-go-for/article_c67ea428-419c-11e1-98b7-001871e3ce6c.html

He references the rumors we've mentioned here surrounding Meyers Leonard- that he believes he will be a lottery pick in next year's NBA draft and is considering going pro after this season.
Also, the rumor of another 5th year transfer (ala Sam Maniscalco) keeps surfacing to fill the Crandall Head scholarship. Let's just hope it's not another player picked from the Bradley roster.

Sounds like he would only look in that direction if Leonard leaves...Illinois has plenty of 6'6 guys on their roster now.

[Da Coach]

Sounds like he would only look in that direction if Leonard leaves...Illinois has plenty of 6'6 guys on their roster now.

Bradley does have a 6'9" center who is a graduating senior this year, and who, because of injury, will have 1 more season of eligibility. I am not too worried he'll leave, but like Weber says, the new transfer rule does allow big schools to "recruit" kids like Sam and Will off the rosters of midmajors.

From the article linked above-
That includes leaving every option open - a high school prospect, a junior college player or even a transfer who would be immediately eligible if he follows NCAA protocol as spelled out in what most people now call "The Russell Wilson Rule," or, in the case of the current Illini basketball team, "The Sam Maniscalco Rule."
Point guard Sam Maniscalco transferred from Bradley, enrolled in grad school, and became instantly eligible to play basketball for the Illini.
Michigan State is doing the same thing with former Valparaiso guard Brandon Wood and Missouri State didn't have to wait to make use of graduate school enrollee Michael Bizoukas, who had eligibility remaining after earning his bachelor's degree from DePaul.
"I'm not sure if I like the rule and if I was a mid-major school I'm not sure I'd like it at all," Weber said. "But it's probably here to stay."

[lefty]

Bradley does have a 6'9" center who is a graduating senior this year, and who, because of injury, will have 1 more season of eligibility. I am not too worried he'll leave, but like Weber says, the new transfer rule does allow big schools to "recruit" kids like Sam and Will off the rosters of midmajors.

I guess I don't see Will able to play the post in the BT...and that seems to be what BW will be looking for.

[Old Coach]

Will wouldn't be a 12/7 guy in the Big Ten, but I think he could provide some quality minutes.

[tornado]

I guess I don't see Will able to play the post in the BT...and that seems to be what BW will be looking for.

BU does have at least one kid who can definitely play in the Big Ten that may have enough to get his degree by next fall..