Illinois Legacy #2 [Archive] - 2K Sports Forums

vikingfan1

November 25th, 2007, 06:50 PM

2007-2008 Fighting Illini Roster

Player-Position-Rating-Height-Class

Cain-PF, 79, 6'10, SR
McKnight-PG, 79, 6'2, JR
Root-SG, 78, 6'3, JR
Tamir-SF, 78, 6'8, SR
Bush-PG, 72, 6'2, JR
Bailey-PG, 71, 6'3, FR
Fanning-SG, 71, 6'5, JR
Atkins-SF, 71, 6'5, JR
Elias-SG, 69, 6'3 FR
Pipikis-SG, 67, 6'5, So
Braxton-PF, 66, 6'8, SO
Blanchard-PF, 65, 6'9, FR
Matela-C, 65, 7'0, FR

Reserves

Weatherspoon-C, 65, 6'11, SO
Powe-PG, 63, 6'1, FR
Humphrey-PF, 62, 6'9, 62, SO
Huff- PF, 62, 6'9, SO
Boozer-SG, 57, 6'2 SR

Team Goals: We have several little goals that we could like to accomplish obviously, but here are our main goals that we would like to achieve this year:

- Finish Top 5 in Big Ten
- NCAA Birth
- Win 23 games or more
- Win at least 9 Conference games
- Win 10 games on the road
- Beat at least 2 ranked opponents (if we play enough)
- Have a team chemistry of 75 or better by the end of the season (57 right now)

Some of these goals may be a bit huge, especially for this young team but I believe that we can reach every single one of these goals, and maybe even beyond. We are currently ranked 12th which I am happy to see, but my players don't care either way, they just want to win and get better every game.

Key Players to a Successful Season-

Cain- One of just two seniors on this team, Cain will be relied upon to do the bulk of the scoring and rebounding. He had a career high 26 points against Hawaii and was just unstoppable at times. It would be nice to see him average 20ppg and 8rpg. He is one of my captains and I trust he's going to do great things his senior year in leading us.

Tamir- The other senior will also be key this season. Although he's not really a shooter, he can slash with the best of them to get to the basket and also post up and score easily that way. He is also the best dunker we have on our team so look for him to be in the air a lot this season.

Bush- He may not be the starting point guard, but he is the best shooter on this team and a guy who I rely on a lot to hit open shots and make great plays and is also stellar on the defensive end. He is only a junior and I look forward to having him these next two seasons where he will open some eyes across the country with his play.

I will post the schedule in the next post, but here are how the first two games played out:

Illinois pulls away from Eastern

For a first game, I can't complain to much. The defense was great but the offense wasn't so great. We missed many threes that we should have hit and also missed some easy inside shots. Bush did a fantastic job to come off the bench and score 13 points as the entire bench stepped up and scored 40 points to Northeasterns 0. The defense was good, if we just could have hit some shots we probably would have won by 30, but it ended up 78-56. Were going to have to play better against Hawaii in the Hawaii tourney (Maui I think) because it will be on their home floor.

Player Stats

ILL-

Bush-13pts, 5-5fgs, 1-1 3pts, 2-2fts
Fanning-11pts, 2rebs, 3-5 3pts
Atkins-11pts, 5rebs
Cain-10pts, 9rebs
Blanchard-10pts, 4rebs

Northeastern-

Noskovic, SF-17pts, 3rebs, 2ast
Rudakas, SG-13pts, 2rebs

Stat of the game

Bench Points- ILL 40, Northeastern 0

Illinois pulls away from Hawaii

This was a tough game for us today and Hawaii is a really good ball team, and even better when they play on their home floor. It was a back and forth game for the entire first half as we held as slim lead at halftime. I made some adjustments about getting more of a rotation so I went from an 8 man rotation to 10. Cain was unstoppable tonight, 26pts on 11-13 shooting. For some reason they didn't double him much so he got a lot of easy scores. He was the only player in double figures. The defense also was very good, holding Hawaii down when they needed to and came away with the 67-57 win. We now play against Arizona St. who will be a much tougher opponent.

Player Stats

Illinois-

Cain-26pts, 4rebs, 11-13fgs, 4-6fts
McKnight-8pts, 2rebs, 2ast, 1st
Tamir-7pts, 4rebs, 3ast

Hawaii-

Goff, PG-18pts, 3rebs 4ast
Joiner-C, 10pts, 7rebs
Atkins, PF-8pts, 2rebs, 2ast

Stat of the Game-

Freethrows- 12/16 ILL, 5/6 Hawaii

shoffman050

November 25th, 2007, 07:10 PM

could you post the real names of your players

vikingfan1

November 25th, 2007, 07:11 PM

could you post the real names of your players

I don't really have time right now, but you can go to the Illinois website and get the roster.

jukeday

November 25th, 2007, 07:12 PM

Cain is Brian Randle, correct?

tmac123465

November 25th, 2007, 07:14 PM

Wut difficulty do u have it on??

vikingfan1

November 25th, 2007, 07:17 PM

Cain is Brian Randle, correct?

Cain is Pruitt
Tamir is Randle
Mcknight is Frazier
Bush is Meachem
Fanning is Brock

Thats all I know of.

vikingfan1

November 25th, 2007, 07:18 PM

Wut difficulty do u have it on??

Right now I have it on starter, but once I get better and more blowouts I will bump it up. Probably at the start of my 2nd season I will have it on All-Conference.

tmac123465

November 25th, 2007, 07:19 PM

oh.. well ill follow your se****d year.

tmac123465

November 25th, 2007, 07:20 PM

Ok?? second lol

vikingfan1

November 25th, 2007, 07:20 PM

oh.. well ill follow your se****d year.

My what? lol

vikingfan1

November 25th, 2007, 07:21 PM

Ok?? second lol

It would be cool if you followed this season as well. Even though I have it on starter that doesn't mean im going to go 40-0 in my first year and win easily every time. Its going to be tough because its a pretty young team and theirs a lot of good competition. But if it starts to get ugly this year, I won't hesitate to bump it up. I am very competitive and I want the majority of my games to be close.

tmac123465

November 25th, 2007, 07:23 PM

k ill stay tuned

shoffman050

November 25th, 2007, 07:38 PM

could you atleast post the numbers. if so, thank you.

vikingfan1

November 25th, 2007, 07:50 PM

could you atleast post the numbers. if so, thank you.

I plan to download the real rosters in a bit, then in my next post I will have the names.

vikingfan1

November 25th, 2007, 10:39 PM

I downloaded the real rosters so from now on when I post about my team, they will be the exact same name as the real people. Here is my starting 5:

PG- Frazier
SG- Brock
SF- Randle
PF- Pruitt
C-Tisdale

Tisdale slams the Illini past Arizona St.

Wow, what a game is all I can say! About as back and forth as you can get with both teams having their fair share of chances to win the game. Tisdale was oustanding in his first game as a starter and will continue the starting role. It was his slam dunk off of Brock's three point miss to seal the deal for us.. But don't kid yourself, it wasn't just Tisdale that helped us win. Brock led the team in scoring with 18 points, with Randle close behind with 13. Our defense played very well and Arizona St. probably had a few more fans then us, but overall it wasn't much of a factor. Our next game will be our toughest challenge yet as we face #7 Duke in the semifinals of the tourney. This will be our first matchup with Duke in quite a while, and we look forward to playing them for the right to play for the Hawaii Tourney Championship.

Player Stats

Illinois-

Brock-18pts,3rebs,2ast
Randle-13pts,3rebs,2ast,3stl
Pruitt-10pts, 3rebs, 3ast
Tisdale-10pts, 8rebs

Arizona St.-

Polk-21pts, 8-19fgs, 3-8 3pts
Pendergraph-14pts, 12rebs, 3ast
Shipp-10pts, 3rebs, 5ast

Stat of the Game

Points in the Paint- 42 ILL, 28 Arizona St.

#8 Illinois is now 3-0

3 Point Shooting dooms the Illini vs #7 Duke

Another great game but the result is not quite what we wanted. It was atmosphere and the biggest crowd they have ever had in the gym. Normally Hawaii only seats around 8-10,000 but fans scrunched in to make the total count 13,000. And it was half and half not just all Duke fans. Our shooting from behind the arc was the difference in the game. While Duke shot 3/8 and made theirs when it counted, we shot very bad, just 2/13. Tisdale had yet another monster game, 17 points on 8-8 shooting. Pruitt also stepped up with 18 points and 6 rebounds, but it just wasn't quite enough. However the defense wasn't bad, and Duke is a tremendous team that is going to do some damage this season, we were lucky to hang with them for the entire game. It was back and forth in the 2nd half, however Duke did built an 8 point lead at half but we fought back to take the lead. The final was 72-68.

Since we didn't get to the championship game we will have to battle for 3rd place against a very tough LSU team. We look forward to playing them as well and it should be a terrific battle.

Player Stats

Illinois-

Pruitt-18pts, 6rebs, 3blks
Tisdale-17pts, 3rebs, 2stl, 8-8fgs

Duke-

Paulus-17pts, 5ast
Zoubek-14pts, 8rebs
Scheyer-10pts
King-10pts, 3rebs

Stat of the Game-

3 point shooting- ILL 2/13, Duke 3/8

#8 Illinois is now 3-1

vikingfan1

November 25th, 2007, 10:49 PM

Here is the remainder of my schedule:

Regular Season

11/21- LSU Hawaii Tourney
11/28- Maryland Away
12/1- Weber St. Home
12/8- Arizona Home
12/17- W.Carolina Home
12/20- Miami (OH) Home
12/22- Missouri Away
12/29- Loyola (MD) Home
12/30- Tenn St. Home

Conference Schedule

1/3- Ohio St.- Home
1/6- Penn St.- Home
1/10- Wisconsin- Away
1/13- Indiana- Away
1/16- Michigan- Home
1/19- Purdue- Away
1/22- Ohio St.- Away
1/27- Northwestern- Home
1/30- Michigan- Away
2/2- Purdue- Home
2/7- Indiana- Home
2/12- Minnesota- Away
2/16- Penn St.- Away
2/20- Wisconsin- Home
2/23- Michigan- Away
3/1- Iowa- Away
3/5- Michigan St.- Home
3/8- Minnesota- Home

vikingfan1

November 26th, 2007, 11:53 AM

Illinois drops two straight, loses tough game to LSU

I must say I am a bit dissapointed in the loss. This is a game we should have had, and we let it slip away. We couldn't make anything from the perimeter most of the game, and our defense was nonexistent at times. Tisdale did have another nice game but he wasn't very effective on the defensive end. Giving up a lot of easy buckets with only a couple of blocks. I know he is young but for a kid to be 7'0 he needs to get better defensively or else I won't hesistate to sit him late in the game. We were up 17-10 early, and then LSU when on a 15-0 run and we didn't get the lead back until very late in the game, but it didn't last. LSU ended up beating 67-63, and they also shot better from the freethrow line then we did. We have to work on our defense and rebounding in practice and get ready for the next game because it won't be easy. We play Maryland on the road in the Big Ten/ACC challenge.

Player Stats

Illinois

Brock-16pts, 2rebs, 4stl
Tisdale-14pts, 3rebs
Pruitt-12pts, 3rebs

LSU

Temple-16pts
Johnson-13pts, 8rebs, 3ast, 3blks

Stat of the game

Freethrows- ILL 3/8, LSU 9/14

#17 Illinois is now 3-2

vikingfan1

November 26th, 2007, 05:48 PM

Illinois scores a big road win vs Maryland

Overall I was pretty happy with how the day went. We played pretty well throughout the entire game and never really let Maryland take control of the game once we got up by double digits early in the game. Tisdale was great yet again, and is becoming a star before our guys, he scored 16 points and Pruitt scored 13 of his own as the "twin towers" seem to be unstoppable. Chester Frazier had a really nice game also with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Randle was spectacular has he did about everything you would want a captain to do, whether it was scoring points or picking up assists, he did a little of everything. The final was 73-63 but at times it just didn't seem that close of a game. We now have a four game homestand in which we really need to protect our home court and win all four to give us a boost when we go on the road to face Missouri.

Player Stats

Illinois

Tisdale-16pts, 2rebs, 2ast
Pruitt-13pts, 4rebs
Frazier-12pts, 3rebs, 3ast
Randle-10pts, 2res, 5ast, 4stl

Maryland

Dupree-13pts, 6rebs
Osby-10pts, 2rebs
Gist-10pts, 3rebs, 3ast

Stat of the game

Fast break pionts- Illinois 16, Maryland 4

#17 Illinois is now 4-2

shoffman0215

November 26th, 2007, 05:54 PM

mike tisdale must be somthing special on this game. you are doing amazing with him.

vikingfan1

November 26th, 2007, 05:56 PM

mike tisdale must be somthing special on this game. you are doing amazing with him.

He is surprisingly very good. I do have the inside shot slider up a bit but thats the only thing. He really does well when he's in the game. Bill Cole isn't half bad either.

imahussla

November 26th, 2007, 07:59 PM

how is Jeff Jordan doing

vikingfan1

November 26th, 2007, 08:05 PM

how is Jeff Jordan doing

He doesn't play, he's on the reserves. He should be good in the next couple of years though.

CincyFan

November 26th, 2007, 08:52 PM

glad to see your game is fine so far. Keep it up and you know I will be following.

shoffman0215

November 26th, 2007, 08:54 PM

what is the number of people on a team?
how many people are on the reserve?

vikingfan1

November 26th, 2007, 09:11 PM

glad to see your game is fine so far. Keep it up and you know I will be following.

O ya! Its working the best it ever has.

vikingfan1

November 26th, 2007, 09:13 PM

what is the number of people on a team?
how many people are on the reserve?

I think their are 3 or 4 players on the reserve. Its a 12 man rotation I believe.

vikingfan1

November 26th, 2007, 09:23 PM

Illini bench gets plenty of playing time in blowout win over Weber St

Well this game wasn't really close from the beginning, and I am happy to say that everyone on the team got quite a bit of playing time, and everyone also scored at least two points or more. I must say the bench really impressed me a lot in which they never lost momentum. Bill Cole led the bench with 12 points as the entire bench scored 49 points and we won 96-48. Weber St. did have some nice players but they just aren't ready to compete with bigger schools like us. We face a much tougher opponent in our next home game when we face the Arizona Wildcats, a team who I think is very underrated and could make some noise in the NCAA Tourney, we will have to play a very good ball game in order to beat them, but we are also looking forward to the challenge.

Player Stats

Illinois

Brock-19pts, 2ast, 2stl
Cole-12pts, 4rebs, 2stl
Tisdale-11pts, 4rebs
Frazier-10pts, 4ast

Weber St.

Davis-10pts, 3rebs, 2ast
Billings-6pts, 6rebs

Stat of the game

Bench Points- ILL 49, Weber St. 13

#17 Illinois is now 5-2

UMDTerpsFTW

November 26th, 2007, 11:04 PM

Great win @ Maryland. lol I would rather it not happen that way wednesday though.

vikingfan1

November 27th, 2007, 05:31 AM

Great win @ Maryland. lol I would rather it not happen that way wednesday though.

Haha ya I understand.

vikingfan1

November 27th, 2007, 12:44 PM

New rotation for Illini serves well against Arizona

Well I decided to expand my rotation to 12 and it paid off nicely in the game vs Arizona. My bench scored 37 points against the Wildcats as went on to defeat Arizona 79-63 in a game that wasn't really that close except for a couple times. We built a nice 15-17 point lead at the half (thanks a lot to my bench) but Arizona rallied back and got it to within 7, but couldn't get any closer. Bill Cole was a monster for us today has he had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists as this was his breakout game. Tisdale had 16 points but only four rebounds, something to be concerned about. I thought Randle played very well also, he seemed in the right place at the right time on offense and defense. If we plan to make any kind of a run at the Big Ten championship and then again in the NCAA Tourney I will need Randle to be at his best, simple as that. Overall I am proud of the win, the guys get a nice week off as far as games go, but will still be practicing hard.

Player Stats

Illinois

Cole-18pts, 11rebs, 4ast
Tisdale-16pts, 4rebs
Pruitt-11pts, 5rebs, 2blks
Randle-11pts, 4rebs, 3ast, 2stl
Jackson-10pts, 2rebs

Arizona

Horne-18pts, 4rebs, 2ast, 2stl
McCellen-12pts, 2rebs
Bayless-10pts, 2rebs, 3ast

Stat of the game

Bench Points- ILL 39, Arizona 10

#16 Illinois is now 6-2

shoffman0215

November 27th, 2007, 02:01 PM

is the "jackson" that you have in your box score c.j. jackson?

Superjames1992

November 27th, 2007, 02:10 PM

I am following!

vikingfan1

November 27th, 2007, 02:22 PM

is the "jackson" that you have in your box score c.j. jackson?

Yep, it sure is!

vikingfan1

November 27th, 2007, 02:23 PM

I am following!

Thanks! I hope many people will follow my legacy. Before conference play begins I will give you an update on every single player and the progres, as well as telling you my recruits that I am after, ect.

CincyFan

November 27th, 2007, 04:49 PM

37 bench points. thats what I call good teamwork and great coaching to get everyone to jel and play unselfishly.

vikingfan1

November 27th, 2007, 04:59 PM

37 bench points. thats what I call good teamwork and great coaching to get everyone to jel and play unselfishly.

Everyone on my teams play, and they play good minutes. Each player has a role on this team and I love getting everyone involved when I play. It builds great chemistry and if my starters get in foul trouble, I know I can rely on my bench for a lift, even in tough games.

tmac123465

November 27th, 2007, 06:38 PM

Yeah thats how i like to play it.

vikingfan1

November 27th, 2007, 06:58 PM

I just like getting everyone involved, especially if they can bring something to the team. My reserves on the team like Jordan and Davis will get better and get plenty of playing time next season or if their is an injury this year. I am only losing two seniors from this years team (Pruitt & Randle) so this is a very young team that needs all the expirence it can get because guys like Cole, Tisdale, Alexander, and Jackson will be the leaders in the next couple of years, with still a solid backcourt in Meachem, Brock, and Frazier because I don't think any of them are seniors yet but I could be wrong.

shoffman0215

November 27th, 2007, 08:09 PM

are you redshirting jordan and davis or are they just on the reserve?

vikingfan1

November 27th, 2007, 08:16 PM

are you redshirting jordan and davis or are they just on the reserve?

Reserve, I probably should have redshirted them, ball call on my part but they don't have bad ratings for freshmen, and considering Jordan (dont know if Davis is) is a walk on.

shoffman0215

November 27th, 2007, 09:16 PM

i have one more quick question about the rosters. is jamar smith still on the team? and is quinton watkins, the recruit that couldn't get good enough grades on the game?

vikingfan1

November 27th, 2007, 09:23 PM

i have one more quick question about the rosters. is jamar smith still on the team? and is quinton watkins, the recruit that couldn't get good enough grades on the game?

Yep, they are both in the game. It says that Smith is injured, he's rated 79 and Watkins plays, he's about 11 or 12th man.

vikingfan1

November 27th, 2007, 09:42 PM

Western Carolina hangs tough, but Illini pull away

This game was much closer than anticipated and W. Carolina really has a nice team. They hung tough with us pretty much through the entire game and when I thought we started to pull away, they would make a run at us. It was 41-34 at half time and W. Carolina came out smoking and got it to within one at 43-42. They did have leads briefly at the start of the game but after they got it within one they didn't get any closer and we pulled away for the 84-69 win. Tisdale once again comes through with 23 points and 6 rebounds. I seriously think Tisdale will be the freshmen of the year, and may get honors for All-American team if he keeps this up. Cole also had another strong game with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Rebounds were key in this game and we grabbed 33 to their 17.

Western Carolina pressed us pretty much the entire game, and even at times we struggled and turned the ball over, it was a great expierence for our guards and I am glad they did. Sometimes we broke it with ease and looked good doing it by quick passes for layups or dunks, and sometimes we looked crappy. Our next game is against Miami (OH) and our guys can't overlook them but I expect a victory and a lot of playing time for our bench because they have a record of 1-8.

Player Stats

Illinois

Tisdale-23pts, 6rebs, 1blk
Cole-14pts, 7rebs, 1blk
Randle-12pts, 6rebs, 3ast
Jackson-10pts, 6rebs

W. Carolina

McKenna-13pts, 5ast, 2stl
Magowen-12pts, 1rebs
Aldridge-10pts, 6rebs, 4stl

Stat of the game

Rebounds- ILL 33, W. Carolina 17

#16 Illinois is now 7-2

CincyFan

November 28th, 2007, 03:55 AM

Miami (Oh) record is a dangerous one. They are not a very good shooting club, but have the best defense in NCAA. Right want to work it around more this game to find the open shot cause it right be hard. At least in real life they are one of the best defensive teams in NCAA.

vikingfan1

November 28th, 2007, 05:20 AM

8394543

November 28th, 2007, 07:31 AM

Who are you recruiting? Any 5* or are you gonna get some role players and wait to go after studs?

vikingfan1

November 28th, 2007, 08:00 AM

Who are you recruiting? Any 5* or are you gonna get some role players and wait to go after studs?

This season I only have 2 scholarships to give out, like I said before I do have a young team. I have already signed a 5* small forward and im looking to get either a power forward, another small forward, or a center (I lose Pruitt and Randle).

8394543

November 28th, 2007, 08:26 AM

You may want to look into a PG as well. Chester will be a senior and you can redshirt him and bring him in to get clock later on.

Do players get better as a redshirt or stay the same? I forget?

imahussla

November 28th, 2007, 08:29 AM

Yea PG is a decent I idea but that 3, and 4 slot is gonna be a problem i say handle that first

vikingfan1

November 28th, 2007, 08:40 AM

I usually try to just get what I need at first, and I needed a PF and a SF or next year, for 2 PF's 2 SF's or a Center something within that range. When I have more scholarships next year I will be getting 2 or 3 new guards to go along with the 3 or so that I should have. I think if you redshirt a player he gets a better rating, still not that great but better. Jamar Smith is in the game, he is rated 79 but he's on the injured list, if I somehow get him back he will help either this year or next year as well.

8394543

November 28th, 2007, 08:46 AM

you mean he is injured for the entire season?

You have Tisdale, Semrau and Carwell to play C

8394543

November 28th, 2007, 08:50 AM

vikingfan1

November 28th, 2007, 09:30 AM

also, cole, alexander and possibly Semrau can play 4 for a year or 2. I would go after the BPA that is at the position.

Also, I am a big fan of UI as well. Was it hard to get the 5* SF or was her local and already had interest in the school?

It actually wasn't to tough to get the 5 star recruit, which is surprising because im not the best at recruiting. Caulwell (sp) is on the reserves this year, Im confident he will become a decent center but I don't picking up a good one for the future if I can. But Centers aren't my main point, in fact I am only looking at 1, the rest are SF and PF.

vikingfan1

November 28th, 2007, 09:42 AM

Bench scores record high 66 in win vs Miami (OH)

Well like I predicted this game wasn't close at all. Miami really didn't stand much of a chance at all in this game and my bench came up big as they got the majority of the playing time. Cole lead the team with 20 points and Alexander and Jackson had 14 and 13. Our defense was pretty good, we only allowed them 59 total points and had as much as a 34 point lead. The final ended up 91-59 and every player but one scored at least 2 points. We play Missouri next at their place and that will be a very tough game and my defense is going to have to be top notch along with balance scoring.

Player Stats

Illinois

Cole-20pts, 6rebs, 2ast, 2stl
Alexander-14pts, 2ast
Jackson-13pts, 9rebs, 2stl
Pruitt-12pts, 7rebs

Miami OH

Bramos-26pts, 3rebs
Mccombs-12pts
Fletcher-8pts, 4rebs, 3ast

Stat of the game

Bench Points- ILL 62, Miami 10
Fast Break Points- ILL 23, Miami 0

#16 Illinois is now 8-2

8394543

November 28th, 2007, 10:12 AM

How many min do you play on?

The game min or the real NCAA regulation?

vikingfan1

November 28th, 2007, 12:25 PM

How many min do you play on?

The game min or the real NCAA regulation?

I play on 13 min halves.

vikingfan1

November 28th, 2007, 04:24 PM

Illinois loses focus in 2nd half, gets beat at Missouri

We should have won this game easily, we HAD this game in the bag for nearly the entire game. We were up by as much as 20 in the first and 2nd halfs, but yet we still couldn't hold the lead. My guys just tried to survive the game instead of actually taking the game. I credit Missouri for coming back and winning, and Hannah is a special player who lit us up for 26 points. My guys couldn't stay focus and calm throughout the last few minutes of the game, and it costs them. We didnt have enough scoring and we sure as heck couldn't defend, which torks me off more than anything! Theirs a lot we have to work on, and we better do it fast because we only have two regular season games left before conference play begins, which could be brutal. Pruitt and Cole both had nice games, but no one could help them. The final was 77-75 as Missouri scored with about 4 seconds left. We didn't even get a shot off to at least attempt to tie or win the game, I am pretty upset about the game hopefully we can learn from it.

Player Stats

Illinois

Pruitt-19pts, 6rebs
Cole-15pts
Tisdale-9pts, 4rebs

Missouri

Hannah-26pts, 3rebs, 3ast
Brown-17pts, 5rebs, 1ast
Lyons-13pts, 4rebs

Stat of the game

Missouri outscores Illinois 40-24 in 2nd half.

#18 Illinois is now 8-3.

vikingfan1

November 28th, 2007, 09:37 PM

Illini's 3 point shooting proves to be to much for Loyla (MD)

Frazier stepped up in a big way against a fiesty Loyla team that came in looking to shock us at home. The game was back and forth in the first half with many lead changes and both teams were hitting shots but it seemed like Loyola was hitting the majority of them. One little burst by Frazier and Meachem changed all that. They personally went on a run of hitting four straight three pointers, including a buzzer beater at the half to give us a 45-38 lead. From their, we ran away from Loyola, winning 91-63. Frazier had a season high of 19 points including 5-6 from the three point line. We outscored them 46-25 I think it was in the 2nd half. The bench stepped up as usual providing 47 points. We have one more game (Tenn St.) before we start conference.

Player Stats

Illinois

Frazier-19pts, 4ast, 3stl, 5-6 3pt
Cole-16pts, 2rebs
Pruitt-11pts, 8rebs

Loyola (MD)

Miles-18pts, 2ast
Sullivan-15pts, 2rebs, 3ast
Brown-11pts, 3rebs, 2ast

Stat of the game

3 point shooting- ILL 10/13, Loyola 7/20
Illinois outscores Loyola 46-25 in 2nd half
Bench Points- ILL 47, Loyola 10

#18 Illinois is now 9-3

CincyFan

November 29th, 2007, 03:45 AM

vikingfan1

November 29th, 2007, 05:37 AM

bad loss to Missouri, but good win against Loyola (MD) who I beat to open up my second year. Glad they didn't lose focus in the second half of that game, but very impressive 46 points in the second half against Loyola. I would be happy to score 30 again in a half lol.

Ya the loss to Missouri really hurt, we should have had that game. Loyola impressed me a lot and if it wasn't for the 4 consecutive threes to end the first half that gave us huge momentum, we would have been in a dogfight the rest of the game.

vikingfan1

November 29th, 2007, 05:21 PM

For all of you watching, I will have update on my last game that I played which was Tenn. St, and then after that I will give you player stats through the first 13 games.

tmac123465

November 29th, 2007, 07:51 PM

k cool. Good win over layola. Too bad about that missouri game. but hey at least your winning games lol

vikingfan1

November 29th, 2007, 08:02 PM

k cool. Good win over layola. Too bad about that missouri game. but hey at least your winning games lol

Ya their is no way I should have lost to Missouri, but o well. I am 10-3 right now with Ohio St. coming up.

vikingfan1

November 30th, 2007, 11:26 AM

Illinois beats Tenn St. for 10th win of the year

We finished up the non conference schedule with Tenn St. a team who was very scrappy and like Loyola they hung with us for the first half, but we stuck it to them in the 2nd half. We outscored them 45-29 in the 2nd half to win 74-56 at home. I think if we can just put two good halfs together were going to be a tough team to beat, but their has been some inconsistency with my team. In conference play were going to have to step it up another notch on both ends of the floor because their are some tough teams in the Big Ten. Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan St. are the big boys in the conference who we have to compete with, and you get forget about Iowa, Michigan, Penn St. ect. We do look forward to conference play though.

Player Stats

Illinois

Cole-16pts, 3rebs, 1blks
Tisdale-12pts, 8rebs
Jackson-12pts, 2rebs

Tenn St.

Houston-12pts, 4rebs
Price-11pts, 5reb, 4ast

Stat of the game

Bench Points- ILL 44, Tenn St. 13
2nd half scoring- ILL 45, Tenn St. 29

#8 Illinois is 10-3

vikingfan1

December 1st, 2007, 07:31 AM

Illini Player Stats and Progression

I am now going to give you the player stats so far after the non conference schedule and then tell you how much each player is improving and a little bit about them.

FRESHMEN

Mike Tisdale- Mike has surprisingly been a bright spot on this team, and as of right now he is actually the leading scorere, which is pretty good for a freshmen. He's a beast down low on offense but he can also run the floor very well and he has a lot of steals already for a big man, and he's not a bad ball handler for his size. Mike is a kid we really can't afford to get hurt or in foul trouble because were going to need him in big games.
Averages: 12.6ppg, 4.5rpg, 0.5apg, 0.5spg, 1.0bpg, 14.5mpg

Bill Cole- Bill is another oustanding freshmen on this team and he's a kid who is going to be nearly unstoppable by his senior year. Along with the fact that he has some pretty nice post moves, Bill can also step out and hit from the perimeter. He has already hit three or four 3pt shots for us this year, and many more on the way I think. Bill is also a rebounding machine, many times he has grabbed 8-10 boards which is pretty good for coming off the bench, I would consider him or Meachem our 6th man, it really doesn't matter because they usually come in at the same time.
Averages: 10.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, 0.4spg, 0.3bpg, 12.1mpg

Quinten Watkins- I am really going to like this kid when he grows up, he doesn't get a lot of minutes but when he's in their he does everything you would want a guard to do. He plays really good defense and moves the ball on offense, he can even rebound some because he has a pretty good leaping ability and also hit can hit the outside shot from time to time. Give him two more years and he may be my starting guard.
Averages: 2.5ppg, 0.6rpg, 1.7apg, 0.5spg, 0.1bpg, 6.5mpg

Demetri Mccamey- Mccamey is struggling right now, but the good news for him is he's only a freshmen. He doesn't seem to have his shot down right now but he doesn't turn the ball over, he does excactly what I ask of him and he plays pretty good defense so I can't complain to much, especially since he doesn't log a bunch of minutes. Mccamey will be a solid player in a few years, and might surprise me next year some but he just needs to work on his game more and he'll be just fine.
Averages: 2.4ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.1apg, 0.3spg, 8.3mpg

SOPHOMORE

C.J. Jackson- Jackson is the only sophomore on this team but I am happy to say I will have him for another two years. Jackson has a big body who can really bang down low and get his shots easily enough. He is the second leading scorer of the second team (only behind Bill Cole I think) and his numbers seem to go up every game. By the end of the year he may be getting close to 10 a game if he keeps it up.
Averages: 6.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 0.4apg, 0.3spg, 0.3bpg, 9.4mpg

JUNIORS

Calvin Brock- Brock may not score a lot, but you can't fault him for being aggressive on both ends of the floor, in fact sometimes he gets to aggressive. Brock is just a jump shot away from being REALLY GOOD and hopefully he can work on his shot this year and during the summer so by the time his senior season rolls around he'll be a very good shooter. I don't question his defense much, he gets in the passing lane and gets quite a few steals and for the most part he makes good decisions with the basketball.
Averages: 7.2ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, 11.8mpg

Chester Frazier- Chester is my starting point guard this year and one of the leaders on this team. I just wish he would be a little more aggressive on offense because he has a really nice shot and he has a few games where he scored around 15-18 points or more. He has a great handle on the ball and on defense he can do about anything, really a nice floor leader. And the bonus part is I will have him for one more year and look forward to him doing even more damage next year.
Averages: 6.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 3.3apg, 0.9spg, 0.2bpg, 19.6mpg

Trent Meachem- Trent is my best outside shooter and when he's on he can sure light it up! He is also one of the first ones off the bench along side Bill Cole. He as a great mind for the game and he makes smart decisions. I think Trent and Calvin will be battling for a starting spot next year but whoever is on the bench will most likely be the 6th man, kind of like this year.
Averages: 4.8ppg, 0.7rpg, 1.7apg, 0.8spg, 12.9mpg

Rodney Alexander- Rodney is becoming more and more affective out on the court each game he plays, and his scoring is proven of that. He doesn't get a lot of minutes but when he's in the game he is a force, I kind of wish he didn't have just one more year, but then again he could really improve and then have a stellar senior year coming off the bench more often.
Averages: 4.3ppg, 1.7rpg, 0.8apg, 0.5spg, 0.2bpg, 8.3mpg

Steve Holdren- I really really like the potential Holdren has, I just wish he wasn't a junior. I would say Steve is probably my second best shooter on the team and when he plays he can really light it up sometimes. But he plays all out, no fear basketball which I love. He's not the tallest guy you will ever see but he gets right in their and grabs rebounds, able to run the fast break and gets in the passing lane a lot for steals.
Averages: 3.7ppg, 0.4rpg, 0.4apg, 0.3spg, 6.0mpg

SENIORS

Shaun Pruitt- Pruitt is my beast, the kid I can rely on for bulks of scoring, leadership, rebounding ect. ect. All of what it takes to win. Sometimes I would like to him to get more blocks and rebounds, but that may come along later. Were going to need Pruitt a lot in the Big Ten because our conference is full of big men and Pruitt will have to be at the top of his game in order for us to be very good. Pruitt will be missed a lot next year but we are already trying to recruit hard to get a replacement for next year. My guess is that Bill Cole will probably be the starting power forward next year unless we find a REALLY GOOD recruit.
Averages: 11.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.0apg, 0.4spg, 0.7bpg, 15.0mpg

Brian Randle- Brian Randle is kind of like a Lebron James, just does it all with the exception of a jumpshot. That may be Brian's only weakness, he doesn't shoot very well. However he gets tons of boards, assists, steals, and can still score in double figures most of the time. He is going to be the biggest loss for next season and I am hoping he plays all out the rest of the year since he knows its his last.
Average: 7.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.0apg, 1.8spg, 0.2bpg, 17.8mpg

vikingfan1

December 1st, 2007, 09:13 AM

Illinois' freethrow shooting helps in win vs Ohio St.

Thanks to some nice freethrow shooting by our club we were able to pull away from Ohio St. in this conference matchup in our home opener. Tisdale was awesome today, 22 points and 10 rebounds for the freshmen. Randle and Pruitt both had 15 points and the final was 76-67. We shot 23/24 from the freethrow line, which is really good for us because we had been struggling in recent games. Butler from Ohio St. kept them in the game, he is a fantastic player and a great shooter. He led his team with 22 points but really didn't get much help than that and we did a great job of locking him down in the second half to where he didn't score so much and had to pass. We play another home game against Penn St. then after that travel to Wisconsin.

Player Stats

Illinois

Tisdale-22pts, 10rebs, 9-12fgs
Randle-15pts, 2rebs, 2ast, 4stl, 7-7ft
Pruitt-15pts, 3rebs
Cole-7pts, 5rebs, 3ast, 2stl, 2blks

Ohio St.

Butler-22pts, 6ast
Hunter-10pts, 4rebs
Lighty-8pts, 9rebs, 5ast

Stat of the game

Freethrows- ILL 23/24, Ohio ST. 4/6

#8 Illinois is now 11-3

shoffman0215

December 1st, 2007, 01:27 PM

you must have stopped ohio state's freshman kosta koufos.

vikingfan1

December 1st, 2007, 01:40 PM

you must have stopped ohio state's freshman kosta koufos.

I can't quite remember the game now but I think we did hold him pretty good. Butler is the one who ripped us up more than anyone. He really kept Ohio St. in the game.

CincyFan

December 1st, 2007, 01:46 PM

good way of winning the Big 10 is taking on Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Might as well check off one of those off your list.

vikingfan1

December 1st, 2007, 01:59 PM

good way of winning the Big 10 is taking on Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Might as well check off one of those off your list.

Ya for sure. Although I lost to Wisconsin today by 10 on their home court, but I did beat Penn St. before that. I will give you updates on them probably tomorrow. My next game is the biggest of the year when we travel to Indiana and they are ranked #9 at 10-3 and we are ranked #7 and 12-4.

shoffman0215

December 1st, 2007, 03:07 PM

you need to shut down eric gordon and make him have the worst game of his life.

vikingfan1

December 1st, 2007, 03:08 PM

you need to shut down eric gordon and make him have the worst game of his life.

Haha yeah pretty much, and contain DJ White and Basset.

vikingfan1

December 1st, 2007, 03:14 PM

Illinois improves to 2-0 in conference with win over Penn St.

A pretty close game at half turned ugly for Penn St. in the 2nd half as we roll over them 80-62. We played pretty well defensivly in the 2nd half and Tisdale stepped up again with 15. But I must say it wasn't just him doing the damage, as 5 total players scored in double figures. Penn St. is a pretty decent team and they actually came into the game with a record of 7-3 or 8-3, so they were not to be taken lightly. Our next game is going to be very tough as we hit the road against Wisconsin who even though they don't have a great record they are still tough when they play at home, as is most ball teams.

Player Stats

Illinois

Tisdale-15pts, 4rebs
Pruitt-15pts, 6rebs
Meachem-11pts, 2ast
Cole-11pts, 3rebs
Randle-11pts, 6rebs, 9ast

Penn St.

Clayton-21pts, 6rebs
Walker-13pts, 2rebs

Stat of the game

Bench Points-ILL 27, Penn St. 14

#7 Illinois is now 12-3

vikingfan1

December 1st, 2007, 03:21 PM

Wisconsin pulls away late, holds off the Illini

I had a bad feeling going into this game that we weren't going to win it, and sadly it came true. Very poor execution down the stretch really doomed our team today. It also didn't help the fact that Tisdale was held to just 10 points and really didn't get into the offense much. Pruitt did have a good game with 16 points but the guards just couldn't shoot today. Frazier scored 7 points but it was all within the last couple of minutes, he needs to score early in the game and keep going, then he would probably have around 20 points or so about every game. I do give credit to Wisconsin as Flowers and Bohannon really stuck on Frazier, Brock, and Meachem throughout the entire game, and then both were able to contribute a lot on the offensive end to. We trailed by as much as 15 in the second half, we cut it to 6 but couldn't get any closer and the final was 78-68.

We are definitly going to practice on a lot of things but we don't get to much time to rest, just 3 days from now we travel to #9 Indiana for a Big Ten clash with our rivals. Were going to have to key on Eric Gordon and not let him get off early, and also contain DJ White so he doesn't have a field day down low. I am confident we can win the game but it has to be a near flawless game and our guards MUST step up and score some or were going to get blown out. Tisdale, Pruitt, and Cole are good but they can't do it alone in the scoring column.

Player Stats

Illinois

Pruitt-16pts, 3rebs
Cole-12pts, 2rebs
Tisdale-10pts, 3rebs

Wisconsin

Bohannon-17pts
Butch-16pts, 12rebs
Flowers-10pts, 4ast

Stat of the game

Team Fouls- ILL 14, Wisconsin 5

#7 Illinois is now 12-4

8394543

December 1st, 2007, 10:55 PM

vikingfan1

December 2nd, 2007, 10:01 AM

So what about Jordan, Davis, Semrau, Wise, Carlwell and Hicks

They are all either redshirt or on reserve so they don't see any minutes at all. The guys I listed are the only ones that get playing time and a part of the 12 man rotation. If someone gets hurt during the year and a reserve comes up, then I will be sure to let you know how they did.

vikingfan1

December 2nd, 2007, 12:58 PM

Illinois sticks it to Indiana, wins by 27

I said after the last game we are pretty much going to have to play perfect basketball in order to beat Indiana at their place, but I never expected this. We jumped out early and often in this game, and we were up 8-0 before Indiana scored and that was the closets they got the rest of the game. DJ White didn't even score until about midway through the 2nd half, which by then the game was over. We held Eric Gordon to just 9 points and I credit the entire team for holding him and his team down the entire game. In fact, the starters didn't even hardly play in the 2nd half. We were up by as much as 34 points in the 2nd half and went on to win 86-59. The crowd at Indiana was silent from the tip off on, they were flat out stunned. We put 5 guys in double figures and Frazier lit them up early with a couple of three pointers. He had 12 points, all on threes. The high scorer was Pruitt with 16 points and 8 rebounds, he played very well.

The defense was the most impressive part obviously. We held them down so good and it took a lot out of them on the offensive end just to try to get something going that they didn't have anything left on defense and we scored a bunch inside, and of course our subs did very well like usual. The score at the half was 46-21, and honestly could have been a lot worse but Indiana got a couple of baskets in a row right before the half. our next game is against Michigan at home and then travel to 8-8 Purdue, but Purdue is leading the conference at 3-0 so that should be a tough game.

Don't get me wrong, Indiana is a great team and a force to be reckon with no doubt, and they will be looking to beat us on our home court when we play later in the season I think. I credit them for never giving up and always fighting, thats what you like to see from every team.

Player Stats

Illinois

Pruitt-16pts, 8rebs, 1blk
Jackson-14pts, 4rebs
Frazier-12pts, 2ast, 4stl, 4-6 3pt
Tisdale-12pts, 2rebs, 3stl
Cole-11pts, 4rebs, 2blks

Indiana

Bassett-14pts, 5ast
Thomas-12pts, 5rebs, 2ast
Gordon-9pts, 2rebs

#7 Illinois is now 13-4

vikingfan1

December 2nd, 2007, 01:52 PM

Illinois improves to 4-1 in the conference, beats Michigan at the buzzer

Stepping into the arena tonight was a hostile crowd waiting for us and cheering loudly for us before the game even tipped off. Many many fans were so happy that we beat our rivals Indiana, and for beating them that bad. I was kind of worried of how my players would respond and hopefully they wouldn't get big heads coming into the Michigan game because I knew Michigan was good, and they were. Michigan had us on the ropes, and honestly they should have won this game but my guys battled back and they were down 59-55 with one minute to play, and ended up winning 61-59 thanks to a buzzer beater hook shot by Shaun Pruitt. Everyone went nuts after he hit that shot, but I realized that we did just steal a win away from Michigan. Frazier had an outstanding game, he didn't shoot very well but drove the ball to the basket and got several chances at the freethrow line. It was nice to see him aggressive now and he had a team high 14 points. We now have to travel to Purdue, they are 3-1 in the conference and 8-9 overall. We jumped into 1st place in the conference after the win over Michigan.

Player Stats

Illinois

Frazier-14pts, 2rebs, 2ast, 2stl
Tisdale-12pts, 3rebs
Pruitt-7pts, 5rebs, 3ast (hit game winning basket as time expired)

Michigan

Harris-21pts, 2rebs, 5-6 3pt
Coleman-13pts, 2rebs
Sims-6pts, 2ast

Stat of the game

3 pt shooting- ILL 1/8, Michigan 9/11
Freethrow shooting- ILL 12/12, Michigan 4/5

#7 Illinois is now 14-4 (4-1)

shoffman0215

December 2nd, 2007, 03:21 PM

good win over indiana and way to hold gordon to only 9 points.

vikingfan1

December 2nd, 2007, 03:26 PM

good win over indiana and way to hold gordon to only 9 points.

Thanks. Eric Gordon is a special talent, he had some looks in which some went down, some didn't. He snapped up a 3 when Brock was right in his face early in the game, but for the most part we were able to hold him down. I don't know if we can do that two times in a row, he may go off for 30 next time we play Indiana, they are going to want to beat us on our home court.

vikingfan1

December 3rd, 2007, 12:10 PM

Illinois hammers Purdue, Cole and Jackson have career day

This game started out much like the Indiana game except it even got worse! We were up 11-0 before Purdue scored and then we were up 28-9 at one point in the 1st half. The lead only grew from their and we were up at the half 50-27 and rolled in the second half to win 97-71 at Purdue. Cole and Jackson were fabulous off the bench for us. Cole scored 21 points and Jackson added 19. Purdue did counter with Martin has he lead all scores with 30 points but it would not be near enough to even get Purdue somewhat back into the game, he just didn't have much help other than himself. Our defense was pretty good the entire game. We will face Ohio St. on the road and they come in with a record of 7-10.

Player Stats

Illinois

Cole-21pts, 4rebs, 10-13fgs
Jackson-19pts, 3rebs, 9-12fgs
Pruitt-13pts, 2stl
Tisdale-10pts, 2rebs

Purdue

Martin-30pts, 6rebs, 3ast
Moore-18pts
Reid-14pts, 6rebs

Stat of the game

Bench Points- ILL 63, Purdue 4
Fast break points- ILL 29, Purdue 4

#6 Illinois is now 15-4

Note: I am not bumping it up a difficulty level after the blowouts of Indiana and Purdue. I will now be playing on All-Conference.

CincyFan

December 3rd, 2007, 02:33 PM

good choice to bump it up. You just destoryed Purdue

vikingfan1

December 3rd, 2007, 03:01 PM

good choice to bump it up. You just destoryed Purdue

Yeah no doubt. And the game was never close, thats when I realize I should probably bump it up lol. And if it continues, then I will go to the next level which is All-American I think.

IBBALLIN33

December 3rd, 2007, 03:03 PM

Yea, MOP is way too eazy, lol.

vikingfan1

December 3rd, 2007, 03:11 PM

Yea, MOP is way too eazy, lol.

I have actually never played on MOP or All-American.

vikingfan1

December 3rd, 2007, 08:09 PM

Illinois holds on against Ohio St. after big first half lead

We started off hot again and found ourselves up by 22 points at halftime and we really took Ohio St's crowd out of the game for the entire first half and some in the second half. I thought this was going to be another blowout but Ohio St. rallied thanks to some good defense on my guys and execution on offense. They were able to cut it to 6 but that is the closets we got, Frazier hit his freethrows down the stretch and we won the game 85-76 to remain on top of the conference standings. Frazier had an awesome game for us, not only was he 9-9 from the freethrow line but he also knocked down some clutch three pointers late in the game, he finished with a game high 26 points. Our defense stepped up when it needed to get the win and thats all you can ask for on the road.

Player Stats

Illinois

Frazier-26pts, 3rebs, 2ast, 9-9fts
Meachem-10pts, 2rebs, 2ast
Pruitt-10pts, 4rebs, 2ast
Cole-10pts, 1reb, 1stl

Ohio St.

Lighty-17pts, 2stl
Butler-16pts, 2rebs, 7ast
Diebler-14pts
Koufos-13pts, 9rebs, 4ast

Stat of the game

Freethrows- ILL 20/20, Ohio St. 4/5

#6 Illinois is now 16-4 (6-1)

vols21

December 3rd, 2007, 08:28 PM

nice game and great season going on so far

vikingfan1

December 3rd, 2007, 08:30 PM

nice game and great season going on so far

Thanks, this game was even on All-Conference, maybe in a few games I will have it to bump it up again if I keep getting blowouts or close to it. But Ohio St. did come back and make it a game at the end.

skarface2k1

December 4th, 2007, 10:55 AM

Ok vikingfan you have a good one going here.Hey,why didn't you do a closed legacy?

vikingfan1

December 4th, 2007, 12:27 PM

Ok vikingfan you have a good one going here.Hey,why didn't you do a closed legacy?

I want to eventually, but I love the Illini a lot and its hard for me to imagine playing with any other team but them. Maybe down the road I will do a closed legacy and probably play with WIU since I only live an hour away from Macomb.

CincyFan

December 4th, 2007, 03:26 PM

I just want to know why you are the vikings in basketball. There is a team in D1 with the mascot of the vikings right? lol.

vikingfan1

December 4th, 2007, 03:34 PM

I just want to know why you are the vikings in basketball. There is a team in D1 with the mascot of the vikings right? lol.

Their is? my username vikingfan is associated with the high school that I went to, our mascot is the Vikings.

vikingfan1

December 4th, 2007, 03:42 PM

Illinois hangs on against Northwestern

This game was one of the toughest victories we have had all season long, and we didn't really expect for it to come against Northwestern, especially at home. Its probably a good thing we did play this game at home or else we probably would have gotten beat at their place or a neutral site. They came in with complete confidence and they weren't intimidated at all. Northwestern led at the half 44-40 thanks to a three point buzzer beater by Meachem. Northwestern thankfully didn't have more than a 7 point lead on us as we were able to keep it close. Tisdale was huge for us down the stretch as he scored 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Brock was probably the key player in the game for us. He had been quite for several games now but broke out with 10 points, 3 rebounds and 4 steals and he bascially did all of that in the second half to help us come from behind and win 82-73. Randle did not score a lot but he did score when it mattered the most and grabbed some key rebounds.

We now have to go on the road to Michigan St. which will not be easy at all. They come in with a record of 14-3 or 15-3, however I do not believe they are ranked in the Top 25, but I could be wrong.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-21pts, 7rebs, 2ast
Pruitt-14pts, 4rebs, 2stl
Brock-10pts, 3rebs, 4stl
Meachem-10pts

Northwestern Player Stats

Coble-24pts, 5rebs
Moore-17pts, 3ast
Williams-8pts
Thompson-8pts, 2ast

Stats of the game

Fast Break Points- ILL 21, Northwestern 4

Bench Points- ILL 24, Northwestern 13

#6 Illinois is now 17-4 (7-1)

vikingfan1

December 4th, 2007, 06:01 PM

Michigan St. puts on stellar 2nd half performance, beats the Illini

By the way the first half was going, I felt pretty confident we could come out of Michigan St. win a big victory, but the second half was a completely different story. We had as much as a 15 point lead in the first half and really gave Michigan St. fits on both ends of the floor, but the second half was different. Michigan St. flat out could not miss no matter how good we were guarding them and they erupted for 50 second half points to win 87-72. I really felt no one played a good game for us in the 2nd half, even though Tisdale did have 20 for the game he wasn't that impressive and my big guys (Tisdale, Pruitt, Randle, Jackson) got blocked a few times so then they lost some of their confidence to score inside, and that hurt us because we aren't a very good three point shooting team. When you lose your confidence from our big man, then we are going to struggle a lot.

Don't get me wrong, Michigan St. is a very very good ball team and I was surprised they were not in the Top 25 and I was happy to see a 15 point lead in the first half, but not happy getting blown out in the second half. Neitzel was the one who kept them in it in the first half and Allen took over in the second half as he was high scorer for the game with 23 points. We now will go home to face Purdue looking for a big win their.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-20pts, 4rebs
Cole-13pts, 6rebs
Jackson-11pts, 2ast
Pruitt-10pts, 5rebs

Michigan St. Stats

Allen-23pts, 2rebs, 3ast, 2stl
Neitzel-22pts, 5ast, 3stl
Suton-12pts, 6rebs, 3ast, 4stl

Stats of the game

Assists- Illinois 13, Michigan St. 22

Field goal percentage- Illinois 54%, Michigan St. 65%

2nd half scoring- Illinois 32, Michigan St. 50

#6 Illinois is now 17-5 (7-2)

vols21

December 4th, 2007, 06:44 PM

vikingfan1

December 4th, 2007, 06:52 PM

looks like the All-Conference level is making it more competitive for you. That's good. A few more tough games like this and you'll be getting the hang of it and ready to move up again. I know I struggled at first on 2k7, but then everything just clicks - next thing you know, its MOP level (and not getting mopped the floor with every game).

O yeah, a lot more competitive. Mich St. flat out could not miss in the 2nd half, whether they were wide open or had 2, 3 guys on a player. They just didn't miss.

sparty322

December 5th, 2007, 11:59 AM

hey can you tell me if 2k got the msu uniforms right this year i know last year they didnt and how accurate do the players look?
thanks

vikingfan1

December 5th, 2007, 07:33 PM

hey can you tell me if 2k got the msu uniforms right this year i know last year they didnt and how accurate do the players look?
thanks

As far as 2k goes I would say the players look pretty accurate for the most part. I couldn't tell you about the MSU uniforms though, sorry.

vikingfan1

December 5th, 2007, 10:57 PM

Illinois holds down Purdue again

Our defense was pretty good in this game and we never really let Purdue into the game. We were up 43-21 at the half and cruised to a 76-54 win. I think Meachem may be our consistent shooter that we have been looking for on our team since the season began. He poured in a team high 17 points including five three pointers, which I think ties a season high for him. I am almost thinking about starting Meachem ahead of Brock and see how it goes, I think Brock would be better off the bench anyways, so its something a I am definitley looking into it. Randle also had a good game with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Our next game is a rematch with #10 Indiana and they are going to be looking to knock us off at home because we beat them 86-59 in the last meeting in Bloomington. I look for it to be a really good game and I hope we can beat them again.

Illinois Player Stats

Meachem-17pts, 2rebs, 4ast, 5-8 3pt
Randle-14pts, 4rebs
Jackson-10pts, 3rebs, 2ast
Tisdale-10pts, 2blks

Purdue Player Stats

Moore-19pts, 4rebs, 4ast
Martin-14pts, 2rebs, 2ast

Stat of the game

Bench Points- Illinois 38, Purdue 15

#5 Illinois is now 18-5 (8-2)

vikingfan1

December 5th, 2007, 11:09 PM

Illinois sweeps season series with Indiana

This game was much better than the game when we blew them out in Bloomington. They came out hot and grabbed an early 6 point lead. It was a low scoring first half as both teams just kind of traded baskets. We were down six when Meachem hit two three pointers to bring us back, he also added another three later in the game. We had a 41-39 lead at halftime and we knew the second half was going to be a dogfight, and it really was. A lot like the first half, both teams traded shots and both had good leads of around 8-10 but always came back. We were finally able to pull away by around 10 with three minutes to go and hung on for the win, 81-73.

Tisdale played a magnificant game as he had a game high 25 points. Randle recorded a double double with 10 points and 11 assists. A lot of those assists went to Tisdale as both of those players have really started to work well together. It was really nice to swee Indiana but their is a good chance we could meet them in the Big Ten Tournament in about a month or less.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-25pts, 3rebs, 2blks
Cole-12pts, 2rebs, 2ast
Meachem-11pts, 4ast, 3-6 3pt
Pruitt-10pts, 4rebs
Randle-10pts, 6rebs, 11ast

Indiana Player Stats

Gordon-17pts, 3ast
Thomas-16pts, 3rebs, 2blks
White-11pts, 6rebs, 2ast
Bassett-11pts, 3ast

Stats of the game

Assists- Illinois 28, Indiana 12
Second chance points- Illinois 6, Indiana 16

#5 Illinois is now 19-5 (9-2)

vikingfan1

December 6th, 2007, 10:54 AM

Illinois reaches goal with win over Minnestoa

I believe one of our goals to start the season was to get 10 conference wins, and we got that today against a tough Minnesota team. This game was more about a game of runs, we started off good, then they would come back and tie it or get within a couple of points, and then we would run it back up to 10-12. It went like this nearly the whole game before my guys got it together went on a big run to go up 74-53. Minnesota came back by pressing my second team and getting som easy hoops, but they really never got close enough to think they could win as we won the game 79-71. Five guys from my team scored in double figures, Frazier led the bunch with 17 points including five three pointers that really seperated us from Minnesota on that last run. I think if we can be a little bit more better on the defensive end then we are really going to scare some people because we have scored a lot more lately, heck we even average 77 points a game as a team, which is pretty high for college. Our next game will be against Penn St. on the road, and they have a record of 12-10.

Illinois Player Stats

Frazier-17pts, 5-6 3pt
Pruitt-14pts, 7rebs
Tisdale-14pts, 5rebs
Cole-13pts, 6rebs
Randle-10pts, 2rebs, 5ast, 3stl

Minnesota Player Stats

Hoffarber-21pts, 5-8 3pt
Nolan-10pts, 9ast, 4to
Mckenzie-10pts, 3rebs, 3ast

Stats of the game

Bench Points- Illinois 24, Minnesota 18
Fast Break Points- Illinois 6, Minnesota 12

#5 Illinois is now 20-5 (10-2)

vikingfan1

December 6th, 2007, 06:19 PM

Cole carries the Illini on his back, beats Penn St.

I must say with Bill Cole's play today, we would have not won this game. It also helped that Penn St. missed several freethrows late in the second half and we were able to finally slow them down and produce some offense ourselves. Cole had 22 points, including 11-12 field goals and when we needed a bucket he delivered. We started off very slow, we got into foul trouble early with Randle and Frazier picking up two quick ones early. Randle never did get into the flow of things because he would pick up his third foul early in the second half. Tisdale and Pruitt had good games with 14 points a piece and Frazier finally caught fire for 11 points. We had a total of 14 team fouls to Penn St's 5, but like I said before Penn St. wasn't able to hit their freethrows and thats what really caused them from getting over the hump in this game. We won the game 84-69 and now we play Wisconsin (15-10) at home, they beat us in the previous meeting by 10 so we would really like to play well and get that game back.

Illinois Player Stats

Cole-22pts, 11-12fgs
Tisdale-14pts, 5rebs, 1ast
Pruitt-14pts, 5rebs, 5ast
Frazier-11pts, 3ast

Penn St. Player Stats

Pringler-17pts, 8ast
Claxton-14pts, 4rebs
Walker-13pts, 2ast

Stats of the game

Bench Points- Illinois 30, Penn St. 11
Team Fouls- Illinois 14, Penn St. 5

#4 Illinois is now 21-5 (11-2)

vols21

December 6th, 2007, 07:03 PM

nice run!! have u bumped it up to the next level yet?

vikingfan1

December 6th, 2007, 08:10 PM

nice run!! have u bumped it up to the next level yet?

I have bumped it up to All-Conference, I did that after the Purdue blowout (whenever that was). So right now I am currently on All-Conference but could bump it up to All-American either next season or maybe even by the end of this season, I am not sure yet.

slackerb

December 7th, 2007, 08:29 AM

Awesome legacy man, looks like you are dominating.

Conference championship here you come...

vikingfan1

December 7th, 2007, 10:03 AM

Awesome legacy man, looks like you are dominating.

Conference championship here you come...

Thanks. I really hope we can get a conference championship, but its not over yet because Michigan St. is right on our tails. Updates from the Wisconsin game to come next.

vikingfan1

December 7th, 2007, 10:55 AM

14 is lucky number in Illinois win over Wisconsin

We were able to get revenge on Wisconsin today by beating them 79-64. Pruitt, Tisdale, and Frazier all had 14 points, with Brock close behind them with 12 points. The game was close for the most part but we did have a burst where we went up around 20 with five minutes to go and was able to get the win. Calvin Brock played one of his better games of the season, he is far better when he is aggressive on both ends but sometimes he do well on the offensive end. We now have just four regular season games before the conference tourament so we must finish the season strong. We do have Michigan St. right behind us trying to at least get a share of the conference championship. I believe if we win our next game then we should win the conference.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-14pts, 4rebs
Pruitt-14pts, 8rebs
Frazier-14pts, 5ast
Brock-12pts, 2ast

Wisconsin Player Stats

Butch-17pts, 7rebs, 4ast
Bohannon-16pts, 2rebs
Flowers-10pts, 5ast

Stat of the game

Assists- Illinois 28, Wisconsin 15

#4 Illinois is now 22-5 (12-2)

vikingfan1

December 7th, 2007, 03:21 PM

Illinois overcomes sluggish start, beats Michigan

Why Michigan does not have a winning record I really do not know. Both of these games now this season we've had a pretty good game with them, and Michigan is a potential team that we could play in the Big Ten Quarterfinals of the conference tournament. They came out ready to go and we came out very slow and Michigan had some good 6-7 point leads on us. Frazier was nearly unstoppable though as he had a game high 21 points, including four three pointers. Tisdale also had a good game with 17 points. We were able to come back through our defense and finally hit some shots that we were missing before. We took a 36-31 lead into halftime thanks to a three pointer at the buzzer by Frazier. Michigan would respond though and take the lead back at 40-39 but then that was the last time they lead the entire game. We were able to take the lead right back, and then go up some and hold on thanks to some good freethrow shooting and win 77-69.

Illinois Player Stats

Frazier-21pts, 2rebs, 3ast, 3stl
Tisdale-17pts, 4rebs, 3ast
Cole-11pts, 2rebs
Randle-8pts, 6rebs, 3ast

Michigan Player Stats

Coleman-17pts, 4rebs
Harris-16pts, 2rebs
Smith-13pts, 5ast
Sims-10pts, 3ast

Stat of the game

Freethrow Shooting- Illinois 11/14, Michigan 5/8

#4 Illinois is now 23-5 (13-2)

CincyFan

December 7th, 2007, 04:22 PM

its cause michigan got rid of a good coach and want to go with someone else who will probably break rules again to make them good lol. So happy when Harvard beat them in real life this year.

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 09:24 AM

Iowa shuts down Illinois, wins by 10

This is a game I would rather not talk about, but I will. Iowa did an excellent job of really holding us down on our inside game and outside game, they were there to challenge every single shot and blocked a lot of them. It's always tough to go to Iowa and get a victory, but I was surprised of how low scoring it was. Iowa held us to our lowest point total this season and 20 points below our average as wel lost 65-55 in Iowa City. Tisdale was the only player in double figures for us with 14, but even he had to work extremely hard for those points. Iowa had a gameplan, they stuck to it and won, I give them a lot of credit. We couldn't hit anything from the perimeter, going 1/12. It was a close game throughout until about 3 possessions in a row Iowa came down and nailed a three pointer and that pretty much sealed it for them. We did get it to 59-55 with a couple of three's and layups but that was the closets we got.

We have a very very tough game coming up at home as we face a ranked Michigan St. team who has only lost 4 or 5 times I think.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-14pts, 6rebs, 4ast
Alexander-8pts, 1reb, 3ast
Pruitt-8pts, 2rebs

Iowa Player Stats

Johnson-16pts, 3rebs
Angle-12pts, 2rebs, 5ast
Freeman-12pts, 6ast

Stats of the game

Fouls- Illinois 14, Iowa 3
3 point shooting- Illinois 1/12, Iowa 6/11

#4 Illinois is now 23-6 (13-3)

CincyFan

December 8th, 2007, 02:48 PM

so how is the new difficult treating you. I see from your games how it is going but wondering if you like the move up and do you like the results you are getting better than the last level?

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 03:30 PM

so how is the new difficult treating you. I see from your games how it is going but wondering if you like the move up and do you like the results you are getting better than the last level?

I like this difficulty much better, win or lose. I don't mind losing and can take losing, I just don't want to lose ALL THE TIME lol, but I also don't like every single game being blowouts. All-Conference to me is much tougher and I like that, someday I will hopefully be good enough to play on All-American and maybe even MOP.

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 04:39 PM

Illinois beats up on Michigan St., wins by 15

My guys played extremely well today to get the victory over Michigan St. and returned the favor by beating them up so badly like they did us. Pruitt was awesome with 18 points and we really shared the ball alot. We dished out 25 assists and lit up the paint with 60 points. The final was 82-67 but it really didn't feel like much of a game as we just exploded right out of the gate and had a 28-10 lead before you knew it. Michigan St. did come back some but not enough to make it even remotely interesting. C.J. Jackson had one of his better games with 12 points off the bench. We have just one more regular season game against Minnesota at home before we start the conference tournament.

Illinois Player Stats

Pruitt-18pts, 6rebs
Jackson-12pts, 4rebs
Cole-10pts, 5rebs
Randle-10pts, 4ast

Michigan St. Stats

Allen-24pts, 2ast, 2stl
Morgan-12pts, 6rebs, 2ast
Suton-12pts, 7rebs

Stats of the game

Assists- Illinois 25, Michigan St. 16
Points in the Paint- Illinois 60, Michigan St. 40

#4 Illinois is now 24-6 (14-3)

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 04:47 PM

Illinois has no problems against Minnesota

It was a great senior day for us on this last regular season home game with Minnesota. We jumped out early and often and had a 46-26 lead going into halftime. Minnesota tried to come back in the second half and got it to within eight points but they would get no closer as we were able to increase our lead and win the game 86-71. It was nice to hear that we had a sellout in every single home game this year, and I am hoping our fans continue to follow us in the Big Ten Conference Tourney and NCAA Tourney. Alexander played the best of the season for him as he scored 10 points and did a really nice job on defense. The big boys of mine were spectacular as Tisdale, Pruitt, and Cole all had double figure points. Tisdale led the way with 16 points. My only concern is that Frazier and Meachem are struggling from the field but their defense is still pretty good which is always a plus.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-16pts, 3rebs
Pruitt-14pts, 5rebs, 4ast
Cole-11pts, 3rebs, 2stl
Alexander-10pts, 2rebs, 2ast

Minnesota Player Stats

Hoffarber-21pts
Nolan-9pts, 8ast

Stats of the game

Turnovers- Illinois 4, Minnesota 10
Rebounds- Illinois 27, Minnesota 13

#3 Illinois is now 25-6 (15-3)

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 04:53 PM

BIG TEN FINAL STANDINGS

#3 Illinois- 15-3 (25-6)
#13 Indiana- 12-6 (21-9)
Wisconsin- 11-7 (18-12)
Michigan St.- 11-7 (20-8)
Ohio St.- 9-9 (14-16)
Purdue- 9-9 (14-17)
Minnesota- 8-10 (16-13)
Penn St.- 8-10 (16-13)
Iowa- 6-12 (13-18)
Michigan- 5-13 (12-18)
Northwestern- 5-13 (9-20)

BIG TEN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

Penn St. 16-13
Iowa 13-18

Winner plays #3 Illinois in Quarterfinals

Purdue 14-17
Northwestern 9-20

Winner plays Michigan St. in Quarterfinals

Minnesota 16-13
Michigan 12-18

Winner plays #13 Indiana in Quarterfinals

vols21

December 8th, 2007, 06:54 PM

with those two big wins, you might be ready to try all-american (at least for a half)

CincyFan

December 8th, 2007, 07:38 PM

with those two big wins, you might be ready to try all-american (at least for a half)

I second that, but I know you probably don't want to do it since you are in the Big Ten tournament now.

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 07:44 PM

with those two big wins, you might be ready to try all-american (at least for a half)

I may try it for a half, who knows. I did just have a close game with Ohio St., winning 80-69 so I may not bump it up until next season, but who knows I may try it for a half against Michigan St. in the Big Ten Conference Championship game.

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 07:45 PM

You know what, F It! I am doing All-American for the Big Ten Championship game and throughout the NCAA Tourney!

CincyFan

December 8th, 2007, 07:50 PM

You know what, F It! I am doing All-American for the Big Ten Championship game and throughout the NCAA Tourney!

LOL

Thats the spirit. Who cares if you win the Big Ten or not. Your still going to get in the tournament your first year so at least that should make you happy. I am going to put mine on Walk On so I can make the tournament this year.

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 07:52 PM

LOL

Thats the spirit. Who cares if you win the Big Ten or not. Your still going to get in the tournament your first year so at least that should make you happy. I am going to put mine on Walk On so I can make the tournament this year.

Thats true, I will get into the tourney and probably as either a #1 or #2 seed depending on if I win the tournament or not.

vols21

December 8th, 2007, 08:47 PM

You know what, F It! I am doing All-American for the Big Ten Championship game and throughout the NCAA Tourney!

ALRIGHT!! Way to Go Viking!!! You might find that you have as much success.
I bumped mine to all-american in the 2nd game and haven't looked back. As I post more game results you will see it didn't make that much of a difference (win some, lose some - but that's the way it's supposed to be),

Go get em in the tourney!! Let's see a good showing!!

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 08:52 PM

ALRIGHT!! Way to Go Viking!!! You might find that you have as much success.
I bumped mine to all-american in the 2nd game and haven't looked back. As I post more game results you will see it didn't make that much of a difference (win some, lose some - but that's the way it's supposed to be),

Go get em in the tourney!! Let's see a good showing!!

I will be playing the Big Ten championship game soon, after that I will update everyone on how the tourney went, and what seed and matchup we get in the 1st round of the NCAA Tourney.

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 09:53 PM

Illinois clamps down on Penn St. in Quarterfinals

Wow, what a clinic on the defensive end for my team. They made Penn St. work for every single basket and this game was never even close. Alexander keeps playing very well and chipped in with 11 off the bench and Jackson also added 11 points and 4 rebounds. Their two best players in Pringle and Walker still put up their numbers, but we were able to hold everyon else to under double figures and we won the game 83-57. Truthfully I was glad we had Penn St. instead of Iowa because Iowa may have beaten us again. We will now play Ohio St. in the Big Ten semifinals in what should be a pretty good game.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-12pts, 2rebs, 2stl
Jackson-11pts, 4rebs, 2ast, 2blks
Alexander-11pts, 1rebs
Pruitt-10pts, 2rebs, 3ast

Penn St. Player Stats

Walker-18pts, 2rebs, 2ast
Pringle-14pts, 2ast

Stats of the game

Assists- Illinois 24, Penn St. 15
Bench Points- Illinois 42, Penn St. 12
Field Goal Percentage- Illinois 64%, Penn St. 34%

#3 Illinois is now 26-6

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 10:04 PM

Illinois marches on to Finals of the Big Ten Conference Tournament

The defense may not have been as impressive against Ohio St. as it was against Penn St. but on the other hand Ohio St. is a much better squad and they have who I think may be the best guard in the nation in Butler. He really kept his team in the game with his shooting and scored a game high 23 points but it would not be enough as we were able to pull away late in the game and win 80-69. The game was closer than the score and it definitely went back and forth for a lot of this game before we made our freethrows and some clutch shooting. Pruitt led us with 17 points and 9 rebounds, he really played well. The man who had the best game for us was Calvin Brock. He has flat out became a star on this team and scored 15 points including several three pointers. His play on the offensive end has really it made it easier for Frazier and Meachem because the pressure is not all on them.

In the championship game we will face Michigan St. We have split the regular season series by kicking each others behinds, now I look for the third matchup to be a very close game, or at least I hope it is and we don't get run out of the gym.:lol: The guys will have to play tremendous defense in order for us to have a chance because Allen has been lighting us up for 20+ points in the previous two meetings.

Illinois Player Stats

Pruitt-17pts, 9rebs
Frazier-15pts, 6ast, 4stl
Brock-15pts, 2ast
Cole-10pts, 5rebs

Ohio St. Player Stats

Butler-23pts, 5ast, 2stl
Diabler-16pts
Lighty-12pts, 3rebs

Stats of the game

Turnovers- Illinois 4, Ohio St. 11
3 Point Shooting- Illinois 6/17, Ohio St. 3/14

#3 Illinois is now 27-6

chestnutz6

December 8th, 2007, 10:09 PM

Good luck against MSU. Should be tough now that you've bumped the difficulty up.

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 10:19 PM

Illinois BIG TEN CHAMPS!

I couldn't have predicted the way this game went even if I wanted to. If you thought the Penn St. game was impressive, that was nothing compared to this outcome. We flat out stuck it to Michigan St. and rolled over them 87-61 in the Championship game. Like usual, one guy did not just step up for us, in fact I don't think a player scored in double figures until we had around 60 team points, thats how balanced the scoring was for us in this game. Michigan St. did get it to within 60-52 at one time but then we went on a 12-2 run and never looked back. Frazier was the high point for us with 14 points including 4-7 from the three point line. Allen, who had lit us up the two previous matchups only scored 12 points, and we held him to 5 points in the first half, thats impressive. Neitzel didn't even get into double figures in this game, we clamped down on EVERYONE and they all had to work hard for their shots, which is what we always try to do.

If we can continue this roll I am fully confident we can get all the way to the Final Four but we will sit patiently and wait to see what seed we get and what regional we are headed to. Here are the stats and the results of all the games of the Big Ten Conference Tourney:

Illinois Player Stats

Frazier-14pts, 4-7 3pt
Meachem-11pts, 4rebs, 3ast
Jackson-11pts, 4rebs
Cole-10pts, 2rebs, 5ast, 3stl
Brock-10pts, 2rebs, 4ast

Michigan St. Player Stats

Morgan-14pts, 6rebs, 3ast
Allen-12pts, 6ast
Gray-10pts, 4rebs

Stats of the game

Assists- Illinois 26, Michigan St. 15
3 Point Shooting- Illinois 7/11, Michigan St. 3/9
Rebounds- Illinois 29, Michigan St. 16

#3 Illinois is now 28-6

BIG TEN CONFERENCE TOURNEY RESULTS

1st Round

Penn St. 79
Iowa 56

Northwestern 55
Purdue 54

Minnesota 73
Michigan 72

Quarterfinals

Illinois 83
Penn St. 57

Ohio St. 75
Wisconsin 70

Michigan St. 74
Northwestern 71

Minnesota 66
Indiana 62

Semifinals

Illinois 80
Ohio St. 69

Michigan St. 83
Minnesota 54

Championship

Illinois 87
Michigan St. 61

Illinois is the #1 seed in the East Regional and they will play the Play In Winner, which happened to be Princeton as they beat Alcorn St. Updates on 1st round coming soon!

Other Big Ten Teams in Tournament

#4 Indiana
#8 Michigan St.

CincyFan

December 8th, 2007, 10:40 PM

YEAH Princeton!!!!!!! Beat down Illinois. Sorry bro I have to go with my team on this one. If you beat them then I will cheer for you unless you play the X.

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 11:12 PM

YEAH Princeton!!!!!!! Beat down Illinois. Sorry bro I have to go with my team on this one. If you beat them then I will cheer for you unless you play the X.

Haha understandable. I actually thought of you when I saw the Princeton matchup, and I did not take them lightly. Update coming now!

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 11:20 PM

Illinois cruises to victory over Princeton

My guys came out well prepared for this game and they definitely did not want to get upset early in the tournament, and it showed. I give a lot of credit to Princeton for hanging in the game a little while, but ulitmately it would not be enough as we won the game 83-40. It started out back and forth and then we went on a nice run, and held them in check the rest of the half to lead 35-18 at the half. They started out hot to get the game to 35-24 but they would get not closer. The guys responded with a run of their own, and eventually went on a 23-0 run before Princeton scored again. Holdren played his best game of the year with 11 points off the bench. Princeton just wasn't deep enough as they only went 7, maybe 8 deep at most. Our bench outscored theirs 44-5 overall. Our next game will be against Vanderbilt which should be a tougher matchup but I am confident we can get the victory and move on to the Sweet 16.

Illinois Player Stats

Pruitt-12pts, 4rebs
Holdren-11pts, 2rebs
Randle-11pts, 2rebs, 4ast, 3stl (Player of the game)
Jackson-10pts, 7rebs

Princeton Player Stats

Savage-15pts, 4rebs
Gunn-7pts, 1ast
Schrouder-6pts, 3rebs, 6ast

Stats of the game

Field goal percentage- Illinois 66%, Princeton 39%
Bench points- Illinois 44, Princeton 5
Three Point Shooting- Illinois 4/8, Princeton 2/16

Illinois is now 29-6

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 11:24 PM

Other Big Ten scores:

Indiana 63
UW-Milwaukee 59

Michigan St. 70
Duquesne 69

vols21

December 8th, 2007, 11:30 PM

vikingfan1

December 8th, 2007, 11:32 PM

Congrats on the Big 10 tourney win (told you the bump up might not make much difference the way you are playing)

and I guess if someone had to beat Princeton, it might as well be you. I'm guessing UCR didn't make the NCAA's - what kind of record did they end up with??

Im not sure but I can check for you and have it up by tomorrow morning. My team is on a roll right now, but I think eventually as we keep winning or going into next season that All-American may catch up to me, but thats completely fine with me, I am not going to bump it back down at all. Their is only one way to go and that is up! (MOP!)

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 09:09 AM

Illinois sends Vanderbilt packing

This was a pretty good game by two really good teams. Vanderbilt had to rely on the three pointer in order for them to stay in the game, and in fact did have some leads on us, but nothing extreme. We didn't shoot the ball very well but our twin towers of Pruitt and Tisdale stepped up as usual for us to lead us in scoring. We eventually were able to get out at their shooters and challenge them a lot more and they started missing their shots, and we took advantage by putting the ball down low and letting Tisdale and Pruitt finish. Pruitt led the team with 21 point and 5 rebounds. Tisdale was right behind him with 16 points. We won the game 77-63 after a pretty close first half, so our defense really shut them down in the second half. Our next game is against a much tougher opponent in Texas A&M but we look forward to the matchup and it should be a good game.

Illinois Player Stats

Pruitt-21pts, 5rebs, 2ast
Tisdale-16pts, 3rebs, 2stl, 2blks
Jackson-12pts, 3rebs, 2ast
Randle-10pts, 3rebs, 2blks

Vanderbilt Player Stats

Beal-20pts, 1ast, 1stl
Naltner (sp)- 9pts, 3rebs, 2stl
Foster-8pts,, 1ast

Stats of the game

Three point shooting- Illinois 1/8, Vanderbilt 6/13
Freethrows- Illinois 12/19, Vanderbilt 5/11

Illinois is now 30-6

Other Big Ten Scores, 2nd round

Indiana 84
Arkansas 71

Michigan St.91
#1 UNC 71

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 09:27 AM

Illinois comes from behind to beat Texas A&M, advances to the Elite 8

What a game this was, you couldn't ask for a much better game then what my guys displayed. Texas A&M flat out could not miss from anywhere in the first half, drilling long three pointers and busting us inside as well. The halftime score was 40-34 Texas A&M thanks to a three point buzzer beater by them in the first half. It did not stop there however, as Texas A&M kept making shots and we just couldn't figure out how to stop them. Thankfully, Pruitt and Tisdale had games of their lives as they combined for 49 points. They got up as much as eight points in the second half but we were able to fight back and regain the lead by one. It went back and forth throughout the final couple of minutes, and thanks to some great freethrow shooting by my team, we were able seperate ourselves just enough and won the game 78-73. Tisdale played like a senior instead of a freshmen as he had a game high 26 points including 10-10 at the freethrow line. Pruitt was equally good with 23 points and 10-14 on field goals, he was flat out unstoppable and both of these young men took it the basket almost every single time they got the ball.

The downside to this game is our guards really didn't do much on offense, usually Frazier or Brock can hit a couple of shots but they were stone cold in this game, but their defense was good and I am happy about that. We play Kentucky in the Elite 8 for a trip to the Final Four and a date with the winner of Duke and Memphis. I really want to play Duke to get revenge on them for beating us in the Hawaii tourney in what seemed ages ago. Memphis scares me because of how many altheltes they have on the floor and they can get hot from the field on a hurry, but first we do have to beat Kentucky to even think about Duke or Memphis.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-26pts, 4rebs, 3ast, 3blks, 10-10 fts
Pruitt-23pts, 5rebs, 10-14 fgs
Cole-10pts, 5rebs

Texas A&M Player Stats

Kirk-16pts, 7ast, 2stl
Davis-14pts, 5rebs, 3ast, 3blks
Carter-9pts, 2rebs, 3-7 3pt

Stat of the game

Freethrows- Illinois 21/23, Texas A&M 7/9

Illinois is now 31-6

Other Big Ten Scores, Sweet 16

Michigan St. 75
Marquette 73

Memphis 84
Indiana 60

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 12:58 PM

Kentucky comes from 15 down to beat Illinois

Well I must say I was pretty dissapointed in the outcome and it wasn't the outcome we were looking for. Kentucky is a great team and I wish them luck the rest of the way, but this is a game we should have had and lost it. It was back and forth throughout the first half before we went on a run to close out the half at 42-30. We kept the lead in the early part of the second half and even had as much as a 49-34 lead on the Wildcats, but it would not be enough. Kentucky started heating up from the outside and we went cold and they came all the way back to lead 64-58, which I believe would be their biggest lead. We tried so hard to come back, and actually took the lead but they stole it and won the game 75-71 thanks to them hitting freethrows and my guys not being aboule to hit a three pointer at all. Tisdale and Pruitt led the way with 16 and 15, but it just wasn't quite good enough. I wil miss Randle and Pruitt a lot but I do look forward to next season and hopefully we can get back to the Elite 8 or even farther next year. I think we finished well above expectations as we finished with a 31-7 record, 15-3 in the Big Ten, we won the regular season and conference championship, got a #1 seed in the tourney and lost to a very good Kentucky team. You just can't do it much better other than obviously beating Kentucky.

Honestly though, even if we had beat Kentucky I am not so sure that we would have beaten Memphis, they went on to defeat Kansas in the National Championship game by 20 points.

I will be posting my new player roster as well as the schedule, team goals, and my thoughts on this upcoming year.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-16pts, 7rebs
Pruitt-15pts, 2rebs
Frazier-10pts, 5ast, 2-12 3pt

Kentucky Player Stats

Bradley-19pts, 3ast, 4-8 3pt
Meeks-13pts, 2rebs
Steward-12pts, 5rebs

Stat of the game

3 point shooting- Illinois 3/18, Kentucky 6/17

Illinois finishes at 31-7 and in the Elite 8

chestnutz6

December 9th, 2007, 01:02 PM

Too bad for the loss, but you couldn't have expected to win the championship your first year anyways. Intersted to see what your team looks like next year. Are you gonna post the awards and such?

vols21

December 9th, 2007, 01:03 PM

great season. No shame in losing to a team like Kentucky in this fashion.

I really enjoyed the play by play as the game was going on - that was fun.

look forward to next year

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 01:27 PM

Too bad for the loss, but you couldn't have expected to win the championship your first year anyways. Intersted to see what your team looks like next year. Are you gonna post the awards and such?

I should have wrote down the awards, my bad I will do it next season and from then on. I do know Tisdale and Cole made the All-conference 2nd team for freshmen, and Tisdale and Pruitt made All-Conference 2nd team overall. Even if I had beaten Kentucky, I don't think I could have gotten by Memphis.

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 01:53 PM

Illinois Fighting Illini 2008-2009 Roster

SR Chester Frazier- PG, 86, 6'2, 198
JR Jamar Smith- SG, 85, 6'3, 189
FR T. Nelke- SF, 82, 6'6, 205
SR Trent Meachem- PG, 78, 6'2, 199
SO Demetri(sp) Mccamey- PG, 77, 6'3, 211
SO H. Tamir- SF, 77, 6'8, 216
SR Calvin Brock- SG, 77, 6'6, 204
SR Rodney Alexander- SF, 76, 6'7, 225
SO Quinten Watkins- SG, 75, 6'3, 116
SR Steven Holdren- SG, 72, 6'6, 210
SO Mike Tisdale- C, 72, 7'1, 219
JR Brian Carlwell- C, 71, 6'11, 275
JR C.J. Jackson- PF, 71, 6'8, 270
SO Bill Cole- PF, 71, 6'8, 218

Redshirts

SO Mike Davis- PF, 67, 6'10, 205
SO Jeff Jordan- PG, 67, 6'1, 185

Illinois Fighting Illini 2008-2009 Schedule

November- Non Conference

11/9 vs UNLV
11/14 @ Nevada
11/15 vs #4 Duke
11/17 Hawaii Tourney vs #12 Washington

December- Non Conference

12/6 @ #15 Kentucky
12/18 @ #24 UCLA
12/19 @ #18 Gonzaga
12/20 vs #14 Kansas
12/26 vs Southern Illinois
12/28 vs #3 Memphis

Janurary- Conference

1/1 vs Penn St.
1/4 vs Iowa
1/8 @ Northwestern
1/11 @ #8 Indiana
1/14 vs Wisconsin
1/17 @ Michigan
1/20 @ Penn St.
1/26 vs Minnesota
1/28 @ Ohio St.
1/31 vs Michigan

Feburary- Conference

2/5 vs #8 Indiana
2/10 @ Purdue
2/14 @ Iowa
2/18 vs Northwestern
2/20 @ Wisconsin
2/28 @ #9 Michigan St.

March- Conference

3/4 vs Ohio St.
3/7 vs Purdue

Team Goals

The bar has been raised considerably from last season and in fact the team last year met ever single goal that was put before them, and did it rather easily. Here are the list of goals for this season:

- Win 28 games
- Win Conference Tournament
- Win at least 12 Conference games
- Finish in the Top 5 in the final Poll
- Beat at least 4 ranked opponents
- Have a team Chemistry of 90 or above

Even though these goals may be nearly impossible for some schools or think its to demanding, I think these goals are in the reach of this team this year. We have plenty of expierence from last season and still have some youth in us. I would put get to the Final Four as a goal but I am hoping they just do that anyway.;)

Key Players to a successful season:

Chester Frazier- After a breakout year his junior year, Frazier will be the teams ultimate captain and leader on this team. I look for him to really score in bunches and especially when we need him if our offense isn't going the way it should. I also hope that he has worked on his shot from last season and can be that consistent shooter that we will need this year so they can't pack it in the middle when Tisdale, Carlwell, Jackson, and Cole are trying to score their points.

Jamar Smith- He missed all of last year due to his behavior off the court. I would say Smith is our best three point shooter on this team and though he's only a junior, I look for him to really step up and help his team out by showing the younger guys what to do and also be a real force on the defensive end. I would really like him to shoot about 40% or so from the three point line for the year.

Mike Tisdale- Will Mike have the sophomore jinx? Or will he return and be yet another force for us down low with his rebounding, scoring, and shot blocking ability. He has really improved in the off season and I am hoping he can average anywhere from 12-15 points per game to go along with his 8 rebounds per game. If he can do that, he's going to be nearly impossible to stop.

Calvin Brock- The last of the key players is Brock, but definitely not the least. He is the other captain on this team and even though he still may not shoot it as well, he has really calmed down a lot and learned to just go with the flow. I don't think he will be forcing up a lot of jumpers like he did last year at times during the season. Brock is also an excellent defender and hopefully he will get a lot of steals this season.

Coache's Thoughts- I think this season could be just as good if not better than last season. We for sure have a tougher non conference schedule this year, but I did that so these guys will be ready to play the good teams in the NCAA Tourney and in their conference. If they can win most of the early games, this team is going to go far in the postseason. I hope all of you will follow my second season at Illinois!

CincyFan

December 9th, 2007, 02:01 PM

FR T. Nelke- SF, 82, 6'6, 205

Kid looks like a beast

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 02:20 PM

FR T. Nelke- SF, 82, 6'6, 205

Kid looks like a beast

He is, he's going to be a good one. Has 9 points already in the first half of the UNLV game.

chestnutz6

December 9th, 2007, 02:50 PM

Tough non conference schedule, good luck with that.

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 02:51 PM

Tough non conference schedule, good luck with that.

O yeah I know, I wanted it tough!

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 02:56 PM

Tisdale scored 32 in opener vs UNLV

I think Tisdale just proved to everyone that his first year wasn't a fluke and he is here to dominate. 32 points along with 8 rebounds was the story of this game as UNLV simply had no answer for him. UNLV did have a nice guard who scored 24 but no one else really could help them out and we won what was a tight game 90-73 at home. The new freshmen Nelke was a thing of beauty as he had 12 points, 3 rebounds, and a couple of assists. It was also nice to see Smith back in uniform and playing, he scored seven points. Our next game will be on the road to Nevada.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-32pts, 8rebs, 1blk (Player of the Game)
Nelke-12pts, 3rebs, 2ast
Smith-7pts, 3ast
Brock-7pts, 3ast, 2stl
Frazier-7pts, 4ast, stl

UNLV Player Stats

Willis-24pts, 1reb
Adams-13pts, 5ast

Stats of the game

Fast break points- Illinois 18, UNLV 4
Field goal percentage- Illinois 63%, UNLV 49%

#7 Ilinois is now 1-0

Up Next: @ Nevada

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 05:18 PM

Illinois runs into a road block at Nevada

Early foul trouble and poor shooting doomed us at Nevada. Tisdale was on the bench in a second with two first half fouls and quickly pick up his third foul as the second half began. Nelke did have a great game with 24 points, and Tisdale did score 14 but other than that they didn't get much help. We realy need to work on the defense a lot because Nevada had a lot of uncontested shots. We lost the game 84-67 in a game that really didn't seem that close. They jumped out right from the start and I don't think we ever had a lead in this game. We were down as much as 15 during the game, but came back to make it a 73-67 game before Nevada went on a run right before the game ended. Duke is now coming to town as they are rated 4th and if we aren't ready for them, the game could be over early.

Illinois Player Stats

Nelke- 24pts, 3rebs
Tisdale-14pts, 2rebs, 2stl
Smith-8pts, 2rebs

Nevada Player Stats

Patrauskas-21pts, 1reb
Ma-14pts, 9rebs
McGee-12pts, 16rebs

Stats of the game

3 point shooting- Illinois 5/23, Nevada 8/19
Rebounds- Illinois 20, Nevada 39
Blocks- Illinois 10, Navada 3

#7 Illinois is now 2-1

Up next: Vs #4 Duke (1-0)

vikingfan1

December 9th, 2007, 07:34 PM

Illinois gets big win over #4 Duke

Playing Duke is never easy, especially when you come home after getting your tail kicked on the road, you lose some confidence in yourselve usually, but not these guys. My guys came out ready and fired up and it showed. Although we never got up drastically big like a 15 or 20 point lead, but our biggest lead I think was 9 or 11 points in the second half. Duke rallied like I figured they would to get it to within three points, but we made a run right after and they got tired as we went on for the 80-71 win. I was very proud of my guys and to hold such an explosive offense in Duke to 71 points is no easy task. They even held them to 30 points in the first half! Tisdale and Nelke stepped up with 24 and 23 points. Nelke is improving a lot just game by game and he is a joy to watch.

Right now I would say I am a little dissapointed with my upperclass men as this point. Frazier, Brock, and Meachem really have been struggling to hit shots or even play good defense consistently, they are really going to have to improve if we are to win even half of our games this year. We now play #12 Washington in the Hawaii tourney. We could face Duke again if we both win our first round games of the tournament.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-24pts, 8rebs, 1ast
Nelke-23pts, 3rebs, 3ast, 2stl
Smith-13pts, 3rebs, 3ast, 2stl

Duke Player Stats

Zoubek-22pts, 6rebs, 4blks
Singler-16pts, 3rebs, 3ast
Scheyer-12pts, 1ast

Stat of the game

Freethrow shooting- Illinois 21/24, Duke 11/13

#14 Illinois is now 2-1

Up next: vs #12 Washington (Hawaii Tourney)

vols21

December 9th, 2007, 07:39 PM

tough game at Nevada, but they are a good under-rated team (top 10 mid-major in my legacy). But you bounced back in a HUGE way to beat Duke. I enjoyed watching this one Live and cheering you on against the hated Blue Devils (even tho I coached them in last year's legacy, lol).

GOOD LUCK against Washington. Those guys always seemed to be bigger and stronger - one of my toughest cpu opponents.

CincyFan

December 9th, 2007, 08:13 PM

i see the Blue Devils are losing a lot to first year coaches.

vikingfan1

December 10th, 2007, 08:15 AM

vikingfan1

December 10th, 2007, 10:01 AM

Tisdale drops 30 and 11 on Washington, advances to Semifinal of Hawaii Tourney

Tisdale was a monster in this game vs Washington. Washington really didn't have anyone that could match up with Tisdale but Washington did have good guard play to counter Tisdale. We shared the ball really well today, dishing out 24 assists and its something all coaches love to see. When everyone gets involved on both ends of the floor is just a joy for any coach to see. The freshmen Nelke stepped up again with 15 points and rapidly becoming a go to guy if Tisdale is on the bench. Bill Cole also had one of his better games with 22 points and 7 rebounds. I really need Cole to step up even more though, especially when Tisdale is on the bench either with foul trouble or getting rest.

The game started out fairly well for both teams, Tisdale was a load underneath but Washington countered that with quick shots of their own and offensive rebounding. Thats another area that I hope to improve on every single game, rebounding. Rebounding is one of the things that determines whether you win or lose, and my guys really need to realize that or they are going to be in trouble in a lot of games because the good teams know how to rebound. Tisdale and Cole did a nice job of that today, but they need more help. The game got tighter as every minute ran off the clock in the second half. We were up 78-76 when Pondexter for Washington nailed a three to put them up 79-78. My guys did not panic, and got a score from Tisdale inside.

We knew if we could just get one defensive stop then that game would probably be ours because their was only about 25-30 seconds left on the clock. Washington got off a three pointer but it was a tough look because we had guys covered really well, and he missed the shot, and we were able to get the rebound. From that point on, we do what all good teams do and thats knock down our freethrows to get the win 87-82. Duke is our next opponent in the tournament and a team that we have just beaten barely 3 or 4 days ago, so I expect it to be a great game and a great atmosphere at a netural site.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-30pts, 11rebs, 2ast (Player of the game)
Cole-22pts, 7rebs, 2ast, 2stl
Nelke-15pts, 2ast, 2stl, 2blks

Washington Player Stats

Smith-18pts, 3ast
Pondexter-15pts, 4ast
Dentmon-15pts, 5ast
Brockman-10pts, 7rebs

Stats of the game

Freethrow shooting- Illinois 16/18, Washington 9/13
Assists- Illinois 24, Washington 15

#14 Illinois is now 3-1
Up next: #4 Duke (Hawaii Tourney Semifinals)

vikingfan1

December 10th, 2007, 10:36 PM

Illinois advances to title game with convincing win over Duke

I must say without a doubt, this was our best game of the year so far. The only complaint, and I mean the ONLY complaint I have in this game is we should have rebounded better, especially on defense. Many many times we would force Duke into a tough shot, they would miss but get the rebound and put it back up. We have to really work on rebounding, and it didn't help the fact that Tisdale got in early foul trouble almost right out of the gate, that worried me. While Tisdale was on the bench, Nelke picked up the slack as he scored 19 points, all in the first half. I would also say he seperated the game with his perfect shooting from everywhere. The halftime scored was 50-27 us, and Duke was never really able to get in the game.

The second half my entire bench played with the exception of Tisdale. Alexander led the way with 20 points and also was named player of the game, and he deserved it no doubt. He also dished out 6 assists. I knew he would be a key performer on this years team. For right now, I am very unhappy with the play of Frazier and Meachem. I expected both of these players to come out and have an immediate impact on the team, but they really have not done much at all. I think I am going to sit down with both of them and give them pep talks to see what is bothering them or if they even have a problem.

In the championship game of the tourney, we will be playing unranked Marquette (4-0) who beat #19 LSU in the other semifinal game. It should be a terrific game with a great atmosphere, I can't wait to get started!

Illinois Player Stats

Alexander-20pts, 2rebs, 6ast (Player of the Game)
Nelke-19pts, 2blks, 7-7fgs, 3-3 3pt, 2-2fts
Cole-9pts, 5rebs, 4ast, 1stl
Tamir-8pts, 4rebs, 3ast, 1stl

Duke Player Stats

Zoubek-16pts, 9rebs, 5blks
Scheyer-11pts, 3rebs, 2ast
Paulus-10pts, 5ast

Stats of the game

Three point shooting- Illinois 6/12, Duke 3/17
Second chance points- Illinois 5, Duke 19
Field goal percentage- Illinois 60%, Duke 48%

#14 Illinois is now 4-1

Up next: Marquette, 4-0 (Hawaii Tourney Championship)

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 08:25 AM

Illinois battles back to claim Hawaii Championship

After the destruction of Duke, I felt very confident we could win this game, but I am also surprised to see Marquette was not rated in the Top 25 when we played them (they are now). Marquette led for a good portion of the game and it seemed like we just had to keep battling back so we could make a run at the end. It seems so far this year other than the Duke game, we play our best ball the last 4-5 minutes of the game to come from behind and win, and this was no different. Marquette seemed to be shooting lights out for most the of the game, but their was this one stretch with about 3 minutes to go that we caught fire and made 5 consecutive three pointers (achievement baby!) and from there we never gave up the lead, winning 79-71. Frazier and Meachem actually hit three pointers, along with one from Nelke and two from Jamar Smith. We finished 8/15 on three pointers, the best percentage we have shot all year.

Tisdale was yet again impressive, and I feel as long as he is not in any serious foul trouble, we have a real nice chance to win the game. Tisdale poured in a team high 22 points go along with his 10 rebounds. Our next game is a rematch of last years Elite 8 game between Kentucky. Kentucky is undefeated this year and its going to take a game like the Duke game to have any shot at winning at their place.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-22pts, 10rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
Smith-14pts, 2rebs, 4ast
Cole-11pts, 6rebs, 2ast

Marquette Player Stats

Hayward-26pts, 6rebs, 2ast
Stukus-12pts, 7rebs, 7ast

Stats of the game

Three point shooting- Illinois 8/15, Marquette 6/20
Fast break points- Illinois 12, Marquette 4

#14 Illinois is now 5-1

Up Next: @ #8 Kentucky (6-0)

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 08:37 AM

Kentucky beats Illinois at the buzzer

Earlier in the game, I thought we were going to be in serious trouble. No one could really hit anything, and they had a 28-14 lead on us and I was thinking we were going to get blown out of the gym. Next thing you know, were up 36-35 at halftime. I was very proud of how everyone played today, we just came up a bit short. Their is never any shame to losing to Kentucky because they always have a great basketball team and a great program. I am glad I got this game on the schedule because it was a rematch of the Elite 8 game last year, in which Kentucky eventually lost to National Champion Memphis.

Meachem stepped up and had his biggest game of the season so far with 13 points, including four three point shots. He really helped us come back from being 14 down early in the first half to give us a halftime lead. Tisdale had 17 points but only five rebounds, he needs to really hit the glass hard because with his 7'1 frame, he should be pulling down 10-15 every single game, but I also know that I don't play them the entire game so it may be difficult for him to always have a double double, especially when their is foul trouble involved.

The second half remained very close, each team taking shots at each other and trying to build some sort of lead, and we did that one time, but only briefly because we could not slow them down. Meeks for Kentucky had 27 points, including five three pointers and the game winning shot that won the game for them 69-67. Im glad we gave Kentucky a ball game though considering of how it started out, and it was a good test for us because we have 3 HUGE games coming up that will tell us how good we really are. First we travel to unranked but 8-2 UCLA, and then travel to #18 Gonzaga. After the Gonzaga game, it does not stop their, we return home but only to see #7 Kansas waiting for us.

I would really like to go at the worst 1-2 in these three games, but obviously we are shooting to finish 3-0 or even 2-1. It would also help come NCAA Tourney time to have the committee look at our resume and see the type of schedule we had and how many games we won against those ranked opponents.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-17pts, 5rebs
Meachem-13pts, 2ast
Smith-11pts, 4rebs, 2ast

Kentucky Player Stats

Meeks-27pts, 5-7 3pt (Player of the Game)
Patterson-17pts, 10rebs
Jasper-8pts, 9ast
Stevenson-6pts, 10rebs

Stats of the game

Three point shooting- Illinois 6/22, Kentucky 8/12
Bench points- Illinois 26, Kentucky 5

#14 Illinois is now 5-2

Up Next: @ UCLA (8-2)

vols21

December 11th, 2007, 12:03 PM

Kentucky seems to becoming your nemesis (ending your season last year). Meanwhile, YOU OWN DUKE!!!!

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 01:46 PM

Kentucky seems to becoming your nemesis (ending your season last year). Meanwhile, YOU OWN DUKE!!!!

No kidding, we should have beaten them this time around, im sure we will play them next year at our place if we don't face them in the tournament. Im more worried about the upcoming games, the toughest stretch in our schedule by far.

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 07:02 PM

Illinois has struggles early, loses to UCLA

I can't believe UCLA is not rated, these guys should be rated in the Top 10 and they are the best team we have seen this season by far, and may ever see (although we do have Memphis coming up). UCLA did about everything right, and we did everything wrong, especially in the first half. They got a huge lead on us o 32-13 before we could even blink. My guys fought hard and cut it to 12 points at the half, 40-28. I thought we had some good momentum going into halftime, but that was all taken away once we got going in the second half.

UCLA came out on fire and scored the first nine points of the game to lead 49-28 before we scored. We were able to cut the lead to 60-51, but they made their freethrows down the stretch to win 69-59 Nelke led the way for us with 13 points but the high point man went to Horton of UCLA with 21 points. We were terrible from about everywhere, shooting 41% from the field and just 5/23 from the three point line. We stay out west by traveling to Spokane to take on #16 Gonzaga. They are always a tough opponent at home.

Illinois Player Stats

Nelke-13pts, 3rebs
Tisdale-10pts, 9rebs, 2ast, 2blks
Frazier-9pts, 1reb, 1ast
Tamir-8pts, 4rebs, 5ast, 2stl

UCLA Player Stats

Horton-21pts, 6rebs, 3ast, 2stl (Player of the Game)
Love-14pts, 7rebs, 3blks
Shipp-11pts, 5ast

Stats of the game

Field goal percentage- Illinois 41%, UCLA 54%
Three point shooting- Illinois 5/23, UCLA 0/2

#18 Illinois is now 5-3

Up Next: @ #18 Gonzaga (9-3)

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 07:10 PM

Illinois not able to shoot well down the stretch, loses @ Gonzaga

This is a game we should have won and I am pretty upset with the way we finished the game. Our shooting and defense failed down the stretch and Gonzaga took advantage, winning the game 87-83. Daye led Gonzaga with 26 points, and was named player of the game. Frazier and Meachem finally had good games together, and Cole, Tisdale, Alexander, Nelke all got into double figures with Frazier and Meachem, yet we weren't able to stop them, unreal.:rolleyes: I am really hoping these guys know that they blew this game plain and simple, and they better come out ready to play Kansas at home, or else they are going to go 0-3 in this tough stretch of games. It doesn't end their, they get a few days off then have SIU and #3 Memphis waiting for them, they may go 0-5 before you know it.

Illinois Player Stats

Cole-13pts, 6rebs, 2ast
Tisdale-12pts, 5rebs
Alexander-12pts, 5ast
Nelke-12pts, 3ast
Frazier-11pts, 7ast, 3stl
Meachem-11pts, 4ast

Gonzaga Player Stats

Daye-26pts, 6rebs, 4ast (Player of the game)
Haytvelt (sp)-21pts, 7rebs, 5ast
Pargo-9pts, 6ast

Stat of the game

Rebounds- Illinois 14, Gonzaga 25

#18 Illinois is now 5-4

Up Next: vs #9 Kansas (8-1)

chestnutz6

December 11th, 2007, 07:26 PM

Tough losing streak, already have nearly as many losses as last year.

vols21

December 11th, 2007, 07:31 PM

Tough losing streak, already have nearly as many losses as last year.

with your killer non-conference schedule that is to be expected though. These games are preparing your team for bigger things to come.

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 07:35 PM

with your killer non-conference schedule that is to be expected though. These games are preparing your team for bigger things to come.

Very true, I wanted this non conference schedule so it would prepare my team more. I finally took the lead back on Kansas in the first half, 26-25 as of right now. Anyone want any updates through PM?

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 07:36 PM

Tough losing streak, already have nearly as many losses as last year.

It is a tough losing streak, all of the games I have lost besides Nevada have been very winnable games, just haven't been able to execute down the stretch and get that 1 good stop that we need. I will probably have anywhere from 8-9 losses. I think I will do very well in my conference again.

vols21

December 11th, 2007, 07:53 PM

yeah, you need a cupcake sometime soon to beat up on and turn things around. DO you have one before the big 10?

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 07:55 PM

yeah, you need a cupcake sometime soon to beat up on and turn things around. DO you have one before the big 10?

If you call SIU a cupcake.:lol: They are currently 4-5 right now I think so I should be able to beat them before the Memphis game.

imahussla

December 11th, 2007, 07:57 PM

no teams a cupcake on here believe me

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 08:06 PM

no teams a cupcake on here believe me

You are right, but compared to who I have been playing, they are one of the easier teams on my non conference schedule. So far I have played UNLV, Nevada, Duke (2), Washington, Marquette, Kentucky, UCLA, Gonzaga. I just finished up with Kansas and I still have SIU and Memphis to go. Duke, Kentucky, Washington, Gonzaga, Kansas, and Memphis eithe are ranked or were ranked when I played them.

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 08:27 PM

Illinois gets back in win column against Kansas

I am glad we won this game, but we had to have this game in a bad way. Already on a three game losing streak, and although they were against terrific teams you have to stop the bleeding. We were able to put five guys into double figures and the player of the game went to Mike Tisdale with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. I was worried when we got down to the final five minutes of the game because even though we were leading, this was usually the time my guys folded and let the other team come back and beat us, that wasn't the case today. We were finally able to make the plays down the stretch and get the stops on defense that we needed to get the victory 79-71. Arthur had a spectacular game for Kansas with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 blocks. He was one of the best big men in the game right now. We will face Southern Illinois at home in our next game and that is the last game leading up to the big non conference finale game........#2 Memphis (10-1). We do have these final two games at home so that will be a big advantage for us.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-20pts, 9rebs, 3blks (Player of the Game)
Nelke-17pts, 6rebs, 2ast, 2st, 1blk
Smith-11pts, 3rebs, 4ast, 2stl
Tamir-11pts, 3ast
Cole-10pts, 9rebs, 3ast, 2stl, 2blks

Kansas Player Stats

Arthur-18pts, 9rebs, 6blks
Collins-16pts, 5ast, 2stl
Whitworth-14pts, 2rebs, 2ast
Aldrich-12pts, 4rebs, 4blks

Stats of the game

Freethrows- Illinois 15/17, Kansas 9/10
Blocks- Illinois 7, Kansas 11

Illinois is now 6-4

Up Next: vs Southern Illinois (6-6)

vols21

December 11th, 2007, 08:30 PM

whew!! That win assures you of a .500 record (at least) going into conference play. You should win at least one of the next two as well and build some good momentum.

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 08:35 PM

whew!! That win assures you of a .500 record (at least) going into conference play. You should win at least one of the next two as well and build some good momentum.

I agree. And no disrespect to SIU but I feel I can handle them quite well just for the fact of the type of schedule I have already had so far. I really hope I can beat SIU that way I am 7-4 going into the Memphis game because even though it is at home, I honestly don't think I will win.

CincyFan

December 11th, 2007, 09:44 PM

Memphis might have to be a slow pace game. There is no way I don't think you could win by trying to run with them. That would be a bad decision.

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 09:50 PM

Memphis might have to be a slow pace game. There is no way I don't think you could win by trying to run with them. That would be a bad decision.

Right you are, and that is why I am not running with them. It has paid off, Illinois leads at half 40-35.

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 10:24 PM

Illinois to strong for SIU

I was thinking this game wasn't going to be to much of a problem for me, and it really wasn't overall. Thats no disrespect to SIU, they have a good team but when you play a schedule like ours, with teams like Duke, Kentucky, UCLA, Kansas, ect. your eyes just light up when you finally see that light at the end of the tunnel in SIU. Jamar Smith led the way with 17 points including five three pointers and was the player of the game. Tamir had one of his best games of the season with 16 points and 6 rebounds off the bench. I am really happy with the win and it was a must win game in my opinion. We now have to face maybe the best team in the country in Memphis. Memphis is going to want to run run run and it is our job to slow the pace down to where we like it and only run when the time is right. If we get into a track meet with these guys, we are going to lose by 20 easily. The final score of the SIU game was 80-59 in our favor.

Illinois Player Stats

Smith-17pts, 1rebs, 5-9 3pt (Player of the Game)
Tamir-16pts, 6rebs
Frazier-9pts, 2rebs, 3stl 3-7 3pt
Tisdale-9pts, 6rebs, 2ast, 2blks

Southern Illinois Player Stats

Bone-12pts, 3ast
Fay-12pts, 8rebs
Mullins-10pts, 5ast

Stats of the game

Bench Points- Illinois 36, SIU 14
Assists- Illinois 27, SIU 16
3 point shooting- Illinois 13/32, SIU 5/14

Illinois is now 7-4

Up Next: vs #2 Memphis (11-1)

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 10:43 PM

Illinois upsets #2 Memphis

I honestly couldn't believe the plan of slowing the game down actually worked for the most part. We had our best defensive game of the year so far and we needed it to beat these guys. Memphis is scary good, and deserves to be rated in the Top 5 all season long. But I can't say enough about the efforts of my kids, they just played great the entire game. Their was times where we would get up 10-15 points on Memphis, but Memphis would come back to make it a really close game again, but we didn't panic because we all knew they were a great team and they were going to make runs on us, we just had to hold them off.

Tisdale was so good in this game, scoring a game high 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. They never really doubled Tisdale so we just kept feeding him the ball several possessions in a row for easy scores. Nelke didn't score a lot, but his defense was awesome tonight. Meachem, Frazier, & Nelke all switched off on guardin Douglas-Roberts and we held him to a season low 14 points (averages 23), so that was impressive to shut him down. Bill Cole also a fabulous game with 16 points and 6 rebounds. The final score was 77-69.

The win finishes our non conference schedule with a record of 8-4 which I think is pretty good considering of all the tough games on the road and at home we had. We also climbed back into the Top 25 after this game, so that was nice to see. I will post the player averages and tell how each player is doing, I usually do this just once right before conference play begins, but I think I will do it again right before the conference tournament starts. Stay tuned!

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-30pts, 10rebs, 2stl (Player of the Game)
Cole-16pts, 6rebs, 2stl
Nelke-10pts, 2ast

Memphis Player Stats

Robinson-18pts, 4rebs, 5ast
Douglas Roberts-14pts, 2rebs, 3ast
Mack-9pts

Stats of the game

Turnovers- Illinois 6, Memphis 10
3 point shooting- Illinois 3/19, Memphis 3/11

#20 Illinois is now 8-4

Up Next: vs Penn St. (8-3)

CincyFan

December 11th, 2007, 11:11 PM

vikingfan1

December 11th, 2007, 11:42 PM

nice upset, yeah i love playing against a very powerful them and I walk it up and set up my offense and just eat away the clock. Sometimes it works like a charm (like this one) while others kind of backfire a tad.

Thanks. The only way I was going to win was to slow the game down. Even I like to speed things up at times but Memphis would have ran me out of my gym if I would have had an up tempo game. I am just glad I was able to finish the non conference schedule with an 8-4 record. Hopefully I will do even better in the conference.

vikingfan1

December 12th, 2007, 03:19 PM

Illinois Player Stats and Progress through 12 games

FRESHMEN

Terence Nelke- With only losing two guys last season, I was able to pick up just 1 freshmen, but he is a great player. Nelke is one of the best at penetrating the lane and getting to the foul line. Also, with his 6'6 frame he can post up down low, guard down low, grab rebounds, and also defend the perimter. I really hope he will stay all four years, but something tells me he may just bold after his sophomore or junior season.
Averages: 13.8ppg, 2.3rpg, 2.3apg, 0.8spg, 0.6bpg, 16.3mpg

SOPHOMORES

Mike Tisdale- Mike proved from game number one that last year wasn't a fluke of how well he did, and he showed it in a big way. Mike is our leading scorer at 19 points per game and also leading rebounder at 7. He is good enough to bang down low and he also can shoot the 10-15 footer which makes him deadly anywhere below the freethrow line. He never really blocked a lot of shots last year, but this year he's starting to get into a good groove, and I think he'll only improve as the season and years go on. I do think Mike will stay all four years but I wouldn't be surprised if he left after his junior year, I do plan to have him back at least one more season.
Averages: 19.0ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2apg, 0.3spg, 1.8bpg, 15.5mpg

Bill Cole- Bill is a do it all type of guy. He plays great defense, rebounds, gets the hustle plays, scores. He is one that I am glad having and stepped in very nicely as the starting power forward this year. For his size, you wouldn't think he would be able to hit the perimeter jumper as well as he does. Sometimes you will see him take an occasional three in which he usually makes. I look foward to having Bill start at the foward position for the next two years.
Averages: 9.5ppg, 5.7ppg, 2.8apg, 1.1spg, 0.7bpg, 17.9mpg

Demetri McCamey- McCamey is one of my backup guards and he is used as a defensive specialist. He gets quite a few steals at times but what he has improved over last season is his shooting and scoring ability. He averages almost 2 points a game which isn't terrible considering he only plays about 6 minutes a game. I think next year he may step into the point guard role once Frazier, Meachem, and Brock graduate. He is also a pretty good ball handler who doesn't turn it over often and if it wasn't for Fraziers shooting and scoring ability, I may have had McCamey start.
Averages: 1.8ppg, 0.6rpg, 1.1apg, 0.4spg, 6.9mpg

Quinten Watkins- He is going to be a flat out good player in the next couple of years. He has already improved on this ball handling and three point shooting from last year. The best part about Watkins is even though he is small, he has really good court vision and makes smart passes all the time, he's a joy to watch out there and I have no problem bringing him into games in tight situations.
Averages: 1.7ppg, 0.3rpg, 0.3spg, 3.0mpg

Husein Tamir- Here is a kid that got off to a slow start but has come on strong recently. He is a transfer student and plans to play the next two years after this season with us. He's not very big but can get quite a few rebounds and has a nice jumper. Tamir is also another kid that can guard the guys down low or out on the perimeter. He's going to get even more playing time next year and by his senior year he may be starting, you never know.
Averages: 7.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.8apg, 0.8spg, 0.3bpg, 10.8mpg

JUNIORS

Jamar Smith- The only junior on the team, Smith has made a nice comeback this season not only on the court but off the court. He had some really big personal issues last year that kept him off the team for most of the season, but Smith has worked all those problems out as well as working on his game and it has paid off. He is starting to score more and is a very good defender and is also the starter. I look for Smith to be the captain next year and really lead this team.
Averages: 9.0ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.3apg, 0.8spg, 17.3mpg

SENIORS

Rodney Alexander- As I said last year, I wish we could keep this kid around another year. He doesn't start, but he comes off the bench almost immediately and contributes right away whether its a rebound, score, assist, steal. He has some great games where he can score 20 easily but the also he may not score at all. He plays quite a bit and he has raised his scoring average a lot and I think it will only get higher.
Averages: 6.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.6apg, 0.7spg, 0.4bpg, 12.2mpg

Trent Meachem- Trent started off the season really slow, couldn't find his shot that he usually knocks down and was getting abused on the defensive end as well. Although we did play a pretty tough schedule, Trent has been able to turn it around and is scoring more than he did at the beginning of the year. I think he should be scoring more but then again he does only get about 10 minutes a game, so you can't ask for a lot.
Averages: 5.0ppg, 0.5rpg, 2.7apg, 0.8spg, 0.3bpg, 10.2mpg

Chester Frazier- I won't lie, I was very upset with him to start the season and even through the first 5 or 6 games, but lately he has been picking it up and scoring more but he should be averaging around 10 or 12 points a game, not 5. He has a good shot that he worked on a lot last season and became really good, but I feel he has improved very little over the summer, and its not just on shooting. He seems to turn the ball over more and not make good decisions. Like I said he has gotten a lot better, but if he gets into his funk again I don't hesitate to bench him.
Averages: 4.8ppg, 1.1rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, 0.5bpg, 17.6mpg

Steve Holdren- Steve has gotten a lot better with his shot, and even though he doesn't play much he alwasy gives me his best, whether he has to come in for a minute or whether he is playing in a blowout game, and its always nice to see your bench step up when you need them to. Steve's shooting will be missed next season and hopefully someone can step in and replace that.
Averages: 2.0ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0spg, 6.0mpg

Calvin Brock- Calvin is a much smarter player then last year and it shows in the games that he is in. He rarely if ever shoots a bad shot and seems to get the ball to the right person. His defense and scrappiness will be missed next season and hopefully he can keep improving this year because I think we will need him to step up in the conference and in the conference tourney and NCAA tourney.
Averages: 1.4ppg, 0.8prg, 0.9apg, 0.5spg, 6.3mpg

Illinois Fighting Ilini Team Averages

12 games, 77.8ppg, 24.3rpg, 22.3apg, 7.0spg, 4.6bpg, 5.4to

Reserves & Redshirts

Mike Davis-Redshirt
Brian Carlwell- Reserve
C.J. Jackson-Reserve
Jeff Jordan- Redshirt

vikingfan1

December 12th, 2007, 03:28 PM

Illinois steamrolls Penn St. in conference opener

So far I must say having that brutal non conference schedule has helped us a lot. Penn St. came into the game with an 8-3 record but really stood no chance in this game as we pounced on them early and never let up. We even pressed some to have an uptempo game and to just run them out of the gym and it worked. Tamir led the way with 19 points and would also be the player of the game. Alexander nearly had a double double as he put up 19 points and 9 rebounds. My second team played pretty much the entire second half after we were up 21 points at halftime. The lead grew even larger and we won 86-53. Our next game may even be worse because it is against Iowa (7-5) and we lost to them last year at there place so we are looking for payback.

Illinois Player Stats

Tamir-19pts, 4rebs (Player of the Game)
Alexander-19pts, 9rebs
Tisdale-12pts, 5rebs, 3blks
Cole-11pts, 2rebs, 2stl

Penn St. Player Stats

Brooks-11pts, 4rebs, 2ast
Holbrook-11pts, 1reb
Morrissey-11pts, 2ast

Stats of the game

Freethrows- Illinois 11/11, Penn St. 0/0
Bench Points- Illinois 55, Penn St. 13
3 Point shooting- Illinois 7/16, Penn St. 7/23

#20 Illinois is now 9-4 (1-0)

Up Next: vs Iowa (7-5)

vols21

December 12th, 2007, 10:09 PM

nice capsule on all your players! I like that!
Tisdale looks to be your STUD! What is his overall rating??

curious if like last year they jump Pro when they reach a certain level

vikingfan1

December 12th, 2007, 10:12 PM

nice capsule on all your players! I like that!
Tisdale looks to be your STUD! What is his overall rating??

curious if like last year they jump Pro when they reach a certain level

Thats the best part, Tisdale is only rated 74 or 75. I should have him all four years at center, which will be awesome and he may put up 40 points or more in a game by then, no joke.

CincyFan

December 12th, 2007, 10:19 PM

nice capsule on all your players! I like that!
Tisdale looks to be your STUD! What is his overall rating??

curious if like last year they jump Pro when they reach a certain level

that is a good write up. I might have to do something like that in mine as well. keep up the good work. Recuiting class might not be the best, but at least you have odd number of years where you have to not worry about bringing in more than two people a year.

vikingfan1

December 12th, 2007, 10:22 PM

that is a good write up. I might have to do something like that in mine as well. keep up the good work. Recuiting class might not be the best, but at least you have odd number of years where you have to not worry about bringing in more than two people a year.

Thank you. After this season I will be losing 2 point guards, a shooting guard and a power forward. I am trying to recruit heavily on guard play and have offered to some, and I also have plenty of backups who are very interested if the top ones fall through (If I don't get 5*, bascially guarenteed 4*'s)

vikingfan1

December 12th, 2007, 10:24 PM

that is a good write up. I might have to do something like that in mine as well. keep up the good work. Recuiting class might not be the best, but at least you have odd number of years where you have to not worry about bringing in more than two people a year.

I like doing the write ups, and I will be doing 2, maybe even 3 of them per season now. I just think its nice to do so people on the boards get more familar with the players and how hard they are working so they can be appreciated even more. Some of the guys who don't get a lot of playing time lay it all out there in games and practices, its also what makes the first team so good.

vols21

December 12th, 2007, 10:33 PM

vikingfan1

December 12th, 2007, 10:36 PM

losing the guards can be scary. When I was at Duke last year I had a Soph PG. I recruited guards like crazy and didn't get any (tried 5,4 and even a 3*, but someone beat me out). Then the Soph goes PRO!! I had no PG the next year. Had 2 SG's who took turns while a SF played their spot. It was tough.

I was able to get 2 the next year ( recruited 10 - did not want to lose out again) - but that was tough.

You recruited 10 guards? Thats a lot! Even if I don't get good guards (I think I will) I do have McCamey and Watkins that can both play the point guard for me next year if necessary.

vikingfan1

December 13th, 2007, 01:37 PM

Illinois cruises past Iowa

It was nice to pick up the victory over Iowa today, especially since they beat us last year and holding us to our lowest season total of the year. Tisdale was great yet again, scoring 23 points and really putting the game out of reach several times. Nelke also stepped up with 13 and Cole added 13 as well. We got up very early in the game and Iowa would try to make runs but they never got anywhere close to making a run, we were up 45-30 at the half and I played the second team nearly the entire second half and the final was 82-68. We will hit the road for a couple of games, visiting 5-9 Northwestern and then a big matchup with #16 Indiana. I expect to beat Northwestern rather handily and then have a close game with Indiana. Should be a lot of fun!

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-23pts, 3rebs (Player of the Game)
Nelke-13pts, 2rebs, 5ast
Cole-13pts, 5rebs, 5ast
Tamir-10pts, 2ast

Iowa Player Stats

Brewer-16pts, 6rebs, 3stl
Anagonya-16pts, 3ast
Freeman-9pts, 4ast

Stat of the game

Freethrows- Illinois 11/12, Iowa 3/3

#11 Illinois is now 10-4 (2-0)

Up Next: @ Northwestern (5-9)

vols21

December 13th, 2007, 02:43 PM

You recruited 10 guards? Thats a lot! Even if I don't get good guards (I think I will) I do have McCamey and Watkins that can both play the point guard for me next year if necessary.

recruited 10, signed 2. That was my only real need that year. (I also signed the #1 player, a SF, and #5 a PF -- I didn't think I had real needs at those positions but one ended up starting he came in so highly rated). Again this is Duke we're talking about.

vikingfan1

December 13th, 2007, 02:51 PM

recruited 10, signed 2. That was my only real need that year. (I also signed the #1 player, a SF, and #5 a PF -- I didn't think I had real needs at those positions but one ended up starting he came in so highly rated). Again this is Duke we're talking about.

O ok, I understand now.

vikingfan1

December 14th, 2007, 09:48 PM

Updates coming soon from the Northwestern game and I was not happy.

jjredick4

December 14th, 2007, 09:51 PM

Updates coming soon from the Northwestern game and I was not happy.

that don't sound very good lol

vikingfan1

December 14th, 2007, 09:55 PM

that don't sound very good lol

O don't worry I won, but it was much closer than I wanted it to be and much closer than it ever should have been, I was not happy with my team at all.

jjredick4

December 14th, 2007, 09:56 PM

O don't worry I won, but it was much closer than I wanted it to be and much closer than it ever should have been, I was not happy with my team at all.

well....at least ya won

vikingfan1

December 14th, 2007, 09:59 PM

well....at least ya won

I know, but my guys played like crap! And with a big game against Indiana on the road we can't be having that, haha.

jjredick4

December 14th, 2007, 10:16 PM

I know, but my guys played like crap! And with a big game against Indiana on the road we can't be having that, haha.

everytime struggles once in awhile...even the great teams....hopefuly ya can turn it around tho, it could get ugly if ya play like that against Indiana lol

vikingfan1

December 14th, 2007, 10:18 PM

everytime struggles once in awhile...even the great teams....hopefuly ya can turn it around tho, it could get ugly if ya play like that against Indiana lol

Ya I agree but I think we will be OK. My team usually gets pumped up for big games like Indiana. Last year we beat Indiana at there place by 27 points.

jjredick4

December 14th, 2007, 10:21 PM

Ya I agree but I think we will be OK. My team usually gets pumped up for big games like Indiana. Last year we beat Indiana at there place by 27 points.

ouch, 27 point blow out, talk about gettin' ugly........but like the old sayin' goes...pay backs a *****

vikingfan1

December 14th, 2007, 11:02 PM

ouch, 27 point blow out, talk about gettin' ugly........but like the old sayin' goes...pay backs a *****

Ya, it got ugly, so did this game.;) Update coming now!

vikingfan1

December 14th, 2007, 11:13 PM

Tisdale helps Illinois avoid scare

Overall, I wasn't very happy with my team. We played about an average to below average Northwestern team on the road and nearly let the game slip away. Honestly I think most of my guys except for Tisdale were sleep walking through this game, or maybe just looking ahead to the big matchup with Indiana, I don't know for sure. What I do know is that we were able to hang on at least and beat Northwestern 76-66 but we never got a dominant lead as they kept coming back and making it a real close game again. Tisdale led all scores with 25 points and had he not got into foul trouble early, he may have had 35 or more. Cole also had a good game with 16 points and 7 rebounds, he's getting better and better every game.

#16 Indiana is now on the schedule next at their place. If you remember from last year, we embarrassed them on their home court by winning 86-59 in one of the best games of the year for my team. This year though, I expect it to be much closer and I hope we can pull out the victory, but we won't be even close if we played like we did today. Indiana returns maybe all of their starters and I know four for sure (Bassett, White, Thomas, Gordon) so they will be a load for us and hopefully we show up to play.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-25pts, 7rebs, 2blks
Cole-16pts, 7rebs, 5ast
Frazier-8pts, 4rebs, 3ast

Northwestern Player Stats

Coble-15pts, 5rebs
Nash-13pts, 2rebs
Thompson-11pts, 7ast
Benjamin-10pts, 11rebs

Stat of the game

Freethrow shooting- Illinois 11/12, Northwestern 8/11

#11 Illinois is now 11-4 (3-0)

Up next: @ #16 Indiana 10-3

vikingfan1

December 14th, 2007, 11:19 PM

Tisdale & Nelke spark blowout win over #16 Indiana

What a change of attitude and play from one game to the next. My guys just played Northwestern two days ago prior to the Indiana game and they looked like a totally different team against Indiana, and they had to be. What looked to be a shootout for the game quickly turned ugly right before the half and into the second half. We trailed in the game 35-33 and that would be the last time we trailed. Nelke and Tisdale sparked a 13-0 run to end the half up 46-35, but it didn't stop there. Nelke and Tisdale kept up their hot streak in the second half and combined for 51 of the teams 93 points in the blowout win 93-72. Tisdale led the way with 31 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 15-17 from the field while Nelke buried them from the outside, hitting four three pointers to add to his 20 points for the game.

I was proud of both of these young men for stepping up when we really needed them to the most. The defense those guys displayed tonight at the end of the first half and in the second half was pretty impressive. The crowd at Indiana was in total shock at halftime and as the second half got underway they were totally speechless and you even heard boos throughout Assembly Hall. Even though we won quite impressively, we aren't satisfied yet and we can't be as we return home to face #17 Wisconsin.

Illinois Player Stats

Tisdale-31pts, 8rebs, 2ast, 15-17 fgs, 1-1 fts (Player of the Game)
Nelke-20pts, 3rebs, 3ast, 4-7 3pt
Alexander-13pts, 6rebs, 2ast
Cole-10pts, 3rebs, 3ast, 3stl

Indiana Player Stats

Gordon-19pts, 2rebs, 4ast
White-16pts, 5rebs
Elsey-11pts, 2ast

Stats of the game

Three point shooting- Illinois 10/24, Indiana 5/16
Assists- Illinois 32, Indiana 20

#8 Illinois is now 12-4 (4-0)

Up Next: vs #17 Wisconsin (13-3)

vols21

December 15th, 2007, 12:13 AM

vikingfan1

December 15th, 2007, 12:20 AM

either you lit a fire under the players after the game, or they were looking past NW to the Hoosiers (maybe a little of both). Tisdale seems to get help from a different source every night. Be nice for someone to step and be consisent - maybe take some of the pressure off him.

Your right, I would really like Nelke to be that other consistent scorer but sometimes he has bad games and doesn't score very much.

CincyFan

December 15th, 2007, 07:10 AM

Your right, I would really like Nelke to be that other consistent scorer but sometimes he has bad games and doesn't score very much.

Those are some bigs to fill there for a freshman!

vikingfan1

December 15th, 2007, 03:06 PM

Wisconsin stomps the Ilini, improves to 14-3

Even though I still say UCLA or Memphis is the best we have played thus far, Wisconsin is a pretty darn good basketball team as well. I give them a lot of credit for coming out our building and beating us up as badly as they did, this game wasn't really close from the start and the closets we got was 71-61 but then Wisconsin built the lead right back up and won the game 82-65. Tisdale was again a non fact but I honestly don't think it would have made much different, Wisconsin came out more prepared then we were and it showed. Cole had a nice game with 12 points and 8 rebounds, and maybe he will be that other consistent scorer, but it would also be nice for Nelke to step into that role as well. Tamir has been a great surprise off the bench as he continues to improve every game and he added 11 points for us today.

We shot really really poorly from the three point line and it seems whenever we do that we lose, we have to get those numbers better because 5/26 is not going to cut it, because their will be games (like this one) that Tisdale will get shut down or at least slowed down and the guards have to respond by hitting the open shots. We will travel to Michigan for a tough game with the Wolverines even though their record is 6-11.

Illinois Player Stats

Cole-12pts, 8rebs, 2ast, 2stl
Tamir-11pts, 2rebs, 3ast
Tisdale-10pts, 2rebs, 2blks
Nelke-10pts, 4rebs

Wisconsin Player Stats

Nankivil-22pts, 7rebs, 2stl, 2blks (Player of the Game)
Boythe-13pts, 5ast
Bohannon-13pts, 2ast
Luer-12pts, 4rebs

Stats of the game

Field goal percentage- Illinois 44%, Wisconsin 61%
Three point shooting- Illinois 5/26, Wisconsin 7/12

#8 Illinois is now 12-5 (4-1)

Up Next: @ Michigan (6-11)

jjredick4

December 15th, 2007, 03:30 PM

tough loss, hopefully u can rebuond agaist Michigan

vikingfan1

December 15th, 2007, 06:38 PM

Frazier & Smith lead attack for Illini against Michigan

This was a game we really needed to win because we didn't want to drop back to back games in the conference. Frazier and Smith were outstanding as they had 19 and 17 points, including five three pointers for Smith. I have been telling Smith to be more aggressive not just from the perimeter but from driving and dishing off, and he responded well today. Frazier who had been coming around had his best game of the season with 19 points and 6 assists. We also put four more in double figures in Nelke, Cole, Tisdale, and Tamir. The guys played great defense and got the win 89-75. We go on the road again to visit Penn St. who we beat badly the last time we played them at home.

Illinois Player Stats

Frazier-19pts, 6ast (Player of the Game)
Smith-17pts, 4rebs, 5-10 3pt
Nelke-11pts, 2rebs, 3ast
Cole-11pts, 2rebs, 2ast
Tisdale-10pts, 7rebs, 7ast
Tamir-10pts, 8rebs, 2ast

Michigan Player Stats

Watts-18pts, 3rebs
Owensworth-14pts, 4rebs, 3ast
McMillan-11pts, 5ast
Harris-9pts, 4rebs

Stats of the game

Three point shooting- Illinois 13/31, Michigan 7/13
Rebounds- Illinois 27, Michigan 19

#8 Illinois is now 13-5 (5-1)

Up Next: @ Penn St.

jjredick4

December 15th, 2007, 06:46 PM

impressive win against Michigan...hopefully ya can make it 2 in a row

vikingfan1

December 15th, 2007, 06:51 PM

impressive win against Michigan...hopefully ya can make it 2 in a row

Yeah, hopefully I won't lose again the rest of the year.;) If we play well enough though, we shouldn't have a problem except when we play Indiana and Wisconsin again and then we play Michigan St. one of our last regular season games.

jjredick4

December 15th, 2007, 06:55 PM

Yeah, hopefully I won't lose again the rest of the year.;) If we play well enough though, we shouldn't have a problem except when we play Indiana and Wisconsin again and then we play Michigan St. one of our last regular season games.

that wouldn't help ya much gettin' swept by Wisconsin, but I don't see that happenin'

vikingfan1

December 15th, 2007, 09:21 PM

that wouldn't help ya much gettin' swept by Wisconsin, but I don't see that happenin'

Hopefully that doesn't happen, I hope we can return the favor and beat them by a bunch at there place.

vols21

January 10th, 2008, 11:35 PM

u ever gonna play this team any more?

vikingfan1

January 10th, 2008, 11:38 PM

u ever gonna play this team any more?

Not sure, thinking about it. I am about 3 or 4 years past what I currently was when I last left off, but I can easily update people on how those years went and currently where I am now. Something to think about.

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 12:26 AM

The Legacy continues......................................... ..............;)

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 09:42 AM

Folks I am going to get back into this Legacy. Although I am years ahead of when I last updated, I plan to catch you up to speed about whats been going on and how previous teams have done, try to follow along and hopefully you will continue following this legacy. I have only played 3 games in my current year that I am going to start posting from (game by game).

vols21

February 16th, 2008, 10:28 AM

hooray!!!!! it'll be good to have you back in action

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 10:36 AM

hooray!!!!! it'll be good to have you back in action

Its good to be back.:)

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 12:23 PM

The last time I left off it was in the middle of Mike Tisdale's sophomore season, and although I am way past that, here is how the teams have done since then (By the way, you will know about every game this year game by game, instead of every game except 3:

2008-2009 29-7 Elite 8
2009-2010 30-6 Championship Game
2010-2011-32-5 National Championship
2011-2012 39-0 National Championship
2012-2013 26-12 Championship Game
2013-2014 36-3 Championship Game
2014-2015 23-12 1st round
2015-2016 37-1 Championship Game
2016-2017 23-13 Elite 8

Summary

In short, Illinois still a powerhouse school having a lot of success in the NCAA tourney.Some of those teams shouldn't have gone near as far as they did, but they somehow made it happen. The 23-12 group of 2015 was bascially a JV team like you would see in high school. The team was filled with just freshmen & sophomore with a few juniors and seniors. The most dissapointing one obviously was the 37-1 team, but they lost to maybe the best college team ever in Louisville. They were rated 99 across the boards except for 100 in shooting. They beat us 90-63 and we never really had a shot. In 2016-2017 we had some players returning who was part of that "JV" team and they had high expectations, even ranked 4th preseason. But a grueling non conference schedule had them at 6-6 going into conference play, but finished strong at 12-6 in the conference (at one time they were 12-10) and just rolled right into the conference tourney and won it, then beat the #1 team in their region by 13, before losing to #2 UNC by 10.

This year, 2017-2018 is again filled with a lot of underclassmen but some pretty good underclassmen. Their are only 3 seniors on the team but several juniors and they are ranked #8 preseason. Schedule and Roster soon to follow!!

vols21

February 16th, 2008, 12:32 PM

looks like another monster team. nice dynasty going on

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 01:06 PM

looks like another monster team. nice dynasty going on

Thanks. This years team I think will be very very GOOD.

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 02:14 PM

2017-2018 ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI ROSTER

Name-Position-Rating-Height-Weight-Class

Darris Michaud- SG, 91, 6'5, 222, SR
Haim Erwin- PF, 89, 6'9, 219, JR
Nick Douglas- PF, 89, 6'10, 261, SR
Donell Diallo- SF, 84 6'5, 216, SO
Ben Wilkins- C, 82, 6'9, 249, SO
Cam Ozier- C, 82, 7'1, 216, SO
Lionel Tsagarakis- SF, 81, 6'6, 201, SR
Romon Eddins- PF, 80, 6'9, 243, RS JR
Larry Chancler- PG, 77, 5'11, 175, FR
Matt Reynolds- SG, 71, 6'4, 196, FR
Jesus Vassallo- SF, 70, 6'8, 227, FR
Paul Feist- C, 68, 6'9, 217, FR
Kyle French- PG, 68, 5'11, 172, RS FR
Tim Ervin- PG, 65, 6'0, 185, RS JR
Harry Parker- SF, 62, 6'10, 232, RS JR
Bracey Cage- PG, 60, 6'3, 212, RS JR

Starting Lineup

PG- Larry Chancler
SG- Darris Michaud
SF- Donell Diallo
PF- Haim Erwin
C- Nick Douglas

I use a 12 man rotation so everyone gets at least a couple of minutes in every game, it keeps everyone happy. Through all the years I have never had anyone leave early to go to the NBA. Some seniors that graduate for me have gone on to play in the NBA or somewhere else.

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 02:38 PM

Illinois Fighting Illini 2017-2018 Schedule

November-
11/3 vs VMI
11/5 vs Yale
11/9 @ Notre Dame
11/16 vs Butler (Great Alaskan Shootout)
11/22 vs #15 Georgia Tech
11/26 @ Cornell
December-
12/2 @ UNC
12/6 vs SO State
12/9 vs C. Michigan
12/16 vs #23 Arizona

Conference-
12/27 vs Michigan
12/30 @ Wisconsin
Janurary-
1/2 vs Purdue
1/6 @ Iowa
1/10 @ #11 Ohio St.
1/13 vs Penn St.
1/21 @ Northwestern
1/26 vs Minnesota
1/30 @ #21 Michigan St.
Feburary-
2/3 vs Indiana
2/8 @ Penn St.
2/11 vs #21 Michigan St.
2/15 @ Minnesota
2/17 vs #11 Ohio St.
2/20 vs Iowa
2/24 @ Indiana
March-
3/4 vs Wisconsin

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 02:47 PM

Illinois cruises past VMI

After last seasons struggle in the non conference, I wanted to make sure the guys stayed focused this season and not to take anyone lightly, and for the firs game of the year I cam away quite impressed. Super Sophomore Ozier led with a game high 24 points and 7 rebounds, missing just two shots. VMI hung around for awhile, but could never really cut it under 12-14 points and we won the game 91-63 at home. We had a great crowd on hand and the student section was very good as usual. Freshmen Larry Chancler looked pretty good for his first game, contributing several assits. He is one of the shortest point guards I have had in recent years, but that doesn't mean he can't be just as good as past guards were. The dynamic duo of Erwin & Douglas combined for 32 points and 13 rebounds.

If we are going to beat some good teams this year, were going to need Erwin & Douglas to bring their A game every single time they step out onto the court, no matter if its against a team like VMI or Duke, they are going to have to be ready to play. Im not to worried about foul trouble because not only are Douglas & Erwin experienced upperclassmen, but I think I have maybe the deepest bench I've ever had, especially in the big men department. We host Yale for our home game and they could be tougher then VMI, we'll see.

Illinois Player Stats

Ozier-24pts, 7rebs, 10-12fgs (Player of the game)
Erwin-18pts, 7rebs
Douglas-14pts, 6rebs
Wilkins-12pts, 2rebs, 4ast

VMI Player Stats

Mcfarland-17pts, 2stl
Richardson-14pts, 3ast, 3stl
Beck-13pts, 2ast

Key Team Stats

Illinois/VMI

Bench Points- 57/20
Field goal %-60/38
Rebounds-33/24

Up Next

Vs Yale

#8 Illinois is 1-0

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 02:54 PM

Ozier & the Illini beat Yale by 50

What a dominant performance yet again by Ozier. I know he's a bench player and in these blowouts the bench players sometimes outscore the starters, but this kid was fantastic tonight and I am confident he score like this against really good competition to. I thought Larry Chancler did a nice job of being more aggressive on offense and he lead the team with 7 assists I think. He also had some nice drives for layups and a couple of three pointers. Yale actually hung in the game longer then VMI did, but my guys really cranked up the temp in the second half and we went with our press most of the time in the second half to get the big lead. Normally I don't try to run up the score, and that certainly wasn't intended here, however I felt that we needed to work on our press more and this was a great time (other then practice) to do so. The second and third string players were in well before the game got ugly, my bench is just that deep!! We have a tough road game coming up against Notre Dame, which hopefully won't be a 50 point blowout.:lol: The final score of the game was 100-50.

Illinois Player Stats

Ozier-26pts, 7rebs, 3ast (Player of the game)
Wilkens-14pts, 5rebs, 4ast, 4stl
Douglas-12pts, 3rebs, 3ast, 2stl

Yale Player Stats

C Louh- 19pts, 4ebs, 2ast
SG Gogerty- 14pts

Key Team Stats

Illinois/Yale

Fast Break Points- 14/6
Points in the Paint-56/24
Bench Points-62/6

Up Next

@ Notre Dame, 1-0

#8 Illinois is 2-0

jimmycaps

February 16th, 2008, 04:04 PM

I am assuming all-american, but not sure.

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 04:10 PM

I am assuming all-american, but not sure.

I play on All-American, 13 min halves, default sliders except I turned up the Layup success and close shot success a little bit.

vols21

February 16th, 2008, 05:32 PM

The 7'1 Ozier is going to be tough to stop down low!!! At least until you get to the Big 10

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 05:47 PM

The 7'1 Ozier is going to be tough to stop down low!!! At least until you get to the Big 10

The kid is a beast!!! He's only a sophomore to, just wait until he's a senior!!

vikingfan1

February 16th, 2008, 09:50 PM

Illinois wins a game for the ages in overtime @ Notre Dame

This game was fantastic. I don't think I have ever seen an opposing team shoot so well throughout the game, I am really surprised we came away with the win. Notre Dame was 8/11 on three pointers in the first half and finished 15/26 while we finished 9/26. Luckily we made 13 more freethrows and we really shut them down when we needed to. I don't think anyone got more then a 7 point lead but I could be mistaken. Both teams had to battle back from being down several times during the game, and at the end of regulation this game still wasn't settled, it was tied 88-88. In the overtime, my guys started to take control and it looked like we were going to cruise to the win, being up 103-94 but Notre Dame responded with a 6-0 run. However, that run would be the last they would have and we made our freethrows down the stretch to win 109-104.

My freshmen played fantastic, Diallo looked like an upperclassmen the way he played tonight. He lead all scores with 26 points including 10-16 from the field. Erwin & Douglas both had great games also as they were nearly impossible to stop downlow. This was really a great victory for our team and a HUGE road win that the NCAA committee will look at down the road. We go into the Great Alaskan Shootout with a lot of confidence and even though their are some great teams in the tournament, we feel we have just as good as anybody to win it.

Illinois Player Stats

Diallo-26pts, 6ast, 10-16fgs
Erwin-24pts, 8rebs, 6ast, 3stl, 2blks
Douglas-21pts, 8rebs, 4ast, 3blks (Player of the game)
Wilkens-11pts, 2rebs, 2ast

Notre Dame Player Stats

SF Lufkin-26pts, 6rebs, 3ast, 6-11 3pt
PF Dancy-23pts, 6rebs, 3ast, 2stl
SG Daniel-16pts, 2rebs
PG Brewer-15pts, 13ast

Key Team Stats

Illinois/Notre Dame

Points in the paint- 64/34
3pt shots- 9/26, 15/26
Bench Points- 30/20
Freethrows- 18/24, 5/5

Up Next

vs Butler @ Great Alaskan Shootout

#8 Illinois is now 3-0

vikingfan1

February 17th, 2008, 01:33 AM

Butler no match for #6 Illinois

This game started as if it was going to be a close one throughout, but our guys quickly did away with that and we cruised to the win 88-60 in the quarterfinals of the Great Alaskan Shootout. Wilkens & Ozier played great, scoring 12 and 11 off the bench, and both of them had 7 rebounds. Erwin & Diallo both had good games and Butler really couldn't respond other then their top two players. Our semifinal matchup comes against a quality opponent in Flordia St. In the other semifinal matchup, LMU squares off against #7 Kansas. The talk all week has been #6 Illinois vs #7 Kansas in the championship game, but both teams have tough semifinal opponents that they can't look past.

Illinois Player Stats

Erwin-18pts, 2rebs
Diallo-16pts, 3rebs, 2ast
Wilkens-12pts, 7rebs, (Player of the Game)
Ozier-11pts, 7rebs, 2blks

Butler Player Stats

C Northern-20pts, 4rebs
PF Clemmons-13pts, 5rebs

Key Team Stats

Illinois/Butler

Freethrows-12/16, 3/10
Rebounds-32/17
Bench Points-38/13

Up Next

vs Flordia St. (2-0) in Semifinals of Tournament

#6 Illinois is now 4-0

vols21

February 17th, 2008, 10:37 AM

two great games!! You should be able to get by the 'Noles.
Illinois vs Kansas should be a super game! however, if Kansas doesnt make it, your team could suffer a letdown --- just take care of business on your side and don't look past Florida State.

vikingfan1

February 17th, 2008, 10:45 AM

Illinois cruises into finals with victory over Florida St.

This game was pretty close throughout the first half, neither team could get a good lead on the other one, and both teams top players were playing really well, and at halftime we lead 42-35. The second half was a complete turnaround, we got hot and started rolling and we never looked back, winning 80-58 and holding them to just 23 second half points, it was a great win. Everyone did a little bit of scoring, as the high scorer for us only had 14 points, and that was Douglas. Ozier right behind him with 13. Like I said before, many people predicted #6 Illinois vs #7 Kansas in the final, but #7 Kansas got upset 80-79 to LMU and thats who we face in the finals. We can't be overconfident by playing a "lesser" team then say a Kansas, because they will beat us if were not careful. I have scouted them a couple of times and they have a couple of nice guards who can really fill it up if you don't cover them. Should be a great game!!

Illinois Player Stats

Douglas-14pts, 2rebs, (player of the game)
Ozier-13pts, 2rebs
Wilkens-10pts, 4rebs, 4stl
Diallo-9pts, 2rebs, 4stl

Flordia St. Player Stats

PG McCleod-15pts, 5ast
C Brazzle-17pts, 7rebs, 2stl

Key Team Stats

Illinois/Flordia St.

Fast Break Points- 22/2
Points in the Paint- 60/28
Turnovers- 6/20

Up Next

LMU (4-1) in the championship game of the tournament

#6 Illinois is now 5-0

vikingfan1

February 17th, 2008, 01:45 PM

LMU wins title with back to back upsets

Well, I must say we ran into one of the hottest teams in the country right now early in the season, LMU really took it to us tonight and even though it was only a two point game (81-79) at times they had us down 8-9 points throughout. I give credit to both teams, first fo our club for battling back and I am very happy with my two freshmen starters Chancler & Diallo, who combined for 30 points to really keep us in it, we need more of that. Erwin had a good game as well, leading the team with 21 points and 7 rebounds but his partner Douglas had a terrible game and got into some foul trouble. Its dissapointing to lose a championship game of a tournament, but we lost to a great team who I expect will make some noise during the season and probably crack the top 25 (they are #2 mid major poll).

Even with the loss, we don't have much time before highly ranked Georgia Tech comes to town. Were going to have to play better if we expect to give them a game, even in our own building. Two seasons ago, we played them in an early tournament to start the year, and lost 96-93 in overtime. That was the year we lost in the first round with a 23-12 record, and had we won that first round game, we would have faced them in the next round. Georgia Tech was a #1 seed that year and won the national championship, so their is some history between the schools.

Illinois Player Stats

Erwin-21pts, 7rebs, 5ast, 3blks
Chancler-17pts, 4ast
Diallo-13pts, 2rebs, 4ast, 2stl

LMU Player Stats

PG Worthy-26pts, 5ast, 10-15fgs (Player of the game)
SG Harper-18pts, 7ast
SF Black-17pts, 2stl, 2blks

Team Key Stats

Illinois/LMU

Bench Points- 20/8
Three Point Shots- 9/25, 7/13
Freethrows- 4/8, 12/13

Up Next

vs #7 Georgia Tech (4-0)

#6 Illinois is now 5-1

vikingfan1

February 17th, 2008, 05:02 PM

Douglas & Erwin to much for #7 Georgia Tech

Wow, what an outstanding basketball game. Georgia Tech came in with a 4-0 record and ranked just a little bit higher then us, plus with the history you knew it was going to be a great game. I thought Georgia Tech really controlled the temp of the game throughout but my guys never lost focused and kept grinding it out and try to take leads but couldn't hold them. Douglas & Erwin were unstoppable the entire game, literally not one Georgia Tech player could hold any one of these monsters down. Douglas scored a career high 39 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while his sidekick Erwin had 28 points and 6 rebounds. Without those two stepping up, this game would have been over a long time ago. I thought the difference was freethrow shooting. Even though they shot 11/13, we got more attempts and got more people in foul trouble and finished 19/25 from the line, and we won the game 90-81. Our next game is another road game as we travel to Cornell and hopefully we don't overlook them like I think we did with LMU, otherwise we are going to get beat, just like before.

Illinois Player Stats

Douglas-39pts, 12rebs, 17-19fgs, 5-6fts (player of the game)
Erwin-28pts, 6rebs, 10-16fgs, 8-13fts

Georgia Tech Player Stats

SG Devance-16pts, 3rebs, 2ast, 2stl
PF Morris-15pts, 3rebs, 4stl
C Miggins-13pts
SF Elliot-13pts, 5rebs, 4ast, 2stl, 2blks

Key Team Stats

Illinois/Georgia Tech

Rebounds- 29/16
Freethrow shooting- 19/25, 11/13
Three Point shooting- 1/7, 6/15

Up Next:

@ Cornell (5-2)

#9 Illinois is now 6-1

vikingfan1

February 17th, 2008, 11:13 PM

Illinois survives on the road against Cornell

This game was just a little bit tigher then I had hoped for. I will tell you one thing though, these small colleges (LMU, Cornell) sure know how to play basketball. Once again though, Erwin & Douglas dominated. This time, it was Erwin with a game high 38 points and Douglas had 19. Cornell had some really nice players, including two guards who really lit us up. McNaughton & Norton both had 28 for Cornell but we were able to sneak by them 89-87 and improve our record to 7-1. We have a big big test on the road when we go to North Carolina. Surprisingly, North Carolina isn't anywhere near the Top 25, but that doesn't mean they aren't good. From what I have seen, they have lost to all ranked teams so far except one. A win in the "Dean Dome" would really give our guys a lot of confidence.

Illinois Player Stats

Erwin-38pts, 6rebs, 2ast, 15-18fgs, 3-4 3pt, 5-6fts (Player of the Game)
Douglas-19pts, 6rebs, 4ast
Wilkens-11pts, 4rebs, 2ast

Cornell Player Stats

SF McNaughton-28pts, 5rebs, 3ast, 2stl
PG Norton-28pts, 5ast
C Sullivan-9pts, 7rebs

Key Team Stats

Illinois/Cornell

Points in the Paint- 46/30
Bench Points- 21/8
Threee Pointers- 6/14, 10/19

Up Next:

@ North Carolina (4-4)

#9 Illinois is now 7-1

vikingfan1

February 17th, 2008, 11:18 PM

Top 25 Poll 11/27/2017

1. Iowa St. (9-0)
2. Florida (8-0)
3. Texas (7-0)
4. Mississippi St. (5-0)
5. Kentucky (5-1)
6. Washington (7-0)
7. Marquette (4-2)
8. Illinois (7-1)
9. Kansas (8-1)
10. N.C. State (6-1)
11. George Washington (7-0)
12. Vanderbilt (6-0)
13. California (6-1)
14. Ohio St. (5-2)
15. Uconn (6-1)
16. Louisville (8-0)
17. Miami FL (6-1)
18. Providence (7-1)
19. Villanova (6-1)
20. Texas A&M (6-2)
21. Arizona (6-1)
22. Syracuse (8-0)
23. USC (4-1)
24. Arizona St. (6-0)
25. Memphis (6-1)

Recruiting updates and signings to follow.

jjredick4

February 17th, 2008, 11:24 PM

i think that Cornell game was a little closer than u wanted huh

vikingfan1

February 17th, 2008, 11:27 PM

i think that Cornell game was a little closer than u wanted huh

It was, but they did come into the game at 5-2 and its always tough to play on anyones home court, thats why even though it was only Cornell, its nice to pick up a road win. By the way, I am now playing on MOP and I must say I like it A LOT!!! North Carolina will probably be my toughest non conference game on the road.

jjredick4

February 17th, 2008, 11:31 PM

that game kinda reminds me of mine against UW-Green Bay...except they had a loosing record, i won 73-72....i don't remember if it was at GB or a home game

glad u like MOP and g'luck against UNC

vikingfan1

February 17th, 2008, 11:34 PM

that game kinda reminds me of mine against UW-Green Bay...except they had a loosing record, i won 73-72....i don't remember if it was at GB or a home game

glad u like MOP and g'luck against UNC

UNC will probably beat us. And thats not a knock on the team, but UNC has a really really good team and they have had a brutal schedule so far, losing all or 3 of their games to ranked opponents. I wouldn't be surprised if we won, but were really going to have to play great in order to beat them.

jjredick4

February 17th, 2008, 11:39 PM

you should probably play a little better than ya did in your last 2 games lol

vikingfan1

February 17th, 2008, 11:44 PM

you should probably play a little better than ya did in your last 2 games lol

I just need more consistent scorers other then Douglas & Erwin. I have an outstanding freshmen in Diallo who has put up some nice numbers so far (26pts against ND) but has really struggled lately and hopefully he will come on strong again. My bench does a superb job when they are in the game and sometimes it doesn't even feel like I lose anything when I sub Douglas or Erwin for Wilkens, he is just a beast downlow for only a sophomore. I am really going to miss Douglas next season but I think Wilkens or Ozier will step into that center position quite well.

vols21

February 18th, 2008, 04:58 AM

wow - ur team seems to get fired up for the big games and then come out flat against some of the small schools. Can't take anyone for granted. But if the trend continues, they should have a good game agains the Tar Heels

vikingfan1

February 18th, 2008, 11:44 AM

Illinois Recruiting News

Next year, we will be losing Nick Douglas, one of our star players and may be the best big man in the Big 10 or even the entire nation. He's been putting up some impressive numbers including another 30 point performance against UNC (write up later). We are deep at the power forward and center positions, but I still don't think it would be a bad decision to go after another big man so he can be taught by the upperclassmen on what to do and make him a better player. We have three scholarships to offer, because we also lose shooting guard Michaud, and backup small forward Tsagarakis. We have signed two outstanding small forwards that can play anywhere from the 1-4 positions on the floor and they are actually the top two ranked in their class.

Signings

4* Isaiah Christopher
HT-6'6
WT-205
Class-HS SR
Pos-SF
Hometown- Chicago, Illinois
Class Rank-Overall:29, Pos:1

Grades

Shooting:A-
Skills:B-
Defense:B+
Athleticism:A-
Rebounding:B+
Intelligence:B+
Potential:A-
Size:B

I have scouted this kid several times, and I really think he could excel in our program. He's about the right size for a small forward but he can shoot lights out and guard both the perimeter and downlow really really well. He will have tough competition for a starting spot with Diallo and the next recruit I am about to tell you about.

4* Desmon Bowden
HT-6'8
WT-235
Class-HS SR
Pos-SF
Hometown-Milwaukee, WI
Class Rank- Overall:38, Pos:2

Grades

Shooting:A-
Skills:C-
Defense:B+
Athleticism:A-
Rebounding:B+
Intelligence:B+
Potential:A-
Size:B+

This kid is going to be fantastic, he needs a little work overall on some things, but he's going to be a great kid and could make the starting role at small forward. He's also a kid that can guard the power forward position and even center position if necessary. He shoots the ball very very well and as you can see, his size is amazing for his position. I am pretty excited to nail both of these guys, and I will hopefully get a strong power forward for next season as well. UNC updates to follow.