On Women's Basketball

Michigan State review

Posted by: Tony Bleill

Friday, February 6, 2009 12:17 AM

A couple weeks ago, I made a case for Lacey Simpson as a candidate for the starting point guard job next season. On Thursday, I learned why I might be off-base with that opinion.

Simpson had nine turnovers (eight in the first half) of Thursday's loss to Michigan State, and though it was uncharacteristic of a player who probably is her team's best passer, it was also evidence that Illinois has a quandary next season.

The point guard play has been spotty all season, no doubt. And it hasn't improved much as the season has evolved, so you're probably going to see the Illini go after a point guard in the spring if they don't get Kelsey Bone. (Speaking of which ... if you're Bone, do you take the UI's guard situation into account when you're picking a school? If there's not a capable distributor in the backcourt, it will be hard for Bone to reach her full potential.)

At the other guard spot, freshman Macie Blinn has shown encouraging signs lately that she can be a factor at the off-guard spot. She had 10 points Thursday, and she remains one of only two players (Simpson being the other) who entered the game with more assists this season than turnovers.

Other tidbits from Thursday:

--Wish I had more info for you on assistant coach Tamika Louis, who apparently collapsed while walking toward the tunnel early in the second half. I didn't see it, and I'm going by the word of folks who did see it. Jolette Law didn't have any details afterward, but she said Louis was taken to a hospital.

--It's been a rough few weeks for the Illini. First, Chelsea Gordon goes down with the knee injury. Law has been battling an illness lately, and she had an aunt pass away this week. (Jolette will attend the funeral on Friday.) And now Louis. They say bad things come in threes. Illinois seems to have hit its quota.

Will wrap this up because I have a 7 a.m. assignment awaiting me in the morning. Enjoy your weekend.

 

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