Moderator: Good afternoon everyone, thanks for coming by another Illinois basketball chat.

A pair of Illinois staffers made the NBA rounds last week. Wayne McClain spent a day with Luther Head’s Pacers. Gary Nottingham watched practices with the Wizards and Magic and came away impressed by both and with a binder full of notes. Klee just watched the Illini yesterday. Joseph Bertrand dunked and Demetri McCamey and D.J. Richardson were the last to leave the gym.

I'll be here for about an hour. Fire away.

Klee

Andrew, Charleston, Illinois: How much impact on recruiting will the ESPN Gameday coverage have for Illinois in your mind? Also, I would imagine Weber will try and line up potential 2011 recruits to visit for that game, that would have to be a selling point! GO ILLINI!

Moderator: Andrew— College Game is a huge recruiting point. One way to put it... there are 300-plus programs in college basketball, and only eight host College Gameday. Illinois has never hosted College Gameday, partly because it hasn’t been a player on the national scene for a few years, and partly because there were better options, and partly because they turned down the opportunity, for good reason, when it was approached with the idea to host the show for the Eric Gordon Game. But now they have it, and they’re going to make it a big deal, especially with the recruiting angle.

I think John Althoff — the collegiate sports sponsorship coordinator for State Farm Insurance — has the best perspective on the recruiting angle. He’s attended about 18 of these shows over the last two years.

"In terms of having recruits there — or even calling recruits and making sure they tune into the Gameday show and make sure they tune in to the game — it’s going to be huge for Bruce," Althoff told me a few weeks back. "Two years ago at Florida (for football), when Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow walked out for the show in the morning with the recruits, that turned out to be the top recruiting class in the nation."

As John said, it's not just the recruits that will be in attendance. Illinois will make sure to tell those at home to watch the show.

The UI ticket office says the Michigan State game (Gameday's visit) will be the toughest ticket on the home schedule. Illinois hopes to break the attendance record for Gameday's morning broadcast, as well, opening the doors at 8 a.m. on that Saturday, for anyone who wants to be there.

Klee

cam, mahomet, illinois: do you think we get Nnanna Egwu

Moderator: Cam— I think Illinois or Purdue will get him. I can tell you he’s scheduled to meet with family and his coaches this afternoon to figure out where his recruitment stands. That doesn’t mean they will have a decision this week, but that's the plan right now. Last week, I would have said Nnana Egwu would commit to Illinois. If you're asking me today, I think he’s going to Purdue. That’s how quickly these things change, and it could very well change again. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if he ultimately chose Illinois. I know that neither side — Purdue and Illinois — is certain where he’s headed. And if that’s the case, no one else (except Nnana Egwu) is certain, either.

There’s another angle at work here. This is the first time Bruce Weber-led Illinois and Matt Painter-led Purdue have gone head-to-head on a recruit. Now, this isn't a Weber vs. Painter thing, and it shouldn't be made out that way. There are always other factors in a recruit's decision. But it’s certainly a unique case. And it’s a first.

Klee

Rob, Bloomington, IL: What are the chances Jeff Jordan rejoins the team?

Matthew, Chicago, Il: Klee, thanks for taking my question. Is JJ coming back to the basketball team???

neil, mahomet, illinois: is jeff jordan coming back this year

Moderator: Matt, Neil, Rob, others— Ran into Jeff Jordan yesterday when he stopped by the basketball offices to meet with assistants Wayne McClain, Jerrance Howard and Jay Price. McClain tackled him. They have a great relationship. Jordan met with his former (future?) teammates last night and I’m told the two parties are going to continue talking about it this week. The players want him back. The coaches want him back. And I don’t think Jeff would be there if he wasn’t interested in coming back. So at this point I think he’ll be back. He would make Illinois a better team in 2009-10.

Klee

David, Elmhurst, IL: Is the possibility of Jeff Jordan returning to the team related to the health of Joseph Bertrand and his availability to start the season? How do you see the roles for each?

Moderator: David- No, Jeff Jordan's return has nothing to do with Joseph Bertrand's health. Joseph Bertrand opened eyes with a tip-dunk off a missed jumper yesterday. He's not 100 percent, but he went through probably 75-85 percent of the drills yesterday, and he participated in all of the conditioning drills (running, sprints). So that's a positive sign, and it appears Al Martindale and the athletics training staff has done a fine job helping Joseph and his right knee get back in order after surgery.

Not certain if you'll see him playing at Illini Madness, but I think you will.

Klee

Mike, Chicago, IL: Klee -

Do you expect Jordan to issue a statement to the media, "I'm back", version 2?

Moderator: Mike- If it happens I suspect Illinois would release something, not Jeff Jordan, even though he did announce his college decision through a press release, you might remember.

Klee

Luke , Carbondale, IL: When will Illinois ever schedule a game with SIUC? The folks down here are dying for a Chris lowery vs. Bruce Weber showdown.

Moderator: Luke- I've said this several times before, but it's not just about Illinois agreeing to a game. SIU has to agree to a game, as well. That hasn't happened. The most likely possibility - at least right now - is a three-game series in C-U/C'Dale/Chicago. That's something both staffs talked about during the offseason.

Here's what Bruce Weber said on Saturday about the possibility of a game with SIU: "I've got to convince Mr. Guenther it's a good move somewhere along the line."

I'll continue to push this series, Luke. Needs to happen, for the fans and the atmosphere, if nothing else.

Klee

Big Ben, London, England: I get the idea that Illinois fans are placing an incredible amount pressure on these freshmen to perform (especially the guards). I worry that the expectations are too high, much like they were for Legion last year. It seems to take about a half season for players to understand the motion offense. Something that obviously plagued Legion last year, plagued players in Weber's first year, and could plague the freshmen this year. Is Bruce doing anything differently to alleviate the steep learning curve? Are the players learning the offense from the veterans before Bruce is allowed to hold official practices?

Moderator: BB- Offseason pick-up games don't have a lot of structure, so there's not much learning of the offense going on. There's more of that in the workouts going on now, but they'll learn in earnest after the first official practice Oct. 16. Expectations are too high for these freshman. I've tried to curb them. These aren't blue-chip prospects, each has holes in his game and the '09 class as a whole, nationally, wasn't that strong. Over time I think it will be an excellent recruiting class - but this is also a veteran team they've joined - that Illinois fans will love. And as a rule I think expectations are always too high for freshmen.

Still, these freshmen are going to play minutes, so the early part of their season will be analyzed closely. I see D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul, in particular, playing significant minutes. One coach told me Tyler Griffey might be the first or second big man off the bench - if the season started right now. There's a great deal of competition at the moment - that's rarely a bad thing.

Klee

Kush, Chicago, IL: We've heard a lot about losing Frazier, Brock and Meacham from last year's team. One ability that Meacham brought to the Illini was his 3 point shooting to stretch defenses. I can't think of too many 3 point specialists on our roster: maybe Paul, D.J., McCamey? Who do you think will be our best 3 point shooter percentage-wise for this year?

Moderator: Kush- Percentage-wise, I'd say Alex Legion. His stroke is pure in workouts - but games aren't workouts. I think Demetri McCamey will take the most threes, and he very well could lead the team in three-point shooting percentage. He hit a couple well-guarded threes yesterday.

Klee

Tino Martinez (Big Ten Dog), Vittum Park, IL: Klee - What do you think the Top 3 toughest games will be in the upcoming season?

Moderator: Tino- At Clemson, at Michigan State, at Purdue. And Illinois won't sneak up on anyone in the Big Ten this season. Klee

Bernard Lomax, Paradise Island, NY: Klee - Who is the biggest X-Factor in the success of the Illini this coming season?

Moderator: Bernie- I'd say three guys: Dominique Keller, D.J. Richardson and Alex Legion. Keller, because the frontline needs some girth, and he's the only one that can provide that. Richardson, because that would allow McCamey to move off the ball and be more of a scorer. Legion, because if he can average double-digits it takes a load off the other guards.

Klee

Ryan, Urbana, IL: How do you see Brandon Paul being used this year? Will he be that spark off the bench, like Jamar Smith was used as a freshman? I think the kid has a tremendous scoring ability and looks like the best NBA prospect from our 2009 class.

Moderator: Ryan- Solid comparison. If Brandon Paul's freshman season mirrors Jamar Smith's, Illinois would be thrilled. Right now I think he's one of the first two players off the bench. Long way to go, though, before the season opener.

Klee

DNebs, Chicago, IL: Klee - I am convinced that Coach Weber is one of the best coaches in college basketball. As far as man crushes go, I rank Coach Weber #2, behind Hub Arkush at #1, but in front of Steve Stone at #3. Can you back that statement up so that all my friends know that I am right?

Moderator: DNebs- No offense, but I'm going to stay away from that one. Klee

Beezer's Kid, Champaign, IL: Klee - Do you have any preseason updates on current Illini NBA players looking to make teams?

Moderator: BK- It looks good for Luther Head with the Pacers. That's the word from the UI staff, which was in to see a Pacers workout last week. The Pacers play the Nuggets in Taipei on Thursday. You'll have to get up early, but it's on NBA-TV at 6:30 a.m. Their game Saturday night also is on NBA-TV (11 p.m.)

Shaun Pruitt's dad said in an email yesterday that Shaun is "fighting hard to get that 15th roster spot with Golden State." Pruitt had two points in 11 minutes in their first exhibition game. You might see him Saturday when the Warriors play the Suns on TNT. His future with the Warriors likely will depend on the health of their frontcourt. Two of their big guys currently are sidelined with injuries.

Overseas, Trent Meacham had 13 points in 30 minutes in his first professional game, with the Wels franchise in Austria. Chester Frazier's first game is Friday in Germany.

Klee

Mike , Decatur, IL: Paul: I have mixed emotions about a Jordan return. I hope if he returns it does not retard the delovment of any of the freshmen guards. I think they need as many minutes as they can get. All three of them could get valuable time in the games prior to the Big Ten. On the other hand Jeff did show promise. I do not see him playing the following year at all, so I hope he stays retired.

Moderator: Mike- That could very well be the case, and we welcome all opinions in this space. Klee

Jerry, San Antonio, Texas: Last year, the Vegas College Invitational TV coverage was ESPNU for the semi's on Friday, and ESPN2 for the finals on Saturday. Do you know, if this same coverage will be for this year, too?

Thanks

Moderator: Jerry— As of right now there is no TV coverage for Illinois’ two games in Las Vegas, and it doesn’t sound like there will be. But there will be coverage on HQ from the Orleans Arena.

Klee

Stefan, Champaign, Illinois: Hi Paul,

Where is Bill Cole in the coaching staff's mind right now? He has had a couple of flashes so far in his career but hasn't ever been able to see significant playing time. I have always felt that he could be a tall, shooting guard, who could guard the opposing team's small forward at the other end. Am I crazy?

Moderator: Stefan- Bill Cole said he thinks his playing time will be determined by how he plays in the practice sessions leading up to the two preseason games. He's hit some shots, and that's a plus, but I think Bruce Weber wants him to prove his worth as a defender. I do believe Weber when he says he will look to his bench more often early in the season. He watched how Tom Izzo used guys like Idong Ibok and Marquise Gray early in the season, and how they were better-prepared in February and March because of it. Those guys were bit players, but they played a role in the Spartans' run.

Klee

The Big Ten Guy, Chicago, IL: Klee - What do you think of the recent ESPN.com column that ranked the Illini #6 All Time? I have my own set of rankings that I will release at a future date, and I didn't have the Illini that high. How bout you?

Moderator: Big Ten Guy- I look forward to your rankings, send them my way. The Sagarin rankings seemed to put a lot of weight in consistent winning over the last seven decades, and if you go by that criteria, Illinois came in at No. 6. So you can't really argue against it, going by their formula. But I would have a hard time arguing Illinois as the No. 6 alltime program. That's too high.

Klee

Josie, Naperville, IL: Last year you said Legion really struggled with ball handling and passing. Have these improved to where, if not a strenth, at least they are competent enough for Big Ten play?

Moderator: Josie- Alex certainly has worked on those areas. "He's in the gym probably more than any of our guys," Weber said Saturday. With Alex Legion, it's a wait-and-see process. I think he's a better player than he was five months ago. He's a more confident player. I'd like to see a killer instinct, a competitive streak, but we won't know if that's there until he does it in a game. He's talented. He hits shots that few of his teammates can. How he performs as a junior is difficult to predict. I'm eager to see Alex in the early part of the season, probably more than any other player.

Klee

Jason, NYC, NY: Handful of questions....all re: BWeb's coaching staff:

- Can you breakdown the responsibilities of the assistants? Does each have a specific role or area of focus (either formal or de facto)?

- BWeb's had a remarkably stable group of assistants. To what do you attribute the stability? In your view, is the lack of turnover a good thing?

An aside....thanks for your work covering the O&B. You've taken the NG and HQ.com to a new level, and clearly stand above your current and, in my experience, previous peers there.

Best,

JM

Moderator: Jason- The assistants' duties change daily. Bruce Weber was on the road recruiting yesterday, and the assistants ran workouts. One day last week Jerrance Howard and Jay Price were on the road, so the other coaches ran workouts.

Weber does everything. His energy seems to be limitless. I think Wayne McClain is invaluable in workouts. That's just my opinion.

The stability on the staff is a plus and a minus. Players know what to expect, and the coaches know what to expect from each other. At times this staff disagrees on different topics - whether it's in recruiting or in the playing rotation or whatever - but I think that's healthy. You want different viewpoints. For a while that stability led to things getting stagnant and stubborn, though. For example, in several cases they refused to extend early scholarship offers, and it hurt them with guys like Evan Turner. They finally got away from that approach, and the program is better for it. The UI staff is in a good place right now.

Thanks for the kind words.

Klee

Jen, Champaign, Illini: Paul, these chats are as great as you. who is your favorite illini to interview?

Moderator: Jen— That’s a good question, I’ll have to think about it for a minute. Off the top of my mind....

There are different guys for different reasons. Jamar Smith, early in his career, pre-car accident, would be up there. He would call me out on a story if he thought I was wrong. I appreciate that. Jamar would be a recent player on the list. Among the current players, Dominique Keller rarely ceases to surprise me. Some of what he says is for the shock factor, like when he told me, "It’s just something about Indiana I just don’t like. You can quote me on that." So I did, and D.K. was benched from media interviews for a few days. But he's back and as straight-forward as ever. Do I think Dominique hates Indiana? No, not really. But he knows his coach doesn’t like Indiana, and he was sticking up for all the crap Bruce Weber has dealt with, courtesy Indiana. Jeff Jordan would be up there. He has great stories, and I like great stories. He’s also far more down-to-earth than you’d ever suspect from a guy that can dial Carmelo Anthony as quickly as he can dial Bruce Weber, and he’s never turned down one of my interview requests. (Jeff, not Carmelo.) Chester Frazier, because I was closer to Chester than any other player. Have a great deal of respect for Chester, how he competed as tough as his Baltimore roots, how he went to Europe because it was the best move for his family, how he dialed up his game as a senior, how he can be cut-up hilarious.

You’ll have to remember I haven’t been here for very long, but maybe I say that because Loren Tate is sitting next to me. Former players? Jerry Colangelo, partly because I have an unhealthy obsession with USA and international basketball and he obviously does, too, and he’ll talk about the next Olympics roster for an hour if he has time. (He did that once while watching an Illinois practice at the Phoenix Suns practice facility, and Lord knows he had other obligations to get to.) Frank Williams, because I was a fan. I was way out on the West coast when Frank was at Illinois, and there was a group of friends that considered it must-see TV when Frank Williams was on ESPN or ABC or CBS. He was a captivating point guard, even for a guy with no ties to Illinois. It still kills me the Nuggets traded his draft rights. As Wayne McClain once told me, "He could’ve been a $30-40 million guy (in the NBA)." I believe that. So I enjoy interviews with Frank Williams, because it turns me into a fan again. Jerry Hester would be on the list. But he’s not really an interview subject. We just drink beer together and argue over the best player to come out of Peoria. He says it’s Howard Nathan. And he knows better than I do.

So that’s the short answer. I love my job. Absolutely love my job. And there’s nothing better in this business than a great interview.

Klee

Moderator: Going to wrap this up. Thanks for your time and all of the questions. We spent some time with D.J. Richardson in Peoria last weekend. Look for it on HQ on Sunday.

Talk to you later.

Klee