Moderator: Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for coming by for another Illinois basketball chat. I'll be here for about an hour. Fire away.

Klee

Eric, Chicago, IL: Klee,

Do the Mikes look any stronger this year? How big of a problem do you anticipate that rebounding will be?

Thanks for the chat.

Moderator: Eric- Mike and Mike don’t look a lot stronger, no. They're still thin guys, and that's probably not going to change, that's just what they are. They are stronger, but that's in comparison to where they were. Mike D. couldn’t budge the bench press bar at 185 pounds when he arrived at Illinois two years ago. Strength coach Jimmy Price recently told me that Mike had 11 reps of 185 pounds this offseason. That's a considerable jump.

But one of Mike Davis’ strengths is how he runs the floor: In one sprint (running) test, he scored a time that has only been rivaled by one player in Price’s time as strength coach.

“Luther might’ve done it. But that’s it,” Price said. “Mike can really go.”

Mike Tisdale is up to 237 pounds – about 45 more than when he arrived at Illinois. So they’re stronger, yes, but it’s relative to where they started.

Klee

Tracy, Honolulu, HI: Who is the best dancer on the basketball team? In other words, who would be the best candidate to perform in "So you think you can dance" show?

Moderator: Tracy- Good question. Let me turn this around just a bit. I asked Mike Davis which teammate should appear on “America’s Got Talent.” (That’s Mike’s favorite show.) He said Billy Cole, who can juggle a soccer ball like nobody’s business.

Klee

Kenny, Saint Joseph, Illinois: What are your thoughts of the Orange and Blue scrimmage? I know it's just a scrimmage, but what is your take on this year's team? I was really impressed with Alex Legion and the Freshmen.

Moderator: Kenny- My thoughts were in the N-G and on HQ the day after the scrimmage. The most noticeable change is the backcourt. Last season you had a backcourt that was strong on the defensive end. This season you have a backcourt that is stronger on the offensive end. The frontcourt is pretty much the same unit you saw last season.

Klee

Al, Carbondale, IL: Would you say Griffey and Cole are competing for the same minutes and if so, who is ahead in that battle?

Moderator: Al- Not really. Billy Cole is more of a 3. Tyler is more of a 4 and - yes - a 5. At least on this team. When I asked Wayne McClain about Tyler Griffey, he said the freshman could give them minutes as Tisdale's backup as well. Bruce Weber said the same thing.

"I'm not sure he's a center, but in this day and age how many centers do you really have," Weber said.

I think that's a sign they'd like to find a way to have Tyler on the court if continues to improve and provide solid minutes.

Klee

Wilson, Cisne, IL: I was at a practice last week, and I thought Bubba Chisholm held his own very nicely and he was tougher and more athletic than I had envisioned. He is obviously well-liked and respected by his teammates. Am I way off in saying that he could play some MINOR minutes and the level of play would not fall completely off the map?

Moderator: Wilson- Don't look for minutes for Bubba except in the last few minutes when the result is decided. He does a great job in practice, works his tail off and he enjoys the experience. He's also looking for a job in the financial world, if anyone has an opening. Somewhere on his resume, I'm hoping Bubba includes the fact he once was a News-Gazette Delivery Person of the Month. He won a Nintendo 64 and a trip to Disney World, or something like that.

Klee

James, Miami, Florida: What's the latest on Mike Davis' ballhandling? In my opinion, this was clearly one of the biggest deficiencies in his game last season. If his handles improved to the point where it would even be considered average, this added dimension would make his catch-and-shoot game even more devastating.

Moderator: James- Improving his ballhandling was Mike Davis' No. 1B priority this offseason. (No. 1A was recovering from a broken ankle.) He and Bill Cole worked with the guards and wings on Monday. He knows that's his ticket to a basketball paycheck. Klee

Dean Hinton, Champaign, Illinois: Paul - Can you tell me what date Jerreance Howard was hired as Assistant Coach for the Illini and was he the primary recruiter for any of the 2010 class that will sign in November?

Moderator: Dean- Jerrance was introduced as Tracy Webster's replacement on Sept. 19, 2007. I remember getting the text message that read, "(Howard is) Going to meet with Ron G" at about 9:15 a.m. that day. He was critical in keeping 2010 star Jereme Richmond in the fold. And it would have been much, much tougher to land Crandall Head without Jerrance Howard.

Klee

Kyle, Champaign, IL: Paul,

What do you expect to see at the exhibition game on Friday? Who will we hear announced in the starting lineup?

Moderator: Kyle- Bruce Weber said he'd like to experiment with more fullcourt pressure and a zone. I think you'll see the former, but I'm hesitant to commit to the latter. The starting lineup probably will be McCamey, Richardson, Legion, Davis and Tisdale. That is, unless there's some sort of minor punishment for Legion's suspended-license incident in the spring. It was minor, so I don't think you will.

Klee

mike, joliet, il: I have read that simpson is a good rebounder , good shot blocker

and good on defence any chance he will get some of tisdales minuets who is a good shooter but dos'nt rebound or guard?

Moderator: Mike- No. I don't see it happening. Stan the Man still has a long way to go - on and off the court - before he's taking minutes from Mike Tisdale, an All-Big Ten honorable selection last season. Klee

Derek, St. Louis, MO: How much playing time can we expect to see from the freshman?

Moderator: Derek- DJ Richardson, Brandon Paul and Tyler Griffey are among the top seven players right now. So if the season started today they would see considerable minutes, especially the two guards. But Bruce Weber said the other day "it could take until Christmas" before they have a firm rotation. "I hope that doesn't happen," he said. The rotation, I suspect, will be a continuous work in progress.

Klee

Jack, Clinton, Illinois: Paul,What have you heard about Crandall Head and do you think he will play this year? If so,who for? How do you think Joseph Bertrand is doing? Do you see him getting a lot of playing time this season? Can he be a back-up at point guard on this team? I had heard he had some natural skills at the point? And of course, the latest on recruits? By the way, are you invited to attend practice?Thanks

Moderator: Jack- Crandall Head told me last week he's "not going to push it" as he rehabs from knee surgery. It was a serious injury. I don't think he will play for Rich South this season. But you can't really predict how quickly a guy will recover. He wants to be healthy for when he arrives on the UI campus in June.

Joseph Bertrand said the other day he's about "80 percent" after a minor knee surgery Sept. 11. He's not all the way back, but he's close. He doesn't figure into the PG rotation at this point. More of a 3-man. Love his passing vision, though. Yes, I attend almost all of the practices at Ubben.

Klee

AK, Crystal Lake, IL: Paul,

With the way the Illini finished the 08-09 season, they must first prove their worth before I will put them in top 25. Having said that, they are talented and I would not mind having them in top 40. Do you agree?

Also, congratulations to coach McClain. He deserves it and it proves that loyalty still matters.

Go Illini!!

Moderator: AK- We'll publish our first AP Top 25 ballot on Friday on HQ. I have Illinois in the Top 25. It was close. I think they're a borderline Top 25 at this point. But I've seen enough in fall workouts and through 11 practices to think they are worthy of a national ranking. There is a cluster of teams from Nos. 15-35 that could make a case, though.

Klee

Peter, Champaign, IL: In sports, numbers don't lie (although they occasionally tell a little fib). So, looking forward to what can be expected of Alex Legion and Dominique Keller, I'm wondering what their stats were when they played in China this summer? I'd also like to know their playing time, so we can guestimate their productivity based on how many minutes they log per game this season. Finally, what do YOU think we can reasonable expect from them this season?

Moderator: Peter- Send me an email and I'll get you those stats from China. Having computer issues and can't open the file. Both players had solid offseasons. Alex Legion's confidence is higher than it's been since he arrived at Illinois from Kentucky. But it's going to be a wait-and-see thing with Legion, until he does it in a game. Dominique Keller is the first or second big man off the bench. He's been hitting shots in practice, but his priority is rebounding. If it matters, he had the most "wins" in offseason sprints among the big men. So he's in fine physical condition. Those are role guys. They don't have to be stars for Illinois to be successful.

Klee

Wizard of Oz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: What will Jeff Jordan's role be on this year's team?

Moderator: Wizard- I expect it will be limited, particularly early in the season. He's behind the other guards at this point.

Klee

Justin, St. Joseph, IL: Can fans buy tickets to the exhibition games at the hall before the game?

Moderator: Justin- Yes, there are plenty of tickets available and they will be available at the door. They are $22 apiece. Klee

Jake, Shelbyville, Il: Paul,

Don't you think it might be a wise move on your part to be less optomistic about the upcoming b-ball season after what your football counterparts predicted and what has actually happened? You might save yourself a lot of grief down the road.

Moderator: Jake- I'm objective in my coverage. When I'm criticized, it's usually for being too critical of Illinois and not homer-y enough.

I have six Big Ten teams on my preseason AP Top 25 ballot. Illinois is the fifth. I've written since the spring that Demetri McCamey is a changed man and was the brightest development this offseason. He's the key. The freshmen are gifted, but each has a hole in his game. I do think D.J. Richardson could play for all but maybe two teams in the country as a freshman. He's ready for the big time. But fans are expecting too much from the freshmen. This is the juniors' team.

Klee

neil , elizabeth, co: When are the Illini going to play in the Denver area? We have CU,CSU,AF or Wyoming available for a nonconference game.It was great when Lou brought the team to town for the old Mile Hi Invitational in the late 80s.

Moderator: Neil- My high school team in Denver used to open our season against Elizabeth. We were really good. If I remember correctly, Elizabeth was always a strong defensive team. One or two big bodies in the paint. Strong guards. Red gymnasium.

Your best bet for a Denver-area game is an NCAA tournament game in 2011. The Pepsi Center is scheduled to host first- and second-round games. We'll both be crossing our fingers.

Klee

Todd, Decatur, IL: Who are some up and coming Central Illinois prospects (Springfield, Peoria, Decatur, Champaign) that Illinois may be keeping an eye on in as possible recruits? Specifically freshmen and sophomores?

Moderator: Todd- Keep an eye on Jay Simpson, a 6-foot-7 sophomore from Champaign Central. Purdue's Matt Painter was in to see him recently, and he's a regular at Illinois events. One college assistant said he's "absolutely" Big Ten good. Jay is playing with Mike Mullins' Illinois Wolves.

Klee

Scott, Lebanon, IN: Klee, Been seeing alot about Devin Langford being talked about in chat forums lately. Is he coming to Champaign for a visit soon? Howard had a tweet the other day with a trivia question regarding number of Illinois recruits from Alabama. (1)

Moderator: Scott- Right now there isn't a visit scheduled for Devin Langford. I don't think you'll see any movement from Illinois until the Brad Beal recruitment is resolved. Klee

Jim, Ballwin, MO: Great chats, Klee. Thanks so much for doing them.

I have two questions. 1. What's the biggest hole in DJ's game, and 2. How well do the freshman shoot FT's?

Thanks again!

Moderator: Jim- Thanks. I've been trying to find a hole in D.J.'s game since June. It's not easy. He turns the ball over too often. There's one. And it's a minor one, because much of that is due to his trying to learn the point guard position. He hasn't truly played the point the last few seasons, and it's a big adjustment. But D.J.'s ability to play the point - when they want to move Demetri McCamey off the ball for more scoring - is a crucial process for Illinois. He has the make-up for it. Tough, smart, doesn't get rattled. But over the last few practices, coaches have really stressed to him the importance of protecting the ball.

The freshmen are exceptional free throw shooters - all four of them. Nerves and otherwise could cause them to miss a few during the 2009-10 season, but over time they should prove to be very valuable at the line.

Klee

W. Spearman, Yuma, Arizona: There has been alot of effort by coaches and incoming players such as Meyers Leonard to influence players such as B. Beal and Q. Miller to come to Illinois. Is this realistic, and any timetable for them to choose? Or should the staff be more realistic and go after players such as J. Siakam. Also any other players on the radar.

Moderator: W- Yes, Illinois is in the mix for both Brad Beal and Quincy Miller. Right now I think it's a Kansas, Illinois and Florida battle for Bradley Beal. Some coaches are expecting a decision in the next two to three weeks - though obviously that could change. I think the long drive to Alabama (for his brother's football game) may have shown the family he'd like to stay closer to home. The Illinois staff was in touch with the family last Thursday. So they're still in the mix.

Klee

Jeremy , Benton, Ill: Hey paul, I seen were Sam Thompson took another visit this time to florida. Are we still in the mix, and if so when do you exspect him to come for an offical visit.thanks

Moderator: Jeremy- Yes, Illinois in the mix. That's another one that would move either way with Bradley Beal's decision. Illinois probably isn't getting both. I'm told Sam Thompson was planning a visit to Oregon State this coming weekend.

Klee

Kevin, Liberty, Illinois: Hi Klee,

Any games of note on tonight, say, at 9:30 on ESPN?

I know you'll disagree, but GO JAZZ!

Moderator: Kevin- I like how you think. Takeoff in 7 hours, 32 minutes. The Birdman flies tonight. Klee

Ben, Naperville, Illinois: I thought that they were banned from tweeting? How can Howard have a tweet about recruits from Alabama?

Moderator: Ben- The Twitter ban was for the players. Jerrance can tweet to his heart's content.

Klee

joe, chicago, il: first regular season game...do you see legion starting?

Moderator: Joe- Sure do. That's what Illinois would prefer, as it maintains Alex's confidence and allows for more scoring off the bench in Brandon Paul. Klee

Mrs. Hartrantft, champaign, il: In your opinion, is Bertrand far enough behind the other guards to consider a red shirt, or is it all too close to call?

Moderator: MH- It's a good question. I don't think Illinois can afford to drop down to four scholarship guards. That was apparent when Joseph was held out of workouts following his knee surgery. If he's redshirted, and someone else (knock on wood) suffers an injury, then you're in a bind. Joseph is talented. His jumper has been coming on. He's still too loose with the ball and attempts the highlight-reel pass too often. But he's gifted, and his quick return to the court after surgery showed an element of toughness that coaches were concerned about. So we'll see. But he's one of the four or five guys I'll be watching closely on Friday at the Assembly Hall.

Klee

Ja Ku Bat, Chambana, Illinois: Honestly, your' personal opinion, will dj and legion start, that sounds like a pretty good starting line to me.

Moderator: JKB- Yes, I see both guys in the starting lineup to start the season. I think Brandon Paul will push Alex Legion for starter's minutes, though.

Klee

Franky, Beantown, IL: I recently attended a practice and I was very impressed with the attitudes of the players, including all of the freshmen. The one that stood out to me the most was Demetri. He was showing signs of maturity and leadership, as well as winning the sprints. If he is in the right frame of mind, this team could be very good this year. Is he the key to the Illini's success this year?

Moderator: Franky- No doubt about it. Demetri makes them go. He's been awfully good in practice this week, and in the practices that preceded the O&B Scrimmage. He was only the fourth-leading scorer among the guards - yet he dominated the scrimmage. That's the kind of thing you want to see from your veteran PG. He dropped his body fat by 5-6 percent this offseason, and it shows. Now we'll see if he can keep it up. Demetri can be a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the end of the season. Klee

Tracy, Honolulu, HI: Are you sure that Billy Cole has the 'hips' to dance and swivel? Juggling soccer balls does not translate to dancing ability.

Ask one of them next time you interview. I bet Brandon Paul, DMac, and D. Keller are the best ones.

Please research for me.

Moderator: Tracy- Just for you, I'll suggest a dance-off at Illini Madness next year. I know Jerrance Howard, for one, would like to incorporate a skit of some sort, to give it that personal feel.

Klee

Brent, Carbondale, IL: What do you think about a UI vs. SIU matchup sometime? I know the coaches are doing an event in So. Ill soon.

Moderator: Brent- I've said before I will always be in favor of it. The last time they talked about it, in the spring, the most likely scenario would be a C-U/C'Dale/Chicago series. You should head over to the Weber-Lowery charity deal. Put them on the spot with that question.

Klee

Andrew, Chicago, Illinois: I know your a nuggets guy but what you think of the Bulls this season. I am exctied about the rookies (Taj Gibson could start at PF if tryus doesnt have a breakout first half) and I am glad that Ben Gordon is gone, yes he can make the big shots but his defense costs us more than games than his shots won and team chemistry is way better without trying to keep him happy! Your thoughts?

Moderator: Andrew- Chatting with my friend Brumby the other day - man knows his NBA too - and I had Derrick Rose as my darkhorse MVP candidate. It's a stretch, but he's special. I see the Bulls somewhere around 4th or 5th in the East. I think they'll be better than predicted. That's still light years behind the Celtics and Magic, but it's a step.

Klee

Dave, Santa monica, CA: I read about the illini adding a walk on earlier. Do they still have plans to do this? I am a fromer walk on myself

Moderator: Dave- I don't expect Illinois will add another walk-on. The 14-player roster looks to be the final roster. One thing the coaches learned from the 2007-08 season is that you can, in fact, have too many players. Takes reps away from the regulars, for one. Thanks for the question. Klee

Chris, Monticello, IL: Hey Paul,

Aside for Illinois and Northwestern, how do you see the rest of the state's D1 hoop teams shaping up? Would ISU top the list of the remaining teams? How would you rank them?

Moderator: Chris- Good question. Need to get my state rankings together. I see where Illinois State was picked third and SIU was picked fourth in the preseason MVC poll. Sounds right, and I think the MVC is UNI's to lose. I'll have those state rankings for you next week. Klee

KPom, Anywhere, USA: Will Illinois be a Top 20 team in defensive efficiency stats this year? Top 3 in the Big Ten? What say you Kleestradamus?

Moderator: Ken- If Illinois is top-20 in defensive efficiency, you have a Sweet 16 contender. They shouldn't struggle to score. Klee

Richard Shapiro, Evanston, Illinois: I love your chats. Thanks for doing such a great job. My question is, why are your chats so wonderful?

Moderator: It's my insight and contacts, mostly. But I'm also very charming. Klee

Kenny Powers, Atlanta, Georgia: A.) Have you picked a costume for Halloween? (I think I am going to be Kenny Powers from Eastbound and Down)

B.) Does Bruce have any football coaching experience?

Great job with the chats as always...Also, Love the Monday Night sports show you guys put on at the Esquire lounge, sounds like a blast!

Moderator: KP- Weber is a Packers fan, and he usually takes in a Bears game once a season, courtesy his good friend Ron Turner. He thought the Favre situation could have been handled better, but he likes Aaron Rodgers. We have a good time with the Monday show at the Esquire. Stop by some time. Free peanuts and cheap beer and 50 minutes of poking fun at Asmussen's football predictions. Klee

Jimmy James, Mequon, Wisconsin: Please explain what playing the "1" or "2" (3,4,or 5) means in basketball. Love the chats

Moderator: JJ- 1 is the point guard, 2 is the off-guard, 3 is the small forward/third guad, 4 is the power forward, 5 is the center. That's a general rundown. Klee

J-Ran, Champaign, IL: Paul, how hyped are you for the winter Olympics? What is your favorite winter Olympic sport? Also, who is your favorite (past or present) Sports Illustrated swimsuit model?

Moderator: J- I've attended one Winter Olympics, in Salt Lake City in 2002, and the ski jumping event was fascinating. Also took in a hockey game - think it was Sweden-Czech Republic - and the Czech fans beat on a drum for the entire game. I'll stick with ski jumping. And I'm still waiting for Bar Rafaeli to call me back.

Klee

Rick, grayville, Illinois: I keep reading about using DJ as point to move DM off the ball for his scoring. but I though DM was mainly a point guard

Moderator: Rick- You'll need more than one ballhandler. Demetri averaged 30.6 mpg last season, and I expect he'll be just above that mark this season. You'll need a second guy to run the offense when Demetri's on the bench, or when coaches want to make him more of a scorer. Klee

Todd, Lincoln, Illinois: I just wanted to make a comment. With all of the excitement starting to go arround for the mens basketball to get started, I was wondering why no one is talking about the womens team getting ready to start too? I have to admit that I too havent been too interested in womens basketball period, but ever since J L came to Illinois I have found myself watching our Illini women play and last year they were a decent team. This year I expect they can be even better and I hope that fellow Illini fans show support for them just as much as they do for the men! I think both the mens and womens teams have chances to do well come tournament time! Your thoughts?

Moderator: Todd- Your best bet is to contact our beat writer Tony Bleill. He's the source for news on Jolette Law’s squad. He also had a story in the Oct. 18 News-Gazette about Illinois’ NCAA tournament prospects. It’s on HQ.

"I feel confident we can get to the NCAA tournament," Jolette Law said in Bleill’s article. "My freshmen don't have a lot of pressure, but they do have some pressure. If they come in and do their part and help, I think we can definitely make it to the NCAA tournament."

Klee

Jeff, Urbana, IL: Paul,

Nice work on the chat, you do a great job of reporting the news.

Have you heard anything about Assembly Hall's renovations? I heard Guenther was doing the full court press on fund raising? Do they have a time line in mind?

Moderator: Jeff- I'll get the latest on that subject Thursday at Big Ten media day in Chicago. Expect the preseason poll/All-Big Ten teams to be released early, probably around 9 a.m.

Klee

Moderator: Good news coming up on Deron Williams' involvement in the IlliniHQ.com Shootout at the Hall. Once again, the former Illini has shown his charitable side. We'll have more details in the coming weeks.

Going to wrap this up. Went an hour long today. Still a bunch of questions in line, and I apologize to those that didn't get answered. Tried to get to all of them. Loads of coverage coming from media day and the exhibition game, and we'll see you back here next Wednesday.

Klee