Moderator: Good afternoon everyone, thanks for coming by for another Illinois basketball chat. We appreciate your time every Wednesday.

Among those in attendance at Illinois' practice yesterday: Memphis Grizzlies director of player personnel Tony Barone. The former Creighton coach observed from a courtside seat.

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

Klee

Nathan, Champaign, IL: What info can you provide about the Shootout at the Hall event? When do tickets go on sale? How much are they?

Moderator: Nathan- On Friday at 6 a.m., we will post all of the teams, matchups and ticket information for the IlliniHQ Shootout at the Hall. It’s shaping up to be a banner event. Deron Williams also is involved.

Otherwise, go to the front page on HQ. There is a link in the bottom right corner that shows all of the teams we’ve revealed so far.

Klee

Ray, Chicago, IL: Paul:

Does Alex Legion have two more years of eligibility left after this year?

Moderator: Ray- Alex has one more season after this season. He's a junior. Klee

Jealous, Effingham, Il: Where can someone get the RISE UP team poster with the season schedule on it? Somehow my mother in law gets a team poster and schedule every year and gloats that I don't have one.

Moderator: Jealous- We have a stack of Illinois posters at the News-Gazette. Stop by some time and I'll have one for you. I'm sure you can pick up one at Bielfeldt, too.

And be nice to your mother-in-law.

Klee

Micah, Alton, IL: Did you catch highlights of the Le Moyne/Syracuse game? I know it is only exhibition but do you think that will affect the voters when the first week's rankings come out?

Thanks for the chats they are very informative!

Moderator: Micah- Surprising, wasn't it? These exhibition upsets have become an annual trend. Ohio State lost to Division II Findlay a few years back. (The Buckeyes went to the NIT that season.) Michigan State lost to Division II Grand Valley State. (Sparty was embarrassed by Memphis in the second round of the NCAA tournament). It's never, ever a good thing to lose an exhibition game, no matter how you spin it.

Klee didn’t rank Syracuse in his preseason AP Top 25 poll. And the Orange weren’t in the AP Top 25, either. But Syracuse was No. 25 in the Coaches Poll, yet another example why coaches should coach and voters should vote.

Klee

Brian, Urbana, IL: Klee,

have heard rumors that Illinois got new uniforms this season? Is that true?

Moderator: Brian- The rumors are wrong. Illinois has the same uniforms as last season. Klee

Ain't so melo this year, Fort Collins , CO: There seems to be a ton of excitement about the potential of this, count me among the excited!

Is there a key area or ingredient that you think this team needs to find to finish among the top three in the conference??

Moderator: ASMTY- The most important ingredient is off to a great start. Illinois doesn't have anyone that can slow Demetri McCamey in practice so far. He's getting where he wants on the floor, finding open guys, and winning most drills. I didn't hear his name called (in a bad way) once yesterday. That never happened last season, or when Demetri was a freshman. The transformation is remarkable, and people close to Demetri are proud of him. Let's see if he can continue it into the season. I know at least one coach is eager to see how Demetri responds to a quicker defender. A J.T. Tiller, Demontez Stitt-type of defender. One of the few mistakes he's made occurred in practice about a week ago. He elevated for a left-handed dunk but the ball came loose at the rim. He has trouble palming the basketball with his left. If that's one of his biggest issues, he'll be in good shape.

And Illinois needs to defend better. It isn't a very good defensive team at the moment, at least relative to recent Illinois teams.

Klee

Mark Illiniwek, Mahomet, IL: What's the latest on Sam Simpson? Is he ready to get in the mix? What about Bill Cole? Just wondering if some of these guys will turn into lifetime benchwarmers.

Moderator: Mark- Said this months ago, but I don’t think Stan is close to breaking the playing rotation. One, you have an established frontcourt. Two, coaches aren’t pleased with his work off the court and in the classroom.

The lone freshman in their 2008 recruiting class didn’t play in the first exhibition game, and coaches would have to see notable improvement in his classroom attendance if he’s going to play Sunday against Quincy.

"It's not fair to the other guys if everybody else is taking care of business. We have high standards," Bruce Weber said the other day, adding, "If you're struggling you better get your butt in that classroom and be in the front row and take care of business. That's where he's got to learn to decide it's important."

Here's hoping he gets it straightened out.

Klee

Mikey, Champagin, IL: I'm going to be visiting Evanston this weekend -- know of any good places to get a bite to eat for lunch? My taste buds are fairly adventurous.

Moderator: Mikey- Good question. This reminded me of our annual Polling Place survey from March 14. Last season we polled the sports information officials from around the Big Ten. Go back to March 14 in the HQ archives – the sports info guys had some great insight on the Big Ten.

We asked for their favorite place to eat in the Big Ten. Maggiano’s in Skokie had two votes. Portillo’s in Skokie received one vote. So those are two options. In our travels, Tate prefers the hotel restaurant. I like to find a new spot. Let me know how it goes. Always interested to hear of new watering holes.

Klee

JE, Decatur, IL: Any chance we start Davis, Paul, DJ, Demetri, and Legion. Tisdale doesnt rebound that well and may create a tough matchup with our guards?

Moderator: JE- That looks like a four-guard lineup. I don’t see that happening. And Mike Tisdale has been good in practice lately. He scored on a nifty left-handed hook yesterday. He’s not the perfect center, needs to rebound better and can be a liability on defense. But of the 23 players on the All-Big Ten lists last season, three were centers, and Big Mike was one of them.

I've wondered this before: If Mike Tisdale weren't white, would folks want him out of the starting lineup?

Klee

Joe, Urbana, Illinois: Paul, I have heard some rumors that the Langford brothers are interested in coming to Illinois. Is there any truth to that?

Moderator: Joe- Devin and Josh Langford aren't brothers. Devin Langford, a 6-5 guard in the 2011 class, has significant interest in Illinois, according to his coach. I haven't talked to his coach about Josh Langford, the former Louisville recruit. He would probably have to reclassify to 2011 if he's going to be a possibility for Illinois. Right now, there's no room at the inn in 2010. Illinois has been to Alabama at least twice to watch Devin Langford. So there's mutual interest.

Klee

Tom, Winnetka, IL: Paul,

Do you know when and where Jereme plans to sign his LOI and if it will be open to the public? Good job on the chats.

Moderator: Tom- Waukegan coach Ron Ashlaw just told me there isn't a confirmed plan for Jereme Richmond's signing day. Shoot me an email, I'll pass along any information that I find. Klee

Brent, Chicago, IL: How are Bertrand and Jordan recovering from their knee injuries? Should we expect to see both of them play against Quincy?

Moderator: Brent- Joseph Bertrand did not practice yesterday. He rode a stationary bike on the sideline, his right knee in a huge wrap. Jeff Jordan hasn't missed a practice this preseason. Associate head coach Wayne McClain told me yesterday he's optimistic with the way Jeff has played the last few days. But I think he's still a ways from impacting the rotation.

Tyler Griffey missed practice Monday. He was sick. He looked sick yesterday, too, but went through the entire practice and played well.

Klee

pippin, champaign, il: watched the highlights of the missouri southern game and noticed all the great penetration we had from d.j. and paul and others. that element was missing last year. does weber work on that in practice, was MS just porous, or is this something new from the freshmen?

Moderator: Pippin- Missouri Southern was really bad. I don't know how else to put it. So I wouldn't look too far into the result of the first exhibition game. D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul excel in getting to the rim. I know Bruce Weber would like to see more of that from Brandon Paul, to make certain he doesn't get enamored with the three-pointer. There will be more dribble penetration from the Illinois guards this season. Their motive is different, though. These guards look to score, where recent guards looked to drive and dish.

Klee

Chris R., Girard, IL: Great job on these chats. I look forward to them every week. At the Illini Meet n Greet last spring in Springfield, IL Coach Weber talked about how Jeff Jordan had the capabilities to make a major impact as a an on the ball defensive stopper with the loss of Chester Frazier. Do you think Jeff regrets his decision to walk away and do you think he'll ever reach that point again now that he's back?

Moderator: Chris- Jeff Jordan seems grateful to have a second chance. He's always been a hard worker in the gym. I think he's a ways from making a big impact, but he doesn't have to make a major impact to get minutes. He just has to be an effective defender, and Illinois doesn't have many of those, at least by Weber's defensive standards. There will be some pressure to play Jordan once he's up to speed.

Klee

Ja Ku Bat, Chambana, Illinoiz: Klee, the Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) is now cleared by the NCAA which allow coaches to recruit on reservations, i know that most kids dont get any coverage because of there location, so i wanted to know if you know of any high profile native players in Division I today. Thank You

Moderator: JKB- I would have to look into that a little further. Klee

dan, chatham, il: Were you surprised by the amount that Bertrand played in the first exhibition game? He didn't play like someone that should even considering redshirting to me. Came away impressed.

Moderator: Dan- Joseph Bertrand might be the team's best athlete, alongside Brandon Paul and Mike Davis. He has some very good days in practice, and some days where he's invisible. In other words, he's a freshman. I like his "second jump," where, if he misses a layup, he can go right back up for the tip-in. Over time I think he'll be a weapon on the offensive glass.

Without the knee injury, I don't think a redshirt season would be a possibility for Bertrand. With the knee injury... we'll have to see.

Klee

coach, chaminade, mo: What happened to the weekly updates on the teams in the "SHOOT OUT AT THE HALL". It was always something to look forward to on a Monday and nothing for 2 weeks your killin me smalls

Moderator: Coach- We took one week off and profiled Champaign Central and Purdue recruit Jay Simpson on HQ on Monday. On Friday we'll reveal the entire field and the matchups. Thanks for the question. Klee

reece, chicago, il: hey paul what's the latest on our recurting trail

Moderator: Reece- Two coaches are on the road today. One of their stops probably will be in the St. Louis area to see Bradley Beal. Another stop probably will be in Robinson to see Meyers Leonard. I'm sure there will be others. Hope that helps.

Klee

Eddie, Milwaukee, WIsconsin: Hey Paul,

In your Big 10 predictions, you also included the 3 most intimidating arenas for the season. We all know that any different arena could take that crown, depending on the quality of the team on the court. What do you think would be the most intimidating arenas in the Big Ten if every team was expected to win it all. OR, if you could take the best from any arena over time, which would take the crown.

Moderator: Eddie- Real quick, I think Breslin, Williams Arena and Mackey Arena would be on the short list - when those teams are good. Tate is a better historian, though. You can ask him in Monday's chat. Nationally, I've seen few more intimidating than The Pit at New Mexico - when the Lobos are good. Coach Henson seconded that opinion during lunch one time.

Klee

MotCrew, Springfield, IL: Hey Paul, love the chats! Assuming no injuries and all current and future players stay for at least two years, with the two remaining 2011 scollies, would you... go after the best two ballplayers you can sign OR fill specific needs (and what would those needs be)?

Moderator: Mot- I'm an advocate of taking the best available player. I think Illinois would like to add, at least, a scoring guard and a wing of some type, to complement Nnanna Egwu (C) and Tracy Abrams (PG). We'll see.

Klee

Stu, Quito, Ecuador: Hello Paul,

Thanks for answering my question from last week about Illinois's lack of free throw chances last year.

What are your expectations for Brian Carlwell this season? Not sure if you keep up on the Illinois transfers but I'd like to see him help out SD State this year.

Also, you seem like that type of guy that can shred on the guitar. You play any instruments? We only have Peruvian Flute bands down here.

Moderator: Stu- We will absolutely follow Brian Carlwell's progress at San Diego State. He's eligible this season after a year off. I know he was on the UI campus at some point this offseason, as well. He still keeps in touch with some of the current Illini.

Brian Carlwell had eight points and four rebounds as a starter for the Aztecs in their first exhibition game Tuesday.

Wish I could play the guitar, Stu. I'm a punk rock fan. Maybe Illinois State coach Tim Jankovich can teach me a chord or two. He's an avid guitar player.

Klee

J-Ran, Champaign, IL: Paul, love the chats! Here's my question. Why do you think an NHL team doesn't try to take a sumo wrestler and put him in goal? Meaning, why not take a really, really huge dude and tell him to just seal off the entire goal? When the other team has a puck, he could just sit down and not move. I think it's worth a shot. No stick skills? No problem. If he gets the puck, he can just freeze it or have a defenseman assigned to coming and getting it each time. Thoughts? Also, who is your favorite LPGA player?

Moderator: JRan- According to NHL Rule 3b:

"The goal posts shall be of approved design and material, extending vertically four feet (4') above the surface of the ice and set six feet (6') apart measured from the inside of the posts. A cross bar of the same material as the goal posts shall extend from the top of one post to the top of the other."

So you'll need a 6-foot man/woman that is also 4 feet wide. And then lay him on his side in front of the goal.

I don't watch the LPGA. I know they would all take my money, and I'm not comfortable with that.

Klee

Steve Due, Long Beach, Callifornia: Paul, when is Illinois going to play a game out here in California for crying out loud?

Moderator: Steve- This staff takes a conservative approach to scheduling, and they would tell you they're limited in their big-game options due to the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and Braggin' Rights game and need for a certain number of home games. I know they prefer to avoid west-coast matchups due to the travel. Bruce Weber is big on "effective" travel. He thinks one of the big reasons Illinois was sluggish against Clemson last year is because the team elected to depart South Padre the night of their final game, instead of the next day. That's just an example.

That's the short answer. Not saying I agree with this approach, just saying that's how they feel. But maybe I'll see you in Vegas in three weeks. Come on out.

Klee

Ja Ku Bat, Chambana, Illinoiz: Klee, love the chats. Jamar question here, with his teams recent ban on post play and the conference vacating all of last seasons record, what are the chances that scouts are ignoring those mishaps and not hurting Jamar's chances of playing in the league? What kind of shot do you think he has with making it to the NBA?

Moderator: JKB- Southern Indiana's troubles with the NCAA - the result of the previous coaching staff, not the current one - won't affect Jamar's chances at playing professionally. If you can play, scouts will find you. He's small for an NBA shooting guard. There are coaches out there - and an NBA scout in Indiana - that believe he has the ability. I'm hesitant, mainly because he hasn't consistently performed well against top levels of competition.

Klee

J-Ran, Champaign, IL: OK, but you see guys on TLC that are like 800 pounds. I saw this dude eat like six pounds of bacon and 12 fried-egg sandwiches for breakfast ... which his mother had to bring him because he couldn't get out of bed. Why not use that guy in goal?

Moderator: JRan- You have a great passion for space-eating goalies. The Colorado Avalanche are in first place in the Northwest Division. That's the extent of my hockey knowledge. Klee

Al Ryle, Champaign, Il.: Paul,

Watching Tyler Griffey play it seems to me that he brings a skill set and attitude that should give him quality minutes even though he isn't talked about as much as the other freshmen. Your thoughts?

Moderator: Al- Between Mike Davis, Mike Tisdale, Dominique Keller and Tyler Griffey, the Illini have a collection of frontcourt shooters you don't see often. Tyler shot it well in practice yesterday, hitting a 3 and a short jumper in their scrimmage with IHSA referees. I'm not sure they can guard their shadows, but it's a trade-off, and Bruce Weber will continue to emphasize defense until they have no choice.

Klee

Moderator: Going to wrap this up for today. Thanks for the questions, sincerely wish I could get to all of them.

Heading over to the Beef House for the Illinois-Purdue charity dinner tonight. Steve Bardo and Steve Lavin are the guests of honor. I'll have updates on HQ and via Twitter. Loads of hoops coverage coming later this week on HQ, including the Bubba Chisholm story on Sunday.

Later.

Klee