Bob Brooks has covered University of Iowa athletics for over 50 years. He's seen its highs and lows. For my final project blog component, I spoke with Brooks as he recanted his Top 10 moments of Iowa football.
10. 2008 -- Murray Last-Second FG Lifts Iowa
Placekicker Daniel Murray knocked in a last-second field goal to give Iowa a win over then-No. 3 Penn State at Kinnick Stadium last November.
Brooks: "I got knocked down in the melee down there [on the field]. I had no doubt that he would make it."
9. 1981 -- Iowa Smells Roses In Win Over Michigan State
After 20 seasons of losing, third-year head coach Hayden Fry took the Hawkeyes to the Rose Bowl, thanks to their win over Michigan State and an Ohio State loss to underdog Michigan. It was Iowa's first Rose Bowl trip since 1958.
8. 2002 -- Clark Catch Seals Iowa's Big Ten Title
Tight end Dallas Clark was on the receiving end of a 94-yard pass from quarterback Brad Banks, as Iowa came from behind to beat Purdue and win the Big Ten title. Just watch the first 30 seconds.
7. 1985 -- Long's Bootleg "Something Else"
Quarterback Chuck Long called his own number, running a bootleg with 31 seconds left to cap a 12-play, 78-yard drive to give Iowa a win over Michigan State. He fooled the defense so badly,. he held the ball high over his head from the five-yard line in. Long, the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Auburn's Bo Jackson, went completed 30-of-39 passes in that game.
6. 1958 -- Fleming's Second Half Stuns Wolverines
Freshman running back Willie Fleming torched Michigan's defense in the second half to give Iowa the win and cement him as a legend.
Brooks: "The Michigan folks didn't know much about him, but neither did Iowa because he didn't play a whole lot. We heard these stories coming out of scrimmage that this guy was something else. Willie didn't play in the first half and Michigan had a one touchdown lead over Iowa going into halftime. [Iowa head coach Ray] Eddie put him in at the start of the second half and he ran all over them. Went on to be an all-star in Canadian football."
5. 1985 -- Houghtlin's FG Pushes #1 Iowa past #2 Michigan
Placekicker Rob Houghtlin's 29-yard field goal from the right hash went through the uprights as time expired, giving #1 Iowa a 12-10 victory over #2 Michigan and Bo Schembechler.
Brooks: "I remember the officials taking away Scott Helverson's diving touchdown grab at the end of the first half which would have given Iowa the lead. With Michigan winning and time winding down, linebacker Larry Station would stuff two Jamie Morris runs to force a punt. Chuck Long would nickle-and-dime the defense to set up a perfect storybook ending for Houghtlin. It was probably Hayden's signature win.
4. 1956 -- Eddie, Iowa Smell Roses For The First Time
#7 Iowa beats #6 Ohio State, 6-0, to earn their first-ever Rose Bowl trip. Jim Gibbons caught a touchdown in the corner of the end zone to win the game.
3. 1952 -- Evashevski's First Win Comes At OSU's Hayes' Expense
In Forest Evashevki's first year, the Hawkeyes beat Ohio State and Woody Hayes, 8-0, in the middle of the season after previously being blanked in the win column.
2. 2004 -- Tate-To-Holloway
Every Hawkeye fan remembers this moment as one of the best in Iowa history. Drew Tate threw a hail mary touchdown pass to Warren Holloway as time expired to give Iowa a dramatic win over LSU. Get to the 4:52 mark to witness greatness.
Brooks: "I was shocked. I ran to the middle of the field and did a dance with the President on the 50-yard line. The fans were more shocked than the players. I remember Gallery going down to the end zone after it was over and waving that Hawkeye flag like it was a toothpick."
1. 1939 -- Kinnick Magic
In the 1939 season, Brooks saw every one of Nile Kinnick's games and even got to meet the man. Kinnick went on to win the Heisman Trophy. To date, he is the only Iowa player to win the award and the current stadium is named in his behalf.
Brooks: "I knew then, for better or worse, this [broadcasting] was what I wanted to do. I wanted to be around Iowa. It shaped the whole deal."
Brooks is still running strong. At 82 years old, he rarely misses an Iowa football game, home or away. He bleeds black and gold. You can catch Brooks on the radio daily at 4:30 p.m. on KMRY 1450 (AM) out of Cedar Rapids.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
2010 Preview: Purdue
The semester is coming to a close. It's been a good run since late January when this started. Hope it's been real. I'm not done quite yet, though.
Ten teams have already been previewed, which leaves one left: the Purdue Boilermakers, my
2009-10 Big Ten champion.
Key Returnees: F Robbie Hummel, G E'Twaun Moore, C JaJuan Johnson, G Chris Kramer
Key Departures: F Nemanja Calasan, G Marcus Green
2010 Recruits: F Patrick Bade (Indianapolis, IN), F Jeff Robinson (Indianapois, IN), F Kelsey Barlow (Indianapolis, IN), G D.J. Byrd (Crawfordsville, IN), C Sandi Marcius (LaPorte, IN)
Biggest Need: Bench depth
2010 Outlook: Out of all eleven teams, Purdue is the only team with all five starters returning (Moore, Hummel, Johnson, Kramer, guard Lewis Jackson). They've also got the conference's best weapon off the bench in sharpshooter Keaton Grant. They got hot at the right time, winning the Big Ten Tournament and advancing to the Sweet 16. This is a cohesive unit and they have great chemistry together. They are very knowledgable about their roles on the team and this is a group that is going to continue to grow.
Robbie Hummel, the preseason pick for Player of the Year, was never truly 100 percent healthy, essentially playing with a broken back the last half of the conference season. Yet, even crippled, he showed tremendous grit, having a sensational month of March. If he can fully recover from the back injury, which is expected, he should be a contender for the honor once again. JaJuan Johnson caught the eyes of many NBA scouts with his long, athletic frame, but decided to return to school after a sensational sophomore season. He'll add some more muscle to his frame and be one of the conference's best post players on both sides of the basketball.
Despite his run-in with the law earlier this offseason, speedy guard Lewis Jackson will likely be the guy to run things again next year. He's not likely to scortch you with his shooting touch, but he can distribute the ball and pester defenders. His off-the-court troubles likely nets him a multiple game suspension, but the Boilermakers should be fine in his absence.
Outside of the top six, there isn't anybody else that has proven themselves, which makes coach Matt Painter's recruiting class important. Purdue has got to find some depth on the bench to spell their starters. They've loaded up on frontcourt players (four of the five incoming freshmen are forwards/centers) but none of them really spell "superstar. Patrick Bade has the potential to garner the most playing time of them all and has a Big Ten-ready body (6'8", 225 lbs.). D.J. Byrd has got game, but with so many other guards ahead of him, it might be difficult to earn playing time.
Interestingly, each of them are from the state of Indiana. For those of you at home keeping tabs on the recruiting battle between Purdue and Indiana, the Boilermakers are clearly winning that one. They've haven't had to stray outside their state borders to grab the talent they need. IU's Tom Crean is still building relationships with high school coaches throughout the state, but it's very obvious Painter has a leg up on his counterpart to the south, at least for now.
Purdue's lineup, complete with their coach and playing experience, make them my choice to win the Big Ten. Here's a rundown of how I think the conference will play out:
1. Purdue
2. Michigan State
3. Ohio State
4. Minnesota
5. Illinois
6. Michigan
7. Wisconsin
8. Penn State
9. Indiana
10. Northwestern
11. Iowa
What are your thoughts?
Photo: Indianapolis Star
Ten teams have already been previewed, which leaves one left: the Purdue Boilermakers, my
2009-10 Big Ten champion.
Key Returnees: F Robbie Hummel, G E'Twaun Moore, C JaJuan Johnson, G Chris Kramer
Key Departures: F Nemanja Calasan, G Marcus Green
2010 Recruits: F Patrick Bade (Indianapolis, IN), F Jeff Robinson (Indianapois, IN), F Kelsey Barlow (Indianapolis, IN), G D.J. Byrd (Crawfordsville, IN), C Sandi Marcius (LaPorte, IN)
Biggest Need: Bench depth
2010 Outlook: Out of all eleven teams, Purdue is the only team with all five starters returning (Moore, Hummel, Johnson, Kramer, guard Lewis Jackson). They've also got the conference's best weapon off the bench in sharpshooter Keaton Grant. They got hot at the right time, winning the Big Ten Tournament and advancing to the Sweet 16. This is a cohesive unit and they have great chemistry together. They are very knowledgable about their roles on the team and this is a group that is going to continue to grow.
Robbie Hummel, the preseason pick for Player of the Year, was never truly 100 percent healthy, essentially playing with a broken back the last half of the conference season. Yet, even crippled, he showed tremendous grit, having a sensational month of March. If he can fully recover from the back injury, which is expected, he should be a contender for the honor once again. JaJuan Johnson caught the eyes of many NBA scouts with his long, athletic frame, but decided to return to school after a sensational sophomore season. He'll add some more muscle to his frame and be one of the conference's best post players on both sides of the basketball.
Despite his run-in with the law earlier this offseason, speedy guard Lewis Jackson will likely be the guy to run things again next year. He's not likely to scortch you with his shooting touch, but he can distribute the ball and pester defenders. His off-the-court troubles likely nets him a multiple game suspension, but the Boilermakers should be fine in his absence.
Outside of the top six, there isn't anybody else that has proven themselves, which makes coach Matt Painter's recruiting class important. Purdue has got to find some depth on the bench to spell their starters. They've loaded up on frontcourt players (four of the five incoming freshmen are forwards/centers) but none of them really spell "superstar. Patrick Bade has the potential to garner the most playing time of them all and has a Big Ten-ready body (6'8", 225 lbs.). D.J. Byrd has got game, but with so many other guards ahead of him, it might be difficult to earn playing time.
Interestingly, each of them are from the state of Indiana. For those of you at home keeping tabs on the recruiting battle between Purdue and Indiana, the Boilermakers are clearly winning that one. They've haven't had to stray outside their state borders to grab the talent they need. IU's Tom Crean is still building relationships with high school coaches throughout the state, but it's very obvious Painter has a leg up on his counterpart to the south, at least for now.
Purdue's lineup, complete with their coach and playing experience, make them my choice to win the Big Ten. Here's a rundown of how I think the conference will play out:
1. Purdue
2. Michigan State
3. Ohio State
4. Minnesota
5. Illinois
6. Michigan
7. Wisconsin
8. Penn State
9. Indiana
10. Northwestern
11. Iowa
What are your thoughts?
Photo: Indianapolis Star
Monday, May 4, 2009
2010 Preview: Michigan State
No other team in the nation has done what Michigan State has this decade. They've made five Final Four trips in the past ten years, including winning the 'ship in 2000 with Mateen Cleaves and the "Flintstones". They play their best basketball of the year when it matters most (March) and they've proven to be the most feared team in the conference. Expect them to contend for a conference championship, but they aren't my 2010 Big Ten champion...
Key Returnees: G Kalin Lucas (2009 Big Ten Player of the Year), F Raymar Morgan, F Delvon Roe
Key Departures: G Travis Walton (2009 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year), F/C Goran Suton, F Marquise Gray
Recruits: C Garrick Sherman (Kenton, OH), C Derrick Nix (Detroit, MI), F Dion Sims (Orchard Lake, MI)
Biggest Need: Off-guard
2010 Outlook: The Spartans got as far as any team could without taking home any championship hardware, getting pummeled by North Carolina in the national championship game last month. Yet, the majority of their key pieces return next season and a trip to the Final Four in Indianapolis, another site in close proximity for Spartan fans, isn't out of the question.
Kalin Lucas was somewhat of a surprise pick for the conference's Player of the Year, but he proved he deserved that award after the NCAA Tournament he had. He's crazy good with the basketball and extremely quick, both traits coaches look for in a purebred point guard. He has complete command of his team at all times, and make no mistake, it is HIS team. He's a sure-fire lock for preseason all-Big Ten. Lucas could improve his shooting touch but there aren't too many areas of his game that need work.
Delvon Roe battled a knee injury during the early parts of the season and never looked to be fully healed from it. When 100%, Roe is a beast on the glass and a perfect low-post compliment for the barrage of shooters Michigan State will have on the wings. Expect him to be much more involved in the offensive and really blossom in his second year under Tom Izzo.
Raymar Morgan had a similar bout with pnemonia during the midway stages of the season and that seemed to slow him down. He's a much better player than he shows on the court and has got to improve consistency in order to be the second scoring option that the Spartans need him to be. He's got the athletic ability and basketball talent, but he has yet to put it all together. Could this be the year for him?
Travis Walton was the leader last year, but with his defensive grit gone, a gaping hole is left next to Lucas in the backcourt. Izzo has a few options to fill his spot, including Chris Allen, Durrell Summers and Korie Lucious. Allen is as streaky of a shooter as there is in the Big Ten, but he has unbelieveable range and a sweet-looking stroke from the arc. Summers is an athletic freak who loves to play above the rim. And Lucious is another speedy guard who grasped Michigan State's run-and-gun offense well in his freshman season. One of those three is likely to start with the other two being valuable backcourt weapons off the bench. My money is on Allen to start.
Michigan State is one of the nation's best rebounding teams and they'll need to find some bigger bodies down low to help maintain that edge. Suton and fellow big man Marquise Gray are gone, but they bring in two vastly different centers to help replace them. Garrick Sherman (6'10", 225) is longer and leaner while Derrick Nix (6'9", 275) is stronger and bulkier. They probably won't go exclusively with the 6'8" Roe, though it would allow them to get out and run even more with a three-guard offense.
Izzo has some options to tweak his starting lineup, but expect the Spartans to turn their basketball games into a sprinting contest. They are most fluid when they are on the run with their frantic style and most teams, especially in the Big Ten, simply cannot keep up with their athletes. They'll be the favorites to win the Big Ten come October; whether they do is a different story. But make no mistake, Michigan State will be dancing once again in March and if this past season was any indication, they are likely to go far once again.
Next Up: Purdue
Photo: StilletoSetSports.com
Key Returnees: G Kalin Lucas (2009 Big Ten Player of the Year), F Raymar Morgan, F Delvon Roe
Key Departures: G Travis Walton (2009 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year), F/C Goran Suton, F Marquise Gray
Recruits: C Garrick Sherman (Kenton, OH), C Derrick Nix (Detroit, MI), F Dion Sims (Orchard Lake, MI)
Biggest Need: Off-guard
2010 Outlook: The Spartans got as far as any team could without taking home any championship hardware, getting pummeled by North Carolina in the national championship game last month. Yet, the majority of their key pieces return next season and a trip to the Final Four in Indianapolis, another site in close proximity for Spartan fans, isn't out of the question.
Kalin Lucas was somewhat of a surprise pick for the conference's Player of the Year, but he proved he deserved that award after the NCAA Tournament he had. He's crazy good with the basketball and extremely quick, both traits coaches look for in a purebred point guard. He has complete command of his team at all times, and make no mistake, it is HIS team. He's a sure-fire lock for preseason all-Big Ten. Lucas could improve his shooting touch but there aren't too many areas of his game that need work.
Delvon Roe battled a knee injury during the early parts of the season and never looked to be fully healed from it. When 100%, Roe is a beast on the glass and a perfect low-post compliment for the barrage of shooters Michigan State will have on the wings. Expect him to be much more involved in the offensive and really blossom in his second year under Tom Izzo.
Raymar Morgan had a similar bout with pnemonia during the midway stages of the season and that seemed to slow him down. He's a much better player than he shows on the court and has got to improve consistency in order to be the second scoring option that the Spartans need him to be. He's got the athletic ability and basketball talent, but he has yet to put it all together. Could this be the year for him?
Travis Walton was the leader last year, but with his defensive grit gone, a gaping hole is left next to Lucas in the backcourt. Izzo has a few options to fill his spot, including Chris Allen, Durrell Summers and Korie Lucious. Allen is as streaky of a shooter as there is in the Big Ten, but he has unbelieveable range and a sweet-looking stroke from the arc. Summers is an athletic freak who loves to play above the rim. And Lucious is another speedy guard who grasped Michigan State's run-and-gun offense well in his freshman season. One of those three is likely to start with the other two being valuable backcourt weapons off the bench. My money is on Allen to start.
Michigan State is one of the nation's best rebounding teams and they'll need to find some bigger bodies down low to help maintain that edge. Suton and fellow big man Marquise Gray are gone, but they bring in two vastly different centers to help replace them. Garrick Sherman (6'10", 225) is longer and leaner while Derrick Nix (6'9", 275) is stronger and bulkier. They probably won't go exclusively with the 6'8" Roe, though it would allow them to get out and run even more with a three-guard offense.
Izzo has some options to tweak his starting lineup, but expect the Spartans to turn their basketball games into a sprinting contest. They are most fluid when they are on the run with their frantic style and most teams, especially in the Big Ten, simply cannot keep up with their athletes. They'll be the favorites to win the Big Ten come October; whether they do is a different story. But make no mistake, Michigan State will be dancing once again in March and if this past season was any indication, they are likely to go far once again.
Next Up: Purdue
Photo: StilletoSetSports.com
Saturday, May 2, 2009
2010 Preview: Ohio State
Looking back, the 2008-09 season has to be a successful one for Thad Matta. He won 20 games (again), made the NCAA Tournament (again), and was finally able to keep a superstar on campus (Evan Turner).
Key Returnees: G/F Evan Turner, G William Buford, G David Lighty, G/F Jon Diebler
Key Departures: C B.J. Mullens
Recruits: None
Biggest Need: Center
2010 Outlook: With the exception of Mullens, Ohio State returns everybody next year. Seriously. Look over their roster and you'll find there are no seniors. If you're looking for a team with complete chemistry and continuity, you've found it in Ohio State.
As mentioned above, the Buckeyes got a huge boost when Evan Turner decided to stay in Columbus for at least another season. Turner used this past season as a springboard to the national spotlight and was one of the nation's breakout players. He should be one of the frontrunners for the conferece's Most Valuable Player award if he's able to stay healthy. Through two years, he's been very durable, but Ohio State's season likely rides on Turner's continued improvement.
Mullens' defection to the pros certainly hurts the Buckeyes, as he is the third-straight center to bolt early for the NBA, joining past Buckeyes Greg Oden and Kosta Koufos. The good news is that Dallas Lauderdale proved himself to be a solid defensive replacement. He's not much for offense and he doesn't have ideal height (6'8"), but Lauderdale is one of the Big Ten's craftier post defenders. He's got a seven-foot wingspan and can turn a game into his own personal block party.
While Laurderdale likely gets the nod to start come November, that doesn't mean Matta isn't looking for more frontcourt depth. Kyle Madsen provided some quality minutes last year, but he isn't a complete player by any means. Other options on the bench are forward Nikola Kecman and UAB transfer Zisis Sarikopoulous. I'm not going to even try to pronounce that, but Big Z has got size in spades, standing at 7-feet and weighing close to 270 lbs. Could he be the next best center in Ohio State's history?
Ohio State has no recruits coming in next season, but they get better and deeper with the return of David Lighty. He missed most of last season after breaking his foot in the nonconference slate and has gained a medical redshirt, giving him two more years of eligibility. He is the Buckeyes' X-Factor and most experienced player. Remember, he was a freshman when Oden and Co. went to the national championship game in 2007. If he can return to form, that's a major shot in the arm for this team.
With essentially their whole roster back and armed with one of the conference's best players, Ohio State is going to be dangerous team next season. They should contend for a conference title and be a lock for yet another NCAA Tournament berth.
Next Up: Michigan State
Photo: chantrant.com
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
2010 Preview: Minnesota
Glory days have returned to Minnesota basketball, at least from where I'm sitting. Gone are the Dan Monson days of mediocrity. After luring Tubby Smith to the Twin Cities two years ago, Minnesota has a decent crop of talent and the biggest bench in the conference.
Key Returnees: F Damian Johnson, G Lawrence Westbrook, G Al Nolen
Key Departures: None
Recruits: F Royce White (Hopkins, MN), G/F Rodney Williams (New Hope, MN), G Justin Cobbs (Torrance, CA), G Bryant Allen (Maplewood, MO), F Trevor Mbakwe (Miami, FL)
Need: Star Player
2010 Outlook: With Minnesota, what you see is what you get, at least in Smith's first two seasons. Looking at their roster, there isn't one guy that can change a game on the offensive end. Each player is complimentary to the next. Some shoot threes, some distribute, some rebound, but there isn't one guy that can do all of those things consistently. At least not yet. Defensively, though, Minnesota was one of the best teams in the nation. Damian Johnson didn't get enough credit for his defense, dispite the fact he was shot-altering machine. And anybody who follows Big Ten basetkball knows what Al Nolen can do on the defensive end. Don't expect that defensive tenacity to go away.
Incoming freshman Royce White can do those things offensively for the Golden Gophers. He's got about as much hype as any freshmen in Minnesota history and he hasn't even played a minute in the Maroon & Gold. The 6'7", 210 lb. small forward is ranked as No. 19 on Rivals.Com's Top 150 for 2009 (second-best small forward) and was a McDonald's All-American. Expect him to log major minutes next season and be the pre-season front runner for Big Ten Freshman of the Year. The kid's got game.
His fellow incoming freshmen aren't too shabby, either. Rodney Williams is a good complimentary swingman who has good size for the off-guard position (6'5", 185). They've got two good point guards in Justin Cobbs and Bryant Allen, and power forward Trevor Mbakwe has been drawing rave reviews for his physical low-post style. Don't forget this Minnesota team really didn't even lose much. Backup center Jonathan Williams was the only departing senior, while both Travis Busch and Kevin Payton decided to get forgo their senior seasons and graduate. A sure-fire Top 25 recruiting class for Smith. The rich get richer, as they say.
Minnesota's emergence as a contender likely depends on the development of big men Ralph Sampson III and Colton Iverson. They looked lost at times as freshmen, but Gopher fans are hoping they can improve as much from year one to year two as Illinois' similar tandem of Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale. They've got the size, and that's something you need in the Big Ten.
I think of any team in the Big Ten, Minnesota has all the right pieces. They've got the coach who has been to the promise land before (Smith), a good mix of youth (White, Williams) and experience (Johnson, Westbrook), a deep bench (Blake Hoffarber, Devoe Joseph, Paul Carter, Devron Bostick) a tenacious defense and an unselfish offense. They have the versatility to go big or small, fast or slow. I said this earlier this month, but do not be surprised to see Minnesota in the Sweet 16 come March. If everything falls together, the 2010 season can be a special one.
Photo: ESPN.Com
Next: Ohio State
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
2010 Preview: Illinois
Like Michigan, Illinois surprised many people with their quick rebound this year, proving that the utter disappointment called the 2007 season was just a fluke. Loaded with a trio of talented juniors-to-be and solid back-to-back recruiting classes this year and next, Illinois looks to stay at the top half of the Big Ten, a place they've grown accustomed to this decade.
Key Returnees: C Mike Tisdale, F Mike Davis, G Demetri McCamey
Key Departures: G Chester Frazier, G Trent Meacham, G/F Calvin Brock
Recruits: G D.J. Richardson (Henderson, NV), G Brandon Paul (Gurnee, IL), F Tyler Griffey (Ballwin, MO), G Joseph Bertrand (Sterling, IL)
Need: Point guard
2010 Outlook: From the looks of things, Illinois has the most balanced starting lineup in the league and that's just based on the guys they have coming back. There is no more talented frontcourt duo than Tisdale an Davis and the scary fact is these kids were only sophomores last year. If you're another Big Ten team, who do you guard? Do you double Tisdale and leave Davis open? They both can extend out to the three-point line and knock down shots but it's really a pick your poison situation. They'll both find ways to beat you. Granted they hit a bit of a wall in March, but that should pay them dividends next year.
Illinois will go as far as those three take them. McCamey has shown on more than one occasion that he is capable of taking a game over on the offensive end, but he needs to be more consistent on the defensive side. He's got the ability to play both guard positions, and with Illinois in need of a true point guard after Chester Frazier's graduation, head coach Bruce Weber might hand the reins over Jeff Jordan (right). I really liked what I saw of this guy last year. He's a tenacious, ball-hawking defender with speed and good passing ability. You won't get much offense out of him, but if you're looking for a smart player who can disseminate the ball and run an offense, which I
believe Weber wants, it's Jordan's job to lose.
Of course, some incoming freshmen will push him for playing time. Weber is bringing in three shooting-guard prospects, with Paul probably being the most capable of playing the point. It's interesting; both Paul, Richardson and Bertrand committed to Illinois in October 2007 as juniors, hinting to me that the three of them have great chemistry together. Richardson was in Peoria, IL, at the time of his committment and getting three of the top in-state players for 2009 is huge for Weber, perhaps finally putting to rest questions of his inability to keep top talent inside the state of Illinois (see: John Scheyer, Julian Wright, Jerel McNeal, Sherron Collins, Bobby Frasor, Evan Turner, Shaun Livingston). And if you think this recruiting class is good, head over to Rivals.Com and check out Illinois' class for 2010.
The wildcard here is Alex Legion. The former four-star prospect and Kentucky transfer has the athletic gifts to play in the Big Ten and the game to go with it. However, the general consensus among Illinois fans last year is that Legion seemed disinterested in playing, saying that he didn't have a lot of heart. Maybe that explains why Legion was exlusively a bench player last year, getting minimal minutes on a team that he should probably be starting for. If he can jump into the starting lineup at the small forward position next year, it's just another weapon for the Fighting Illini.
Next Up: Minnesota
(photo from SI.com)
Key Returnees: C Mike Tisdale, F Mike Davis, G Demetri McCamey
Key Departures: G Chester Frazier, G Trent Meacham, G/F Calvin Brock
Recruits: G D.J. Richardson (Henderson, NV), G Brandon Paul (Gurnee, IL), F Tyler Griffey (Ballwin, MO), G Joseph Bertrand (Sterling, IL)
Need: Point guard
2010 Outlook: From the looks of things, Illinois has the most balanced starting lineup in the league and that's just based on the guys they have coming back. There is no more talented frontcourt duo than Tisdale an Davis and the scary fact is these kids were only sophomores last year. If you're another Big Ten team, who do you guard? Do you double Tisdale and leave Davis open? They both can extend out to the three-point line and knock down shots but it's really a pick your poison situation. They'll both find ways to beat you. Granted they hit a bit of a wall in March, but that should pay them dividends next year.
Illinois will go as far as those three take them. McCamey has shown on more than one occasion that he is capable of taking a game over on the offensive end, but he needs to be more consistent on the defensive side. He's got the ability to play both guard positions, and with Illinois in need of a true point guard after Chester Frazier's graduation, head coach Bruce Weber might hand the reins over Jeff Jordan (right). I really liked what I saw of this guy last year. He's a tenacious, ball-hawking defender with speed and good passing ability. You won't get much offense out of him, but if you're looking for a smart player who can disseminate the ball and run an offense, which I
believe Weber wants, it's Jordan's job to lose.Of course, some incoming freshmen will push him for playing time. Weber is bringing in three shooting-guard prospects, with Paul probably being the most capable of playing the point. It's interesting; both Paul, Richardson and Bertrand committed to Illinois in October 2007 as juniors, hinting to me that the three of them have great chemistry together. Richardson was in Peoria, IL, at the time of his committment and getting three of the top in-state players for 2009 is huge for Weber, perhaps finally putting to rest questions of his inability to keep top talent inside the state of Illinois (see: John Scheyer, Julian Wright, Jerel McNeal, Sherron Collins, Bobby Frasor, Evan Turner, Shaun Livingston). And if you think this recruiting class is good, head over to Rivals.Com and check out Illinois' class for 2010.
The wildcard here is Alex Legion. The former four-star prospect and Kentucky transfer has the athletic gifts to play in the Big Ten and the game to go with it. However, the general consensus among Illinois fans last year is that Legion seemed disinterested in playing, saying that he didn't have a lot of heart. Maybe that explains why Legion was exlusively a bench player last year, getting minimal minutes on a team that he should probably be starting for. If he can jump into the starting lineup at the small forward position next year, it's just another weapon for the Fighting Illini.
Next Up: Minnesota
(photo from SI.com)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
2010 Preview: Michigan
No team improved more in one year than Michigan did in John Beilein's second year. After winning only 10 games in 2007, the Wolverines won 22 this year, making the NCAA Tournament for the first time in over a decade. Now, with stars Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims returning to Ann Arbor next year, the Wolverines will only get stronger.
Key Returnees: G Manny Harris, F DeShawn Sims, G Stu Douglass, G/F Zack Novak
Key Departures: G C.J. Lee
Recruits: G Darius Morris (Los Angeles, CA), F Blake McLimans (Worcester, MA), F Jordan Morgan (Detroit, MI), G Matt Vogrich (Lake Forest, IL)
Biggest Need: Point guard
2010 Outlook: Michigan will go as high in 2010 as Sims and Harris take them. They were the most dangerous offensive tandem in the Big Ten and flirted with the possibility of going to the NBA. Harris was a do-it-all kind of player for Beilein; statistically, he was top ten in points-per-game, rebounds-per-game and assists-per game. And Sims was as durable as a power forward as there was in the league.
This Michigan team is guard-oriented and guard-heavy. Zack Novak, Stu Douglass, Laval Lucas-Perry, Jevohn Shepherd and Anthony Wright were capable role-players last year, with somebody different every night becoming the third offensive option. Novak and Douglass were fixtures in the starting lineup last year as freshmen and big things are expected from them next season. Incoming freshman Matt Vogrich was one of the best shooters in the state of Illinois last season and should be next in line for playing time after Novak and Douglass.
But Michigan is lacking a true point guard to run things. Harris and Douglass occassionally ran the show last year, but they are more suited in the off-guard position. C.J. Lee started at point guard down the stretch, but with his graduation and the departures of David Merrit and Kelvin Grady leave Michigan without a point guard. Perhaps Beilein is banking on incoming freshman Darius Morris (#77 on Rivals.com's Top 150 for 2009) to come in and assume that role. He's an explosive guard, averaging 26 ppg at the high school level and can create for himself and his teammates.
Michigan virtually has all the pieces coming back next year to make another run at the NCAA Tournament. If Sims and Harris can stay healthy, expect to see Michigan in contention for an at-large spot next March. This is still a young team, but Beilein has them on the right track.
Next Up: Illinois
Key Returnees: G Manny Harris, F DeShawn Sims, G Stu Douglass, G/F Zack Novak
Key Departures: G C.J. Lee
Recruits: G Darius Morris (Los Angeles, CA), F Blake McLimans (Worcester, MA), F Jordan Morgan (Detroit, MI), G Matt Vogrich (Lake Forest, IL)
Biggest Need: Point guard
2010 Outlook: Michigan will go as high in 2010 as Sims and Harris take them. They were the most dangerous offensive tandem in the Big Ten and flirted with the possibility of going to the NBA. Harris was a do-it-all kind of player for Beilein; statistically, he was top ten in points-per-game, rebounds-per-game and assists-per game. And Sims was as durable as a power forward as there was in the league.
This Michigan team is guard-oriented and guard-heavy. Zack Novak, Stu Douglass, Laval Lucas-Perry, Jevohn Shepherd and Anthony Wright were capable role-players last year, with somebody different every night becoming the third offensive option. Novak and Douglass were fixtures in the starting lineup last year as freshmen and big things are expected from them next season. Incoming freshman Matt Vogrich was one of the best shooters in the state of Illinois last season and should be next in line for playing time after Novak and Douglass.
But Michigan is lacking a true point guard to run things. Harris and Douglass occassionally ran the show last year, but they are more suited in the off-guard position. C.J. Lee started at point guard down the stretch, but with his graduation and the departures of David Merrit and Kelvin Grady leave Michigan without a point guard. Perhaps Beilein is banking on incoming freshman Darius Morris (#77 on Rivals.com's Top 150 for 2009) to come in and assume that role. He's an explosive guard, averaging 26 ppg at the high school level and can create for himself and his teammates.
Michigan virtually has all the pieces coming back next year to make another run at the NCAA Tournament. If Sims and Harris can stay healthy, expect to see Michigan in contention for an at-large spot next March. This is still a young team, but Beilein has them on the right track.
Next Up: Illinois
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