From: jwag9429@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (John Wilbur Althauser)
Subject: Re: 1992 Illini thoughts.
Keywords: Kaufman, Keefe, Thomas, Michael, Wheeler, Pierce...
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1992 15:49:05 GMT

>       Well, since the 1991 season is over, it's time to begin discussing
>       next years teams. Since I went to Illinois, and there seems to
>       be some interest in the Illini on the net, I feel we should
>       talk about the Illinois team. The following are my thoughts:

>       1) Inside-out game.
>               With Kaufman back, and Wheeler and Michael shooting the
>               way they did this year, the illini should lead the big
>               ten in three point shooting percentage, and attempts.
>               This should (in turn) open things up for Deon in the
>               middle.

That team will have the potential to rain 3 pointers.  Getting
Kaufman back will help a lot. He'll provide senior leadership,
another ballhandler, a creative scorer, and someone to hit 85% of
his free throws down the stretch.  He's going to squeaze someone out of a
starting position.  My guess is it's going to be Michael, who ended up
8 or 9th in NCAA 3-pt percentage, and did even better (55%) in league play.
Unfortunately he can't seem to get himself open enough.

I think Michael's problem and the overall problem of a sputtering Illini offense
is due to having just one guy (Clemons) who can cut to the basket.  Kaufmann
should solve that problem.  It's interesting that this team
possesses just what the '89 F4 team lacked- a quality inside player and
good perimeter shooting.  But trying to win with one inside player and
shooters who can't get open is tough.  You need some slashing players who
cover the middle of the court and hit a 10-15' jumper or pass it
back inside or out.

Last year's team could have overcome that with good passes into
the post area, but IMO Wheeler is the only starter who's a good
passer.  Let's hope recruit Richard Keene can pass like his press
clippings say.


st year's team could have overcome that with good passes into
>       2) Defense.
>               While Lou is IMHO a great coach for team defense, the
>               Illini don't have the speed to defend super talented teams
>               (read: Michigan). I expect the defense to be good, but not
>               great, and some players (guards) will have BIG games
>               against the Illini.

Yes.  The defense was pretty good this year.  Henson ran numerous
practices where they didn't run one defensive drill. They go from 8 to 10
players, but there's not enough quickness to press and trap effectively.

>       3) Big Ten.
>               I look for the Illini to win more close games than they
>               lose, and finish with 20+wins, and end up third in the
>               Big ten. The experience of last year, and the return of
>               Kauf should make this much difference.

That would be a big jump, even to 20 wins IMO. The Big 10 has lots of
talent returning.  11 of 12 scorers, and rebounders, 4 of 5 first team all
conference players etc...I don't know what the schedule looks like.  It does
include Mizzou at St.Louis, Princeton here in the Illini Classic, and we may
have return games with Pitt? (Paul Evans has been avoiding us since we beat them
at home in '87), Temple?  and  Memphis State?   The Illini also go to the
Alask Shoot-Out during the preseason.

>       4) The Tourney.
>               Illinois will be seeded 7th in the west, will beat
>               Ball St. in the first round, and lose to Florida St. in
>               the second round. (Ok, this is overboard but what the hell)

>       5) Overall.
>               A good year, back to 20+ wins for Lou.

Sure hope so.


>       What does everyone think? Any news on recruits out there? Did
>       Kaufman get his GPA up? How does Keefe look? Will he play?

Kaufman has been working and living at home.  I think he needs a 'good grade'
(C or B?) in one 3 hour class to regain acad. eligib. .  If he takes it during
the 'intersession' period between Spring and Summer semesters, he can regain
his scholarship, and enroll in summer school.  That way he can practice with
any team members who are also in Champaign over the summer.

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john althauser                    'workin on a sig file
jwag9429@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu
********i


Newsgroups: rec.sport.basketball.college