Hello from Redbird Arena! Big game for Illinois State as it tries to keep the momentum going. Evansville is a tough matchup for any team because of Marty Simmons' motion offense that runs defenders through screen after screen after screen. Should be a good one. Ready to answer any and all questions ...
ISU recruit Paris Lee of Proviso East is playing at nearby U High right now. If anyone is over there, let us know how he's looking. I've heard he's a tenacious on-the-ball defender.
Illinois State has used only eight players in the last three games. I look for the trend to continue tonight unless foul trouble creeps in. Right now I would think Jordan Threloff has a better chance of getting on the floor than Nick Zeisloft or Zeke Upshaw. Big guys seem to get in more foul trouble than wings. John Wilkins was a foul machine two years ago. He is doing better job now on defensive end not fouling.
Yes, Joe Deacon is there. I would text him, but I left my phone at home. Call me stupid. He will twitter a score at half and I will pass it on.
Just saw teams were warming up 10 minutes ago at U High, so the first game must have went longer than they thought.
Dan Muller said yesterday they will run a variety of defenders at Ryan. It sounded like Johnny would get the first shot. Also expect Tyler Brown to see a lot of duty there. When ISU uses Cousin or Allen on Ryan they are giving up about 5 inches. That makes it tough because Ryan doesn't need much space to get his shot off.
ISU said the game will be broadcast live on DirecTV (Ch 657) and Dish Network (452), while those on AT&T U-verse can see it on Ch. 691. Game will be tape delayed on Fox Sports Midwest at 10.
At the halfway point, and without looking at the schedules, I would say Indy St has the inside track to the No.3 seed. That was a lucky win for them today.
I am a devout Blackhawks fan, so I'm not in that club. Sorry.
Good question. I haven't given it too much thought, but I would think he does. However, Echenique was the DPOY last year and a lot of time the repeat guy gets the nod. Plus, Wichita will start promoting someone for that award seeing they are the best defensive team in the league.
Both Kaza and Johnny Hill really need to put up about a 1,000 shots a day from outside the arc in the offseason. Neither is much of a threat from 3 right now.
Evansville is going to make a big fall in the standings next year. You just don't replace Colt Ryan. Plus, Troy Taylor is a rebounding machine as a 6-foot pt guard. He had 19 in a game this season. 19!!!!!!! Unreal. I've always like Ned Cox, too. Just a tough guy. No, they are going to be hurting next season.
I'm not sure where he could get a better job with a 79-96 record at Evansville. Plus, he is an Evansville alum and loves the place. He's not leaving.
I asked him that earlier this season and he feels Ekey is not an ideal 3 man for his system. He has used Ekey there from time to time, but not much at all. I think the theory is Ekey has a hard time guarding a smaller, quicker guy. Plus, if they are just going with 3 bigs now, they don't want to burn out Ekey at the 3, especially running around and guarding someone like Colt Ryan.
Redbirds starting Kaza instead of Bryant Allen. Kind of surprised about that.
Only thing I know is they won't be short shorts. I go week by week. Hahaha
Allen has been out warming up, so I don't think it's a problem with his ankle. FYI: He has his hair back in a ponytail again instead of the bun.
BA hasn't shot well the last three games, but with the emphasis on defense you would think he would be an automatic start. He's a pretty good on the ball defender. Kaza isn't going to be an upgrade offensively, that's for sure.
I'm not really sure. It must be Allen's ankle flaring up a little bit, but he seemed to be moving OK when I watched them warming up. That will be one of the first postgame questions.
I just told the Evansville reporter I think it will be a one possession game going to the last minute and it's anybody's ball game.
No doubt, they feel a lot better about themselves. Things were a little tense during the skid, but no team is in a good mood when losing all the time.
That's not nice, Buckeye Girl. I can't see without these $1 readers.
Thanks to Redbird Kyle and Buckeye Girl (and hubbie) for providing the questions tonight. We will do again at 6:30 p.m. from Peoria. That's enough, Buckeye Girl!