Live Blog
Live pregame chat: ISU at DePaul
Chat with Pantagraph sportswriter Jim Benson before the Illinois State men's basketball game.
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Welcome from Allstate Arena in the Chicago western suburb of Rosemont as Illinois State faces DePaul at 3 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on Fox Sports 1. Big challenge today for the Redbirds. DePaul much better team than last season when ISU beat the Blue Demons, 69-64, in Normal. Should be a good one. Ready to answer any questions you might have. Let's get a good dialogue rolling .... -
ISU recruit Roland Griffin, a 6-6 forward from Aurora West, had 22 points and 11 boards on Saturday in a 75-54 victory over Metea. Griffin was suspended two games last week for disciplinary reasons, but returned this week. Griffin and the Blackhawks are playing in the Pontiac Holiday Tournament on Dec. 29-31. Good chance for Redbird fans in Central Illinois to make a short drive to see him. Know the ISU coaches are really excited about him.
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Does Muller wish he hadn't voted the Redbirds ahead of Northern Iowa and Wichita State? Seems kind of dumb. -
I haven't asked him that question. If I had to guess, I would say no. When Dan made that vote, he specifically said he was voting for how final standings would look, not at the present moment. Figured it would take time for team to gel. It's only one month into season, so I guess the jury is still out. I will say I think UNI is going to give Wichita State a run for the title.
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Watched a little of DePaul's game Thursday at George Washington. The Blue Demons didn't play well, rushing a lot of shots. They fell behind by 20 in first half and ended up losing, 81-68. I would think ISU would see a much better effort from Demons on their home court. Watch out for Myke Henry today. Illinois transfer will be up against Teddy Hawkins and MiKyle McIntosh. That should be a battle.
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Has Dan commented on why the zone defense is his main defense? He was a tenacious man to man defender, and Stallings always played man to man. Just wondering where Dan's love of the zone came from...
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Anyone remember the 2005 Elite Eight game between Illinois and Arizona? It was right here at Allstate Arena. That was the best basketball game I have ever covered or seen. The noise level was incredible.
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Muller really liked the zone last year when ISU was forced to play it because of a smaller lineup and wants to see how it translates when he has some length on the court. I don't think a decision has been reached yet which defense will be their main one come MVC time. Probably be more of a combination. They abandoned the zone early vs. Seton Hall. Overall, I asked him about defense on Thursday and he's generally pleased with the zone, especially if it keeps Reggie out of foul trouble. Paris Lee is a good one-on-one defender and Reggie is, too. Other than that, not sure who else is.
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Couple DePaul students behind me drinking some rather tall beer.... early start to fall break.
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Has ISU announced any non-conference games for next season yet?
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With ISU playing DePaul today and going back in time. I believe I am correct that it is the 30th anniversary of the last of the 3 straight NCAA Tournament teams. Are there any plans for ISU to honor those teams? I know Bob Donewald will never set foot in the Arena he built, but it would be nice to recognize the teams that put ISU basketball on the national scene.
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No announcement yet officially on anything for schedule next season. Murray State and UAB will be returning games to Redbird Arena. Also saw Maryland has reported ISU in Cancun Classic with Terps, TCU and Rhode Island. No official word yet from ISU though.
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It is 30th anniversary. I will have to ask ISU people if they will be honoring the players. Haven't heard ... THIS JUST IN.... Will Ransom suspended indefinitely again for conduct detrimental to team. Second time this season. He is with the team here.
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Think ISU can beat New Hampshire? Would love an ISU-NDSU championship game...
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That was really impressive by football team yesterday. I am a believer. ISU will win in New Hampshire and play MVC title game vs. North Dakota State in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 10.
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With what you have seen of McIntosh so far do you think the UAB game is what we can start to expect more of as he gets comfortable?
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Hard to say that for sure, but sometimes it only takes one game for a player to find his comfort zone. McIntosh can be a real difference maker. A 6-7, 235-pound guy who can play inside or outside. He seems to be getting more comfortable at the 4 spot. Facing Myke Henry today will tell a lot about his progress.
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John Jones is going to have to play some significant minutes today, especially against 6-11 Tommy Hamilton IV. With Ransom out, that's a few less fouls ISU has to play with.
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Just saw Vinateri kicked FG for 17-10 lead. My daughter's favorite team. Unfortunately, mine is the Bears. Ugh.
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Remember, game is on Fox Sports 1. I'm sitting behind the basket near ISU bench, in case you seen any player fly over the table.
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Nova game still has 5 mins left on FS1... Gonna miss some of the start it appears...
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Will they start ISU on Fox Sports 2? See they have done that before.
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National anthem time. Thanks for participating everyone. We will do again at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday before UT Martin game at Redbird. Thanks.
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