Tough love is paying dividends for Illini

Posted In: Peoria Journal Star Illini
Date: Sunday, February 7, 2010

A teacher at heart, Illinois coach Bruce Weber hasn’t given up on teaching these Illini how to play basketball.
With forward Mike Davis showing signs of emerging from a slump and guard Brandon Paul making strides, the Illini found a way to win a big game Saturday as they beat No. 5 Michigan State 78-73 at Assembly Hall. In the process, the Illini showed Weber there still might be something there.
“We had to learn about ourselves,’’ Weber said. “It’s a learning process. Guys had to figure out what college basketball is all about. Maybe we can get to the point where all the guys are playing good basketball at the end.’’
After Weber badgered guard Demetri McCamey into playing at a higher level, Davis and Paul showed signs of improvement. Illinois (16-8, 8-3 Big Ten Conference) plays Tuesday night at No. 16 Wisconsin (18-5, 8-3).
Q: When did Davis’ alarm clock go off?
A: Perhaps it was the excitement from ESPN College GameDay showing up on campus. Davis led the Illini onto the court during the Saturday-morning broadcast, and he played a role in a skit with ESPN’s Digger Phelps. Then Davis came up big against the Spartans. He had 16 points and blocked a 3-point shot that could have tied it with less than 10 seconds left.
“He loves the hype, loves the attention,’’ Weber said. “He came in the office Friday and realized he has to do something. He started talking. He knew he’d better step up and start doing something. He’s so gifted physically. He doesn’t always work as hard as we’d like.
“At least now he’s realized he just can’t come and show up.’’
Davis still had only two rebounds. More than stats, Davis showed Weber the right attitude.
Q: What’s the key for Paul?
A: Patience on offense, but he’s starting to show Weber signs of a strong finish to the season. Paul had eight points and six rebounds against the Spartans, and his steal set up freshman D.J. Richardson with a breakaway dunk and a 64-57 lead with 7:56.
“I told Brandon that he’s really practiced well, but he gets into games and tries to do too much,’’ Weber said. “Let the game come to you. He was a leader early (in the season) ... in taking charges. Do all those things. Get rebounds.
“Maybe he listened. He still had 10 shots in 21 minutes, but they were better shots. He made some huge plays.’’
Paul’s upside and athleticism captivate Weber. Paul likely will get more minutes at the expense of Richwoods graduate Bill Cole, Weber said.
Q: Who impressed Michigan State’s Tom Izzo the most?
A: It was either McCamey or Weber. McCamey had 22 points and 11 assists in arguably the best game of his career. His 3-pointer pushed the Illini lead to 73-68 with 39 seconds left, but his improved leadership caught Izzo’s attention.
“McCamey is twice the player than when he played at our place,’’ Izzo said. “He’s more under control. He’s a much better passer, and he still hit some big shots.
“You’ve got to give Bruce credit. He’s mixed and matched all season, changing that starting lineup. What Bruce did with McCamey early in the year and Davis late in the year, you’ve got to get controversial sometimes. You have to make the tough decisions. You have to give him a lot of credit.’’
John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.
 

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