On Wisconsin: Tough task for Illini

Posted In: Peoria Journal Star Illini
Date: Monday, February 8, 2010

Now for an encore.

After showing off the program on ESPN’s College GameDay and knocking off then-No. 5 Michigan State for its first victory over a top-five team since 2005, Illinois comes back to earth with perhaps the most difficult challenge of the Big Ten Conference basketball season.

In a battle of two teams tied for second in the Big Ten race, Illinois plays Tuesday night at the Kohl Center against No. 11 Wisconsin. The Badgers have lost 10 home games in Bo Ryan’s nine seasons as coach.

“It was a great atmosphere and a great finish to a special day,’’ Illinois coach Bruce Weber said about Saturday’s victory. “We were able to get the victory. It keeps us up in the back and brought Michigan State closer to everyone else.

“Now we have to get our mental thoughts together, get focus back, come out of the clouds a little bit and maybe face a tougher task in Wisconsin at the Kohl Center. We know they’re going to be difficult. They might be playing as well as anybody in the league.’’

With Purdue playing at Michigan State later Tuesday, the Illini or Badgers would climb into a share of first place in the Big Ten with a victory. Wisconsin graduated senior big men Joe Krabbenhoft and Marcus Landry from last year’s team, which tied for fourth in the Big Ten. Wisconsin was picked as low as eighth in the preseason.

The Badgers quickly reminded everyone Ryan has the best winning percentage in Big Ten history, at 71.1 percent. After Wisconsin upset Duke to essentially lift the league to its first win in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, Wisconsin ended Purdue’s undefeated run to start the season.

“How many times does (Ryan) have to prove it?’’ Purdue coach Matt Painter said. “Year after year, they lose guys, and people say they won’t be any good. Year after year, they’re at the top of the Big Ten. It’s like ‘Groundhog Day.’ They do it every year. He’s proven himself.’’

Wisconsin’s 18-game home winning streak is tied with Michigan State for the longest in the Big Ten.

The Badgers have survived the loss of forward Jon Leuer, a junior forward who averaged 15.4 points and 6.2 rebounds, who is out indefinitely with a broken wrist. Ryan has been guarded with news of Leuer’s recovery. Meanwhile, guards Trevon Hughes, Jason Bohannon and Jordan Taylor blossomed when the Badgers went to a three-guard lineup.

In two victories last week, Bohannon posted team highs with 19 points against Michigan State and 18 against Michigan. When Hughes sat down with his second foul just three minutes into the game against Michigan State, Taylor and Bohannon combined to score their team’s next 13. The threesome shot 7-for-9 from the 3-point line in the first half against Michigan.

“They play small ball,’’ Weber said. “These (guards) are really playing well. You’ve got three guys who can all shoot and all create. When (Bohannon) started as a freshman and sophomore, he was just a catch-and-shoot guy. Now he’s coming off screens, shooting pull ups, step backs, fadeaways. His game has advanced. Now Hughes can create, Bohannon can create and Taylor can jump up and shoot it.

“We have a little bit of limitation on how many guys can dribble, pass and create things. Without Leuer, that’s where they’ve become more effective.’’

Creating continuity is about getting players to believe in the coach and system, Ryan said.

“You have to establish what you want and will accept,’’ Ryan said. “You’re the ones with them how many hours, weeks, days and months in college basketball. What you’re doing, you better believe, and you better be committed or the players will pick that up in a second.

“The most valuable asset you have is the ability for the players to believe: ‘This is what we have to do. He ain’t changing.’ It does help to be successful. That’s the only thing I concern myself with. The trust between players and coaches is the most important thing.’’

After limping through a light workout Sunday, Illinois center Mike Tisdale should be OK, he said Monday, after he hyperextended his left knee against Iowa and banged it during a collision with Michigan State.

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.
 

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