Meyers Leonard and the USA U19 team in the FIBA World Championships, June 30-July 10, Latvia

SaltLife · Jul 7, 2011, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEYPAY

Heck - I won't wait until midseason! I wish we had Tisdale for another year. If he wasn't expected to be the enforcer, he would have been even more of a valuable asset. He was our BEST shooter last year!

Well goody for you! Trouble is he was a center, not a shooting guard, and was expected to be the main defender, intimidator and enforcer in the post. Hey would you be interested in a second hand, life size, autographed poster of Tisdale?

TEYPAY · Jul 7, 2011, 09:54 PM

So - you like Pruitt a lot better (he was the main defender, intimidator and enforcer). That worked out well for that team.

The problem is he was never going to be the enforcer / intimidator. You say he was expected to be that. I NEVER expected him to be that. From his high school days, you could see he would never be that.

bygones are bygones - let's hope this year's team one ups last year (sweet sixteen in the big dance) or even better!

SaltLife · Jul 7, 2011, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEYPAY

So - you like Pruitt a lot better (he was the main defender, intimidator and enforcer). That worked out well for that team.

The problem is he was never going to be the enforcer / intimidator. You say he was expected to be that. I NEVER expected him to be that. From his high school days, you could see he would never be that.

bygones are bygones - let's hope this year's team one ups last year (sweet sixteen in the big dance) or even better!

No Didn't care for Pruitt either, he had his own set of issues too. I would have to go all the way back to Augustine as the last mostly decent center we had at Illinois. I do admit to liking Leonard and Egwu though and believe they hold even more promise eventually than Augustine did. We'll see.
Agree it's all water under the bridge and time to move on. Sweet 16 would be awesome next season and though not expecting it, it's not impossible and I would be tickled to death if this team could get there. Go Illini!

Indicchief · Jul 7, 2011, 10:05 PM

Quote:

and I suspect some people will be looking back fondly at Tisdale come mid-season

Well ............. let us see.

ML is expected - by some experts - to be in the top 16 in a mock NBA draft. "salivate" was the word if I recall right.

MT did not even go in the first two rounds.

And, some among us are expected to remember MT around Dec 2011.

I am inclined to agree that the international play may not help ML. I am pretty sure it will not. However, I trust whatever experience he has gained and the exposure to training this time of the year should help some.

Aobanoniji · Jul 8, 2011, 12:33 AM

Personally. I'm glad to see last year's team finally graduate and we can move on to something else. I'm hoping it's greater but you never know until all the new pieces are on the floor playing together. I think I was just ready for the '07 group to go.

DaytonIllini · Jul 8, 2011, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indicchief

Well ............. let us see.

ML is expected - by some experts - to be in the top 16 in a mock NBA draft. "salivate" was the word if I recall right.

That certainly has nothing to do with his current production or ability. It is merely a projection that a kid that big and strong ought to be able to do something with it.

He might be able to. So far though, not much. Hopefully he can show us something. To date - not so much. But it is awful early in his career to make a call on it. I am just saying that having someone that can score in the post, who has to be defended in the high post opening the lane, and who can defend (he certainly defended better than Meyers) will be missed.

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 06:52 AM

Just playing ball in a competitive environment should theoretically make you better and give you more experience. It's what you do with it that counts.

VTIllini · Jul 8, 2011, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltLife

Well goody for you! Trouble is he was a center, not a shooting guard, and was expected to be the main defender, intimidator and enforcer in the post. Hey would you be interested in a second hand, life size, autographed poster of Tisdale?

Hey, I'll take it if he doesn't want it. What the hell's the matter with you? He did what he could with the tools he had--and is still taking !!!! for it.

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 07:39 AM

The fact is, big, powerful centers are rare. Shooters are not. We tried to make a shooter into a big, powerful center. It didn't work out for one reason or the other. And why it wasn't successful isn't nearly as important as people think. Tisdale's gone now, and having him on the team isn't as important as developing who we have now. You can't deny that while he was here and performing well, he was an asset. So, when you say we'll be wishing Tisdale or X and Y player were still here, what you're really hoping for is the best of that player. The problem is a lack of consistency. That was really the problem with the entire senior class, minus Mike Davis for his last half-season. MD became the consistency we needed to have a strong finish.

That's the only thing I hope to see out of this group of guys: consistently playing hard. I expect some guys to play well and I expect others to struggle. But if they keep working, keep grinding, they can become great.

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 07:43 AM

The Medal Round is about to begin for the USA. Russia is the opponent today.

USA begins with Jackson, Lamb, McDermott, Bell, and Young.

Russia begins with Varnakov, Karasev, Kulagin, Trushkin, and Gudumak.

Live stats here: http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches...50bKLQL1ybo2k/

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:04 AM

After 1, Russia out to a 25-18 lead. The difference so far is behind the arc. Russia shooting a blistering 5-9 from three, while the Americans have missed their first two threes.

Meyers has two blocks and a dunk so far in just under 4 minutes of action. He also has one turnover.

orangekrush117 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:11 AM

Not sure if we can post streams here, but this I found it here online

http://www.oleoletv.com/watch/live/s...ussia-u19.html

Calvin · Jul 8, 2011, 08:17 AM

32-28.

Should be fun to watch ML this year. He didn't do much his FR year, and I don't think he "got" it. From his comments at the end of the year, I think he's matured, and understands a lot better what he needs to do to realize some of that fantastic potential. I think our coaching staff is very very good at developing players who have that mentality, so I'm going to be cautiously optimistic that he can step up and give us some force in the middle, if not decent production this year.

orangekrush117 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:17 AM

solid rebounding by Leonard. I can now see why he doesn't put up big numbers. Most of the shots are jump shots by team USA and they rarely look inside. Either that or they turn it over.

MTILLINOIS · Jul 8, 2011, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botb9

The fact is, big, powerful centers are rare. Shooters are not. We tried to make a shooter into a big, powerful center. It didn't work out for one reason or the other. And why it wasn't successful isn't nearly as important as people think. Tisdale's gone now, and having him on the team isn't as important as developing who we have now. You can't deny that while he was here and performing well, he was an asset. So, when you say we'll be wishing Tisdale or X and Y player were still here, what you're really hoping for is the best of that player. The problem is a lack of consistency. That was really the problem with the entire senior class, minus Mike Davis for his last half-season. MD became the consistency we needed to have a strong finish.

That's the only thing I hope to see out of this group of guys: consistently playing hard. I expect some guys to play well and I expect others to struggle. But if they keep working, keep grinding, they can become great.

Good post.

orangekrush117 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:21 AM

Leonard just took the patented Tisdale jumper from the top of the key. Safe to say he does not have nearly the stroke of Tisdale. Oh, and the russians jump up and celebrate every time they make a basket.

40-30 end of 2nd quarter

Magoo2 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:23 AM

Russia - 38
USA - 30

at the half.

I must have missed something on the delay.

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:24 AM

Meyers is getting his chance to shine here. 9 minutes of play already and has picked up three rebounds. Russia is trying to shoot the Americans out of the gym, now going 8/18 on threes and leading by 10 at half.

US is getting beat in almost every facet here. Outshot, outrebounded, out..everything. The Russians even have more fouls and turnovers but the Americans aren't taking advantage.

Kulagin has played all 20 minutes for the Russians and has game highs in points, rebounds, assists.

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangekrush117

Leonard just took the patented Tisdale jumper from the top of the key. Safe to say he does not have nearly the stroke of Tisdale. Oh, and the russians jump up and celebrate every time they make a basket.

40-30 end of 2nd quarter

Not surprised by this. Would be nice to add that to his game eventually.

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:48 AM

Meyers rebounds his own miss and puts it back to bring the Americans within 4. He just got his first foul, after nearly 12 minutes of play. Better, I'd say.

Americans are 0-6 from three and trail by 7. They just can't close the gap.

orangekrush117 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:53 AM

Solid And 1 by leonard on a sweet left handed post move.

Finishes it off by making the FT to tie it up at 49 apiece.

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 08:59 AM

End of the 3rd period. Americans post a big quarter and lead 53-52 heading into the fourth.

ML: 9 pts, 5 reb, 2 blk, 2 TO, 2 fouls, 4/7 FG in 16 minutes of action.

danielb927 · Jul 8, 2011, 09:07 AM

This is the knockout round, right?

Meyers has 11 points now.

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 09:08 AM

Keith Appling just shot one off the backboard. No wonder he hasn't been playing much.

Botb9 · Jul 8, 2011, 09:09 AM

Americans aren't really running much of an offense. A lot of one- or two-step drives followed by an ill-advised jump shot. Down 4 with 4 minutes left.

Make it down 2 as Leonard drops another one in. He's having arguably his best game of the tournament.

Jul 8, 2011, 08:17 AM	#289
orangekrush117 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,213	solid rebounding by Leonard. I can now see why he doesn't put up big numbers. Most of the shots are jump shots by team USA and they rarely look inside. Either that or they turn it over. Last edited by orangekrush117; Jul 8, 2011 at 08:22 AM.

Jul 8, 2011, 08:23 AM	#292
Magoo2 Location: Springfield, IL Posts: 269	Russia - 38 USA - 30 at the half. I must have missed something on the delay. __________________ The one and only...........

Jul 8, 2011, 09:07 AM	#298
danielb927 Orange Krush Class of 2013 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 3,740	This is the knockout round, right? Meyers has 11 points now. __________________ Illini Pride President 2012-2013 Orange Krush Class of 2013! - Orange Krush Road Trip @ Iowa, Feb. 3, 2010 The views expressed in these posts are solely individual and do not represent the views of any student organizations.

Jul 7, 2011, 09:54 PM	#277
TEYPAY Location: Springfield Posts: 1,134	So - you like Pruitt a lot better (he was the main defender, intimidator and enforcer). That worked out well for that team. The problem is he was never going to be the enforcer / intimidator. You say he was expected to be that. I NEVER expected him to be that. From his high school days, you could see he would never be that. bygones are bygones - let's hope this year's team one ups last year (sweet sixteen in the big dance) or even better!

Jul 8, 2011, 12:33 AM	#280
Aobanoniji Posts: 686	Personally. I'm glad to see last year's team finally graduate and we can move on to something else. I'm hoping it's greater but you never know until all the new pieces are on the floor playing together. I think I was just ready for the '07 group to go.

Jul 8, 2011, 06:52 AM	#282
Botb9 Realist Posts: 3,159	Just playing ball in a competitive environment should theoretically make you better and give you more experience. It's what you do with it that counts.

Jul 8, 2011, 07:39 AM	#284
Botb9 Realist Posts: 3,159	The fact is, big, powerful centers are rare. Shooters are not. We tried to make a shooter into a big, powerful center. It didn't work out for one reason or the other. And why it wasn't successful isn't nearly as important as people think. Tisdale's gone now, and having him on the team isn't as important as developing who we have now. You can't deny that while he was here and performing well, he was an asset. So, when you say we'll be wishing Tisdale or X and Y player were still here, what you're really hoping for is the best of that player. The problem is a lack of consistency. That was really the problem with the entire senior class, minus Mike Davis for his last half-season. MD became the consistency we needed to have a strong finish. That's the only thing I hope to see out of this group of guys: consistently playing hard. I expect some guys to play well and I expect others to struggle. But if they keep working, keep grinding, they can become great.

Jul 8, 2011, 07:43 AM	#285
Botb9 Realist Posts: 3,159	The Medal Round is about to begin for the USA. Russia is the opponent today. USA begins with Jackson, Lamb, McDermott, Bell, and Young. Russia begins with Varnakov, Karasev, Kulagin, Trushkin, and Gudumak. Live stats here: http://www.fibalivestats.com/matches...50bKLQL1ybo2k/

Jul 8, 2011, 08:04 AM	#286
Botb9 Realist Posts: 3,159	After 1, Russia out to a 25-18 lead. The difference so far is behind the arc. Russia shooting a blistering 5-9 from three, while the Americans have missed their first two threes. Meyers has two blocks and a dunk so far in just under 4 minutes of action. He also has one turnover.

Jul 8, 2011, 08:11 AM	#287
orangekrush117 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,213	Not sure if we can post streams here, but this I found it here online http://www.oleoletv.com/watch/live/s...ussia-u19.html

Jul 8, 2011, 08:17 AM	#288
Calvin Posts: 1,611	32-28. Should be fun to watch ML this year. He didn't do much his FR year, and I don't think he "got" it. From his comments at the end of the year, I think he's matured, and understands a lot better what he needs to do to realize some of that fantastic potential. I think our coaching staff is very very good at developing players who have that mentality, so I'm going to be cautiously optimistic that he can step up and give us some force in the middle, if not decent production this year.

Jul 8, 2011, 08:21 AM	#291
orangekrush117 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,213	Leonard just took the patented Tisdale jumper from the top of the key. Safe to say he does not have nearly the stroke of Tisdale. Oh, and the russians jump up and celebrate every time they make a basket. 40-30 end of 2nd quarter

Jul 8, 2011, 08:24 AM	#293
Botb9 Realist Posts: 3,159	Meyers is getting his chance to shine here. 9 minutes of play already and has picked up three rebounds. Russia is trying to shoot the Americans out of the gym, now going 8/18 on threes and leading by 10 at half. US is getting beat in almost every facet here. Outshot, outrebounded, out..everything. The Russians even have more fouls and turnovers but the Americans aren't taking advantage. Kulagin has played all 20 minutes for the Russians and has game highs in points, rebounds, assists.

Jul 8, 2011, 08:48 AM	#295
Botb9 Realist Posts: 3,159	Meyers rebounds his own miss and puts it back to bring the Americans within 4. He just got his first foul, after nearly 12 minutes of play. Better, I'd say. Americans are 0-6 from three and trail by 7. They just can't close the gap.

Jul 8, 2011, 08:53 AM	#296
orangekrush117 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,213	Solid And 1 by leonard on a sweet left handed post move. Finishes it off by making the FT to tie it up at 49 apiece.

Jul 8, 2011, 08:59 AM	#297
Botb9 Realist Posts: 3,159	End of the 3rd period. Americans post a big quarter and lead 53-52 heading into the fourth. ML: 9 pts, 5 reb, 2 blk, 2 TO, 2 fouls, 4/7 FG in 16 minutes of action.

Jul 8, 2011, 09:08 AM	#299
Botb9 Realist Posts: 3,159	Keith Appling just shot one off the backboard. No wonder he hasn't been playing much.

Jul 8, 2011, 09:09 AM	#300
Botb9 Realist Posts: 3,159	Americans aren't really running much of an offense. A lot of one- or two-step drives followed by an ill-advised jump shot. Down 4 with 4 minutes left. Make it down 2 as Leonard drops another one in. He's having arguably his best game of the tournament.