Wondered the same thing
Wondered the same thing
Like you said, the Tigers are deep. Even more so now that Jason Conley(led the NCAA in pts. as a freshman, scored 19 in 21 minutes in his Tiger debut) and Randy Pulley are eligible. Pulley is the true PG that the Tigers need. But all indications are that Jimmy McKinney will start tonight at PG. McKinney, IMO, is a much better 2 guard. Rickey Paulding is having a tough year so far, but he'll come out of it. Injured his ankle in the season opener, says it's feeling fine now. Arthur Johnson, Travon Bryant and Linus Kleiza should dominate Illinois inside. Don't know if any of you have seen Kleiza yet. Possibly the best freshman in the nation. Monster on the boards, skilled down low, can even stroke the 3. The addition of Conley should reduce Josh Kroenke's minutes. Kroenke's good for a couple 3's and nothing else. He's averaging 29 minutes a game, should be 15 or less.
Mizzou's Problems: Perimiter Defense...Tigers give up way to many open looks. Point guard....Jimmy Mckinney isn't a true PG, doesn't always make the best decisions (3.6 assists. 3.4 TO's per game).
Intangible: Bragging rights....Mizzou starts 4 seniors (should be 3, I hope Conley gets the nod over Kroenke, but i doubt he will) Illinois starts 0. Last chance for Paulding, AJ, Bryant and Kroenke to beat Illinois.
Prediction: Mizzou 88 Illinois 80
Disclaimer: I'm huge Mizzou fan, and rookie capper. Mostly ride coatails. Don't know much about Illinois either.Take my observations with a grain of salt.
