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Let's break down Team Bruce Weber from my fantasy draft of my 30 favorite Illinois men's basketball players of my 30-year fandom!
Team Weber
PG: Marcus Domask (#9 Overall Pick)
SG: Luther Head (#4 Overall Pick)
SF: Sergio McClain (#16 Overall Pick)
PF: Mike Davis (#28 Overall Pick)
C: Robert Archibald (#21 Overall Pick)
Team Weber
PG: Marcus Domask (#9 Overall Pick)
SG: Luther Head (#4 Overall Pick)
SF: Sergio McClain (#16 Overall Pick)
PF: Mike Davis (#28 Overall Pick)
C: Robert Archibald (#21 Overall Pick)
Draft Recap
Head Coach Bruce Weber began by picking one of his three superstar guards from the 2005 National Runner Up, Luther Head, who will be the unquestioned go-to guy on this team. Weber pulled off a bit of a surprise in the second round, selecting four-year SIU Saluki and one-year Illini Marcus Domask. Weber added bulldog Sergio McClain as a lead defender and connector on offense during the third round and then followed up with some more toughness down low, with big man Robert Archibald in the fourth round. With the choice of either Mike Davis, Tyler Griffey or Marcus Arnold as a power forward in the fifth round, Weber chose the most athletic of the three, Davis, a three-year starter for the Illini coach.
One-Word Description of This Team: STEADY!
Weber will not have to worry too much about the effort on this team as Domask and McClain are heady ballplayers who will do whatever it takes to win while Head and Archibald play with an edge. Davis is more of a finesse player who is a crafty scorer despite not having the most girth. Weber works best with overachievers, which Domask, McClain, Davis and Archibald represent, while having a track history of getting the most out of Head during their two seasons together. This team should not have any issues sharing and moving the basketball. McClain, Head and Archibald will provide tough defense while Domask and Davis will play hard on that end.
Concerns: Lack of a Point Guard, Outside Shooting, Lack of a Big to Stretch the Floor, Team Speed
Weber is confident that Domask and McClain will be able to share point guard duties in the half court. While Head is a sniper from three, Domask and McClain can be a bit erratic from the outside. Both players figure to get baskets off post ups. Davis can shoot from the mid-range in, but neither Archibald or he can step out and hit the three. With the exception of Head and Davis, this is not a very swift team that could struggle with more athletic opponents.
Head Coach Bruce Weber began by picking one of his three superstar guards from the 2005 National Runner Up, Luther Head, who will be the unquestioned go-to guy on this team. Weber pulled off a bit of a surprise in the second round, selecting four-year SIU Saluki and one-year Illini Marcus Domask. Weber added bulldog Sergio McClain as a lead defender and connector on offense during the third round and then followed up with some more toughness down low, with big man Robert Archibald in the fourth round. With the choice of either Mike Davis, Tyler Griffey or Marcus Arnold as a power forward in the fifth round, Weber chose the most athletic of the three, Davis, a three-year starter for the Illini coach.
One-Word Description of This Team: STEADY!
Weber will not have to worry too much about the effort on this team as Domask and McClain are heady ballplayers who will do whatever it takes to win while Head and Archibald play with an edge. Davis is more of a finesse player who is a crafty scorer despite not having the most girth. Weber works best with overachievers, which Domask, McClain, Davis and Archibald represent, while having a track history of getting the most out of Head during their two seasons together. This team should not have any issues sharing and moving the basketball. McClain, Head and Archibald will provide tough defense while Domask and Davis will play hard on that end.
Concerns: Lack of a Point Guard, Outside Shooting, Lack of a Big to Stretch the Floor, Team Speed
Weber is confident that Domask and McClain will be able to share point guard duties in the half court. While Head is a sniper from three, Domask and McClain can be a bit erratic from the outside. Both players figure to get baskets off post ups. Davis can shoot from the mid-range in, but neither Archibald or he can step out and hit the three. With the exception of Head and Davis, this is not a very swift team that could struggle with more athletic opponents.
Overall Thoughts
Weber has built a team with a high floor, low ceiling, though Head could carry this team to its maximum heights. Weber's team figures to be tough on both ends of the half court, one that will grind down opponents and dictate its style of play. This team has a high basketball IQ, and like Kruger's team, the sum should be greater than the parts. McClain is an ultimate winner, who will make sure things are connected on both ends, while Domask is a sneaky good #2 option. Weber built this team based on his identity, rather than chasing the most talent, and that should bode well for a coach who can X and O quite well with intelligent players.
Weber has built a team with a high floor, low ceiling, though Head could carry this team to its maximum heights. Weber's team figures to be tough on both ends of the half court, one that will grind down opponents and dictate its style of play. This team has a high basketball IQ, and like Kruger's team, the sum should be greater than the parts. McClain is an ultimate winner, who will make sure things are connected on both ends, while Domask is a sneaky good #2 option. Weber built this team based on his identity, rather than chasing the most talent, and that should bode well for a coach who can X and O quite well with intelligent players.
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