After Illinois’ deflating 73-68 loss to Northwestern Saturday, Illini head coach Bruce Weber forced his team would take the Barry Bonds approach to the media.
The 20-5 run Illinois allowed NU to go on was the culmination of the floorboards folding underneath the Illini’s season. This team started the Big Ten season with a 4-0 record, but after three straight losses, Tournament hopes are beginning to dwindle and a sense of panic has clearly set in.
Practice won’t be any fun in the days leading up to Illinois’ next game at Penn State on Wednesday. Weber was particularly irked at his players after this loss. He wouldn’t let his players speak with the media after the game — a consequence of their lack of communication, Weber said.
“Until they start talking and taking leadership, they’re not talking to anyone else,” Weber said. “I don’t know when it will end. I hope it ends soon. Somebody’s got to take this team and go with it, but right now, it’s not happening.”
Is this right? It’s allowed, but, in a weird way, I wonder if the players aren’t happier because of this. Talking the media has its pros and cons. Maybe the Illini would rather not have to deal with the media while trying to plug the holes on a sinking ship.
What players might not be happy about — Weber asking the team to go about the captain-naming process in mid-season.
It’s an interesting tactic from Weber, who’s usually pretty affable, so far as I can tell.
Illini players won’t speak until they start ‘taking leadership’ {ChicagoBreakingSports.com}
