Big Ten basketball, Gene Keady

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Every week Big Ten Network basketball analyst Gene Keady will answer your Big Ten basketball questions. Have a question for Coach Keady? E-mail me at brent.yarina@bigtennetwork.com. Please include your city and state with all questions.

- Brent Yarina

The Keady file: Keady led Purdue to 17 NCAA Tournament appearances and six Big Ten Championships (1984, 1987, 1988, 1994, 1995 and 1996). Keady's 265 Big Ten victories ranks second in Big Ten history. A six-time national coach of the year, Keady retired after the 2004-05 season with a 512-270 record at Purdue. The former president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) also served as an assistant coach on the 2000 United States Olympic gold medal team.

Feb. 27, 2008

Coach, we've got a lot of questions for you this week since you were out sick last Wednesday, so let's dive right into our readers mailbag ...

What are your feelings on the Indiana situation? How does it make you feel being a retired coach of the Big Ten and how does this hurt our great conference? – Craig C.

I think any time people challenge integrity you get disappointed. [Kelvin Sampson] was always a good friend of ours when we were on the NABC board together. It's always disappointing seeing someone have trouble like that. I'm not going to judge anybody because everybody has their problems.

What kind of impact do you think Sampson's troubles will have on the rest of IU's season? – Douglas L.

I think their coaching staff will keep them focused. I think they'll be OK. It might help them, might pump them up a little and make them more motivated.

Do you think most head coaches in Division I are honest and follow the rules of the NCAA? – Matt B.

Pretty much. I think 80 percent of them are, yeah.

What do you think are the chances either Knight or IU will be contacting each other? – Dennis, Owensboro, Ky.

None. He's not going back there. I don't think they'll contact him either.

Considering how big of an IU fan Matt Painter was while growing up, do you think there is any way Indiana could lure him away from Purdue? – Michael M., Bloomington, Ind.

No. Never. He's a converted Boilermaker. Never. Well, you can never say never but that would be the greatest shock on earth if he did.

Given your current position, have you thought of coaching again and if so, could you coach an Indiana University team? – John H.

No [laugh]. I'm not interested in coaching. I'm just interested in doing what I'm doing.

I noticed the other day a lot of coaches wore tennis shoes for the coaches vs. cancer, and some wore sweat suites. So that got me to wonder why basketball coaches wear dress suites? – Chad C., Indianapolis, Ind.

That's a good question. I think it's just a tradition. I can't answer that. George Raveling tried to break that mold up at Iowa several years ago [by wearing black and gold warmups], but it didn't catch on. I think the administration thinks you look more professional in a suit and tie.

Coach K is reported to have said college basketball is doing itself an injustice by promoting these one-and-done players instead of the teams. Do you agree with his viewpoint that we're starting to market college ball like the NBA? Charlie F., Wheeling, Ill.

I don't like that. I think we should go for longevity, have the players develop, get their degrees and have some substance in their lives.

Is Michigan a threat come big ten tourney time? – Sue A., Tyler, Mich.

Yeah, I think so. I think any of the lower six right now has a chance to upset some people. They all have good pieces and if you aren't ready to play for 40 minutes, they can beat you.

Did you notice any difference in the attitude and "coachability" of the kids at the beginning of your career and the end? – Chris D., Traverse City, Michigan

The kids at the beginning of my career were really focused, listened to people and had great respect for authority. Late in my career I thought that was a big disappointment to me, that a lot of them don't listen to people. They were all interested in being NBA players, then when they didn't make it they blamed it on their college coach. They're just not as realistic about life as they were when I first started coaching.

If Purdue, Wisconsin, and IU all happen to win the rest of their Big Tens games they'll finish tied for the conference title. Given this three-way tie, who wins the tiebreaker? – Shawn G., Huntingburg, Ind.

All three teams would get a trophy; they'd all be champions. Now, come the [Big Ten] tournament, the seeding would depend on who beat who in the regular season.

Where do you think Ohio State would be ranked and what would its record be right now if Greg Oden, Mike Conley and Daequan Cook would have returned for their sophomore seasons, asumming they were all healthy? – Erik L., Columbus, Ohio

Oh, they'd be undefeated. They would be leading the league. I also think they'd be No. 1.

So many people talk about how Eric Gordon is going to be "one and done" for the Hoosiers. In all seriousness, is he really ready to go pro? – David C.

I'm not sure any kid is ready to go pro when he is a freshman. The money is going to be so good, he probably won't be able to turn it down.

Unlike when you were coaching, the second division of the Big Ten seems weak. Does the Big Ten need to improve recruiting? – John K.

I think that goes in cycles. If you were a coach in the league, you wouldn't think it was weak. The reason they look weak is a lot of young guys, a lot of freshmen, are playing. There's a lot of youth out there.

You have always done more with less. That to me shows your ability to coach. What is it about you that helps the kids buy into your philosophy? – Jim S.

I think they could trust me. I'm honest with them and I have an enthusiasm for the game. I think people see when you have enthusiasm they'll play for you.

Feb. 13, 2008

Coach, let's start off by talking about your thoughts of the Illinois fans in the Indiana game?

Well, I don't think it's right to throw things at the parents. They threw ice or beads, or whatever it was, that's not right. That's not what team sports are about. Something needed to be said about it and it has been, so it's been corrected.

How about the students' treatment of Eric Gordon?

The students getting on Eric, that's just part of the game. I've seen that done in every gym. I don't like the language they were using. I don't condone that at all.

READERS MAILBAG

Is Purdue the best team in the Big Ten right now? – Nelson S.

I don't think there's any question that right now they are. They're hot. They are playing well, beat two top 10 teams. That's the proof right there. They're doing it with depth, with young guys, and I think Matt [Painter] has to be national coach of the year.

How far do you think this Boilermakers team can go in the NCAA tournament? – Chris R., Mahomet, Ill.

I have no idea. You never know. That's all about matchups. If they get matched up against the right teams, they'll go a long way. If they get matched with the wrong type, a defensive team or a team that's very aggressive offensively, they might get upset in the first game. I'm not a good predictor of that.

What seed do you see Purdue having for the tourney? – Michael B., Fort Wayne, Ind.

I think one of the top four. They'll be a top four at least, and that's be a little conservative.

What does the Boilermakers' improbable upset at Wisconsin do for the national perception of this young team? – Stephen M., West Lafayette, Ind.

I think it makes them aware of the fact that they're pretty darn good. It also gives the committee some faith that they deserve to get a high seed because they've had a pretty good non-conference schedule.

I can definitely see Big Ten titles in the future or even this year, but when Purdue is in the big dance and has to play a team like North Carolina that plays with that run n gun offense, do you think they can keep up with their pace? – Blake O., Bloomington, Ind.
We never could. They always beat us. I don't want to be negative or have them think that they can't because they can if they can shorten the game and get them to play at their pace.

What is the toughest part of coaching? Being on the road away from family or trying to relate to the young men of today? Also, if you were younger would you coach again – Guy G., Washington, Ind.

Being away from your family is easily the hardest. Relating to the players, that is fun. That was never a problem for me.

If you were younger would you be a coach again? – Guy G., Washington, Ind.

I'd probably try to make more money than what I made. I enjoyed coaching; I loved coaching; I still love seeing my ex-players. But if I had to do it all over again, I'd know there's big money out there and go into something like finance. I'm not sure that would make me happy but it would make me more money [laugh].

What would be your strategy to stop the "Big 2" of IU if you were coach? – Gary M., Noblesville, Ind.

We'd probably trap White and play some good post d on him. We'd try to trap him from the other side. And with Eric, we'd try to force him to his left.

With football signing day past us, more questions have been raised with recruiting practices and the "Big Ten Gentleman's Agreement" to lay off players who have committed to a school. What are your views on the unspoken rule, and how does it affect relationships between the schools, coaches and how people view them? – Justin H., Valparaiso, Ind.

Relationships are hurt sometimes because not everyone understands what's going on. I'd like to see the NCAA outlaw any verbal commitments. I just think those are ridiculous. These are 17-, 18-year-old kids, and I don't think they really understand how important integrity and their word is. Your word is your life and your reputation is your life, and that's what you need to keep.

Can you please tell me why the refs barely ever call Eric Gordon for the push off that he does every time he drives the lane? – Alex, West Lafayette, Ind.

I think the supervisor has to make the referees aware of it and go from there. I'm sure he's already done that. It has to come from the top … We all notice it, but you're always looking for something to get an edge on a great player. Michael Jordan used to push off, didn't he? It's one of those things where you aren't going to encourage fouling out the best player in the game.

Do you think that the longer Big Ten schedule will have any effect on how many Big Ten teams get in the NCAA tournament? – John P., East Lansing, Mich.

I think so because you're playing two better teams. It will have quite an impact on it. It will help the RPI of the teams, or at least I hope that's the case.

Feb. 6, 2008

Guess what, Coach? The Purdue fans flooded my inbox again this week, so let's dive right into the readers mailbag ...

The Boilers are leading the Big Ten and are on par with Wisconsin, Michigan State, & Indiana, yet they're still being overlooked by national rankings. What gives?! – Kristin M., Colorado Springs, Colo.

I think they lost to some teams in December that they shouldn't have. Wofford and Iowa State, that hurt them a little bit. But they're getting up there [ranked No. 24 in AP].

During your tenure at Purdue, who was your favorite player? Mine was hands down, Brian Cardinal. – Greg S., Cicero, Ind.

I really like Troy Lewis. He listened, a lot like the coach we have right now [Matt Painter]. He wanted to win, he was very unselfish, very team-oriented.

Who would you compare this Purdue team to from the past, whether another Big Ten team or one of your own at Purdue? – Matt C., Houston, Texas

It's hard to do. This team is very unique. They have a really good personality of their own. I think our '84 team was kind of a sleeper team that kind of snuck up on people. We were picked ninth and won the league. That's probably the best comparison.

Do you think going back in time that this Purdue team is one of the best, maybe up there with your teams with Glenn Robinson? Which team do you think was to you your best? – Jeff C.

No, they aren't even close. They sure are fun to watch. I really like them a lot, but they're not as good as those teams. I think the '94 team was the best while I was there. This team will be up there, maybe not this year, but eventually they will be.

The Boilers are young but play experienced. Do you think they have enough of a bench to finish strong? – Gary M., Jaksonville, Fla.

Yes. If [Keaton] Grant and [E'Twaun] Moore keep shooting like they are, they'll be fine.

If you could put together an all-star team made up of former players, who would you pick? – Todd M., New York

Troy Lewis, Glenn Robinson, Todd Mitchell, Brad Miller and Brian Cardinal. That team would win a national title. They would.

Why do you think Wisconsin seems to always win in the fouls department? Do you think it's something they're doing in practice that enables their players to foul less which other teams aren't doing? – Jason R., Chicago, Ill.

They go inside a lot, post inside and dribble penetrate a lot. They're also very patient so they make you foul them.

Can you talk about the impact that AAU ball has had on recruiting, specifically what has changed in what you look for when you are recruiting young men into the program? – Kevin R., Chandler, Ariz.

It's not as much fun as it used to be because you have to satisfy too many egos. You have AAU coaches, you got posses, you got shoe companies involved with AAU teams, so you aren't just selling to the high school coach and the kid's family. You have to satisfy all these other parties, which means it's not nearly as much fun as it used to be.

My hope is to walk-on to a Division I team, be a practice player if needed, fill in any role that the coach would need. Junior College keeps my goals alive. Do you have any advice as to going about walking onto a program? – Matt T.

I'd go to where a coach wanted me. You don't want to go someplace where they don't really want you. A lot of programs need walk-ons so I'd go with a coach interested in treating everybody the same, being fair and teaching good fundamentals.

Why do you think Indiana is so slack on defense? I have seen them play defense at times so I believe they can do it, but they seem lazy. What does Coach Sampson need to do? – Don C., Salem, Ind.

I don't know not being in practice every day. They played good defense last year, but they are more offensive-oriented now this year. But not being at practice every day, I really can't tell you.

The sudden retirement of your old rival, Bob Knight, was quite a surprise. What memory stands out most for you of all the times you and Coach Knight went toe to toe? – Jacob M., Lafayette, Ind.

I think during the 1984 Olympics when I helped him pick the '84 Olympic Team. That's got to be the best memory I have with him.

Wouldn't it be more consistent for each team to play every other conference team once on the road and once at home? – Mike Y., Eastport, Idaho.

That's the computer at the Big Ten office that does that. Nobody has any control over it. It's a bad rule, everybody should play everybody twice. The computer spits it out and we have to go with it.

Jan. 30, 2008

Before we talk about your Boilermakers big week let's look ahead to Thursday's game between Indiana and Wisconsin. How do you see it playing out?

I think it's going to be a great game. I think it will be a matter of Indiana playing some team defense to slow down Wisconsin's swing offense. Indiana hasn't played the defense they did a year ago, so it will be interesting to see if they can slow all the Wisconsin scoring options. But I also think Wisconsin will have trouble slowing down Indiana's talented players. I don't think they match up with D.J. White, [and] Eric Gordon is hard to curtail. [Armon] Bassett is shooting well and [Jamarcus] Ellis is very versatile. I don't think Wisconsin matches up very well with them.

So it sounds like you're taking Indiana, if you were a betting man?

Uh, it's on the road, so that's a no. I never get too confident with someone playing on the road.

I assume you were watching intently as your Boilermakers upset Wisconsin?

I watched the first half, then I had to go to Indianapolis to give a speech. So I had to listen to the second half on the radio. I didn't get to see it all, but I was really excited for them and for Matt [Painter]. They just kind of hung in there, played some solid defense and stayed tough.

READERS MAILBAG

You always hear about the maxim practice makes perfect. I've always wondered if you were able to predict how your team was going to perform by the type of practice they had during the days before a game? – Eric S., Union, Ky.

I felt you had a better chance of winning if the kids were focused and you didn't have to get on them about practicing hard. If they came out and practiced hard on their own, I felt like, yeah, we had a great chance at winning.

Robbie Hummel has had a great freshman year. How does he compare to some of the other outstanding freshman you have coached. – Stephen M., West Lafayette, Ind.

He's very versatile. He reminds me of Mark Atkinson. He can do it all. He can rebound, plays good d, blocks some huge shots. He's just so versatile.

Have you ever had a kid from one of your camps be a starter on one of your teams? – Robert D., Gurnee, Ill.

Yeah. Glenn Robinson was one, Melvin McCants was another. I can't remember who else. Those are the main two I can remember.

I hear a lot of talk about the 3-point line moving back next year. Which of the Big Ten teams will be most affected by the rule? – Tom R., Akron, Ohio

The ones that shoot it the most [laugh]. I think Iowa likes to shoot it a lot, as does Michigan. Indiana also likes to shoot some 3s. Whoever shoots it the most, will have the most trouble.

Look into your crystal ball and tell us as we go forward who is the team for the next two or three years in the Big Ten? – Mike S., Columbus, Ind.

I'd have to pick Purdue because of their youth and the fact they're winning with young kids right now. They all stay together and don't get big-headed or think they're something they're not.

What do you think Indiana's Eric Gordon needs to do to become a better all-around player? – Gerald S., Remington, Ind.

Play harder, be more intense, have a feel for the game for 40 minutes. He's a very talented player, and I don't think there's any doubt he has a great chance to be a great college player. But beyond on that, I don't know. I just hope he stays in college.

There will be some Big Ten teams that don't make the NCAA tournament but participate in the NIT. What are your thoughts on the NIT and how you addressed playing in it as a coach? – Jerry M., San Antonio, Texas

I thought it was a great advantage for us when we played in it because we had such a young team. It gave us a chance to play in a postseason situation and gave us some more games under our belt. To me it was huge, it was always something we looked forward to doing.

Now that the Boilers are 6-1 in conference, do you think they can win the Big Ten title? – Joe, Elkhart, Ind.

I think they're going to have some troubles with the teams that are older. Teams that have more experience are usually the best come February and March. I wish they could, I hope they could, but I have trouble thinking they can because of their inexperience.

Who out of your former assistants will make the Final Four next? – Kevin W.

I don't know. I hope Matt Painter does. I hope [Vanderbilt's] Kevin Stallings does. I hope Bruce Weber does. One of my assistants made it last year, Alan Majors, at Ohio State. He was one of my managers and now he's an assistant for Thad [Matta]. Naturally, we all want Purdue to go because that's where my loyalty is.

With all the freshmen playing great basketball in the Big Ten this year, who would you put on your All Freshmen Big Ten team? – Pat C., Lansing, Ill.

Of course, [Indiana's] Eric Gordon is on it. [Purdue's Robbie] Hummel, [Purdue's E'Twaun] Moore, probably [Michigan State's Kalin] Lucas and [Ohio State's] Kosta Koufos would have to be on there.

How good do the next few seasons look for Purdue and how much can they improve from where they are now? – Jordan V, Greencastle, Ind.

They can improve tremendously and they probably will under Coach Painter -- because he works so hard on fundamentals. I think the future looks outstanding. They're going to have a chance to become a national power if they keep improving like this.

Jan. 23, 2008

Well, Coach, Purdue won two more games to move to 4-1 since the last time we talked. Are they contenders for the conference title?

I thought Purdue made a surge and showed that they can be in the top tier, where as I wasn't so sure before. But Indiana and Michigan State are probably still considered the two strongest candidates to win the [Big Ten] championship, with Indiana at this point being considered the best.

How has Purdue gotten it done with such a young team?

I think they're buying into what Coach [Matt] Painter is telling them about team defense and listening to him about what plays to run. It looks like they have some good chemistry; they all seem to get along real good. They're all on the same page and are playing some great team ball.

Are you getting a kick out of watching your former team succeed?

It's fun to watch. I've seen every team play a lot, but I think Purdue is the funnest team to watch. Of course I'm biased, but I enjoy watching them the most. They play good team ball, play hard-nosed defense and they really play together.

READERS MAILBAG

How good do you think Purdue can be at the end of the season and in seasons to come? – Andrew W., Indianapolis, Ind.

I think they're going to be somewhat better at the end of this season. They're learning how to win games, that's a big plus. A lot of teams don't know how to put people away when they have a chance to win. Matt [Painter] said it best when he said they're good enough to be in the NCAA [tournament] but that they may not get in because the [competitive] Big Ten might not let them in. If they do get in, I'm not sure they're a strong candidate to go very far. But in the future, I think they have a great shot at being really good. They have a chance to have some fun in the coming years.

How would Iowa's season be different if Tyler Smith hadn't transferred? – Charlie C., Des Moines, Iowa

I think it would be a lot different. He would be a go-to guy. I think they probably would have won five or six more games.

Considering Matt Painter's knowledge of the game and the connection he seems to have with his players, what was your reason for hiring former players as coaches before him? – Michael C., Rosemount, Minn.

What I wanted him to do, because I could see he was going to be a good candidate to be a great coach, was go around and work as an assistant in other venues and see other ideas from other coaches. And he did that. I think that really rounded out his career where he could become a great coach. When Purdue came open, I thought he was the perfect fit for it. I just thought he was too young back then.

What are your thought about coaching in Williams Arena? – Scott M., Rosemount, Minn.

I thought it was always fun because the players liked playing on that floor -- it has a lot of spring to it and the rims always seemed to be really loose. That helped you shoot better and you could always hang around [the basket] to get some putbacks because the ball didn't spring way out away from the rim. The fans were always great, too, because they were always loud and making humorous remarks.

What is your most memorable or humorous moment when coaching? – Alan D., New Braunfels, Texas

There used to be a president at Michigan State, and when he retired he sat behind the visitors bench and made remarks about players. He would say things like, "Hey, John Brugos, you might want to move down closer to Coach Keady so he knows you're on the team. Maybe that way he'd put you in the game." I'd have to say that was the funniest, just because it was so unusual to hear it come from a president.

Bob Knight getting his 900th win got me thinking: What's something you all in the coaching fraternity know about him that we don't know? – Cathy G., Chicago, Ill.

He helps young coaches develop their careers and he's really about graduating his players. And of course, he's always fun to be around because you don't know what's coming next. I like him because I'm always waiting to see what he does next.

Out of the three new coaches in the Big Ten, who will be the first to win a regular season Big Ten championship? – Dean H., Rockwell City, Iowa

They all got a chance to do that because they're all good coaches. My pick would be Tubby [Smith], probably because he is my good friend. I really like Todd [Lickliter] and I really like [John] Beilein, but because of Tubby's experience at this level, it will probably be him.

Is Michigan State overrated, or can we make the Final Four this season? – Alan D., New Braunfels, Texas

I think they have a chance to make the Final Four if [Drew] Neitzel can become more consistent with his scoring and if their big guys stay tough on the boards and tough on defense. If those things happen, then they have a real good shot at the Final Four.

Jan. 16, 2008

Tell me your thoughts on the Big Ten thus far:

I think the teams we thought were going to be pretty good are pretty good. Indiana looks like the most talented team, but I think the team that may take it all is Wisconsin. They're really playing well right now; they're just so consistent. We all thought Illinois was going to make a run for it, but they're struggling with their free throws.

What about your old team, Purdue?

If they can win at Iowa [Wednesday], they will be in the hunt. I'm not sure they're old enough to stay in the hunt, though. I sure hope they can, but either way they've been a team that's done a lot better than people thought.

How does Bo Ryan continue to get it done at Wisconsin?

The thing is their offense is so patient. They are so flexible on offense that it allows everyone a chance to score with a variety of shots. If you're strength is a 3-point shooter, eventually you'll end up outside to shoot a 3. If you're strength is a post-up man, you'll end up posting up. And if you're strength is a 12-foot jump shoot, you'll get the 12-foot jump shot.

Biggest surprise in the conference so far?

You kind of caught me off guard with that one. I'd have to say Wisconsin. They don't have a star. They have a lot of good players who play their role. As far as a player, I'd have to say [Jamar] Butler. He's done a nice job transitioning to the point guard position after playing the 2 last year with Mike Conley, Jr. there. Before [Ohio State] lost to Purdue, I thought Butler was the MVP. But I have to rethink that one now.

How about the biggest disappointment?

Right now, that would have to be Illinois. Illinois is a program where they always expect to be in the running for the championship. They have not done the things they thought they would do because of their free-throw percentage.

Everybody knows about Eric Gordon, who do you compare his game to?

We talk about that a lot here, and you know what, he may not have the quickness on defense that Isiah Thomas had, but at his age he's a better shooter. A lot of people are comparing him to Isiah because he can really shoot the ball.

Speaking of Eric Gordon, what are your thoughts about the NBA rule that requires players to spend one year in college?

I don't like it. I sort of liked it at first, because it meant they had to go to school for a year. But the biggest problem with it is come second semester, they quit going to classes. It's a wasted time educationally. I wish the rule was like football and baseball had it, that once you enroll in a school you're there until your junior year. Any rule they've made about basketball players leaving early hasn't been a good one. We haven't figured that one out yet.

Would you recruit a one-and-done player like Eric Gordon or Michael Beasley?

Oh sure. I think you have to recruit the best players you can. It's been proven you can win a national title with freshmen. You want the best talent you can get, and if you can get a kid like that, I'd go after him.

How does the Geary Claxton injury affect the Big Ten, in particular Penn State?

Any time you take anyone's best player out of the lineup, it really hurts them. If there is any positive about it, and you hate to think that there is, it will be that their young players will get a chance to play more. I feel sorry for the kid, sorry for Ed [DeChellis]. I really thought they were going to have a good year this season. It's just one those things you don't want to see happen to anybody.

Do you think Claxton has a future in the NBA?

Oh yeah. If he can gain a little weight and work on his shooting, he has a great shot at it.

What would you tell Illinois fans during these tough times?

Be patient. Whatever they are doing, Coach [Bruce] Weber is trying to get it right. He's a great coach, he's going to do things to get better. Don't count them out, because [the fans] will. I wouldn't give up on them yet. He'll get things figured out if [the players] listen to him. If they don't get it done this year, they'll be back next year.

Who's going to lose first: Indiana or Wisconsin?

I think maybe Indiana will get beat first. Right now, that's what I think just based off the schedules.

A Big Ten team has made the Final Four two of the past three years. Will it happen again?

Sure. I think if they get in the right region they have a chance. But a lot of that has to do with matchups. I think we certainly have some teams. I think Indiana can get there. I think Michigan State can get there. I also think Wisconsin can get there, where as a month ago I didn't think that about Wisconsin. But they beat Texas at Texas and have been playing so well lately.

Is there something you see on tape that explains Drew Neitzel's recent struggles?

I don't think anybody knows that. I think if anyone knew it, Coach Izzo would get it figured out. I think he might be pressuring himself too much, maybe a lack of confidence. But he's also dishing it to those freshmen a lot.