The Chicago Tribune has an article on the Illini basketball team going through a shooting slump. Here is a little from the article:The Illini's three best perimeter shooters—McCamey, Trent Meacham and Alex Legion—are in shooting slumps of varying degrees the last five games, which includes road losses to two ranked Big Ten teams, Michigan State and Minnesota.
"There's a little hesitation, a little [lack of ] confidence," coach Bruce Weber said. "It's not cutting, getting to the ball, not being aggressive, that's important."If we can get Trent making some shots, get Alex on a roll here . . . we have to be tough to defend."
"Part of that is the offense, screening angles, cutting harder. The passer has to see open guys and attack more."
In the last five games, McCamey has made just 17 of 49 shots, 7 of 30 on threes. "Demetri really sets the tone," Weber said. "I'm not putting pressure on him, but the quick 'threes' [don't] help our team. If he gets in the paint, has seven assists and no turnovers and gets to the free-throw line, we're a much better team."
McCamey's solid 6 of 10 Jan. 24 in the victory over Wisconsin, in which he also made 11 of 12 free throws and scored 25 points, is part of the streak.
"Wisconsin was an effective game for him," Weber said. "He has a tendency to give in to the easier thing, and that's to put up a quick three."
Even though he starts, Meacham has taken only 24 shots in the last five games, and made only five, 3 of 30 on threes.
"I feel like I haven't hit a shot in a month," Meacham said. "Larry Bird said shooting is 80-90 percent mental. It's all about confidence. You have to forget about the last shot and think the next one is going in."
