Friday, April 28, 2006
Breaking News--NCAA Rejects Illinois' Appeal
The NCAA has rejected the appeals submitted by the University of Illinois, University of North Dakota, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. If the appeals had been successful, the schools could have continued to use Indian nicknames or images without penalty. Although the NCAA had previously ruled the Fighting Illini nickname to be okay, this ruling goes against the school's use of the Chief. A fourth school that appealed, Bradley University, has been placed on a five year watch list. For more details, click here or here (Note the comments from the chairman of Illinois' Board of Trustees).
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# posted by Good Hope Orange : 3:54 PM
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Quick Hits
Hello Illini fans. I know it has been a while since we last posted so sorry about that. There really just hasn't been a whole lot to write about and things have been pretty slow on the basketball and football fronts. The football team has completed its spring practices and there has been progress. The team still has a long way to go if they want to compete in the Big Ten, but I continue to be impressed by Coach Ron Zook. I think that if the players continue to work hard over the summer and in training camp, then there is definitely potential for an improved team and a better season than we have seen in several years. Time will tell. With that, here is a quick run down of things you may find of interest:
The BAD:
Shaun Pruitt was arrested for stupidity. No that wasn't the actual charge, but it should have been. Mark Tupper wrote that this was disappointing, unexpected from a guy like Pruitt, and he should have known better. I second those thoughts.
The GOOD:
Three players who impressed this spring and who bring hope for the football team:
Kyle Hudson--An outstanding wide receiver who is also a great baseball player.
The Mendenhall Brothers, Walter and Rashard--Two good running backs to add to an already talented core of Pierre Thomas and E.B. Halsey
Good news for the football program also comes from the Memorial Stadium rehab project, which should make Illinois' facilities as good as anyone's in the nation according to Coach Zook. I even received a "personal" email from him encouraging me to learn more about the Illinois Renaissance.
Finally, good news for the basketball program in an indirect sort of way. Michigan State standout, Shannon Brown, has declared for the NBA draft. He is not hiring an agent so he could still return to school but I certainly wouldn't be disappointed to see him move on to the NBA.
The GREAT:
Eric Gordon, the Illini's top recruit for 2007, gave an interview to the Daily Illini and I think you will see why so many Illini fans are excited to see him in Orange and Blue.
Finally, Illini Day at Wrigley Field is once again upon us. If you are interested in attending, purchase your tickets TODAY!!!!!!! Last year, the event sold out in less than 24 hours!!!!
Until later, GO ILLINI!
P.S. A huge congratulations to Chief and Skinny Sweet Cheeks!!! Oskee Mom Mom, the Illinette, and I are very happy for you and send our best wishes!!!
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The BAD:
Shaun Pruitt was arrested for stupidity. No that wasn't the actual charge, but it should have been. Mark Tupper wrote that this was disappointing, unexpected from a guy like Pruitt, and he should have known better. I second those thoughts.
The GOOD:
Three players who impressed this spring and who bring hope for the football team:
Kyle Hudson--An outstanding wide receiver who is also a great baseball player.
The Mendenhall Brothers, Walter and Rashard--Two good running backs to add to an already talented core of Pierre Thomas and E.B. Halsey
Good news for the football program also comes from the Memorial Stadium rehab project, which should make Illinois' facilities as good as anyone's in the nation according to Coach Zook. I even received a "personal" email from him encouraging me to learn more about the Illinois Renaissance.
Finally, good news for the basketball program in an indirect sort of way. Michigan State standout, Shannon Brown, has declared for the NBA draft. He is not hiring an agent so he could still return to school but I certainly wouldn't be disappointed to see him move on to the NBA.
The GREAT:
Eric Gordon, the Illini's top recruit for 2007, gave an interview to the Daily Illini and I think you will see why so many Illini fans are excited to see him in Orange and Blue.
Finally, Illini Day at Wrigley Field is once again upon us. If you are interested in attending, purchase your tickets TODAY!!!!!!! Last year, the event sold out in less than 24 hours!!!!
Until later, GO ILLINI!
P.S. A huge congratulations to Chief and Skinny Sweet Cheeks!!! Oskee Mom Mom, the Illinette, and I are very happy for you and send our best wishes!!!
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 9:34 AM
Monday, April 10, 2006
Worth a read
We have been thinking about doing some type of tribute to Dee and Augie and still might, but there have been so many others out there doing the same thing that I don't know how much "new" insight we could provide. So we will see.
In the meantime, I came across this tribute to Dee today that I thought was outstanding. I thought it was balanced and insightful with some great points to ponder. Some of you that visit other sites may have already seen it. For those of you that haven't, enjoy.
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In the meantime, I came across this tribute to Dee today that I thought was outstanding. I thought it was balanced and insightful with some great points to ponder. Some of you that visit other sites may have already seen it. For those of you that haven't, enjoy.
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 11:28 AM
Monday, April 03, 2006
And the winner is....
DEE BROWN! Congratulations to Dee on being the winner of the 2006 Bob Cousy Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate point guard. Check out the details as well as comments that Bob Cousy, Coach Weber, and Dee made about this award earlier today at the Basketball Hall of Fame Awards Breakfast in Indianapolis.
EDIT: I neglected to mention in my original posting that Dee also won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, which is presented to the nation's most outstanding male collegian 6'0" and under, who has excelled both athletically and academically. Congrats to Dee on both of his awards. They are well deserved.
As for tonight's National Championship game, your guess is as good as mine as to who will be the winner. I don't really like either team and the only times I have seen them play have been during portions of their tournament games. If you forced me to pick one of the teams to cheer for, I guess it would reluctantly be UCLA. More importantly, I hope it's a good game--if not, I will be changing the channel without hesitation.
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EDIT: I neglected to mention in my original posting that Dee also won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, which is presented to the nation's most outstanding male collegian 6'0" and under, who has excelled both athletically and academically. Congrats to Dee on both of his awards. They are well deserved.
As for tonight's National Championship game, your guess is as good as mine as to who will be the winner. I don't really like either team and the only times I have seen them play have been during portions of their tournament games. If you forced me to pick one of the teams to cheer for, I guess it would reluctantly be UCLA. More importantly, I hope it's a good game--if not, I will be changing the channel without hesitation.
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 3:55 PM
