Thursday, June 29, 2006
Eric Gordon schools Coach K
According to this Indy Star story, Coach K decided it was his patriotic, noble duty to call out gold-plated Illini recruit Eric Gordon for playing for the Indiana Junior All-Stars instead of training with USA basketball's 18-and-under program in San Antonio.
Here are K's quotes:
"Eric Gordon is an outstanding player and should actually be here," Krzyzewski is quoted as saying in the Wednesday story, adding he hoped eventually "the people who run those all-star games would understand that it's more important to play for your country."
Krzyzewski said he didn't blame Gordon specifically, but added: "If a kid gets an opportunity to play for his country, whether you're playing at the Nike camp, the Adidas camp or the Indiana-Kentucky all-star (series), it should be no decision."
Here is Gordon's response:
"It doesn't bother me at all," he said of Krzyzewski's comments. Asked if he thought his choice of Illinois over Duke had anything to do with it, Gordon said, "Probably. When I talked to (Duke), they said I was their No. 1 target. When I chose Illinois over them, they were probably shocked."
A couple quick points:
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Here are K's quotes:
"Eric Gordon is an outstanding player and should actually be here," Krzyzewski is quoted as saying in the Wednesday story, adding he hoped eventually "the people who run those all-star games would understand that it's more important to play for your country."
Krzyzewski said he didn't blame Gordon specifically, but added: "If a kid gets an opportunity to play for his country, whether you're playing at the Nike camp, the Adidas camp or the Indiana-Kentucky all-star (series), it should be no decision."
Here is Gordon's response:
"It doesn't bother me at all," he said of Krzyzewski's comments. Asked if he thought his choice of Illinois over Duke had anything to do with it, Gordon said, "Probably. When I talked to (Duke), they said I was their No. 1 target. When I chose Illinois over them, they were probably shocked."
A couple quick points:
- No one in their right mind will believe Coach K-being the true patriot he is-is upset that Gordon is not fulfilling his duty to his country. He is upset that Duke missed out on Gordon and wants to get his grubby AmEx hands on Gordon before the signing period.
- What is Coach K doing commenting on an unsigned recruit to the media before the signing period? Perhaps the NCAA should investigate. Oh wait, they're too busy imposing their out-of-control PC will on universities they don't like.
- In case you hadn't figure it out, Coach K is a whiner. This article only confirms it.
- Eric Gordon=class act. Major props to Eric for responding to the Great Coach K with poise, dignity and maturity. You just showed who's the adult and who's the child.
Reunited
I just might have to make my way over to the United Center the next time the Utah Jazz come to town to play the Bulls. If you are wondering why, then that means you missed the NBA draft last night. Dee Brown was reunited with his running mate, Deron Williams, when the Jazz selected him with the 46th pick. Earlier, James Augustine was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 41st pick.
For more analysis on what the future holds for Dee and James in the NBA as well as their reactions and comments from Coach Weber, check out Mark Tupper's blog plus this article from Illiniboard.com.
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For more analysis on what the future holds for Dee and James in the NBA as well as their reactions and comments from Coach Weber, check out Mark Tupper's blog plus this article from Illiniboard.com.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
The Chief Lives (at least for one more year)
The University of Illinois plans to keep the Chief around for at least one more year according to the Associated Press. Mark Tupper has also posted on his blog the highlights from his recent discussion with Ron Guenther, Illinois' Athletic Director.
The current plan is for the Chief to perform at football games this fall and possibly volleyball and basketball games as well. Because of the uncertainty of the Chief's fate, this is a great opportunity to make sure you get to see him again in an official capacity. We sincerely hope this won't be the last time.
P.S. The NBA Draft is tomorrow. Check out today's article in USA Today on Dee. To Dee and Augie, we wish you each good luck--We are rooting for you both to be picked in the first round!!!
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The current plan is for the Chief to perform at football games this fall and possibly volleyball and basketball games as well. Because of the uncertainty of the Chief's fate, this is a great opportunity to make sure you get to see him again in an official capacity. We sincerely hope this won't be the last time.
P.S. The NBA Draft is tomorrow. Check out today's article in USA Today on Dee. To Dee and Augie, we wish you each good luck--We are rooting for you both to be picked in the first round!!!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
He's gonna look good in orange and blue!
|Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Update on the Chief
There is no breaking news or anything, but the News-Gazette has an update on the Chief situation in today's paper. It provides a nice overview of what is occurring behind the scenes as the university works to find a "consensus solution."
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Monday, June 12, 2006
Augustine draft update
Nice article on James in the Chicago Tribune this past Saturday. I am glad to hear he is going to work out for the Bulls! Also, a very brief mention of Dee at the end of the article but nothing new.
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Friday, June 02, 2006
Dee and James Draft Update Mention
Good afternoon Illini fans. I know it has been a while since either of us posted but we hope all is well with each of you. I don't have much time to write but I wanted to provide you with a link to a Chicago Tribune article today that provided a brief update on Dee and James with regards to the NBA Draft.
I know there is all kinds of information floating around out there and we will likely cover the draft in more detail as it gets closer. For now, I thought I would pass this story along (Dee and James are discussed in the latter half of the story). Sounds like they both still have a shot at being a first round pick.
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I know there is all kinds of information floating around out there and we will likely cover the draft in more detail as it gets closer. For now, I thought I would pass this story along (Dee and James are discussed in the latter half of the story). Sounds like they both still have a shot at being a first round pick.