Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Time to stop the bleeding
I’ve been wanting to post this for some time and with the recent news regarding recruiting, Jamar Smith and Quinton Watkins, now is the perfect time. Please note these are my personal opinions, not those of Good Hope Orange or Alma Mater. Below is my opinion on the current state of play for the Illinois hoops program and what needs to be done to right the ship.
Bruce Weber is a fantastic basketball coach. You don’t lead a team to the national championship game without being good at the x’s and o’s. Nor can you get there without great players. Weber had both. Hence his success.
However, since the title game against North Carolina, if there is anything else conceivable that could have gone wrong, I’m not sure what it is. Even though much of what has happened can’t be pinned completely on Weber, it’s time for Ron Guenther to step in and stop the bleeding. This program can still be successful with Weber at the helm but there needs to be a few course corrections in order to get there.
The biggest issue is recruiting. Many of the misses aren’t Weber’s fault. But that doesn’t change the reality that Illinois is two years removed from an appearance in the national championship game, an event that should have propelled the program’s recruiting ability into the upper echelon of programs nationwide.
Therefore it’s not unreasonable, in the wake of the magical 04-05 season, for fans and the university administration (of which Ron Guenther is a part) to expect Illinois to be in competition for the Big Ten title most every year and within striking distance of the Final Four every few years.
However, this is not the case.
It’s important to give a coach the benefit of the doubt. So I’ll use the premise that Weber did all he could with the Eric Gordon situation. However, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s consequences are extremely damaging.
Therefore, recruiting for the ‘08 class is a true measure of Weber’s capability in this area and so far the results are borderline disastrous as almost all of Illinois’ top targets, even those from within the state, have decided to play elsewhere. Two of them (one a legacy) are even headed out to Oregon.
Illinois’ current and future rosters consist of a hodgepodge of three-star recruits and JUCO players. Some of these players may turn out to do pretty well for Illinois but they are not the top flight players who don’t need insurance policies that Illinois should be getting.
Therefore, it’s not unreasonable, especially given the talent other Big Ten programs like Michigan State and Ohio State are bringing in, to expect Illinois to finish somewhere near the middle of the Big Ten pack the next few years. At a bare minimum we cannot expect Big Ten title runs year in and year out and the occasional Final Four, which, in this fan’s opinion, should be expected given the recent title run.
So what to do? It is time for Ron Guenther to step in and hire a Jimmy Collins-type recruiting assistant for the basketball program. This is the only way to stop the current bleeding.
It doesn’t matter if the current situation isn’t completely Weber’s fault. It doesn’t even matter if it was mostly out of his control. There is no more room for error. Without a course correction and a drastic improvement in recruiting the Illinois basketball program is going to be fighting to stay in the middle of the Big Ten standings year in and year out.
This should not be acceptable to anyone. Not to the fans. Not to the coaches. Not to the university administration. No one. Especially given the recent success of the program.
And, the ultimate success of the program should be laid at the feet of Guenther, who should have been aware of Weber’s recruiting contacts and prowess when he was hired. If he wasn’t, there is a problem with the athletic director.
Speculation time: Will this happen? I doubt it. My impression could be wrong and I would be happy if it is but both men don’t exactly seem to be open to change. Again, I hope I’m wrong.
Which leads me to the next situation: Jamar Smith.
Jamar Smith was convicted of a felony. I realize he has apologized for what he did but that doesn’t change the fact that Weber and Guenther were the ones fighting to have someone convicted of a felony stay on the team, even if he does have to redshirt a year. Therefore, what makes Illinois any different than the Miami Hurricane football teams of the 80’s or Bob Huggins’ Cincinnati basketball teams?
Nothing.
If this kind of publicity doesn’t make them wince, they must not care about the image of the university. I’d be awfully surprised if fans aren’t getting tired of seeing national headlines like this.
I realize all situations are different and sometimes folks deserve a second chance but this is a poor precedent to set for the university and the students, not only because of the DUI but because Jamar Smith is underage. I cannot think of an absolutely worse standard to set for a state university where it’s already difficult to control the booze flow, especially among those who are underage, than to let a high-profile athlete who is under 21 stay on the team after he commits a DUI.
The message this sends to students and student athletes is there are no consequences for their actions and as an alum I’m disgusted by it. Unfortunately this is the latest in a long string of problems our players have had with the law and until a tougher standard is employed, I’m afraid it won’t be the last.
In conclusion, it’s time for Ron Guenther to make a very serious mid-course correction in the Illinois basketball program and hire a recruiter who will close the Illinois border and bring the state’s best players to Champaign.
Guenther and Weber should also rethink their policy for Jamar Smith or at least toughen their policies in the future.
The ultimate success of Illinois basketball hinges on these two issues.
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Bruce Weber is a fantastic basketball coach. You don’t lead a team to the national championship game without being good at the x’s and o’s. Nor can you get there without great players. Weber had both. Hence his success.
However, since the title game against North Carolina, if there is anything else conceivable that could have gone wrong, I’m not sure what it is. Even though much of what has happened can’t be pinned completely on Weber, it’s time for Ron Guenther to step in and stop the bleeding. This program can still be successful with Weber at the helm but there needs to be a few course corrections in order to get there.
The biggest issue is recruiting. Many of the misses aren’t Weber’s fault. But that doesn’t change the reality that Illinois is two years removed from an appearance in the national championship game, an event that should have propelled the program’s recruiting ability into the upper echelon of programs nationwide.
Therefore it’s not unreasonable, in the wake of the magical 04-05 season, for fans and the university administration (of which Ron Guenther is a part) to expect Illinois to be in competition for the Big Ten title most every year and within striking distance of the Final Four every few years.
However, this is not the case.
It’s important to give a coach the benefit of the doubt. So I’ll use the premise that Weber did all he could with the Eric Gordon situation. However, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s consequences are extremely damaging.
Therefore, recruiting for the ‘08 class is a true measure of Weber’s capability in this area and so far the results are borderline disastrous as almost all of Illinois’ top targets, even those from within the state, have decided to play elsewhere. Two of them (one a legacy) are even headed out to Oregon.
Illinois’ current and future rosters consist of a hodgepodge of three-star recruits and JUCO players. Some of these players may turn out to do pretty well for Illinois but they are not the top flight players who don’t need insurance policies that Illinois should be getting.
Therefore, it’s not unreasonable, especially given the talent other Big Ten programs like Michigan State and Ohio State are bringing in, to expect Illinois to finish somewhere near the middle of the Big Ten pack the next few years. At a bare minimum we cannot expect Big Ten title runs year in and year out and the occasional Final Four, which, in this fan’s opinion, should be expected given the recent title run.
So what to do? It is time for Ron Guenther to step in and hire a Jimmy Collins-type recruiting assistant for the basketball program. This is the only way to stop the current bleeding.
It doesn’t matter if the current situation isn’t completely Weber’s fault. It doesn’t even matter if it was mostly out of his control. There is no more room for error. Without a course correction and a drastic improvement in recruiting the Illinois basketball program is going to be fighting to stay in the middle of the Big Ten standings year in and year out.
This should not be acceptable to anyone. Not to the fans. Not to the coaches. Not to the university administration. No one. Especially given the recent success of the program.
And, the ultimate success of the program should be laid at the feet of Guenther, who should have been aware of Weber’s recruiting contacts and prowess when he was hired. If he wasn’t, there is a problem with the athletic director.
Speculation time: Will this happen? I doubt it. My impression could be wrong and I would be happy if it is but both men don’t exactly seem to be open to change. Again, I hope I’m wrong.
Which leads me to the next situation: Jamar Smith.
Jamar Smith was convicted of a felony. I realize he has apologized for what he did but that doesn’t change the fact that Weber and Guenther were the ones fighting to have someone convicted of a felony stay on the team, even if he does have to redshirt a year. Therefore, what makes Illinois any different than the Miami Hurricane football teams of the 80’s or Bob Huggins’ Cincinnati basketball teams?
Nothing.
If this kind of publicity doesn’t make them wince, they must not care about the image of the university. I’d be awfully surprised if fans aren’t getting tired of seeing national headlines like this.
I realize all situations are different and sometimes folks deserve a second chance but this is a poor precedent to set for the university and the students, not only because of the DUI but because Jamar Smith is underage. I cannot think of an absolutely worse standard to set for a state university where it’s already difficult to control the booze flow, especially among those who are underage, than to let a high-profile athlete who is under 21 stay on the team after he commits a DUI.
The message this sends to students and student athletes is there are no consequences for their actions and as an alum I’m disgusted by it. Unfortunately this is the latest in a long string of problems our players have had with the law and until a tougher standard is employed, I’m afraid it won’t be the last.
In conclusion, it’s time for Ron Guenther to make a very serious mid-course correction in the Illinois basketball program and hire a recruiter who will close the Illinois border and bring the state’s best players to Champaign.
Guenther and Weber should also rethink their policy for Jamar Smith or at least toughen their policies in the future.
The ultimate success of Illinois basketball hinges on these two issues.
Labels: Bruce Weber, Illinois basketball, Jamar Smith, Quinton Watkins, Ron Guenther
# posted by Chief : 8:15 AM
Friday, August 24, 2007
AAARRRGGGHHH!!! JUST GET IT DONE!
The bickering between the Big Ten Network and Comcast Cable continues as you will read in Teddy Greenstein's update in the Chicago Tribune today. The good news from my perspective is that the BTN is still optimistic about deals with other cable providers and Dish Network, which I have at home. I have called them already to encourage them to carry the BTN and if you would like to call your provider to do the same, call 1-866-WANT-B10.
With regards to Comcast and the BTN, today's article pretty much makes both of them sound like little kids who are whining and can't figure out how to play together. You know what, sit down like grown-ups and work it out. Surely you can come to some sort of agreement that is acceptable to both sides.
On a different note, please let me comment on Alma Mater's post entitled "Crime and Punishment," since she asked for our thoughts on the Jamar Smith situation. When I read yesterday's Trib article on the situation, I was pretty pleased with the decision. I did not support letting him play this year but I also did not want him to be kicked off of the team for good. The redshirt is a good middle of the road option. It punishes him but gives him a chance to get his life together. If he does that well, then he will be back with the team. If he does it poorly, the university still has the option to keep him off of the team permanently. I realize that the situation with the football team was handled differently, but I think the coaches and administration have to examine each situation on its own merits and then make the best decision they can off of the information available. I don't think a "one size fits all" policy is the best way to go in these situations and I am pleased with the end result as it currently stands.
One last thing for today--here is the latest on the Illini's trip for the tournament in Canada.
Have a good weekend and GO ILLINI!
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With regards to Comcast and the BTN, today's article pretty much makes both of them sound like little kids who are whining and can't figure out how to play together. You know what, sit down like grown-ups and work it out. Surely you can come to some sort of agreement that is acceptable to both sides.
On a different note, please let me comment on Alma Mater's post entitled "Crime and Punishment," since she asked for our thoughts on the Jamar Smith situation. When I read yesterday's Trib article on the situation, I was pretty pleased with the decision. I did not support letting him play this year but I also did not want him to be kicked off of the team for good. The redshirt is a good middle of the road option. It punishes him but gives him a chance to get his life together. If he does that well, then he will be back with the team. If he does it poorly, the university still has the option to keep him off of the team permanently. I realize that the situation with the football team was handled differently, but I think the coaches and administration have to examine each situation on its own merits and then make the best decision they can off of the information available. I don't think a "one size fits all" policy is the best way to go in these situations and I am pleased with the end result as it currently stands.
One last thing for today--here is the latest on the Illini's trip for the tournament in Canada.
Have a good weekend and GO ILLINI!
Labels: Big Ten Network, Canada, Comcast, Illini basketball, Jamar Smith
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 10:38 AM
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Crime and Punishment
It's official. Jamar Smith will be redshirted and sit out the 2007-08 season as part of his punishment for the DUI and accident convictions from late last season. He will be allowed to rejoin the team if he meets specific obligations, which aren't included in the official release.
More details will likely come, but we have a decision that coincides with the beginning of fall classes, as promised. There is no question that Jamar made an incredibly stupid decision and endangered the life of a teammate and friend. (Unfortunately, I'm sure others have made similar stupid decisions and gotten away with it, but that's not the point.)
Jamar has dealt with the legal consequences of his conviction, and now faces consequences in his athletic career. So is this fair? I think sitting out a year has merit as a punishment. He will have the opportunity to decide for himself if he will change his habits and meet his obligations. He will have time to feel the pain of his decisions, and yet he has an opportunity to earn another chance, if his actions match his words. And yet, being off the team for good would be acceptable, as well. After all, there are a couple talented football receivers that made stupid choices and didn't get another chance at Illinois, and we don't know that they so clearly endangered the lives of others.
This is an interesting topic, as a NFL QB Michael Vick faces punishment for pleading guilty to federal dogfighting charges. As this blogger points out, not everyone gets another chance. He will deal with legal and NFL consequences, but he won't be the first or last to be in this type of situation.
What should penalties and punishment look like at the college level? Do the Illini have the right approach -- letting the head coach call the shots with the support of the rest of the department? Should the NCAA be involved? (Please don't say yes to this one -- they are too busy looking for ways to destroy revered university traditions to be interested in policing student-athlete behavior.) Should the legal ruling come first, or should a coach discipline immediately?
Chief, Good Hope Orange, welcome back! I know you've had busy summers, but as we get ready for football, I'd love to hear your opinions on this (depressing) topic. What do you guys think?
P.S. All this talk is enough to make me long for the legendary characaters of the "good ol' days," captured well in this article about Lou Henson. [Sarcasm alert] After all, Lou never had to worry about black marks on his program.
P.P.S. Have I mentioned that I'm excited about Illini football this year? I'm not alone! But I'm not as fickle a fan as Vic Reato may think. Go Illini!
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More details will likely come, but we have a decision that coincides with the beginning of fall classes, as promised. There is no question that Jamar made an incredibly stupid decision and endangered the life of a teammate and friend. (Unfortunately, I'm sure others have made similar stupid decisions and gotten away with it, but that's not the point.)
Jamar has dealt with the legal consequences of his conviction, and now faces consequences in his athletic career. So is this fair? I think sitting out a year has merit as a punishment. He will have the opportunity to decide for himself if he will change his habits and meet his obligations. He will have time to feel the pain of his decisions, and yet he has an opportunity to earn another chance, if his actions match his words. And yet, being off the team for good would be acceptable, as well. After all, there are a couple talented football receivers that made stupid choices and didn't get another chance at Illinois, and we don't know that they so clearly endangered the lives of others.
This is an interesting topic, as a NFL QB Michael Vick faces punishment for pleading guilty to federal dogfighting charges. As this blogger points out, not everyone gets another chance. He will deal with legal and NFL consequences, but he won't be the first or last to be in this type of situation.
What should penalties and punishment look like at the college level? Do the Illini have the right approach -- letting the head coach call the shots with the support of the rest of the department? Should the NCAA be involved? (Please don't say yes to this one -- they are too busy looking for ways to destroy revered university traditions to be interested in policing student-athlete behavior.) Should the legal ruling come first, or should a coach discipline immediately?
Chief, Good Hope Orange, welcome back! I know you've had busy summers, but as we get ready for football, I'd love to hear your opinions on this (depressing) topic. What do you guys think?
P.S. All this talk is enough to make me long for the legendary characaters of the "good ol' days," captured well in this article about Lou Henson. [Sarcasm alert] After all, Lou never had to worry about black marks on his program.
P.P.S. Have I mentioned that I'm excited about Illini football this year? I'm not alone! But I'm not as fickle a fan as Vic Reato may think. Go Illini!
Labels: Jamar Smith, Michael Vick
# posted by Alma Mater : 6:12 PM
Friday, April 27, 2007
Jordan, Pruitt, Smith, and upcoming events
As a little icing on the cake to Coach Bruce Weber's recent good news on the recruiting front, Jeffrey Jordan has announced his plans to attend the University of Illinois and join the basketball team as a preferred walk-on. Kudos to Coach Weber and his staff on adding Jordan to the 2007 class. While most people believe he will not be a major contributor his first couple of years, the thought is that he will be able to help the team down the road. In addition to what he will bring to the team, it is this blogger's belief that any time you can associate your program with Michael Jordan, it is a good thing. Apparently John Supinie, who must like our blog so much that he decided to use our name for his own blog, agrees with me. Jeffrey Jordan may be able to assist in encouraging other players to join the Illini, including his brother Marcus who is one of the top sophomore players in the state. Congratulations Jeffrey on your decision and we look forward to seeing you in orange and blue!!!
On a different note, Shaun Pruitt has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft. Mark Tupper provides some good perspective on this decison. Like Tupper, we fully expect Pruitt to be back with the Illini this fall. The best thing he can do is come back, work his tail off to have a monster senior season, and then go into the draft next year.
If anyone would like an update on Jamar Smith's legal situation, his case has been continued to May 24th. Click here for the story.
There are also some upcoming events all of you may be interested in so be sure to check out the details of the 2007 Fighting Illini Meet 'N' Greet Tour. Coach Zook will be attending all six of the tour stops. Below are the details in brief but click this link for more information or click here to register.
ILLINOIS COACHES TOUR STATE FOR MEET 'N' GREETS
University of Illinois football coach Ron Zook has signed on for all six stops of the 2007 Fighting Illini Meet 'N' Greet Tour announced by the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. This marks the first time in five years that Illinois has engaged in a tour of this nature. Coach Zook will be joined by coaches from various Illinois sports at each stop.The events are free of charge, but fans must reserve their admission at fightingillini.com or via this direct link: http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/MeetNGreet07/
The first 500 people to sign up for each event will be granted admission. Guests age 18 and over are welcome. 2007 Fighting Illini Meet 'N' Greet Tour Locations:
May 10 Chicago (US Cellular Field-Stadium Club) 7 PM
May 18 Springfield (Illini Country Club) 7 PM
May 21 Peoria (Packard Plaza) 7 PM
May 22 Decatur (Decatur Conference Center & Hotel) 7 PM
May 23 Danville (Turtle Run Golf Club) 7 PM
May 24 Bloomington/Normal (Bloomington Country Club) 7 PM
Last but not least, if you live in the Peoria area and would like to meet Coach Weber, he will be at an upcoming Peoria Chiefs game. Details are below:
Coach Weber Event at Peoria Chiefs Game
Meet 'n' Greet Illinois men's basketball coach Bruce Weber at the Peoria Chiefs game at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 25. Coach Weber will sign autographs for fans in attendance at the Chiefs game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. No reservation required - just buy a ticket to the game. It's Illini Night at O'Brien Field featuring Bruce Weber!
Have a good weekend everyone and GO ILLINI!!!
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On a different note, Shaun Pruitt has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft. Mark Tupper provides some good perspective on this decison. Like Tupper, we fully expect Pruitt to be back with the Illini this fall. The best thing he can do is come back, work his tail off to have a monster senior season, and then go into the draft next year.
If anyone would like an update on Jamar Smith's legal situation, his case has been continued to May 24th. Click here for the story.
There are also some upcoming events all of you may be interested in so be sure to check out the details of the 2007 Fighting Illini Meet 'N' Greet Tour. Coach Zook will be attending all six of the tour stops. Below are the details in brief but click this link for more information or click here to register.
ILLINOIS COACHES TOUR STATE FOR MEET 'N' GREETS
University of Illinois football coach Ron Zook has signed on for all six stops of the 2007 Fighting Illini Meet 'N' Greet Tour announced by the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. This marks the first time in five years that Illinois has engaged in a tour of this nature. Coach Zook will be joined by coaches from various Illinois sports at each stop.The events are free of charge, but fans must reserve their admission at fightingillini.com or via this direct link: http://www.athletics.uiuc.edu/MeetNGreet07/
The first 500 people to sign up for each event will be granted admission. Guests age 18 and over are welcome. 2007 Fighting Illini Meet 'N' Greet Tour Locations:
May 10 Chicago (US Cellular Field-Stadium Club) 7 PM
May 18 Springfield (Illini Country Club) 7 PM
May 21 Peoria (Packard Plaza) 7 PM
May 22 Decatur (Decatur Conference Center & Hotel) 7 PM
May 23 Danville (Turtle Run Golf Club) 7 PM
May 24 Bloomington/Normal (Bloomington Country Club) 7 PM
Last but not least, if you live in the Peoria area and would like to meet Coach Weber, he will be at an upcoming Peoria Chiefs game. Details are below:
Coach Weber Event at Peoria Chiefs Game
Meet 'n' Greet Illinois men's basketball coach Bruce Weber at the Peoria Chiefs game at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 25. Coach Weber will sign autographs for fans in attendance at the Chiefs game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. No reservation required - just buy a ticket to the game. It's Illini Night at O'Brien Field featuring Bruce Weber!
Have a good weekend everyone and GO ILLINI!!!
Labels: Jamar Smith, Jeffrey Jordan, Meet 'N' Greet, Shaun Pruitt
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 3:26 PM
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Jamar Smith Will Still be a Student at U of I
Me thinks Jamar will be on the floor next season for the Illini. Not sure I agree with it but this report out of Champaign seems to indicate that things are moving that direction.
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Labels: Jamar Smith
# posted by Chief : 9:11 AM
Friday, March 16, 2007
My Picks plus a Preview
Here are my picks. Sorry I wasn't able to get them up sooner as well as rotated but at least they are here. If I can get them posted better later, I will. Out of time to play around with it for now. I am pretty happy with the results so far but still a lot of games to go...
I hope all of you have a great weekend and we get to see an Illini victory tonight and another one on Sunday. Check out previews and thoughts about tonight's game here, here, here, and here. Also, here is one columnist's thoughts on the Jamar Smith situation.
Until later, GO ILLINI!!!
P.S. I wonder how Jon Scheyer is enjoying his first year at Duke?
Labels: Brackets, Duke, Jamar Smith, Jon Scheyer, NCAA Tournament
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 5:08 PM
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Jamar
This is not good.
My fellow contributors at Illinitalk may disagree with me but even though Jamar may plead for lesser charges, I still believe Weber needs to come down hard on him. I lean toward not playing at U of I again.
My reasoning is thus: tough punishment deters crime. This is the second DUI by an Illinois basketball player this year. That is unacceptable. It creates a perception problem for the program and the university.
Interestingly enough, the university has a large chunk of it's student code devoted to alcohol but no guidelines on punishment that I could find.
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My fellow contributors at Illinitalk may disagree with me but even though Jamar may plead for lesser charges, I still believe Weber needs to come down hard on him. I lean toward not playing at U of I again.
My reasoning is thus: tough punishment deters crime. This is the second DUI by an Illinois basketball player this year. That is unacceptable. It creates a perception problem for the program and the university.
Interestingly enough, the university has a large chunk of it's student code devoted to alcohol but no guidelines on punishment that I could find.
Labels: Bruce Weber, Jamar Smith
# posted by Chief : 2:31 PM
Friday, February 16, 2007
Carlwell and Smith
Brian Carlwell will likely be released from the hospital today. There is some thought that he may be done for the season, while Coach Weber said under a best case scenario that he might return in time for the Big Ten Tournament.
Meanwhile, Jamar Smith will not play again this year. That does not bode well for what will likely soon be coming out regarding the investigation into this week's accident.
To add to the Illini's woes, Warren Carter sprained his ankle in practice on Wednesday and did not practice yesterday.
This has just been one of those year's...let's hope the Illini don't have another one like it for a long, long time.
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Meanwhile, Jamar Smith will not play again this year. That does not bode well for what will likely soon be coming out regarding the investigation into this week's accident.
To add to the Illini's woes, Warren Carter sprained his ankle in practice on Wednesday and did not practice yesterday.
This has just been one of those year's...let's hope the Illini don't have another one like it for a long, long time.
Labels: Accident, Brian Carlwell, Jamar Smith, Warren Carter
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 3:21 PM
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Bill Cole Update
Another great guest blog from Illini basketball recruit Bill Cole:
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to keep all the fans updated on how things have been going lately.
First off, on Friday night we played Peoria Notre Dame (Brian Randle's old school) in the gym at their school. They usually play at Spalding Gymnasium downtown, but that was torn down earlier in the year so we had to play at ND's school gym which only hold 1,500 people.
For those of you who don't know much about Peoria, Richwoods and Notre Dame are a two-minute drive from each other...two streets over. Needless to say its a big rivalry.
Since we messed up and lost to Manual, the outright conference title was this game. The game was sold out by the second half of the sophomore game. It was a cool atmosphere in the little gym, and a tough game. I saw a double and triple team the most of the game so I only took five shots and ended up with nine points and 12 rebounds. We ended up pulling away in the fourth quarter like we usually do!
Notre Dame has a tough hard-nosed team this year. The final score was 58-42 RHS. Winning the game was awesome, because it meant we didn't have practice on Saturday so I could go to my first ILLINI game of the season.
What did I tell all you guys-my first game back and Jamar ends the slump! I knew he would pull through for me. All in all I thought the game was a very well-balanced attack for the Illini. I think we had four in double figures. It was a perfect way for me to spend my Saturday.
Bill's new random fact of the day: People always ask me who my favorite Illini basketball player is. I cant decide. However, I think I would have to go with Lucas Johnsonor or Robert Archibald. Thats it for tonight,.
Go Illini!
Bill Cole
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Hey everyone,
Just wanted to keep all the fans updated on how things have been going lately.
First off, on Friday night we played Peoria Notre Dame (Brian Randle's old school) in the gym at their school. They usually play at Spalding Gymnasium downtown, but that was torn down earlier in the year so we had to play at ND's school gym which only hold 1,500 people.
For those of you who don't know much about Peoria, Richwoods and Notre Dame are a two-minute drive from each other...two streets over. Needless to say its a big rivalry.
Since we messed up and lost to Manual, the outright conference title was this game. The game was sold out by the second half of the sophomore game. It was a cool atmosphere in the little gym, and a tough game. I saw a double and triple team the most of the game so I only took five shots and ended up with nine points and 12 rebounds. We ended up pulling away in the fourth quarter like we usually do!
Notre Dame has a tough hard-nosed team this year. The final score was 58-42 RHS. Winning the game was awesome, because it meant we didn't have practice on Saturday so I could go to my first ILLINI game of the season.
What did I tell all you guys-my first game back and Jamar ends the slump! I knew he would pull through for me. All in all I thought the game was a very well-balanced attack for the Illini. I think we had four in double figures. It was a perfect way for me to spend my Saturday.
Bill's new random fact of the day: People always ask me who my favorite Illini basketball player is. I cant decide. However, I think I would have to go with Lucas Johnsonor or Robert Archibald. Thats it for tonight,.
Go Illini!
Bill Cole
Labels: Bill Cole, Jamar Smith, Lucas Johnson, Peoria Richwoods, Robert Archibald
# posted by Chief : 8:56 PM
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Is the Microwave Back?
Jamar Smith may have finally found his stroke last night as the Illini rolled over Minnesota in a game that Tupper says wasn't as close as the final score indicated.
Tupper also says Jamar may have been so distracted by his stomach problems that he may have started to break out of his shooting slump. An encouraging call from Luther Head probably didn't hurt either.
Btw, I know XLI is today but I couldn't find anything on the Pantagraph's sports page about the game last night. Isn't Bloomington 45 minutes or so from Champaign?
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Tupper also says Jamar may have been so distracted by his stomach problems that he may have started to break out of his shooting slump. An encouraging call from Luther Head probably didn't hurt either.
Btw, I know XLI is today but I couldn't find anything on the Pantagraph's sports page about the game last night. Isn't Bloomington 45 minutes or so from Champaign?
Labels: Illini, Jamar Smith, Luther Head
# posted by Chief : 7:23 AM
