Prize recruits strut their stuff
January 16, 2008
From ChicagoSports.com:
Bertrand had 28 points in winning his head-to-head showdown with Richardson (20 points, nine rebounds) as Sterling (9-0) topped Peoria Central 57-51.
“D.J. is a good player, and I’m looking forward to playing with him at Illinois,” Bertrand said. “It’s exciting with all the good players coming here like Brandon and Jereme.”
Prize recruits strut their stuff
January 16, 2008
From ChicagoSports.com:
“Tonight it felt like I was playing in college,” said Richmond, who had 19 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks in Waukegan’s 47-44 loss to Peoria Manual as the Bulldogs dropped to 5-4. “With the crowd reaction, I felt like, OK, this is home.
“We gave you a look at the future. I think the future looks very bright other than the question of big men.”
Did Richmond think his commitment helped attract the others?
“I’ve talked to those guys about what it would be like playing together (in college),” Richmond said. “I guess you could say I had some effect.”
Recruit Watch: January 14
January 16, 2008
From the Chicago Sun Times High School Sports Blog:
Bertrand was held under 10 points in both games last week as the Warriors went 1-1. Sterling will look to bounce back with games against Dixon and Fenton.
Recruit Watch: January 14
January 16, 2008
From the Chicago Sun Times High School Sports Blog:
Warren struggled in going 1-2 this week, but Paul still had some fine performances. In a loss to Libertyville, Paul scored 25 points, including 13 in the final few minutes in a furious comeback attempt. Against Mundelein, he was held to six points as he shot 2-of-11 from the field in a loss. Paul came back the next game and guided the Blue Devils to a win over Lake Zurich. Warren will look to bounce back with a game against Lake Forest on Friday.
Recruit Watch: January 14
January 16, 2008
From the Chicago Sun Times High School Sports Blog:
Head scored 16 points to go along with 10 rebounds in a rout of Minooka. In a win over Rich Central, Head had 19 rebounds and five assists. Rich South will face Lincoln-Way East and Bloom this week.
Recruit Watch: January 14
January 16, 2008
From the Chicago Sun Times High School Sports Blog:
Simeon remains at the top of the Michael O’Brien’s Super 25 after two conference wins during the week. In the Wolverines’ rout of Fenger, Simpson had 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocks. He then had 17 points and seven rebounds in a win over Julian. This week Simeon faces Carver and Morgan Park.
Another Head set to commit to Illinois
January 16, 2008
From ChicagoSports.com:
As has been expected for several weeks, Rich South sophomore guard Crandall Head plans to announce he will attend Illinois.
Head, the brother of former Illinois star Luther Head of the Houston Rockets, will announce his plans at Sunday’s Illinois-Penn State basketball game in Champaign, Rich South coach Scott Ritter said.
Illini look for first Big Ten win vs. Michigan
January 16, 2008
Illinois has 10 healthy scholarship players on its roster. Six have never won a Big Ten game … and never had a chance to win one until 13 days ago.
Illinois also had three walk-ons play in Sunday’s narrow loss at 10th-ranked Indiana — and two of them don’t know what it’s like to beat a Big Ten foe.
Read more from the Daily Herald.
Illini giving games away at free throw line
January 16, 2008
When Illinois coaches had some time to work with players over the holiday break, one old project was at the top of the list.
Free throws.
“They were getting extra free throws that week,” coach Bruce Weber said Tuesday.
It’s one of several things that hasn’t worked this season for the Illini, who take a five-game losing streak into Wednesday night’s matchup against Michigan at Assembly Hall.
Read more from ChicagoSports.com
Those Were the Days … USC
January 16, 2008
Well folks, this is it. THE ROSE BOWL! I prayed before the season for six wins and the Motor City Bowl. Now the Fighting Illini are going to the Granddaddy of them all! I love the disrespect angle in the national media. BEAT USC. This season has been a joy for Illini Nation and football Saturdays are fun again! However, the team must treat the game as a business trip and not as a vacation to gorge on prime rib at Lawry’s Beef Bowl and party with UI alum Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion. Rather, it is important to finish on a high note and set the tone for spring football and 2008. The last time Illinois beat USC, it set the tone for a great season … Read more