January 30, 2011
What if I told you… one man could turn around an entire basketball program?
Will came to the Bel-Air Academy when the program was in shambles.
But, with his remarkable quickness and an uncanny ability to drain half-courters, he quickly turned them into a powerhouse.
In the end, though, Carlton couldn’t handle his cousin’s success.
We always talk about these clips, and I finally decided to look them up today. Just as good as I remembered.
January 29, 2011
This was a good read. Congrats to Paul. The recognition is well-deserved.
http://www.bcrnews.com/columnists/columns/2011/01/26/r_trxhcw8osckb2mz1d9va3w/index.xml
“Wherever he goes, he might just have a push broom with him ready to clear his path.”
January 29, 2011
They say you’re not supposed to send emails or make phone calls when you’re angry. In a business or workplace context, you can say things you don’t mean, and in a relationship context, you can inflict long-lasting damage by a few minutes of moment-driven irritation. Wait a few days, the experts say, and address the issue from a place of objectivity rather than a place of anger.
All that to say, I decided to wait a couple days to talk about the Illini and their disappointing loss to Indiana. On PTI, Tony and Mike were debating whether or not Indiana had finally turned the corner by beating a nationally ranked team; anyone who watched the game has to answer ‘no’. Indiana was bad, but Illinois was worse. We scored 17 points in the second half in a game we needed to have. In a hostile environment, you’d hope that the competitive gene in some of these guys would kick in, that a team led by seniors would say, “We’re not losing this game.” You’d hope that your coach would make the necessary changes and adjustments to come out of there with a win. But it didn’t happen.
Expectations were high, no doubt. Seniors coming back, highly-touted talent coming in, and a coach that’s been there before should be a perfect recipe for a tournament run. Well, let’s all wake up and realize that we are, once again, a bubble team. This team, to its core, is inconsistent, and I’ve come to peace with that. If we make the tournament, a Sweet Sixteen birth is not out of the question, but we could also not even get into the tournament. I’m trying to gain more and more objectivity with this team, and with that objectivity comes the realization that we really aren’t that good. I’m waiting for them to prove me wrong.
January 22, 2011
First things first, thanks to Kevin for reformatting the site. The blog needed an injection of energy and the facelift gave it just that. I agree with your sentiments about the overrated chant, but it turned out to be a mute issue today. OSU is better than I thought. They’ve got an almost unstoppable go-to guy in Sullinger and a slew of athletic guards who can drive, pass, and shoot well. Combined with good coaching and unselfish play, and I think they are a very legitimate title contender. Demetri hurt the team today as well as his draft stock, but it’s hard for me to get on him too much as he has almost singlehandedly carried the program for the past four years. When we don’t hit threes we don’t beat good teams. Period. But it is nice to see Jereme’s development. Hopefully the Bears can redeem the sports weekend tomorrow!
January 21, 2011
A victory tomorrow over the top-ranked Buckeyes will be a huge step for the capricious Illini. With a victory, Illinois establishes itself as a legitimate contender for the Big Ten crown and gives its fans hope for an ever-elusive NCAA tournament win. Unfortunately, the victory will also usher in the most wretched, lamentable tradition in modern sports…that’s right, the “Overrated” chant. Humor me as I express my disdain.
“Overrate” – to rate or appraise too highly; overestimate. If the Illini pull off the victory tomorrow, you can bet your life that a rousing rendition of the chant will bellow throughout Assembly Hall, and as the chorus rains down, here’s the message we send…”You (Ohio State) are rated as the top ranked team in the nation. We (Illinois) just beat you. Because we beat you, you cannot possibly be the top ranked team. Our victory has shown that people have overestimated your talent. You are overrated.” In an attempt to degrade the competitor, you actually discredit yourself. The logic isn’t complicated.
I’m not naive. I know I’m only one man, and I know this blog averages about 10 views a month. The chant will continue with a seemingly interminable force, but I believe light is being shed on the ridiculousness of the chant, and, with time, it will be terminated.
January 11, 2011
Earlier today, Mikel Leshoure announced that he will forgo his senior season at Illinois to enter the NFL draft. The Champaign Centennial product set the Illinois single season rushing record with 1,697 yards, a record previously held by Rashard Mendenhall. I lock arms with Illini nation in my sadness to see him depart, but I think this was a good decision by Leshoure. After a spectacular season, his stock will likely never be higher. By coming back, he would be risking serious injury, thousands of dollars, and a promising career. Additionally, teams are drawn to potential, not necessarily proven 4-year seniors. Do I wish he was coming back? Of course. But it’s in his best interest to move on. And remember, producing NFL running backs gives Zook some recruiting firepower.
When Rashard left early, we were disappointed. But you know who suited up for the Illini the following year? Mikel Leshoure. Good luck, Mikel. Represent the Illini program well.
