Category > Illini BasketballPoetry In The Motion
Sunday afternoon in the House of Plain, a lanky group of future CEO's played keep-away from its prospective labor force. It was kinda fun to watch. How often do social elites deign to mix it up with the unwashed masses? The cat-and-mouse game ran for 40 minutes, and then Northwestern's Wildcats got bored and left town with a 74–67 victory. (Brandon Paul's last three-pointer snapped the net as the final horn sounded, making the official score more respectable.)
| It's mind-boggling that Tom Izzo has six Final Fours on his résumé. As the faulty Assembly Hall clock ran down Tuesday night, Izzo steered three of the worst possible paths to victory. With the game tied at 40, Izzo used a timeout to draw up a play for .... nobody! Travis Trice eventually heaved an off-balance three with (intriguingly) no Spartans in rebound territory. I know what you're thinking. "Who is Travis Trice?"
The crowd last night was giving no quarter. They’d agreed to wear navy blue, but that was as far as they’d be pushed. Anytime the Illinois offense wasn’t in motion – or even paused to think – there arose a clatter. It had the desired effect: players moved. Draymond Green, the eight year Michigan State starter, displayed early a similar impatience with the officiating. Explaining to referee Jim Burr that his call was “bullshit, man” Green got a technical foul …
Lou Henson's ouster came with sufficient advanced warning: Bobby Knight knew to present Lou with a rocking chair. Was the "Honored Coach" program invented with Bruce Weber in mind? As a golden umbrella? Will Weber be honored on March 13th as Illinois hosts the opening round of the 2012 NIT? The offense looked great for the third loss in a row. Ball movement, hi-lo, Meyers establishing a low-post presence... all that good stuff. It was fun watching Brandon put the …
Too bad about that loss, eh? I thought Illinois played to the maximum of its potential. More precisely, I thought Illinois played to the maximum of Bruce Weber's potential. As with the game at Penn State, the offense clicked. Guys ran their routes. Meyers directed from the middle. The Illini shot 25% from three, and they lost. Quod erat demonstrandum. Sunday's performance hit the The Weber Mean. It was the last six years of Weberball, in a nutshell. Wisconsin is …
Meyers “Miles” Leonard is remarkably lackadaisical. He plays like someone recovering from the flu: he can marshal his resources for a rebound or a big dunk, but mostly he’d just like to go back to bed. Of course, if Illinois had won its past two games, he would probably be called, instead, unflappable. But losing – even by a little – has its consequences, and one of them is this.
I'd planned to title this column "Weber's Waterloo," but by the time I got to my hotel Loren Tate had already published to that effect. I always read other reports to find out what happened. Unfortunately, few Illini reporters were on hand to tell me. Only Shannon Ryan and John Supinie attended. I spent the Thursday's first half gabbing with Steve Ross and Matt Gardner (two ex-Illinois Law guys, now at PSU), so naturally I was curious to know what …
As I walked off the court, I thought, "What a waste of time. These guys drove all this way for nothing." And then I got it. The Lou Henson investiture was not a made-for-teevee moment. It was not for my benefit. All those old codgers, once nimble, who drove and flew collectively thousands of miles, did not travel for entertainment purposes. They stood silently by to dignify the lifetime of a single man whose 80 years earned their quiet respect. …
Who wants to be the next Brandon Paul? That might seem like a trick question, given some of Brandon's recent escapades. But Tuesday night at the Assembly Hall, a handful of prized recruits watched 14,000 besotted Illini fans jump straight into the air, fists raised, as Brandon Paul topped major feat with huge feat, followed by massive feat.
I learned nothing by watching the Illinois/Nebraska game. But afterward, passing the time with Lorita Bertrand and Lynda Paul, I learned a lot. Their sons share the ability to jump three feet directly upward. Joe Bertrand compliments his leaping ability with a high quick-release shot. He developed the technique against older boys, on the playground. He's been doing it since 5th grade. According to Lynda, Brandon Paul's jumper shares that playground genesis. She also answered every Illini fan's nagging question …
Most Recent Sports Comments
Signs someone is “fishing” for a factual anchor: 1. Starts call to radio with: “I’ve been an Illini fan for (XX) years” or “I’m a diehard fan,” as if somehow that unverifiable claim will justify the 5 minutes of B.S. that follows. 2. Makes reference to KenPom…
That’s what she said.
Why do I have the feeling we struggle to break 45 in at least one more (maybe 2) games this season? With a little perspective, both MSU and Wisky are among the top 5 in Kenpom’s defensive rating scheme.
My first thought was, “What the hell is Brad Miller doing at our game?” Of course, he now plays for the Timberwolves. Man, I miss him in a Bulls uni—even if we don’t need him as much this year. It’s cool that he’s saying hi to his…
Ya, I felt the same way. The question I was asking in the game was, “what’s wrong with DJ?” He’s repeated his second major shooting slump in as many years.
It’s no wonder we are having a problem recruiting solid players for our athletics programs - Look at what we have to compete with! http://deadspin.com/5879065/whatever-youre-doing-with-your-life-its-not-as-awesome-as-the-athletes-in-this-recruiting-video
Never the subject of your articles, but at the risk of boring the flock once again: the real recruiting outrage continues to be this system that exploits the sons of these working class families to make big money for the likes of the incompetent, 1.6 million-salaried coach.…
dAn insightful article, Rob. Barring an very expected turn around, I think the odds are better than not that Weber will be shown the door at the end of the season. We really haven’t played good team basketball for the entire season. The results despite almost completely…
Did it look like they were having fun? If you’re playing a game and you’re not having fun then regardless of whether you’re winning or losing then you’re not doing it right. When the Indiana fans stormed the court against NorthWestern, as asinine as it may’ve seemed…
Most Recent Comments
Nope. It’s the back (east) side of Urbana Tire Company at 202 S. Vine. How much is a hug and kiss worth? Do I have to take them all at once or can I break it up?
FACT: Silverfish feed only on carbohydrates, such as starches and sugars. They will not consume proteins or fats (the main materials from which human beings are constructed). THUS: That was not actually a human waiter we were conversing with, but rather a lifelike simulacrum created from semi-digested Fruit Loops.
nice fishnets you’ve got there, dan!
is that illini auto on main?
The geniuses at the News-Gazette site have it all figured out. This happened because we don’t have the Chief!
Pamela - Are the roasteries in Seattle as clean as CSR? It always disturbs me a little that it is so clean in there.
Now you will be able to munch on pizza and shrimp cocktails in downtown Urbana (whilst a DJ spins?) after your dissolution of marriage http://www.news-gazette.com/news/business/features/its-your-business/2012-02-05/its-your-business-new-pizza-place-downtown-urban Is this a franchise of a Reno pizza joint, or just a coincidence of name? http://www.blackrockpizza.com
Signs someone is “fishing” for a factual anchor: 1. Starts call to radio with: “I’ve been an Illini fan for (XX) years” or “I’m a diehard fan,” as if somehow that unverifiable claim will justify the 5 minutes of B.S. that follows. 2. Makes reference to KenPom…
That’s what she said.
Black dog and Siam terrace is where I always go after my divorces.
Love CSR. Apart from making my way through the regular roasts in 1/2 pound increments, I also like to pick up some of the little sample packets of the flavored stuff for when the lady and I feel like getting crazy. Sticky Bun is pretty nice.
If you happen to be getting a divorce, or fighting a DUI prosecution, downtown Urbana is a great place to eat.
HUUUUUUGE fan of their Black Velvet roast…It makes up about 75% of my coffee intake. LOL CSR is definitely one of those Champaign institutions that I brag about to people not from here. :-)
We like CSR too! We french press at home and I leave the lid off while it steeps—letting the ground beans bloom. Then, like in your tasting, I scoop off the top layer before pressing. We really need to invest in a burr grinder though, as I…
Confidential? In this state? Hahahahahahahhahahaha
just confirmed: there will be white russians served. the art abides.
big lebowski at the art. mark it, dude.
There’s a great video promo out for “Company” too: http://vimeo.com/36077847
Wow, His Majesty took the time to answer your polite plea. It’s been a while since I spoke fluent arrogance, but allow this attempt at a translation: “I deeply regret the embarrassment…” = I wish we hadn’t got caught and it wasn’t a big deal really. “...and…
I love the Guitars
Most Popular Articles (14 days)
- An open letter to University of Illinois President Michael Hogan
- Meatheads Burgers and Fries: A carnivorous delight
- Please don’t close the campus post offices
- Spotlight: Drag shows in Champaign-Urbana, Part III
- The Artist is Oscar gold
- Columbia Street Roastery blends with the best
- The Overture: January 31–February 6
- One word: biofuels
- SP Radio Podcast: New Champaign restuarants in focus
- Stereotypes and missed opportunities
Facebook
Twitter
Full Site
The geniuses at the News-Gazette site have it all figured out. This happened because we don’t have the Chief!