The Illinois Fighting Illini will depart in a few days for an Italian tour that is reminiscent (to me at least) of the film “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Well, probably no identity theft, fraud and homicide, but the scenery and travel destinations are similar.
Before the tour, which includes a scrimmage against West Virginia at a NATO Air Force Base, the Illini welcomed fans (team partisans) waving fans (cooling devices) into their air conditioningless home, for a good ole-fashioned summer scrimmage.
With the heat outside creeping in, and lots of sweating both on and off the court, the orange defeated the blue 48-29, on the strength of a 20-4 3rd quarter. Crandall Head led all scorers with 11, and Joseph Bertrand had 10 on 5-5 shooting. He also had the game’s most exciting play- going upstairs (did you not get the memo? I want to go HIGHER”)
Tyler Griffey lead all rebounders with 8, and Head had more dishes on the court than anyone else (5). It was a chance for Illini fans to see the 6 freshmen, 7 newcomers when you include point guard/Bradley transfer Sam Maniscalco.
“I’m kind of picking and choosing my spots right now as far as letting those guys Juniors D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul, Illinois has no seniors) lead a little bit for providing my advice to them,and share the things I’ve been over the last four years and share my experience” Mansicalco said of the freshmen.
“I think those guys have really done a nice job over the summer of leading us with all the newcomers and getting those guys acclimated.”
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