By Paul M. Banks Welcome to a new feature here at TSB where I’ll give you the highlights of the many Bruce Weber press conferences that I attend over the course of the season. As we get closer to March Madness, I’ll be publishing for you the most meaningful statements I’ve heard Weber make. I asked him if the best player on conference champ Michigan St. Kalin Lucas … [Read more...] about More Bruce Weber Grilling
Bruce Weber
Illini Lose Ludicrously Ugly Game
By Paul M. Banks When you saw the box score of #16 Illinois’ (21-6, 9-5) 38-33 home loss to unranked Penn St. (19-8, 8-6) on Wednesday night, you might have thought you were glancing at a Girls’ high school basketball result. In football, the two schools combined to score 62 points last fall, in roundball just nine more. If you ever wondered why the Big Ten, the 2nd … [Read more...] about Illini Lose Ludicrously Ugly Game
Illini Need a Closer!
By Paul M. Banks Remember the Bulls glory years, when Michael Jordan was the finest late game finisher? When somebody had to be the team’s go-to guy and knock down the big shot, MJ was the Bulls’ assassin. The 21st ranked Illini lack this quality- a true ‘balla” to close games out, a star carrying this team on their back when necessary. I asked Head Coach Bruce Weber if … [Read more...] about Illini Need a Closer!
Derrick Rose Inspires Illini Leader
By Paul M. Banks Before budding Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose came to the NBA, he owned Chicago prep courts during his career at Simeon. Along the way, he befriended St. Joseph product and current Illinois sophomore Demetri McCamey, who leads the #19 Illini in scoring. McCamey a.k.a. “Cames” is also fifth in the Big Ten in assists at 5.0 apg. In Big Ten games only, … [Read more...] about Derrick Rose Inspires Illini Leader
Illini Leading Scorer Demetri McCamey
Interviewed by Paul M. Banks Sophomore Demetri McCamey is the Illini’s leading scorer and seeing a big improvement from his 8.2 scoring average as a freshman. In addition to his scoring, McCamey is fifth in the Big Ten in assists, averaging 5.0 apg. In Big Ten games only, McCamey leads the Big Ten in assists (6.0 apg) and assist/turnover ratio (4.0). “Cames” has been … [Read more...] about Illini Leading Scorer Demetri McCamey
R.I.P. Illini over Gophers Winning Streak
By Paul M. Banks I'd rather not bring up the score of Minnesota's upset over #19 Illinois. This baffling outcome at Williams Arena marks the end of an era. Pour out a little liquor for the 20 game win streak by Illinois over Minnesota. I'll miss ya buddy...it was fun while it lasted! With some help from the University of Illinois Sports Information Department, here are some … [Read more...] about R.I.P. Illini over Gophers Winning Streak