With Illinois reaching the Final Four tonight, we re-post this interview of Deron Willliams, discussing about Brad Underwood. In the Illini nation, the opinion of Deron Williams will always hold sway. The greatest NBA player in Illini basketball history, or at least for the modern era, he is what you would call "a club legend." So his public endorsement of current Illini … [Read more...] about Deron Williams Waiting for Brad Underwood, Illini to get over March Madness Hump
D. Will
Deron Williams schools Jeremy Lin by dropping 38 on him
Deron Williams made a statement with his game. He said "welcome to the big boy table Jeremy Lin, this is how we do it here." Or maybe "I'm getting sick of hearing about Linsanity, let's silence it." The New York Knicks lost for the second time in the Lin era falling to the rival New Jersey Nets 100-92. Williams scored a season high 38, with eight 3s and 6 assists, absolutely … [Read more...] about Deron Williams schools Jeremy Lin by dropping 38 on him
Deron Williams does Jerry Sloan Damage Control, Likely Leaving Next Year
How did NBA coaching legend Jerry Sloan go from re-signing to resigning in a whopping five days? Conventional wisdom says that he was forced out, and that former Illini legend Deron Williams was the ring-leader in getting Sloan run out of town. If true, it makes Deron look like a petulant pud to say the least. This was a PR catastrophe on all levels, whether it's accurate or … [Read more...] about Deron Williams does Jerry Sloan Damage Control, Likely Leaving Next Year
Demetri McCamey’s NBA Draft Stock Rises with Illini Wins
When Illini point guard Demetri McCamey was a freshman, he was a highly regarded recruit with a few explosive games but also terrible choice in shot selection. His sophomore year, the Illini needed a leader and a closer and McCamey developed into that go-to-scorer. He developed immensely on offense, but was still non-existent on defense. Meechi's junior season, he pretty … [Read more...] about Demetri McCamey’s NBA Draft Stock Rises with Illini Wins
Is Derrick Rose the Next Deron Williams?
With the signing of three former members of the Utah Jazz, the Chicago Bulls earned the nickname "Utah Midwest" this summer. Bulls fans hope they don't become "Utah Jazz East," as in the Jazz of the Eastern Conference postseason because Utah's recent playoff experience is not worth emulating. You've heard the expression "NBA Hell?" Well, that's exactly where Utah is- a place … [Read more...] about Is Derrick Rose the Next Deron Williams?
Utah Jazz Steady Going Nowhere
By Paul M. Banks You’ve heard the term “NBA hell” before? It describes a franchise just good enough to make the playoffs every year, but never get past the first round. Teams like this are also not bad enough to qualify for the lottery, and possibly win the chance to land a franchise player. This is where the Utah Jazz reside; sort of. They’re a 53 win team with a … [Read more...] about Utah Jazz Steady Going Nowhere
Jazz-Suns will be the BEST Playoff Series Ever!
By Paul M. Banks PHOENIX, AZ- Utah's 116-108 victory over the Phoenix Suns Thursday night felt like a playoff precursor of exciting things to come. The high-scoring affair saw Utah race back from ten points down in the fourth quarter and it put the Jazz 1.5 games ahead of Phoenix in the Western Conference playoff race. If current standings hold, the Jazz would have home … [Read more...] about Jazz-Suns will be the BEST Playoff Series Ever!
Is Derrick Rose Ready to Lead the Bulls?
By Paul M. Banks The Chicago Bulls announced Monday that the team picked up the 2010-11 season options for both Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. By exercising the respective player options, both will be under contract for 2010-11. This transaction occurred on the same day Rose practiced for the first time in….a long while. Aside from the opener, Rose missed every game this … [Read more...] about Is Derrick Rose Ready to Lead the Bulls?
Will the Bulls Draft a Backup Point Guard?
By Paul M. Banks If there’s one position the Chicago Bulls don’t have a pressing need at, it’s point guard. The incumbent starter, Derrick Rose is the only player on the roster even remotely close to developing into a franchise player, and (SAT scandals and gang sign gestures aside) is the guy to build the team around. But the Bulls might see backup Kirk Hinrich move on soon … [Read more...] about Will the Bulls Draft a Backup Point Guard?
UCLA Pair Part of Point Guard Heavy Draft
By Paul M. Banks and David Kay In recent years, we have seen how drafting a point guard can help change the face of an NBA franchise. Think of the impact Chris Paul has had on the Hornets, Deron Williams in Utah, Rajon Rando with the Celtics, or just this past year, what Derrick Rose brought to the Bulls. If you are a team in need of a point guard this year, the crop of … [Read more...] about UCLA Pair Part of Point Guard Heavy Draft