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meyers leonard illini

Illini C Meyers Leonard declares for NBA Draft; tough break for John Groce

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The first season for new Illini head coach John Groce just got a lot tougher. He'll be without his big 7 foot post presence in Center Meyers Leonard, who declared for the NBA Draft. His sounds-like-it-tested-well-with-focus-groups statement regarding the matter: “This was a very difficult decision because I love the University of Illinois. But I feel the timing is right … [Read more...] about Illini C Meyers Leonard declares for NBA Draft; tough break for John Groce

Illini Meyers Leonard and Brandon Paul testing NBA Draft waters

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The 2011-12 Illinois Fighting Illini alpha dog (Brandon Paul) and second banana (Meyers Leonard)  have submitted their names to the NBA’s undergraduate advisory committee to receive feedback on their draft stock. Therefore, they will have the chance to receive feedback from NBA scouts on their game, but still retain the ability to return to school next season. I think I know … [Read more...] about Illini Meyers Leonard and Brandon Paul testing NBA Draft waters

Embattled Illini avoid first winless February since 1907

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The college basketball season is only five months long, so any time you're talking about a winless month, it's not a good sign. And in their seventh and final game of the year's shortest month, the Illini would not come up short. They picked up a 65-54 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes, avoiding the February donut, which hasn't happened to the program since 1907. The Illini also … [Read more...] about Embattled Illini avoid first winless February since 1907

Illini Outlast Gophers in Never Ending Big Ten Opener

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One of my all time favorite The Simpsons quotes: "Mr. Simpson, this is the biggest case of false advertising since my suit against the film the Never Ending Story" --Lionel Hutz The legendary lawyer played by the late, great Phil Hartman refers to a 1984 film with a running time of 94 minutes. Illinois escaping 81-72 in 2 OT over the Minnesota Golden Gophers ran about 2 … [Read more...] about Illini Outlast Gophers in Never Ending Big Ten Opener

Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think

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Even when Illinois is having a down year, or a "rebuilding year," they still get at least one win in over a ranked team. In 1998-99 and 2007-08 (two college basketball seasons that saw Illinois break the school record for losses) they still beat a couple ranked teams- even if it didn't happen until the Big Ten Tournament. It's a hallmark of where Illinois is as a program, … [Read more...] about Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think

2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!

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Last night's 79-51 exhibition rout of Wayne State was expected for most Illini basketball fans. The most important number of the box score is found in the game's leading scorer, Meyers Leonard. He had 18 points, in just 16 minutes, that's a great sign for your Illinois Fighting Illini, because they'll really need Leonard to be good, if they're going to be good. … [Read more...] about 2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!

Illini Frosh Meyers Leonard Already YouTube Sensation

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When most freshmen begin their college basketball careers, they're usually an unknown commodity. (Other than the the blue-chip commodities) But in today's age of YouTube, Twitter, Flipshare, IPhone camcorders etc., one can become a star quite easily given the right set of circumstances. Take Illini freshman recruit Meyers Leonard. The seven footer from Robinson, IL is a … [Read more...] about Illini Frosh Meyers Leonard Already YouTube Sensation