I heard Brit Miller was returning to Decatur Tuesday and confirmed that when I bumped into his sister waiting for a mouth-watering lunch at Krekel’s.
So I text messaged Brit and asked if he’d have a little time for me on Wednesday, hoping to catch up and give readers an update as he tries to win a roster spot as a rookie free agent with the Carolina Panthers.
His return message caught me off guard.
“Well, I actually got cut a couple of minutes ago so now we’re waiting. We know San Diego is interested but no one is making moves for a couple of weeks.”
I texted him back.
“That sucks. Can we talk later today since that will move on the news wire?”
He responded:
“Of course. I’m going to a high school football practice in Chicago and will call you on my way home.”
And I buzzed back one last time.
“Great. Thanks. But it still sucks!”
And it does. And yet Brit knows it’s part of the difficult job of trying to turn heads and win a job in the National Footbal League. He signed with Carolina back on April 26th, hours after the NFL Draft ended. Ironically, he joined the same team with whom former Illini LB J Leman had signed in the winter.
Miller said he was caught in a numbers game with three inside linebackers ahead of him. He had been working at outside linebacker during Carolina’s 12-day OTAs (optional training activities), but he knew the situation didn’t look promising.
The GM called him Tuesday and gave him the bad news.
He said, ‘Brit, talent-wise, I wish I could keep you. But we have too many linebackers under contract and we’re cutting this roster.’”
Indeed, Carolina has waived six players in the past week, including another linebacker, Mike Juergens of Wyoming, who was released along with Miller on Tuesday.
Miller said he and his agent had received positive feelers from the Chargers, “and we’re pretty hopeful about some other teams. But everyone is on vacation now before the start of training camp, so I expect it will be two or three weeks before we hear anything. I knew this was a possibility.
“My agent said it’s better to be released now than after training camp begins because I can hook on with a new team and be with them from the start of their camp,” Miller said.
Most NFL training camps begin in late July or the first week of August.
Miller also spoke with Illinois’ co-defensive coordinator, Dan Disch, who reminded him persistence is a necessary virtue.
“He said this is a career and if something bad happens, you don’t just give up. It can take a year or two sometimes.”
That is proving to be true for Leman, who tried unsuccessfully to win a roster spot with the Minnesota Vikings last season. The good news is that Leman remains on the Carolina roster and still has a shot.
“One of the advantages to being a second-year guy is that you can have it in your contract that you’ll be going to training camp and J has that,” Miller said.
Miller said he’ll use his time back in Decatur to keep in shape and continue training. He has been in Charlotte, N.C., for the past six weeks and has only been home a day or two since the NFL draft in April.
“Before, I was hoping the phone wouldn’t ring,” he said, knowing a call from the general manager could only be bad news. “Now, I’ll be waiting for a call.”
Miller also said he has to consider opportunities in the new United Football League (UFL), which could become a developmental league for the NFL and which launches its inaugural season in October.
“I couple of people have tried to push me toward that,” he said. “It’s another option.”
June 30th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Looking at the positive, It’s kind of good that they cut him early enough to catch on some where else. I cant see Britt playing on the outside in the NFL.
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DLM, It’s not all about winning? Then why do universities pay so much for coaches? Why are coaches that have had a couple winning seasons in such demand? I don’t see to many coaches with losing records in big demand. As much as you might not like it, It is all about winning. If you don’t believe it, ask all the coaches with losing records that get fired every year.
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Mikey, we can talk Cardinal baseball all you want. I like the DeRosa trade, but this offense, has to find away for Ludwick and Ankiel to get going. Once they get on track the DeRosa trade will be big. Brooks don’t like LaRussa, but you cant argue with the guys record, even if some of his moves can leave you scratching your head. I to want to see Jose get the job when Tony does step down. Right now I’m more concerned with are they gonna be able to re-sign Albert?
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Brooks, In response to your last post, If you want to bow down and worship and kiss the feet of North Carolina and Kentucky go ahead.
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Tupps, Good article on Kyle Logue today in the paper. Would like to see him win this years H&R 100.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I sent a blog on the last topic before I saw the new topic. Why hasn’t the Bears shown some interest in Brit? Their special teams defense, sucks.
June 30th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
HEEELLLLLOOOOO!!!!! Tough luck for Brit but it is expected. Bloomington has a team he can play for called the extreme. He was an average LB in college and was able to look good on a horrible defense. TOO Slow for the NFL!
June 30th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
I think some people are forgetting just how high McCamey was graded coming into the U of I. Let’s just say he isn’t a slouch, and he has talent. As long as he applies himself at all times he’ll be just fine. I’ve seen way too much criticism for someone who I think will have a defining role on our next two teams. Some of his recent comments should make us happy. Sounds like he’s got a fire he hasn’t had before.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:39 am
BBJ, I am not always going to be satisfied with a mediocre season, my point was that due to the recruiting I did not expect much last year and blame BW for the recruiting. I certainly expect more this year going in than last year. My point about comparing the Rose Bowl to the tourney is that I don’t judge the entire season on the post season. You can do that if you want but I don’t. I will grant that the football team had a tougher road in the one game played, but I look at results from the whole season.
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“Why are coaches that have had a couple winning seasons in such demand?” Have you looked at BW career record as a BB coach? Perhaps that is why he is paid well.
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Let’s hope the football team can do well. It looks like the schedule is pretty tough.
GO ILLINI! BOO cardinals
July 1st, 2009 at 6:45 am
This is for Fishin Fred. Brit posted a 4.54 and 4.57 in the 40 at a combine, and that isn’t slow. I think you had better stick to fishin because you certainly don’t know much about football.
July 1st, 2009 at 7:52 am
Deano is right. Brit was on two state finals relay teams, IIRC: 4 x 100 and 4 x 200. Speed is not his problem, size is.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:33 am
Jones- Duke, NC, and now Kentucky are the three teams I like to root against. I’m just smart enough to realize that we aren’t a Top 5 program like they are. Calipari had his Final Four wiped away at UMASS and now will have it wiped away from Memphis. How long after he wins a NC a Kentucky will that one be wiped away too? Or am I the only one tired of cheating coaches who get away with it? Win or lose, I always want the coaches at Illinois to run a clean program.
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Mikey- I’m not sure if Oquendo is the long term answer, but he definitely deserves a shot. He seems to be great with the young players though.
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Jones- Saying that Larussa is innocent and knew nothing about his player’s taking steroids is like saying that Kelvin Sampson has never used a cell phone before.
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Illini Gator- The Bears always have good special teams and they are loaded at linebacker.
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Never thought I would be defending Fishin Fred, but he’s right. He just used the wrong word. Miller is under sized, not too slow. While I wish Brit the best and truly hope that he makes it on an NFL roster, he has a long uphill battle ahead of him.
July 1st, 2009 at 9:15 am
Bloomington Extreme? C’mon. Brit was a top performer in one of the 6 best football conferences in the nation, not to mention a four year starter at the University of Illinois. I’ve known Brit my entire life. He is as focused as they come about playing football. He doesn’t know how to fail and mark my words he will end up on an NFL roster this season or the next.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:59 am
I want too agree with you JBirdman. I think there is a place for Brit in the NFL. I would like to see the Bears pick him up. They do need the special teams help.
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Brooks, Not sure where your coming from with the La Russa and steroids. I would have to think he had an idea about it. But i have to think that it was used by alot of players back then. It wasent the issue it is now. Don’t you think allot of older former players, Hall of Fame players would of used them, if they thought it would of given them an edge? On the cheating, who cares if all they do is take that win or season 2-3 years ago away. The only thing that really matters is whats going on today. What they should do is ban the coach from coaching again for cheating. 1 mistake gets you in trouble, another mistake gets you kicked out. Penalizeing a school after the culprits all leave. Its like giving a bank a fine 2 years after it got robbed. Why, and what good does it do? The NCAA needs a big time overhaul and people put in place that have some commonsense.
July 1st, 2009 at 12:48 pm
He doesn’t know how to fail??? Our defense has failed many times! I don’t know him personally but I wish the best for him and dont doubt his determination and will to succeed in football. It’s not going to happen though. I was wrong with about the speed concept, I was thinking of someone else but his size is lacking and as a Bears fan I do not want him on our squad.
July 1st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Briggs, Urlacher, Pisa, Williams, Hillenmeyer, Freeman, etc. The Bear’s are loaded at LB and special teams. No Brit needed. He’s undersized for the NFL. He’d be great in the Areana League if it comes back.
July 1st, 2009 at 3:01 pm
There are plenty of linebackers and special team guys in the nfl listed around Brit’s Prod Day measurements: 6′0″ 243 lbs. Check any roster and every team has guys that size. He even played at 265 in the 08 Rose Bowl and had a great game including a sack. His size isn’t a concern. Its the misinformation about his measurements and speed. Carolina was loaded with backers. His agent should know better. Also, I wouldn’t call 132 tackles a failure…ever.
July 1st, 2009 at 3:07 pm
BBJ — If it is all about winning, why do you continue to suggest that Weber should have played Alex more even if the team may have lost more games?
July 1st, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Hey may have been on the track team in high school but I’m sure all of the alcohol zook lets his players drink he has slowed down.
July 1st, 2009 at 5:24 pm
DLM, I didnt sat we would of lost more games. I said we dont know if we would of lost more. I also said even if we did lose one of those earlier games, we might of won some later season games with a bench with more expierence. We dont know do we. You guys keep suggesting if Legion played more we would of lost more games. I’m saying we dont know that for sure. Had he a played more he might of improved more and might of helped us win a couple games later in the season.
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Brooks, Urlacher and Briggs have both been in the league for awhile now. No one is suggesting to replace them with Brit. I am saying, I wouldnt mind seeing the bears take him to practice and see what happens. He might not ever be a starter in the NFL, but there are guys that make a living on special teams,especially kick off coverage and punt coverage teams. The Bears special teams werent as good last year.
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Fishin fred, He was able to look good on a “horriable defense”. Dont you think, that made it harder for him to look good, with the other teams always concentrating on him?
July 1st, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Fishy - Are you suggesting college athletes drink alcohol? Miller may not be a Dana Howard or Kevin Hardy but I agree with most he could make it somewhere, if not this year on a team. No, the Bears don’t need him but if they did need a guy like him, I would be happy for him to play for the Bears.
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Brooks - I think Oquendo could be a long term answer. He has been with that organization for how long now? He knows the coaches in the their minor league system, etc.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:29 pm
BBJ- Its not like Brit is a WR or RB. He played middle linebacker his senior year, what were they suppose to do not run the ball or throw the ball to the middle of the field. They sure werent going to throw it to a WR with Davis covering them. Anyways its easier to stand out with a sub-par team then it is playing with all stars. Everybody that is a Bears fan admits Forte had a good season but if you put him on the Titans he would even play with Chris Johnson and Lendell White on the team. It’s a pretty simple theory.
July 1st, 2009 at 9:28 pm
I don’t know if Bri could plau arena ball. His pass defense isn’t the best and Arena is strictly a passing game. His best bet is the new football league, or Canadian football. He seems to be a hard worker and has a good work effort. I hope Britt makes it in football. Urlacher may be gone in a year or two and Briggs may be around 2 or 3 more years. The Bears kicking teams were down last year and they can’t keep putting defensive starters on those teams.
July 1st, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Fishy fred, Here’s a news flash for you. Illinois is not the only college where athletes drink.
July 2nd, 2009 at 5:41 am
Next thing I will read is that more than a few students drink alcohol. Oh my! Back in my day the drinking age was 18, so the students could legally drink. I am sure that there has been virtually no drinking by underage students since this changed. I brought my son to college orientation and some of the students were surprised that it was 18 to drink then. Then I asked, and they replied, “oh, we party almost every weekend”, oh yes times have changed. It was funny trying to explain writing computer programs on punch cards, some things change, some don’t.
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As far as Brit making the NFL goes, there are less than 2000 people playing in the NFL and well over 20000 playing in college. You can only play 4 years in college and a good amount of NFL’ers play longer than that. Unless you shine enough to get a high draft pick, your chances to get on the field to prove yourself will be minimal. It is a tough numbers game to crack. I wish him well in his efforts to make a team.
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Is Oquendo a linebacker recruit?
GO ILLINI!
July 2nd, 2009 at 6:37 am
BBJ- Do you not think I know this? with Zook as the coach and Brit being from Decatur I put two and two together and didnt get four. My answer was a lot of keg stands and beer bongs! Go Illini
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:20 am
Chester on Chet: “Without a doubt we would have beaten Western Kentucky by 10-15 points if I would have played in the game.”
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Considering WKU was up by 18 at one point if i recall - i never knew Chet was a 30+ point differential guy - surprising he wasn’t a lottery pick.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:54 am
Lol Hedgehog. Chet is as delusional as Brooks if he thinks that is the case.
July 2nd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Fred, Your comment about Zook and “all the alcohol he lets his players drink”. Where does that come from? Every athlete that has gotten in trouble on the football team, Zook has suspended or kicked off the team. Do you think he buys these guys alcohol so he can kick them off the team? I guess we need to look harder at Weber now for all the alcohol he let Jammar drink or The Iowa football coach for all the alcohol he lets his players have. So it’s easier to stand out playing middle linebacker, when the offensive line doesnt have to double one of the defensive tackles, and the center is free to always block on the Middle linebacker. No matter how you want to look at it, Brit had to make the plays. He made allot of tackles last year at middle linebacker and on the special teams. The opposing team’s runners. didn’t run straight to him and say tackle me. Does that mean he’s gonna play at the next level, No. But i for one, am gonna root for him.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
hedgehog, He was not a 30 point guy. His defense on their top scorer would have helped and his running if the offense would have made a big difference. His leadership was missing and the players knew in the back of their minds, that he was important person to their game plan. Yes, I think they could of won if he played. It isn’t all about points scored.
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Gator, like my boy Stone Cold Steve Austin always said…they got beat and “that is the bottom line”. You can make excuses and pine for different circumstances all you want, but at the end of the day they didn’t get the job done. We don’t cut our footballers any slack around here, so I don’t see why it should be different for hoops. We got beat by a team we had no business losing to, Chester or no Chester.
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Many say Zook has to prove his critics wrong this coming season and I fully agree. It’s time to win some games and get to a bowl and win that too. However, I feel the same can be said for our bball team. It’s time to win a frickin’ tourney game for crying out loud. It’s been far too long. Weber is under the microscope this year in my opinion too. Another year with no tourney wins will have him looking like an 80’s one hit wonder. Buster Poindexter perhaps?
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
illini gator, I agree, they could have won, they may not have, either way I think the game would have been much closer, but we will never know.
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I saw where Chester evaluated the new freshmen and here is what he had to say.
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DJ Richardson is ready to be the lock down defender I was. He will start. Brandon Paul is hard to guard. He is an athletic freak and can really shoot.
( I like to hear Chester, our best defender, say sombody is hard to guard).
Legion and Paul should fight it out for the third guard spot.
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Bertrand should get minutes and if the season started tomorrow, Griffey would have trouble finding playing time.
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Paul Klee added that the other day during a pickup game, Legion was hitting some shots. After the game DJ Richardson said I am guarding Legion this game. I like that attitude. DJ also said he likes to get others involved first and shoot second. ALthough he is a good shooter he likes to pass first.
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Bosco - Buster Poindexter, huh? You do know that David Johansen was a founding member of the New York Dolls, right? So based on your statement, you’re comparing Weber to the likes of Hank Iba.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Gator, “It isn’t all about scoring points” One question, Who wins at the end of a game? Chester was an OK defender, but his lack of offense offset his defense most of the time. We needed a backup that could score. I still say we lose that game no matter if Chester played. That guard of theirs was scoring from long distance. I don’t think Chester was tall enough to bother him too much from out there. You needed to guard them full court and Weber is not changing his game plan,unless were way behind and in crises mode. It would of been nice to see us change are game plan and play all out in the first 5 mins of the game. It doesnt hurt to change things up from time to time.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:06 pm
BBJ, If the Illini win every regular season game next year, except for the last one (aka 2005) will Weber be a great coach ?
July 3rd, 2009 at 5:39 am
hey–i heard britt got picked up by san francisco 49ers. is that right??
July 3rd, 2009 at 6:43 am
DecIllini - Good stuff about the new guys! Very encouraging!
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:28 am
I’d hardly compare the New York Dolls to Hank Iba. Fact remains, as “Buster Poindexter” he had one hit that people know of. Fittingly, Weber may go from “Hot, Hot, Hot” to “Cold, Cold, Cold” if he faceplants again in the tourney this year!
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If it makes you feel better, I can change the analogy to Toni Basil though
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:58 am
I think if Chester played the Illini would have done better in the tourney, but I certainly don’t think he would have made 30 pts worth of difference. Even if we won that game, I did not see us advancing too far in the tourney. Let’s face it, the raw talent was not there on an overall scale. It appears to be coming in now.
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I hate to complain about the weather, but in MA it has rained each of the last 12 days and 24 of the last 28.
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BBJ, I would like to see more offense, but it is not more important than defense. If we hold the other team to 40, we can only be 40 points behind. I hope Legion is better this year, but his offense did not make up for his lack of defense apparently in the coach’s opinion.
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Glad to hear DJ is a good defender. That is key to getting playing time with BW. With Jordan gone and BW propensity to play 3 guards, I see the FR getting a lot of playing time. It may be a good thing that BW won’t have much choice but to play them.
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I will agree that the lack of tourney wins and the overall performance of the hoops team was on a downward scale after 2005. Hopefully the nadir was reached two seasons ago and we will continue to improve. We at least have a new stable of horses to cheer on.
GO ILLINI!
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:47 am
Jones- Frazier was an OK defender? Are you serious? You seriously don’t watch games. He was one of the top defenders in the Big Ten, if not the best. Lack of height? The guy shut down Hummel, Turner, etc. And now you think that him playing in the final game wouldn’t have made a difference? Lets go back to talking about spelling. It’s a subject you know more about than basketball.
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Bosco- You must read the same sports page that Jones gets his info from. Weber is not under the microscope. He just got a huge extension and pay raise. Lets talk about your boy Zook. He has NEVER won a bowl game. NEVER. I’d cut Zook some slack if he would have ever won something.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 am
I don’t disagree on Zook, it’s time for him to get the job done. But considering we have won 3 bowl games in the last 40 years, I can’t say I have too big of expectations for the football program, regardless of who is coaching.
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That said, if you are happy with an average season (yes 20 wins in this day and age is average) and fizzling out in the tourney every year, your expectations for our hoops squad is way too low. We have too much of a rich history to be getting 1 tourney win every 5 years. Weber better earn that paycheck and get things going in post-season play, or the pressure is going to really start mounting. I think recruiting has improved dramatically (thanks Jerrance) so this should start happening, but blowing games like we did to WKU last year makes me question what will come to pass on the court.
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What happened to FRG, DIF, CIF? Those guys made this blog a lot more balanced. Have they been banned or did they just give up on refuting the resident homers that post here?
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Brooks. If Chester was that good, wheres he playing next year? A guy that can shut down everyone, should be playing somewhere. You need to just stick to watching my spelling, You sure no little about basketball. Weber’s style of play, made some of you believe, that the defenders were better then they actually were. Before you blow a gasket, the point was, You could of offset his defense, with a good offensive player. As hard as he played on defense, his lack of offensive skills hurt. I’d say beating Ohio State on the field when they were #1 in the country “winning something”. How many number 1 teams in the country has Weber beaten lately? For that matter, how many top 10 teams has he beaten in the last 3 years? Before you start harping on Zook again, think about how many top ranked teams Weber has beaten. We beat Purdue and Missouri,very early in the season last year when both teams were struggling. We didnt beat them when they were playing there best ball. Both those teams improved during the season, Illinois didnt. When Weber goes to the Number 1 team in the nations gym, and walks away with a win, get back to me.
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DecIllini, If we go unbeaten during the regular season next year, we will be a 1 seed in the tourney. Now if we get beat buy a 16 seed, Are you gonna call the season a success? You can gather some wins during the season against some weak teams. But there are no easy games when you get to the tourney. Especially when your offense is designed to hold the ball rather then to score.
July 3rd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Brooks - I am almost to the point where I would cut off your last sentence in number 36, right after the word Zook.
July 4th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
BBJ= You like to tell people they dont know anything about basketball. It seems like to me if everyone disagrees with you, maybe you are the one that doesnt know anything? Coach. How can you say that Illinois didnt improve. You say the same thing over and over. Last time you said this I wrote that we barely beat teams like Tulsa and others. Yet we won and were very competitive in the Big Ten schedule. I will go out on a limb and say there is a reason why you don’t coach basketball anymore and I dont think its because your kids got too old either. You do not know much about basketball and Tupps can you do all of us a favor and insert a spell checker for BBJ? Thanks!
July 4th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
BBJ, are you kidding me. Has a 16 ever beaten a #1. The reason I made the statement about going undefeated is Weber is the same coach as he was in 05.
I truly believe with talent he will go far in the NCAA Tourney. Beginning this coming season, he will have the talent. When you have Mr. Basketball in Illinois (Paul) and the starting 2 guard from the National Champion Findly Prep team (DJ Richardson) playing two guard spots. Add three returning starters from a 24 win team. I like their chances. I will say right now they will be underrated. Because a lot of folks do not give Weber the respect he deserves. I predict the Illini will finish first, second or third in the Big Ten and if the schedule breaks in their favor they will win it.
July 5th, 2009 at 6:16 am
I thin Fishing Frederick was trying to be amusing when he suggested alcohol and slowed Brit down. It must be terrible to go through like without a sense of humor
crk
July 5th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Ckasch- It must be terrible to go through life without knowing how to spell, especially when you trying to put someone down. You left the door completely open. Is Ckasch your name or did you just not spell it correctly?
July 5th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Jones- Do you really want a list of good college ball players who never went on to the pros?
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And you’re content with 2, two win seasons and 1, five win season just because we beat Ohio State once?
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Mikey- Most Zook supporters don’t want to talk about his lack of winning either. Atleast Florida knew when to cut it’s losses. You guys want a winning football program so you will settle for being good one out of every five years. In my eyes, that’s not much improvement.
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Bosco- I respected your opinion until you asked for the like of FRG and DIF to come back to the blog. If you knew anything, they only post when something negative happens. Thankfully, those days are behind us.
July 5th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
,Brooks, You talk like Weber has gotten us to the final four three or four times already. What actually has he won the last 3-4 years with his own recruited players?
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DecIllini, So Weber can win some games with good talent. OK. So whats your point? Calipari, Williams, Coach K, Self, They all can win games with talent. There are some mid major teams, that develop some talent, win some games and surprise people in the tourney. There are allot of coaches out there that can win with talent. There are some good coaches out there that don’t win because they cant get the talent. From 2005 until this next year, the talent level and the play of the team has gone down hill. Weber has been the coach. There’s really nothing more to say.
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Fishy fred, I have taken the time to improve on the spelling. If it still bothers you, don’t read it. Secondly, If you want to talk about my coaching, we can find some other place to do that, And I would personally be glad to do that. I don’t think the people in here want to read these personal attacks. We all have are own views on what we would like to see. Why cant we just keep it to that.
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DecIllini, That is exactly the point. A 16 doesn’t beat a 1, So if a team goes undefeated during the season and loses it’s first round game, I don’t care who the coach is, there is gonna be a lot of questions raised about that coach. No, Weber hasn’t been the same coach as in 2005. The talent has not been close to the same, and it is his “JOB” as the head coach, to put the talent out there on the floor and to coach them. This is what some of you fail to think about. College basketball, is about “recruiting” and “bench coaching”, and not just bench coaching. To argue everything is the same as it was in 2005 is crazy. In 2005 he gets a very high grade for bench coaching. Very good. On the other hand, in the other half of his job, recruiting he did a poor to very poor job. So why should i give him an overall high grade? In school, if you get an A on 1 day and a F the next, don’t you get a c? Now what got me going on this, is last year Brooks and Gator were both saying, It was time to get rid of Zook. From what i have seen on the football field and on the court the last 3 years, I don’t see where the job Weber has done has been that much better then what Zook has done, Yet i don’t hear them talking about letting him go. Both of them have had disappointing seasons. If either one, has a disappointing season again this year, then i will start wondering about both of them. But I’m not gonna talk about firing either one of them for at least 2 more years, maybe 3.
July 6th, 2009 at 5:34 am
I will agree the downturn in talent from 2005 till the upcoming class with the possible exception of the junior class was BW fault. But the recruiting appears greatly improved. As far as being a bench coach, I think BW took so so talent last season and had a good season for what the talent level was. Not a good season by Illini standards, but decent for the talent level which BW recruited. I think the expectations will be massive after this year assuming we do well this year.
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If you can’t get your point across, complain about someone else’s spelling. It makes you look smart.
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GO ILLINI!
July 6th, 2009 at 6:27 am
BBJ — First of all, Weber didn’t go from an “A” to an “F”. Second, as some of us have been saying, a grade on a college written paper is determined by BOTH CONTENT(players) & WRITING ABILITY(coaching). Weber’s coaching continues to in the A or B+ area. His content(playrs) has not been consistent. You refuse to give Weber credit for his COACHING ability because you insist on downgrading his coaching because the talent level dropped. Are you telling us that in those years when the level of talent on your teams was not good that you were a bad coach?
July 6th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Jones- Weber is a very good coach. He got 24 wins out of a team that most of you thought wouldn’t even make a post season tournament. He wins consistantly. You gauge success on upset wins? Zook upsets OSU and you automatically give him a 5 season pass? So if Zook only wins 5 or 6 games this year, you give him two more seasons? Yikes. With a fan base like this, I now realize why our football program has fallen so far down.
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5 win seasons should never be acceptable. You love to throw out Weber’s 16 win season. A 46% winning %. Zook goes 5-7. A 42% winning %. Even worse. So why do we keep giving him a pass? No post season wins. 5 wins with a team that includes Juice, Benn, Miller, Vontae, etc.? Unacceptable.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:36 am
DLM - You are right, his grade didn’t go from an A to an F. It went from an A to a D-. An F would be fair if he had not gotten anybody to come play here and had to hold tryouts. I’ll give him a D- for the fact that he brought in some guys, albeit ones that were not very good. Considering that Weber recruited one RCSI top 50 player before the 2009 class, I’d say a D- is being generous.
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BBJ is right, Weber won with guys he didn’t recruit. People here still celebrate him even though the last few years have been what I would call below average for Illinois hoops. You guys sound like IU fans. Are we still going to be dusting off those B10 banners if BWeb continues to acheive average to below average results?
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The reason I asked about those guys Brooks is because they help balance out the environment here. It actually makes it more enjoyable. I think there are 3 factions of fans who post here. The ones who thinks Weber poops sunshine, the ones who are level headed (like me), and the negative nancies who keep the sunshine boys in check. We need everyone to keep the balance IMO.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:56 am
On a somewhat trivial note–the U of I just won a gold medal from the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators for the World’s Biggest Basketball Practice promotion, held at Memorial Stadium after the Minny game last October. It was the largest crowd ever for a men’s basketball practice and was the largest crowd for any women’s basketball event. Does anyone know if we plan a similar event this year?
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On a more future note, Weber has offered to the three top rated Illinois prospects for the class of 2013–Jabari Parker, Thomas Hamilton, Jr., and Alex Foster. How do you all feel about offering to high school freshmen? Personally, I think there should be a prohibition until the junior year.
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Joe J–You say: “If you can’t get your point across, complain about someone else’s spelling. It makes you look smart.” Take a close look at the grammar and sentence structure of those complaining about spelling and I think you will change your mind about it making them look smart.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:15 am
DLM, Weber isnt paid to coach High School or summer rec league. He is paid to coach a div 1 basket team. He is paid to Recruit the players on his team and coach them. W
July 6th, 2009 at 10:40 am
DLM, Too finish, What part of that don’t you understand? In 2004 he was given a very good talented group of freshmen, and he didn’t recruit 1 good player to go with them. Yes his first 2-3 years he gets a very low grade in recruiting. I gave him an A for bench coaching in 2005, even though i don’t really like his style of offense. We had a very good year in 2005. We look to of had a good looking recruiting class coming in for 2009. The in between weren’t all that good. Coaching ability, Is more then just bench coaching. He didn’t inherit the players he had the last 2-3 years. He recruited them. that is part of the job. Remember there is 2 parts to the job. Just because in your mind you think he got the most out of what he had, doesn’t mean the job he done that year was a success. You have to look at what you expect or want to see from your team. If your happy with 2 one and done’s in the big dance and 19 loss record season the last 3 years, good for you. I think this university should expect a little more from it’s basketball team.
July 6th, 2009 at 11:52 am
The argument between Zook and Weber foes is almost humorous. We may not have a complete coach in either case. Zook can get players but can’t coach them up. Weber can’t get any ready to play type players. Which it takes to win the National Championship. So where does that leave the average Illinois fan? Frustrated baby like my 17 year old boys chances of dating Megan Fox.
July 6th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
Lol Brooks, the football team hasn’t “fallen so far down”. It has traditionally been that “far down”. Outside of an occassional good season about once every 15 to 20 years, our football program hasn’t been worth a wooden nickel. That is why some here, like Jones and a few others, tend to cut Zook just a little more slack than you do. Comparatively, it would be like our bball team being traditionally under .500 and rarely making the tourney. If that was the case, we’d all be thrilled with Weber. However, that is not the reality of our hoops history. Why you can’t seem to figure out how to look at things with those historical contexts in mind is beyond me.
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If you want to keep making comparisons between the two programs, here is one for you. Weber was an awful lot like Ron Turner IMO, great x’s and o’s guy, terrible recruiter. It cost Turner his job. On the other hand, to Weber’s credit he had a stroke of genious and hired Jerrance Howard as an assistant. That move will prove to be what saves him his job.
July 6th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Okay, has everyone forgotten the 2007 recruiting class? Was that a bad one guys? Maybe it wasn’t up to top 10 class level but we had significant pickups. You like Mike Davis right BBJ? He was rated extremely poorly, I think the worst in that class actually. Is that the definition of poor recruiting? I’m sure our biggest 3 contributers on the team would love to hear about how Weber didn’t recruit well until the 2009 class (If it’s that, Weber’s done one hell of a job improving players). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Weber fixed his recruiting problems 2 years ago. He did not recruit well from 2004-2006. I’ll give you that. But 2007 was a good class. 2008 is just kind of out the window with only one scholly, but 2009-2011 could be the best three year recruiting period for illinois in a long time. Why are people still talking about the recruiting thing.
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Btw, Weber is clean. Remember that. There are a lot of coaches out there who don’t play by the same rules. Calipari gets the best recruits, but he had a final four banner taken down, and will likely have another one taken down with Memphis and Derek Rose.
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Lastly, expectations rise with the new recruiting classes. If the Illini go one and done the next two years, I’ll have serious doubts about Weber’s ability. Up until that point, it’s stupid to argue about the past. I know we’ll keep doing it though
July 6th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Jones- It takes any coach three years to establish recruiting at his new school unless you are a Top 5 program. Or a cheating coach like Calipari. Weber had it a bit tougher inheriting a team with NC hopes. Neither Self nor Krueger could establish a good relationship with the Chicago Public League or the AAU coaches in Illinois. Weber has done that. Recruiting will never be an issue again. His major mistake was banking on Gordon. Had Gordon come through, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion.
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Bosco- Ask any of the three groups and they would all answer to the fact that they are the level headed ones. FRG and DIF would post something very negative, and then disappear. Never backing up what they believe. While you and I might not agree on everything, atleast we can have a civilized debate about it. I’m sure that you can agree with me on that one.
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Illiniwhirl- I hate that we are recruiting 8th graders. Unfortunately, Weber has to do it to keep up. I wish the NCAA wouldn’t let kids commit until their junior year. Let college coaches scout high school games. No JV or 7th/8th grade games. I really hope we get Beal. A 6′3 SG who is projected to grow another 2-3 inches. Paring him up in the backcourt with Abrahms would be something very special. He said he will announce before the school year starts. All coaches are out on the road. Let’s hope that Weber and Co. can get a couple more locked up.
July 6th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Does anyone know if we plan a similar event this year?
I attended that game. The temperature on the field must have been close to 100 degrees. I would guess maybe 2000 fans stayed for the basketball “game” Novel idea, not much fan interest. crk
July 6th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Fishing Frederick has once again slayed me with his rapier wit. His lack of a sense of humor appears to be exceeded only by his lack of sports knowledge. I never really got hooked on fonics Freddie.
Worry about it 
crk
July 6th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Brooks, The last 2 years, Zook was 5-7 and 9-4 and a trip to the rose bowl, with a win at The number 1 team in the nation. Weber was one and done in the big dance and record losing season, and your leading the parade to say he’s the best coach since Wooden. I have said before, both coaches have had there ups and downs. Both coaches have some good young talent coming, and in my opinon, Both coaches deserve the chance to see what they can do with the talent.
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Illiniwhirlpool, I have said, I don’t think the coaches should be allowed to recruit a player ubtill after his junior year in High school at the earliest. Actually, I would rather see them not being to make them an offer until after there senior year in high school. If they would make that a rule, it might save the universities allot of money. Now, I seen this Hamilton kids dad play, and man he was big, and pretty good. It sounds like there are some very good high school players in the state. Lets just hope most of the best one’s play here.
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I know what you mean about the balance in here Boscoe. As long as they want to stick to talking about sports it’s not a big problem, but when you get 3 of them throwing around personal attacks, because they are losing the argument, thats when it can become a little overwhelming. I will say i don’t take any comments from Brooks to serious, because i know where he is coming from most of the time. I think he has Weber overrated, and he thinks i have Zook overrated, and we have some good fun with that. He doesn’t know that on the inside, i wish i could feel about Weber like he does, because i love Illinois sports.
July 6th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
BBJ, isn’t it time to forget aboiut 2 years ago and start thinking positive, Give it a rest. it’s to late to go back and change the past. Weber looks like he has learned from past mistakes and has recruited a ver good couple of classes. I only hope that Zook can learn from his past and get his act together and give us some hope like Weber has.
July 6th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
BBJ, I agree that Weber and Zook are on the clock. They need to win this year. I like where Weber is headed, with the outstanding talent coming in 2009-10 and beyond. I am not sure about Zook, but I really do not follow football as much as B-Ball. *
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Paul Klee said that Myers Leonard may become the best recruit at Illinois, considering he will probably be here 4 years. He stated that Leonard will not red-shirt as a Frosh even though Tisdale and Davis will be Seniors. He also said Tracy Abrams was the best player at the Moody Camp. And the Illini are in good shape with Nana Igu (spelling ?). Add these players to Richmond and Head, it is easy to see a final four or two and maybe a National Championship. Remember the Illini have only been to 2 Final Four’s in the last 50 years.
It looks like we will be singing Weber’s praises in the near future. We already know he is an excellent coach, now he will have the horses. Stephen Bardo said Weber is the best game coach in the business. Pretty high praise from a knowledgeable guy. I hope Zook can keep pace.
July 6th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
DecIllini, I think some of you need to remember, Weber is not the only one last year to bring in some good recruits. Zook brought in some pretty good ones too. I heard Paul Klee say that too about Leonard. He is very high on him. He really has me curious to see him play.
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Your right Gator, I don’t like saying that LOL. It is time to move on. I like the direction both programs are headed. Zook and Weber are both having some success recruiting, and there’s were it starts. Gunther has done a pretty good job. To bad the wrestling coach retired.
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Brooks, If recruiting takes 3 years to get established, Why are you so critical of Zook for his first 2 years?. That’s why i throw away Zooks first two years and start with year three. Now I am very interested in seeing how this team pans out this year. 9-4 again, or 5-7? I am not sure which way this team will go. There’s no doubt in my mind that Juice is the key.
July 6th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
crk - I was at that game too and all I wanted to do was get the hell out of there, it was so hot and get back to the parking lot post game tailgating. The “court” they had was past the south end zone of the horseshoe so even if it was a nice day, how could anyone see what was going on down there unless you had seats over there. What are you going to do, have everyone else move over and cram 50,000 in that area? Bad idea for sure, and no I don’t know what they have planned this year but it should be at midnight and in the Assembly Hall. Lets get back to basics and start it off right. Yeah I know you don’t have to wait to mid night anymore IAW NCAA rules but who cares? Weber can get the team up at 5 the next morning for a real practice. What do you want, a laid back 70 and older crowd that can barely clap to get their hands together or a majority rowdy bunch of college kids who have had a chance to enjoy the festivities during the evening to make some noise? (But I know some 70 and older guys who can still make some noise too). My point is, whatever they decide, they need to make it as electric an atmosphere as possible, right?
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By the way, I don’t think Fishy would know what hooked on phonics means.
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UI Luke - Most of the time I agree with what you say. And this time I agree with you 100% in post nr. 55 but what do you mean Weber is clean? You mean he is not on roids? HAHA!
July 7th, 2009 at 5:49 am
Whirlpool, just trying to focus the banter away from spelling, even Cardinal talk is better than spelling.
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I will have to agree the football team has generally been down since I can remember save for an occasional good year or two. I recall the 0-0 tie with NW in the “toilet bowl” to close out one season. I stayed in the dorm to watch OSU MI game instead.
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Good points Luke, I generally steer my arguments about last year with a caveat about questionable recruiting in the past and not the highest expectations. I agree the bar is being raised as the recruiting improves, and certainly the current junior class, while not highly ranked is the only one of note for BW that has played so far. Clearly this year and next are probably the best ever from a “scout” type ranking.
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It does appear if the recruiting stands that we will be in the hunt for the final 4 and perhaps beyond. Everything must break your way to win the NC, and perhaps we can even mute DIF some day.
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I will say I am more positive about the upcoming BB season over the FB season again, for what, 35 years running or since I was old enough to even care about it.
GO ILLINI
July 7th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Brooks already mentioned this, Bosco, but I’ll say it, too. Many other people on this blog, from one end of the spectrum to the other & many people in between, believe themselves to be level-headed, just like you.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Joe J - Good perspective on Illinois Football. I thank Zook because 2007 rekindled my interest in our football program. It is nice to have a product with potential, even if there are “holes” in the roster and some questionable coaching decisions. Our football program has been bad for as long as I can remember, I pretty much buried all my Illini gear here in Nebraska once the football season started. It’s nice to be able to put on an Illini football shirt and know that they at least have a chance for winning some games and recruiting some big time players.
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Luke, I have to disagree with you somewhat on the 2007 and 2008 hoops classes. 2007 was average at best, and really only looks decent now beacuse Tracy Webster was able to nab a diamond in the rough in Davis. McCamey is okay, and he was the only decently rated player coming in (going by RSCI). The rest are average or below. I am not sold on Tisdale like some are so keep that in mind.
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2008 was IMO Weber’s worst recruiting effort. We had more than one scholarship to give, and we whiffed on all 6 of our top recruits (Dunigan, Humphrey, Suggs, Liggins, Miller, Shumpert). We ended up only taking one player in Simpson, who is still an unproven commodity. That year it was brutal to follow our recruiting. Then, Bruce brings in Jerrance (his best shining moment post-2005) and things do a 180. I couldn’t be more happy about it. Seeing our hoops recruiting and on court play at the level it was 2007-2008 (Randle’s senior year) was gut wrenching. Last year was an improvement because frankly we had no where to go but up. Let’s hope the new guys really get us going in the right direction again (sweet 16’s and beyond). I am a little more skeptical than some of you, but I am hopeful.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:33 am
U I Luke, I don’t think 1 out of 5 recruiting classes, turning out to be ok, is anything to crow about. The 2007 class, might turn out to be pretty good, but It was far from a stellar class. Davis, to me is the best of that group and he was an after thought. Where would we be today if Weber would of taken over a program that was as bad as the one Zook took over? If Self hadn’t of left a very good freshmen class, would Weber of been ranked a top 25 coach?
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Does anybody think Martez Wilson will be able to do as good a job at middle Linebacker, as Miller or J did the last 2 years? SO many questions about this years football team. Is Juice gonna be better. What will the offense look like with a new cord? Gonna be real interesting.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Jones- I’m not critical of Zook his first 2 years. He got a pass. I’ve been very critical since the Rose Bowl game though. Juice isn’t the key. The key is if the offensive line can give him time to throw and how good defense and special teams are. How can Juice be the key when the offense is our strength?
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Arter- Great minds think alike. Of course FRG and DIF probably say that to each other too.
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Bosco- Weber is like Turner? Give me a break. A 16 win season is no where close to a 1 or 2 win season. Now Howard gets all the credit? Newsflash. The recruits we have now were either signed or very close to signing before Howard got here. Howard is a big part of recruiting now, but he has yet to land a big name himself. Hopefully he can help us land Beal, Shaw, Randle, etc. Why do you give Zook all the credit with recruiting when his assistants contribute alot too. You can’t have it both ways.
July 7th, 2009 at 10:03 am
CRK- Two too many smiling faces on the comment. If that makes you happy, then I suppose you win the battle. HAHA The practice on the football field was just dumb. I think the coaches thought it would turn out better than it did. So I don’t expect it this year.
July 7th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Yes! Martez Wilson will be better than Brit Miller. I guarantee this! I’ll put him in a level with J but probably will be better then him too. His closing speed in unbelievable. He will dominate the middle of the field. You will also see a few sacks from him too. If all of this is wrong, he will still be better because he isn’t from Decatur.
July 7th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Wow Brooks, you don’t get much inside info on our hoops recruiting do you? Howard got Richardson to pull the trigger which set off the entire 2009 recruiting class. If he had not come in, who knows how that class would have gone. Everything dominoed after DJ’s committment. Jereme Richmond has gone on the record saying that the only way he would back out of his committment is if Jerrance leaves. Jerrance, not Weber. That was a freebie in the local press a few months back, so even you should have gotten that one. Those are the two key guys for the 2009 and 2010 classes. Jerrance also landed Abrams, the only 2011 commit to date.
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I don’t know where you are getting your info, but if you look at the complete strike out we had in 2008 by Weber and his staff it’s pretty easy to see that Jerrance was the one who sparked the recruiting turn around. The other guys are good at x’s and o’s and game prep but don’t have near the personality Jerrance does. If you’d ever been to an event Jerrance was recruiting at you’d know this to be true.
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Saying Jerrance hasn’t landed anybody is the most ludicrous statement I’ve ever seen you make on here, and that is saying something.
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By the way, Zook doesn’t get all the credit for recruiting. Lockley, Mitchell are two of many guys on his staff (or formerly on his staff) that have gotten great results. Zook gets the credit for hiring those guys, just like I have been saying Bruce gets credit for bringing in Howard. Great move by Weber, it most likely saved his job. It’s common knowledge that up until he made that move, his recruiting was awful.
July 7th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Jones- New cord? Is that the problem with the football team? It wasn’t plugged in? Now Weber doesn’t even get credit for Mike Davis? Most coaches told him to go the JUCO route, but Weber gave him the chance and the opportunity to play now. And then, Bosco gives Webster all the credit for Davis? You guys are sad. Atleast I am honest about my thoughts about Zook. You two say you like Weber one minute and then blast him the next.
July 7th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Once again Brooks, it’s all about historical contexts. A 1 to 2 win season in football is terrible by most accounts. But, a 1 to 2 win season for ILLINI football is just slightly below average for us. A 5 win season is decent for us, and a 9 win season with a Rose Bowl is a once in about 25 to 30 year aberration for us. That being the case, I’m not freaking out about a 5-7 season last year. And with the talent we are bringing in for football, I am actually hopeful that we are moving in the right direction.
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On the flip side, a 19 loss year in hoops is just plain gawd awful based on our historical performance. I was far more upset with that season than I was with any season in recent (or even not so recent) history of our football program.
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They have the complete inverse of our situation here in Nebraska. Do you think people here give a hoot about the basketball teams performance? Heck no, because historically they have been as bad in hoops as we are in football. Most people don’t wake up one day expecting a complete turn around and thinking they should be making the final four. It’s not realistic. However, they will spend millions of dollars to buy out coaches and fire AD’s if the football team starts even having even average seasons. Heck, they fired a coach here the year he had nine wins!
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So you are right, a 19 loss year for us in hoops is not comparable to a 1 to 2 win season for us in football. It’s far worse!!
July 7th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
I guess I don’t really understand how college coaches can recruit kids before their junior year. I’m just starting to get into the recruiting stuff (my son will be junior next year and we are now being approached by various recruiting services wanting to sell their expertise at ungodly prices). Everything I read from the NCAA (see ncaa.org for recruiting guidelines) tells me that colleges can’t send any recruiting material (or make phone calls) to high school athletes until after their sophomore year. It seems to me that making a scholarship offer falls under recruiting material…but, what do I know? Hopefully, I’ll figure this all out before too long.
July 7th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
you guys can’t give it a rest, can you. Stop all the whining and start being more positive. Yesterday is gone, today is now and is the most important, the future isn’t here yet and can be very deceiving. Like the old song says, Let’s live for today and worry about the future when it gets here.
July 7th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
BBJ-I am not crowing about Weber’s recruiting. I’m pointing out something that does not get talked about an awful lot-the 2007 recruiting class. Now, what criteria do you guys use for a good recruiting class? Is it performance in college, or rankings in high school. If we go by rankings before college, it was a pretty good recruiting class. Plus Davis was part of that class, it doesn’t matter if he was a diamond in the rough. That is all I am saying. I do disagree with Bosco on one thing, I think Tisdale will be better than average. I think McCamey still has a lot more to give, and I think we’ll see that this season.
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Weber didn’t take over a crappy program. So it doesn’t matter to me very much what would have happened.
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Brooks-I agree that the O-line is much more key than Juice. I’m surprised Juice had any passing numbers with that bad line. Honestly, he kept himself alive sometimes.
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Bosco-I see what you’re saying about the 19 loss season, but I don’t think that’s any worse than a 1 or 2 win football season. Okay, maybe just 1 win. If we went O-fer, that would be like Indiana this year.
Also, we only obtained 19 losses because we played more games than in the past. There have also been much worse seasons winning percentage wise as. That being said, that can not happen again without another final four. My expectations rose for the football team after the rose bowl season, so last year was Zook’s pass from me. One more bad season from either guy will irritate me-especially Weber, because I do think he’s a good coach, and I’ve said as much.
July 7th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
U I Luke and Brooks, My statement about Juice was including the offensive line and the new cord. They all need to do well for Juice. What i was getting at is, Juice needs to do a good job finding the open receiver and or holding on to the ball and running. Bad play by the QB can make an offensive line look bad.
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Brooks, I said Davis was almost an after thought that year, as he was a very late pickup. Sure Weber should get credit for signing him. I told you i liked him every since he got here. I have also told you i thought he was the best of the class, clear back in preseason his freshmen year. Now I have said on a number of occasions, that i like Weber, and I have also said that I don’t like his offensive style of play. I have never wavered on either one.
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I have said on here that with the recruiting job both guys have done lately, that both coaches deserve at least 2-3 more years. So i am agreeing with Gator. Lets talk about and see what happens this year in both programs. Football is up first. This offense could score a lot of points this year and be fun to watch.
July 8th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Certainly the recruiting turnaround and Jerrance being added to the staff more or less coincided in time. I am sure he has helped recruiting, but how much credit he should get personally, I don’t know. I am thankful that the recruiting is turned around and will credit the entire staff. Have to give BW credit for hiring Jerrance and the recruiting turnaround.
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From what I understand, Martez is a great athlete, if he can play to his full potential he should be great.
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Certainly one or two win seasons are bleep for any football program. For Illini standards, I would say the 19 loss season in hoops is roughly equivalent to a 3 win football season, awful, but not beyond all hope. Generally the football team will have 2 gimme’s and the hoops team about 8.
GO ILLINI!
July 8th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Let me help with the math. A 19 loss basketball season is what! compared to football?
19/35 (basketball) = x/12 (football) x=6.5 loss season for football. How some of you can skew numbers to argue is mind boggling.
This is a water shed season for both BB and FB coaches. The talent seems to be on board. The past is history. Nothing from the past has any reflection on the upcoming seasons. Both coaches will make or break their reputations this year. Previous poor recruiting, play calling, special teams play etc. no longer matter. Lets argue the merits of philosophy, coaching detail and player performance rather than rehash the same old litany of irreversible mistakes using skewed numbers to support thoughts.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Bosco- Give McClain credit for DJ. He’s known the kid most of his life and was the main recruiter. Hiring Howard helped seal the deal, without a doubt, but to not give Weber or McClain credit is ridiculous. JR was already committed to Illinois long before Howard came along. Howard has been in constant contact with JR and naturally have become friends. JR was helping lobby for Howard to get a raise & stay at Illinois. Stop twisting the facts. If Howard was offered a head coaching job, I seriously doubt if he would leave Illinois. As far as Abrahms goes, read his quotes. He gives Weber alot of credit for recruiting him from the very beginning and for offering him so early. Yes, Howard helped seal the deal and is a very important part of our program. But for you to say that Weber can’t recruit and giving Howard all the credit is absolutely ridiculous.
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And to refresh your memory, Weber took alot of criticism for hiring Howard. A young coach with little experience. Maybe he does know what he is doing.
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Bosco- Zook’s 5-7 season was a 42% winning percentage. Weber’s 16-19 season was a 46% winning percentage. So who had the worse season??? Krueger had the worst season. He went 14-18. 44% WP. Yes, Weber had one more loss, but also had 2 more wins.
July 8th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Fishy…you should change your name to “Fred the Contrarian”. All I hear is bitterness about Decatur, ILLINI, and BMill. I’ll give Martez his credit if he performs. By the way, Brit is going to training camp with the 49ers. Weren’t you saying something about the Bloomington Extreme earlier?