FutureGen chooses Mattoon!!!

Mattoon, Illinois was chosen by the FutureGen Alliance this morning as the site for the world's first coal-fueled, near-zero emissions power plant. Other finalists for the site included Tuscola, Illinois; Odessa, Texas; and Heart of Brazos, TX (near Jewett, TX).

FutureGen is a public-private partnership to design, build, and operate the power plant, at an estimated net project cost of US $1.5 billion. The commercial-scale plant will prove the technical and economic feasibility of producing low-cost electricity and hydrogen from coal while nearly eliminating emissions.

Congratulations to the city of Mattoon, the people of Coles County (and across the great state of Illinois) and all those who were involved in securing this very significant decision from the FutureGen Alliance.

Official announcement

Y-Basketball: Bulls 30, Heat 14

The Bulls capped off another undefeated (7-0) league season this morning with a nice 30-14 victory from the Heat at the Champaign County YMCA.

Defense ruled the day again for the Bulls: The Bulls have made a living off their opponents' turnovers this season and this game was no exception. Quentin, Joe, Michael and Luke especially got their share of interceptions as they have all learned to anticipate their opponents' passes and find their way into passing lanes.

Quentin was the difference-maker today with his steals and fast-break layups as he totaled 14 points for the winners. Adam (Mr. Windex) had another solid game in the paint, collecting numerous rebounds and converting four short jumpers for 8 big points. Joe had a couple of nice midrange bank shots go down for 4 points, and both Jack and Michael chipped in with a basket apiece. (Micheal's swished basket again came from the left baseline, his favorite spot on the court.)

And so another great YMCA league season concludes for everyone - all the coaches and kids had a great time and we're already looking forward to the start of the next basketball season on January 19.

Y-Basketball: Bulls 34, Raptors 10

Quentin paced the Bulls with 10 points - most of which came via steals and fast break lay-ups - and the Bulls coasted to an easy 34-10 victory from the Raptors this morning in Champaign County YMCA Youth Basketball.

The Bulls got out to another sluggish start in this game, trailing 6-4 to the Raptors after the first quarter. Slow starts have not been uncommon for this Bulls team. But after turning up the defensive pressure in the second quarter, they held the Raptors scoreless in the period and took a comfortable 14-6 lead into the short halftime break.

The Bulls owned the second half of this one, outscoring the Raptors 20-4 to close out their sixth consecutive victory without a loss this fall. Week after week, this Bulls team creates offense with its tough defense.

Joe had 8 points, Jack added 6, George and Luke each had 4, and Adam added a basket for 2 points to round out a balanced scoring attack for the Bulls.

Quentin, Joe, Luke, Michael, George, Jack and Adam all had steals in this game. Many of these steals came from anticipating passes and intercepting those passes before they reached their intended targets. Quentin showcased his fast break skills nicely in this game. The Bulls' large number of steals limited the number of shot attempts for the Raptors.

The Bulls improve to 6-0 this season with one game remaining next Saturday at 10:00 AM against the Heat.

GO BULLS!

Y-Basketball: Bulls 28, Mavericks 18

Just when you thought that the Bulls had played their best game of the season (as I mentioned in last week's Blog entry for the 26-16 victory against the Spurs), the Bulls found a way to top that performance last Saturday morning with a dramatic 28-18 victory from the talented Mavericks in Champaign County YMCA Basketball.

The older, more mature Mavs jumped all over the Bulls after the opening whistle and they easily built an 8-2 advantage by the end of the first period (Quentin scored our only basket in the quarter). We coaches were even questioning our decision to introduce some 2-3 Zone-attacking offense to the kids in the practice session prior to the game. Our starting five just looked shellshocked in that first quarter - standing around, not hustling, not playing fundamentally solid defense, not rebounding. We were, basically, one-and-done each time at the offensive end of the court and we weren't hitting our shots.

So we went back to a more simple approach on offense, starting with the second quarter. And the Bulls started clicking. And, as it typically happens, our increasing success on offense fueled a much stronger effort at the defensive end of the court. The Bulls started to get defensive stops, pass interceptions, and rebounds. The momentum that the Mavs enjoyed in the first quarter had all but disappeared while the Bulls were clearly back in the game and starting to do some good things on the floor. The second half pretty much belonged to the Bulls and we coasted to a nice 10-point win from a solid (previously unbeaten?) team.

The Bulls were very balanced on offense: Joe paced the team with 8 points, and George, Jack and Quentin all added 6 points apiece. Luke made a nice mid-range jumper for the remaining 2 Bulls points. Rebounds were plentiful for the Bulls. Unfortunately, I don't usually have a chance to keep good rebounding stats so I cannot report who grabbed them. Just know that George, Jack, Johnny, Joe, Quentin, Michael and Luke all shared in the strong rebounding effort. There was another multi-offensive rebounding possession for the Bulls in this game: As I recall, we grabbed three - and possibly four - boards following missed shots, only to finish the possession with a basket. Coaches love to see offensive rebounds like this!

By the way, the 28 points were a new game-high offensive total for the Bulls. And the ten-point victory is our second straight such margin of victory. One other interesting statistic: The Bulls have increased their offensive output in each successive game this season, having scored 14, 16, 18, 26 and 28 points in their five games this season.

Michael continues to play solid defense - his hands are very active and he is good at stealing errant passes and grabbing loose balls. He does a lot of the dirty work that needs to be done when he's on the floor. He also added at least 2 (and possibly 3) rebounds for the Bulls. Even though MJ did not score a basket in this game, he scored with his hustle, defense, rebounding and toughness. He continues to make me very proud as I watch him grow on the court week after week.

Unofficially, but accurately, these Bulls are now 5-0 this season. (I know we're not supposed to focus on the scores of our Y games, but I can't help it!) And several of our current nine-man roster were involved in winning all 7 games last spring and our 2 final games in the Fall of 2006 season. So, we've been winners of 14 straight games dating back to a year ago. That's a nice accomplishment and it's been a blast to be a part of this!

Next up for the Bulls: a game with the Raptors at 9:00 AM this Saturday at the Champaign County YMCA.

LET'S GO BULLS!!!

Y-Basketball: Bulls 26, Spurs 16

The Bulls had just five players report to the Y this morning but arguably, the team played its best game of the season - a decisive 26-16 victory from the Spurs.

The Spurs got out to a 6-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, but from that point on it was all Bulls. Adam played his best game of the season. Luke played his best game of the season. Johnny played his best game of the season. Jack played his best game of the season. And Michael certainly played his best game of the season.

Adam - I was calling him "Mr. Windex" - was just a monster in the paint, hauling down rebounds (cleaning the glass at both ends) in a huge way. He scored big too, breaking out with 12 points and he looked dominant in doing so. Jack added 6 points and he, too, was a force on the glass. Michael chipped in with two nice baseline baskets for 4 points to go along with several nice rebounds. Luke was a holy terror on defense, picking errant passes and chasing loose balls; he also added a nice rebound basket for 2 points. And Johnny got his first basket of the season today to go along with 3 or 4 rebounds. This was a total team effort - at both ends of the court. All five kids played the entire game and I couldn't be prouder of them for their efforts today. Coaches Rodawig and Stilger would have been proud of them too.

Next up for these undefeated (4-0) Bulls: the Mavericks at 10:00 AM next Saturday at the Champaign County YMCA.

GO BULLS!!!

Y-Basketball: Bulls 18, Celtics 16

It was another close game for the Bulls last Saturday at the Champaign County YMCA: The Bulls had just enough to outlast the Celtics, 18-16 to remain undefeated in YMCA Youth Basketball.

George set the pace for the Bulls with 6 big points and Jack, Quentin and Joe each added 4 to round out the scoring.

They say that good teams find ways to win. Even though the Bulls might have played their least efficient game of the season last Saturday, they found a way to pull out a hard-fought victory. Tough defense and reounding - both of which having been characteristics of this Bulls team up to this point - were subpar in the game and yet the Bulls came out just ahead of an older team once again.

Michael played the 3 position during the game; he is trying to find his way in this new position and even though he didn't score, he was very active on the glass and in the paint. He is hustling and doing a lot of "dirty work" - stuff that doesn't show up in the box score - for the team.

The Bulls move on with an unofficial 3-0 record. Next up, tomorrow at the Champaign County YMCA: the Spurs at 10 AM. Attendance is always unpredictable on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, so we'll see who shows up to play.

GO BULLS!

Y-Basketball: Bulls 16, Suns 12

The Bulls had just enough manpower and toughness to take a nice 16-12 victory from the Suns in Champaign County YMCA Youth Basketball this morning.

Five roster players showed up to play for the Bulls on this Veterans Day weekend: Johnny, George, Jack (welcome back, Jack!), Quentin and Michael. The Bulls trailed early, mainly due to some cold shooting, but the quintet hustled and played good defense - two characteristics of this team - to stay in the game. The Bulls failed to score in the second quarter but held the Suns scoreless in the third quarter to take subtle command of the game.

Only two Bulls players scored: Quentin had an outstanding game and easily led all players with 10 points and George added the remaining big six points for the winners. Michael swished a baseline jumper at the end of the third quarter, but it was good after the buzzer and would not have counted. Quentin also led the Bulls with 5 rebounds while Michael had 3, George grabbed 3, Jack had 3 and Johnny claimed 2. George and Jack paced the Bulls with 4 steals apiece; Michael and Quentin each had 2 thefts.

This was a good victory for these young Bulls as the Suns are not only a little older than our kids, they have some nice talent. Hayes is an outstanding shooter from long range and Michael has really improved since he was on our first Y team last year. Alex, Heyden and Nathan were tough as well.

The Bulls move on with an unofficial 2-0 record and will play the Celtics next Saturday morning at 10:00 at the Champaign County YMCA.

I want one of...

these.

Ricky Bright - the manager of The Music Shoppe in downtown Champaign, Illinois - showed me his and now I'm hooked.

Y-Basketball: Bulls 14, Lakers 10

The YMCA Youth Basketball season is again underway and this morning the Bulls opened the season with a nice victory from the well-coached Lakers, 14-10.

Typical of a season's first game, defense (and some sloppy, rusty offense) dictated at both ends of the floor. The Bulls' offense was very balanced in this contest: Michael, Joe, and George all led the Bulls with 4 points each. Quentin - a late addition to our team - chipped in a basket for 2 points and played very well, especially at the point. Michael, who played at the 3-spot, also claimed 2 rebounds and a steal, played good defense along the left baseline, and hustled (as he always does). Adam led the Bulls in rebounds with 5 and played nice defense at center in the paint.

And so the Bulls open the new season with a 1-0 record and will face the Suns on November 10 at the Family Fitness Center in Champaign at 9:00 next week.

GO BULLS!

Crandall Head nearing a decision

Crandall Head might be more than a regular visitor to C-U in the near future. It sounds like the Rich South sophomore could be the Illini's next commitment.

A 6-4 wing, Head said at tonight's Orange-Blue Scrimmage that he is looking to make an announcement on where he will attend college at some point this week.

"Either Tuesday or Wednesday," he said.

Head said he is leaning heavily toward Illinois, where his brother Luther became a star and where he feels most comfortable. Crandall Head has made three visits to Illinois this fall and took an extensive tour of the campus two weeeks ago. He's expected to be a college freshman for the 2010-11 season.

Crandall Head nearing a decision

Crandall Head sounds like he’s on board

Crandall Head, the brother of former Illini standout Luther Head, all but committed to the Illini when I spoke with him during the fourth quarter of Sunday evening’s Orange & Blue scrimmage at the Assembly Hall.

Head, a sophomore at Rich South High School, said he is considering Illinois, Marquette and Notre Dame, but Illinois is the only school he has visited. He was making an unofficial visit this weekend and said, “I like the way the recruit me. I like hanging out here. I like the players. They’re cool.”

He also said he is friends with Peoria’s D.J. Richardson and Waukegan’s Jereme Richmond, who have committed to the Illini, and added, “I like playing with guys like that.”

Crandall Head sounds like he’s on board

MJ revs up Illini

He rolled up in a silver Ferrari. He said the drive from the northern surburbs to Champaign was a “two cigar” trip. He’s still cooler than a December breeze.

Yes, Michael Jordan’s visit to Illinois basketball practice on Monday was an “event” for the players, coaches and managers on hand to witness it.

Jordan was in town to help film a piece on his son, Jeffrey Jordan, an Illini freshman walkon, and the relationship the two enjoy.

Illini athletic department spokesman Kent Brown said he’s been working on this for months, going back and forth with NBC and Jordan’s “people” to make the arrangements. Easier said than done, my friends. But Kent got everyone’s schedules in sync and Matt Lauer, MJ and Bruce Weber were all fitted with microphones while the four cameras rolled.

MJ revs up Illini

Bruce Weber Strikes Again! Class Of 2008 Chicago Simeon Star Stan Simpson Verbally Commits To Play Collegiately For The University Of Illinois

Brian Stinnette
October 15, 2007

Class of 2008 Chicago Simeon star Stan Simpson has given a verbal commitment to play his college basketball for head coach Bruce Weber, and the University of Illinois. His verbal comes on the heels of the Illini securing three 2009 verbals last week. Simpson ranks among the elite 2008 basketball prospects in the state of Illinois.

Simpson, who stands 6-9, is a long and highly athletic post, who has seen his recruiting stock skyrocket over the course of the past year. Offensively, Simpson is a post who has the ability to score the basketball with either hand. Defensively, Simpson has the ability to change games with his shot-blocking skills inside.

Chicago Simeon head coach Robert Smith confirmed Simpson's commitment to Illinois. Smith noted that the opportunity to play close to home, and the coaching staff at Illinois were both factors in Simpson's decision.

Bruce Weber Strikes Again! Class Of 2008 Chicago Simeon Star Stan Simpson Verbally Commits To Play Collegiately For The University Of Illinois

Head Coach Bruce Weber And The University Of Illinois Pick Up A Huge Verbal From Class Of 2009 Peoria Central Star D.J. Richardson

Head coach Bruce Weber and the University of Illinois have secured a huge verbal commitment from Class of 2009 Peoria Central star D.J. Richardson. Richardson is the top Class of 2009 basketball prospect in the state of Illinois, and is also held in high regard nationally. Richardson verballed at Peoria Central High School at 7:30 AM this morning.

Richardson, a 6-3 guard, is a supremely versatile player who makes things happen on both ends of the basktball court. He enjoyed a stellar run on the spring and summer travel team circuit while leading a talented Illinois Stars team.

Head Coach Bruce Weber, And The University Of Illinois Pick Up A Huge Verbal From Class Of 2009 Peoria Central Star D.J. Richardson

Bruce Weber Is On Fire!

Class of 2009 Warren Township star Brandon Paul has given a verbal commitment to head coach Bruce Weber, and the University of Illinois. Paul, who saw his recruiting stock skyrocket this spring and summer on the travel team circuit with Dickey Simpkins' Team NLP, ranks as one of the top Class of 2009 basketball prospects in the state of Illinois.

Paul, a 6-3 shooting guard, is a major talent on both ends of the basketball court. He has the ability to get points both slashing to hole, or by knocking down jumpers with range out beyond the three-point arc. Paul, who is both long and athletic, also has a chance to develop into a lockdown defensive player.

Paul's verbal comes on the heels of Class of 2009 Peoria Central star D.J. Richardson also making a commitment to play for Bruce Weber and Illinois. Paul, who's upside potential is through the roof, is the perfect compliment to Richardson in the 2009 Illinois recruiting class.

Bruce Weber Is On Fire! Illinois Scores A Second Huge Verbal As Class Of 2009 Warren Township Star Brandon Paul Verbals To The Illini

It Is Now Officially A Party In Champaign!

It is now officially a blowout recruiting party in Champaign as Class of 2009 Sterling High School basketball star Joseph Bertrand of the Illinois Wolves has now given a verbal commitment to play for head coach Bruce Weber, and the University of Illinois. Bertrand, one of the top 2009 prospects in Illinois, joins D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul in the 2009 Illini recruiting class.

Bertand, who now stands 6-5, is a highly versatile, long and athletic wing. Bertrand is a major talent who oozes with potential. He teamed with highly regarded Diamond Taylor with the 16-U Illinois Wolves this past spring and summer to form a highly formidable duo.

It Is Now Officially A Party In Champaign! Class Of 2009 Sterling High School Star Joseph Bertrand Becomes Third 2009 University Of Illinois Verbal Commitment

Howard Named Assistant Coach: Former Illini point guard returns to alma mater

Sept. 19, 2007

Champaign, Ill. - Illinois Head Coach Bruce Weber announced today the hiring of Jerrance Howard as an assistant coach on the Fighting Illini basketball staff.

A native of Peoria, Ill., Howard was a four-year letterwinner for the Fighting Illini from 2001-04. During his career, Illinois compiled a record of 104-31 overall and 48-16 in the Big Ten. The Illini won three Big Ten championships, a Big Ten Tournament title and appeared in the NCAA Tournament all four years, advancing to the Elite Eight in 2001 and the Sweet 16 in both 2002 and 2004.

Howard played point guard for the Illini, backing up All-Americans Frank Williams, Dee Brown and Deron Williams. He quickly developed a reputation as the program's inspirational leader and went on to serve as tri-captain as a junior and senior. He was also a two-time winner of the Kenny Battle Award, an accolade voted upon by the players and coaches and given to an Illini who earns the respect of his teammates through hard work and effort in games and practice each day.

"We are thrilled to have Jerrance join our staff and welcome him back home," Weber said. "Jerrance has tremendous passion for the University of Illinois and our basketball program. He connects with everyone, his attitude and personality is contagious, and he'll work tirelessly to develop relationships on the recruiting trail. At the same time, he'll benefit our current players with the energy and intensity he will bring to the gym each and every day, just as he did when he was a player here. I've said this many times before, but when I think back to our first season, I really believe he was the MVP of our team because of the way he kept us together during the transition."

Howard joins the UI program after serving for the past three-plus years under Billy Gillispie at Texas A&M as an administrative assistant and at Kentucky in basketball operations. Howard, 27, earned a bachelor's degree in speech communications from the University of Illinois in 2004. In August he married the former Jessica Wordlaw, who is also an Illinois graduate.

Howard Named Assistant Coach: Former Illini point guard returns to alma mater

Notes on Webster and possible replacements

Mentions three guys who could be considered for the opening: Billy Garrett, Brian Davis and Robert Smith...

Notes on Webster and possible replacements

DISH Network®, the Leader in College Sports, Adds Big Ten Network

Finally!!! Thank you, DISH Network!!!
:-)

DISH Network®, the Leader in College Sports, Adds Big Ten Network

Illinois loses Webster, Chicago ties

Illinois loses Webster, Chicago ties

And from yesterday...
Webster release

Well, as "hard" as Webster worked the Chicago area recruiting for the Illini, he sure didn't reap many rewards, Jereme Richmond notwithstanding. Reading between the lines, the short, cliche farewell statement from Coach Weber seems to hint at possible personality issues between he and Webster. Whatever the case may be, this looms as a very important hire for Coach Weber: He must get Illini basketball back in favor with Chicagoland - more so than Coach Webster had done.