Let's Take The Bulldogs To The Woodshed

The Illini tip-off against Georgia in about 10 minutes. I don't know much about this Georgia squad, but I fully expect the Illini to roll. In particular, I expect freshman guards D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul to have big games.

The game is at Georgia so, much like the Clemson game, the freshman guards will get some good experience playing a quality team in a hostile environment.

Illini basketball on the tube. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday evening.

Jereme Richmond Looks Sluggish In Loss to Ames

Spent the afternoon watching the Ames (IA)-Waukegan (IL) high school hoops game that aired last night on ESPN. The matchup pitted Harrison Barnes, a UNC recruit and the #1 high school senior in the country, against our boy Jereme Richmond, an Illini recruit and the #17 prep in the nation.

Barnes and his Ames squad dominated, winning 87-59 over Jereme's Waukegan squad.

Throughout the first quarter, Jereme's D looked good on Barnes, holding the UNC recruit to just one field goal. Jereme also had a choice dunk on an alley-oop pass that looked absolutely effortless.

The taller Ames squad wore down Waukegan, however, and as Ames pulled away, Barnes put on a show, ending the game with 26 points and double digit rebounds. Jereme, who was battling an injured finger, looked uncomfortable shooting all night, and finished with about 12 points. He also played the second half in traction, slowing down his play as Ames pulled away.

Let's hope he turns up the energy in the Big Ten.

I'm Almost Back

I've been gone a long while but I'm on my way back.

Keep a light on for me.

Juice And Jacob Leading The Illini Over Minny

Juice started today's game and played well but then went down with an ankle injury. Jacob Charest has since led two scoring drives to put the Illini up 28-7 at the half.

Charest is throwing some nice balls. That's my observation of the game so far.

I Forgot To Mention That Mike Hazen Turned Down The Padres

Mike Hazen turned down his pal Jed Hoyer last week and decided to stay on as an executive with the Red Sox. A shame. I've heard good things about Hazen.

But I'm sure Jed has some other talented beasts in mind to fill the assistant GM role.

Get to it, Jed. Don't let me hold you up.

I Forgot To Mention That The Chargers Beat The Raiders Last Sunday

13 straight wins. Canepa blogged it.

I Forgot To Mention That Illinois Beat Michigan Last Saturday

That Terry Hawthorne play was just outstanding.