Illinois and Weber have reasons to cheer
Congratulations to Illinois coach Bruce Weber, who recently received a major salary increase. The three-year extension keeps him in Champaign through the 2014-15 season.
Weber's salary was increased by 50 percent! Wow, Bruce, come on, give me a loan baby!
The Fighting Illini are now expecting big things, hoping to go to the promised land in the Big Ten.
Last season Illinois won 24 games, a nice bounce back from the disappointment of the prior season. The Illini were runners-up in the Big Ten, and now there are expectations for the upcoming season. There are many who feel this club will challenge favorites Michigan State and Purdue.
They have every right to be optimistic thanks to an outstanding recruiting class to go with a veteran nucleus returning.
Forward Mike Davis and center Mike Tisdale really showed improvement last season. Guard Demetri McCamey made his share of big shots. Alex Legion and Jeff Jordan, the son of Michael the Magnificent, also return. All of them are going to be juniors.
The newcomers include 6-3 guard Brandon Paul, who was Mr. Basketball for the state of Illinois; guard DJ Richardson, who played on one of the nation's premier high school teams, Findlay Prep; 6-8 power forward Tyler Griffey; and 6-4 perimeter player Joseph Bertrand.
My friends, there is reason for enthusiasm. Watch out for the Illini as people can't wait to see those diaper dandies. With the experienced talent returning, those newcomers won't have to carry the club, just simply contribute.
Something tells me the Orange Crush will be going bananas with a good reason to be wacky in Champaign. Bruce Weber and his staff will have a tough-minded defensive club, so if it can execute offensively and take good shots, this could be a big year for Illinois hoops.
