Full Court Press

That was a great game! I will never forget it! They had Gordon on the ropes, but he responded. Illinois had the game in the bag, but wilted down the stretch. They would have been better than Indiana is with Gordon. They fought with pride, but just couldn't overcome the hoosiers and Gordon who was effected earlier by boos and jeers. Illinois hammered him to the floor like they were supposed to, and let up at the end. Still a great game.

Great game last night, Illinois had their shot to win.

As for that Frazier KID, it was classless. It made Illinois look like a second rate program.

It was too bad they lost; they're just not as good a team. But it was still a good game and a hard-fought game. My question is for Mariotti (aren't they always?). He says the Illini showed no class in the way they behaved. How did he expect them to behave? He couldn't have expected them to act like it was just another game or else he wouldn't even have been there. I liked the atmosphere and I enjoyed the fans giving it to Gordon and the players making him earn everything. It reminded me of how basketball used to be (in a good way). Of course there were a few morons in the stands who allegedly threw beads at the Gordon family, but you can't say the Illini lacked class because of a few morons. Morons happen. Unfortunately, so does Mariotti.

Easy with the "Illini Nation" comments ....

havent you heard??

The game last night was one of the most exciting I've seen BECAUSE of the situation with Gordon, not in spite of it. Mariotti should stop his childish moralizing-does anyone believe that he has a single moral bone in his body? He's as souless as a bottle of ketchup.

And Gordon didn't simply "change his mind". He never opened his recruiting back up and continuously assured everyone that he was solid for the Illini, all the while sneaking around with Sampson, one of the sleaziest coaches around.

Illinois may not have beat Indiana last night but in the end the Hoosiers will get theirs. Their coach's escapades stand a good chance of eliciting further punishment this year by the NCAA which would be just what the school deserves for hiring him in the first place.

As an Indiana fan I can understand that Illinois fans were disappointed about the Gordon Situation. But, after last night it's clear Illinois fans still can't get over it, and it only makes it more clear that Illinois is no where near an Elite basketball program by any means. Do you think Florida, Duke, or UNC would have made as big a deal about what happened? Of course not, they would have moved forward and continued to be great. Illinois continues to fail at all levels this year. This loss shows the whole nation that Illinois isnt ready to move on, and is still a long way away from becoming an Elite basketball program, something coach Weber certainy can't deliver.

The actions of Frazier come directly from Weber. He took a team with Self's players and won. Now that he has to recruit on his own...he's being exposed...So all he can do is whine and cry about Eric Gordon to avoid taking the blame for his program. Kids change their minds all the time. Gordon should have let Illinois know sooner..but he didn't...He's a 17 year old kid. Move on and stop with the classless displays Illinois showed on Tuesday. Maybe the team took their clues from the Illini fans who showered the Gordon family with debris towards the end of the game. I'm embarrassed to be from Illiniois this morning...

I don't blame Frazier for doing that, he was standing up for his team and his school. It's the same as a pitcher throwing at a batter or a hard foul during play...it's absolutely part of the game. It's a statement. One that he didn't live up to and that made him look pretty pathetic, but I appreciated it and anyone who has played higher level than high school sports would too. This is why I can't read Marriotti much at all. The man has no idea about sports and yet is the first to think he does. BTW... does anyone know if Marriotti knows Mark Cuban?!?!??!?! I think he only mentions it every fifth line in a Cubs article but i am still unclear on the true story....

All in all I believe that Gordon came up on top, but his team did so more than him. In my opinion this game just proved he is not that ready for the NBA yet, and has some years of learning the game if he wasnts to be an all star and not just another player averaging 10 points a game, 1/2 of them on free throws. He's young so that's expected, but all this talk about him going to the Bigs and people thinking that's a good idea is also pretty worng in itself. He will be a better player if he has some leadership experience and some playoff rounds in him. He needs to learn how to control the game and not the other way around.

Maybe Marriotti can text Mark Cuban and see what his thoughts on the game were...cause that matters a ton and I would love to read that. It's important right??

A 30 foot bank shot, a ball accidentally kicked to the corner to a player who hits a three. Somehow good teams win games & bad teams lose them. Illinois is presently a bad team. One fan throws beads at Gordon Sr. not fans(plural) as Moronatti indicates. There is no excuse for that. Gordon had every right to change his mind & go to Indiana & I personally wish him the best. As for jeers, etc. they were to be expected. At least, they weren't vulgar as I've heard at some institutions games. As for Sampson he's under NCAA investigation for the second time in three years, enough said.

That was a great game..the correct team won..and the little guys got to blow their wad on ESPN

I'd be surprised if the Illini win another game all year

...wasn't Webber one of the finalists on project runway?...his voice sounds familiar..why anyone would want to play hoops for him, tho..

You'll always have Heffner...and that's pretty darn good

the game was there for the taken. McCamey had a hell of a game, Frazier was tough, and I thought Trent Mechant was suppose to be the illini's best perimeter shooter, the guy missed open shots and was hestitant to shoot after that. And why the hell did Coach Weber, draw up a play for Pruitt, the dude should be out of the game if he can't make a single free throw much a last tough the ball with the game on the line. McCamey or Brock should had been given the ball and created a play. Weber's team and lack of recruiting is really hurting. It hurts to watch. I mean hell i could probably make one of them free throws, and I've never played organized basketball my whole life. Hey at least the Zooker is recruiting well and winning games....X

Until the Illini get past having to settle for players like Shaun Pruitt and Chester Frazier, they will remain as they are. I'm still scratching my head why Weber and crew couldn't capitalize on their Final Four run.

Fazier is a bum he is what is wrong with Illini Basketball. I have been a Illini fan ror 37yrs and one thing we always had was a good point guard from Bruce Douglass to Stephen Bardo to Deron Williams. Collega games are won and lost at the PG position and Frazier is a 3rd stinger and should never start for a major University. I look around the country and see Collins (Kansas) Pargo (Gonzaga) Rose (Memphis) and those are just a few of the PG's we have missed out on.

Next year start McCarney along with Smith and Legion and do whatever it takes to keep Frazier off of the court

You better believe I will make a comment! I even mostly agree with Mariotti today, which is almost a first. I could hardly believe that game last night. The Illini players were taking cheap shots at Gordon the whole game, and though Weber certainly should be held partly responsible, as Mariotti says, so should the officials, who could have stopped the whole fiasco with a few technical fouls.On another note, the missed freethrows with the game on the line were pathetic. Indiana deserved to win simply on hitting freethrows if for no other reason. It was only justice that Gordon luckily hit that bank shot to tie the game. I think everyone would call that pure luck.As an avid Hoosier supporter, I'm delighted that they and Gordon came back from behind to win, but regret that such a great effort against a superior team was marred by the crowd's and a few players' poor sportsmanship.

Last night's loss to Indiana highlighted most of the woes which have beset Illinois' basketball program in the last three years.

Illinois' most glaring problem is their inability to make free throws down the stretch. They are last in the Big 10 in FT%. Debate rages among fans as to whether the blame belongs with individual players or the coaching staff.

Free throw shooting aside, this team lacks the confidence to hold a late game lead. They expect to lose the game in the closing minutes and there is no one who wants the ball late in the game. This is a problem that appeared last year (with Carter and McBride as seniors) and has become even more pronounced this year. Again, debate rages as to whether players or coaching staff are responsible.

Coach Weber has earned a reputation at Illinois as a very good game coach; his teams always show up with a game plan that works. This season has forced a re-evaluation of that. He appears to be a very good defensive game coach. In spite of their woeful record (2-9 conference, 10-14 overall) Illinois' defense keeps them in every game they play. Offensively, the team is inept. No one is blowing them out, they just can't score enough late points to win.

This is Weber's team now. All of the players on the team are his recruits, with the exception of fifth-year senior Brian Randle. Weber was given great credit for "coaching up" the Augustine/Brown/Head/Powell/Williams team to the NCAA championship game in 2005. It is hard to find similar evidence of his having "coached up" his own recruits. Last year's seniors Carter and McBride, this year's seniors Pruitt and Randle, next year's seniors Brock and Frazier; too what extent have these players developed their full potential under Weber's guidance? Once more, opinions differ as to where the responsibility lies.

All discussions of Illini basketball and coach Weber lead back to recruiting; specifically whether or not Bruce Weber can recruit. He has temporarily silenced the naysayers by lining up strong recruiting classes in 2009 and 2010. But those classes are a year-and-a half and two-and-a-half years away.

Much more telling will be next year's Illini team. Many people said that this year's team would be better than last year's simply because Carter and McBride were leaving. People are now saying the much the same thing about Pruitt and Randle. Be careful what you wish for, Illini fans...

The Illini played great. The fans were great. If Pruitt could do more than dunk the ball, they would have won. The Illini have now lost 2 games thanks to his inability to shoot free throws. Everyday he should not be allowed to leave practice until he makes 100 free throws. Free throws are NOT that hard and he needs to learn how to shoot them or the Illini will continue to lose thanks to him.

I understand that the illini are pissed about Gordon, but he is going to be just one or two year player and then gone to the NBA. It takes a team to win a NCAA title not just one guy.

JAY M IS THE WORST REPORTER IN THE BUSINESS. I WAS AT THE GAME LAST NIGHT AND DID NOT THINK HE TRIED TO HURT GORDAN WITH THE BUMP. GORDAN IS A PUSS WHEN THINGS GO BAD. HE CONSTANTLY TYRNS TO DADDY AND THE COAC FOR SAOMEONE TO TELL HIM HE IS GOD STILL. I WISH YOU WOULD GET RID JM. THEN MAYBE I MIGHT BUY YOUR PAPER AGAIN. WEBER IN NOTHING BUT PURE CLASS WHO IS UNDER A HELL OF A LOT OF PRESSURE. OH BY THE WAY JAY, THERE WAS A HELL OF A GAME LAST NIGHT THAT YOU MISSED. AL YOU WANT TO REPORT ABOUT IS TRASH. YOU ARE TRASH. OZZIE HAD IT RIGHT.

I guess the old saying "Good guys always finish last" is true. Bruce Webber is not a Div 1 coach and he cant recruit. This program is BAD and we have to get some one else in that position. This is a bad time for the ILLINI NATION.

As an alumna of UIUC, clearly last night was not a proud moment. Seems that the players, many fans, and even the coaches found the heckling to be some absurd fashion of good-natured ribbing.

Winning the game would have said volumes, rather than bullying.

This Illini team clearly is headed in the way of MADNESS, but certainly not to the dance of MARCH.

Jay,

Let me first start by saying I respect the hell out of you. You are the only sportswriter that I don't hit the mute button when I see on TV - get the joke there? Anyway, you couldn't be more wrong about last night's game in Champaign. While I'll admit the program needs to get past this, there was no way it wasn't going to affect this season and the Illini nation. Don't equate passion with being classless. Last night's game, and Chester's "greeting" were in no way classless. Apparently you haven't been to many college football/basketball games, and I'm not talking about games in Champaign. This is the environment that comes with heated rivalries. You mean to tell me J.J. Redick didn't come across this type of behavior in his days at Duke? While I'm not condoning some idiots who were taunting Gordon's family, 18-22 year olds who chant f*** you, Gordon can't be called classless. Verbally challenged yes, classless no. Now a 55 year old man who has a history of cheating and who will likely be out of a job in 8 months (along with his AD)- there's your classless story. And as far as Eric Gordon Sr. judging the Illini nation, consider the source. When the s*** hits the fan after this season down in Bloomington, I hope you'll write a scathing column denouncing their program, and their fans. After all, how could Bloomington's faithful condone cheering for a convicted cheater and a 18 year old boy-man who doesn't live up to his commitments? Classless I tell you, absolutely classless.

All Frazier did was let Gordon know what kind of night he should expect -- a rough one. OK, maybe he bumped a little too hard, but it wasn't as hard as what any Big 10 guard would get if he tried to drive the lane. And, it's not that people are upset just because Gordon changed his mind -- that's merely disappointing. What angers people is the way in which it happened: At the last minute and after Sampson tampered with the situation. Sampson is a dirty coach who's been in trouble with the NCAA before, and it doesn't look like he's changed his ways. Gordon was even quoted as saying Sampson promised him "complete freedom." I wonder what the entails exactly and whether that extends to off-the-court matters, too.

What do I think? I think Jay Mariotti never has one positive thing to say about anything Chicago / Illinois (unless a team wins the World Series or makes it to the Super Bowl, then of course he is right there on the bandwagon). It has gotten to the point where I see the titles of his articles and don't even bother to open them because I, along with I'm sure a ton of others, are just sick of his constant negativity, as if he knows everything about how to run a sports team and the actual guys at the helm are bums. Why do I have to write about this under a different columnist's article? Because, of course, Jay doesn't have a "Comment" section at the end of ANY of his articles. Pitiful!

I am embarrased to say I am from Illinois. I went to school in Philly and that is what happens there, not here! Shame on Weber. If he were 'oh-for' in the conference I would not fire him, but that incident with no discipline reeks of bad moral fiber on player and coach. Chanting by the fans is okay as long as no physical contact results. But the coach and player ought to go and go now. Perhaps to the playgrounds of Philly.

66 year senior living VA.Jack Hinds From Decatur Ill.

It's funny how Mariotti doesn't make a mention of Coach Kelvin Sampson's frolics in NCAA legality regarding his recruiting tactics. And it's funny how he doesn't make a mention of Indiana's Assembly Hall performing a similar welcome act for Sean May when he returned to the school he turned his back on. Being a student at the U of I, I agree some of those acts were un-called for, but Chester Frazier is known for not using his head, have you ever watched him play? He's the king of spaztastic, moronic moves, and that chest bump was one of them, which is why Weber didn't do anything, he knows that kid isn't the brightest decision maker. And I am ashamed of my fellow students throwing beads at the Gordons, that was inappropriate. Eric Gordon went to Indiana, it is over and done with, and in the end it is better for him and Illinois because why would anyone in their right mind want someone with ethics and morals like Kelvin Sampson to come to Champaign?

Hey Roman- Lets get something straight about the kid that just "changed his mind". You're right, changing your mind is not a big deal, but stringing Illinois along while you re-visit Indiana and allow them no flexibility in replacing your scholarship is more than that. He knew he was going to Indiana way before he actually de-committed crippling the Illini for the 2007-08 season.

Maaaan yall sound like some softies! Bobby Knight hit players harder than what Gordon got! They did right to play him physical. Some of the best college ball I've seen in a while. Little liar still won and yall are crying for him. Going to be in the NBA soon, he better get used to it!

mariotti is right: classless and second rate.

i am a diehard purdue fan who has lived through many great recruiting losses, only to have those kids show up playing for indiana or michigan. do they get razzed at mackey arena? of course. does it go as far as cheap shots, hassling a kid's family, and chanting insults? no way. illinois fans showed what they are made of and it's not good. legendary big 10 coaches like knight and keady ranted like idiots on the sidelines but they never allowed disrespect from the fans or players: webber's a big part of the problem.

Classless? Marriotti, grab a clue. Classless is Gordon reneging on a commitment at the last minute and leaving Illinois to miss out on players such as Purdue's E'Twaun Moore. Classless is Sampson continuing to recruit a kid who had made a commitment. Classless is hiring a friend of Gordon's father to be on your coaching staff to coax him.

What Frazier and the Illini fans gave him was justified and deserved. Does anyone believe he could pull that and not be harrassed mercilessly? Every university crowd would have done the exact same thing.

Classless? Marriotti, grab a clue. Classless is Gordon reneging on a commitment at the last minute and leaving Illinois to miss out on players such as Purdue's E'Twaun Moore. Classless is Sampson continuing to recruit a kid who had made a commitment. Classless is hiring a friend of Gordon's father to be on your coaching staff to coax him.

What Frazier and the Illini fans gave him was justified and deserved. Does anyone believe he could pull that and not be harrassed mercilessly? Every university crowd would have done the exact same thing.

To Michael Howard. Your analogy is so out of line. Doing what Frazier did is nothing like dusting off a guy at the plate. That happens during the game.Frazier took a cheap shot before he even got in the ring. Even fighters shake hands then come out punching.

I am an alum of the University of Illinois. Eric Gordon had every right to change his mind. Therefore, let us move on. Throwing objects at his family is a total lack of class and dangerous. It does not speak to all Illinois fans. Bottom line, Shaun Pruitt had two opportunities to win the game at the free throw line. As for Jay Mariotti, consider the source. Some people have short memories. Bruce Weber has done well for the future. Yes, I am disappointed in the recruiting during the Final Four year, but time will tell and Ron Gunther is also paying close attention.

This was the Illini's first opportunity to confront the kid on their home turf. I expect that most of the Illini students, players, and alumni got it out of their system and will move on. I know I will.

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This was on our freeboard, I don't know if people saw it but I thought people should read it... it was Hoosierdaddy1983

"Just got back from Champaign aka Hell on Earth. The Illini fans were by far the rudest, most arrogant, classless bunch of people I have ever come across. Keep in mind I have been to Kentucky games, Purdue games, Louisville games. I have also been to New England and New York for Colts games and I have never experienced the kind of hatred that I came across in Champaign.

I was with my two boys (both are under 10 yrs old). They were almost in tears at one point after a number of Illini fans called me and my family gay and fags. I cant even repeat the other stuff they said. Also the other family I went with was pelted with trash and beads and ice/food.

But the worst was what they did to my Jeep. My Jeep was keyed and egged and probably pissed on too. I shouldnt of probably left my IU bumper sticker on that was stupid of me. I was basically just asking for it. I guess I expected better out of people. Boy was I wrong. I filed a police report but little good that will do. The whole police department are probably all illwhineye fans too.

Also the Orange Krush is the biggest bunch of spoiled little arrogant $hits I have ever came across. If I wasnt with my two boys, there would of definitely been a fist fight.

All I know is I am NEVER going back there again."

I am embarrased. My son is an IU student who traveled to the game last night. He knew that I was rooting for Illinois, but after hearing the stuff the Illini fans were saying to him and his friends, I AM NOW AN INDIANA FAN. Shame on my home town Illinois!!!!!!

Boy it's is amazing the amount of losers and misinformed individuals that are out there. When Bill Self wins something let me know? Calvin Sampson is a cheater and will be proven a cheater again and take the program down with him. Funny how the person mentioning Duke, UNC, etc. didn't mention his own Indiana program in that sentence. Those elite schools, which there are about 5 out of over 300 don't have the recruiting issues that the next level of programs do. When you make a committment you tie up that scholarship for that university. When a player backs out at the last minute it is nearly impossible for a coach to replace that player with another of quality. These are common sense things. I am sure Gordon or any other player would not be happy if they committed to a school and the coach pulled their scholarship out from under them at the last minute to give it to another player. Do I expect an 18 year old to understand all of the ramifications of his committment? Not necessarily, but they have enough people advising them so the excuse is minimal at best. Eric Gordon Sr. and Sampson spearheaded all of this and Gordon Sr. should never open his mouth and complain on this subject. I don't agree with what a small number of people did last nite, but on the whole they got the treatment they deserved. Don't hold people to a higher standard than you set yourself Mr. Gordon and Mr. Sampson. Things have a funny way of evening themselves out in the long run. Don't you find it kind of funny that you cannot email Mariotti or Telander directly?

I'm confused on how Illini fans are backing their teams actions. One douche likened it to a high and tight fastball.....you're an idiot. A high and tight fastball usually follows someone showing up a pitcher after a home run, or one of your teammates being hit by a pitch. The big difference here is, Cheapshot Frazier did it when he was supposed to shake a hand, not while Gordon was driving the lane. Did anyone catch Jay Bilas saying that McCamey had a verbal committment to the Hoosiers and then switched to the Illini....you don't see Indiana crying about that. Weber isn't a D-1 headcoach....a D-1 assistant? Yes, just ask Gene Keady. It was apparent that Illinois thought the only way they could win that game was to out physical the Hoosiers, and I can't blame them. Lord knows they couldn't keep up with them just playing the game.

I am embarassed to be an alumni of Illinois today. What a classless display! The crowd was reprehensible over what? Gordon changed his mind. Not exactly the reason to have a riot-mob mentality. I am also very disappointed in the way Bruce Webber handled this incident. He could have urged the fans not to be as ugly as they were. Illini fans: The team is not good this year. Oh wah! Don't take it out on an 18 year old kid.

Well stated, Mr. Mariotti!

Bruce Weber is a piece of junk that has driven the Illinois program into the ground with a bunch of below average players and classless, undisciplined clowns. Why does Guenther stand behind Weber when Ron Turn