The positive approach--Beware of giddiness

Mr. Bell,

I can understand your annoyance with the electronic Illini Nation, especially as some portion of it consistently criticizes your reporting and you personally. Message boards encourage anyone/everyone to post whatever they want, with no accountability whatsoever.

But aren't you encouraging those same people to post here? Please be considerate of the rest of us.

We got Joe Bertrand too. Three stud guards in one day. Bruce turned me around in one day. He hangs on to these kids and Jereme Richmond (who probably is in the Derrick Rose/Eric Gordon class) is big-time recruiting.

Mr. Bell,

I think all 3 will be excellent 4-year players that will fit perfectly into Coach Weber's system. Their long-term effects will be greater than the 1 and done with Gordon/Rose. As part of Illini Nation, I realize that some fans are overzealous. The majority of Illini Nation is passionate (and for good reason, it's a great university) - and I think we deserve to celebrate these recruiting victories. Thank you for your time.

Taylor

You said he hasn't landed a franchise player which is completely wrong. Most people who have actually seen the top talent in Illinois know that Jereme Richmond is already the best player in the state and in case you hadn't noticed is ranked #5 nationally in his class. I would say this is a franchise type player. If you honestly don't think Mike Tisdale, likely Stan Simpson, Rich Semrau, Joe Bertrand, D.McCamey, J.Richmond, B.Paul, D.J. Richardson, and B.Cole can't contend for a national championship in 2010, I think you are wrong. Tisdale is going to be way better than most think and remember Bruce is a great game day coach as he has proved from day one.

Any the Sun-Times needs to get better sportswriters with no preconceived biases as you have proven to have over and over during the 50 years or more you have been- for lack of a better word- wrtiing columns

Taylor Bell, the quickest to admonish Jerrance Howard hiring and finding the worst case scenario for this hiring. Fine, you made valid points but of course never cited your sources like a true journalist would. Then when the Illini make some noise on the recruiting front you downplay it like it's no big deal. I am ashamed that an alum would have such disdain for their alma mater just because you were deemed a hack and did not get the job covering Illini sports down in Champaign. Your pompous rants are just that, sour grapes for a city that scorned you. Stick to retirement Tinker. BTW, this is my real e-mail address feel free to reply to me anytime you want.

-Jerry Dy-Johnson CBA '02

How do you do it Mr. Bell? How exactly have you figured out just how good these kids will be weeks before they've even play their first basketball game as a junior in high school? I'm not going to lie, I was excited for a minute. But now I know they will never be able to match all the glorious achievements that such players like Iman Shumpert and DeAndre Liggins have put up. Thanks for setting me straight Taylor.

P.S. You realize these players along with Bertrand are heavily recruited, and 4 star-type players, no? I just found it funny that you would compare these guys to Clyde Turner, who had to attend Robert Morris before moving on to greener pastures.

Iman Shumpert wasn't even a top 150 recruit at the start of his junior year. One of the few coaches to see his potential early (perhaps the only high major coach) was Mr. Bruce Weber. Perhaps Mr. Weber knows something about talent evaluation?

As for franchise players, perhaps you've never heard of a guy named Jereme Richmond? He hails from the Chicago area, has committed to Illinois, and is considered a top 5 national recruit in the class of 2010. Of course, you will say, early rankings don't mean much... just like they don't mean much for Richardson, Paul and BERTRAND.

Since you seem to think that DJ Richarson is a Point Guard, my hunch is that you haven't seen any of these guys play, nor have you read any detailed evaluations. So basically, Mr. Taylor Bell, you are nothing more than an ignorant and bitter old man. Let me suggest that you take up shuffleboard to keep from continually making a fool of yourself on the internet.

I understand your caution on the hype of talent coming to
UI, but come on. Stop raining on positive day. Weber hasn't felt any love from Chicago and Illinois for sometime. The last year, has been terrible. We have some momentum, great let's build on it. I've read your comments through the years but still don't understand objective and criticism of your college's basketball team. Do you truely wish success of Bruce Weber and Co. If you do, why don't write a positive blog for the team, instead putting an negative spin on things.

I truely wish this state would have some state pride in all the schools in our state, and represent what Chicago and Illinois can truely do, but that's dreaming.

Chicago - Matt

I cannot believe that you went to Illinois. How can you see this as anything but fantastic that all these excellent guards have chosen the Illni. Maybe all the things I have heard about you and your motivations are true. Your reputation precedes you like a stinking cloud.

Before I begin, let me say that I have been one of Weber's biggest critics over the past few years as he has struggled on the recruiting trail.

I've got a question for you, Taylor. Did you think that Sherron Collins or Iman Shumpert were as good as they turned out to be before their junior seasons began? No, nobody did. To write these kids off as not in the same league as the other players mentioned when they still have half of their high school career to go is premature. People have been saying for months that Brandon Paul could see a meteoric rise in his stock over the next year, much like what happened to Collins and Shumpert. You alluded to this in the article. Let's wait and see how good these guys become before we make the claim that they aren't impact players.

The fact of the matter is that Richardson, Paul, and Joeseph Bertrand are three of the consensus top five players in the state for '09, along with Chris Colvin and Diamond Taylor. All three are virtual locks for the top 100, and any of the three could be in the upper echelon of the class before it's all over. They certainly don't sound like cheerleaders to me.

Oh, and as for the "franchise" player, I think you're forgetting about a guy by the name of Jereme Richmond. He's only a year behind this trio, and there's no reason to think that he won't stay firm in his commitment, considering that he has continually re-affirmed his commitment despite concerns over Weber's recruiting and will now be surrounded by great talent.

i truly cant grasp why after the arduous journey its been for coach weber to land consensus top 100 recruits, you cant find it within yourself to grant him and illini fans just a smidge of love. he and his staff have busted their collective backsides and now, finally there is progress. SIGNIFICANT progress. did you look at the schools who were recruiting all 3 of these quality kids? names like ohio state, florida, marquette and the like draw the eye. yet you refuse to say word one about what a coup these kids could be for coach. BEFORE THEY EVEN PLAY ONE GAME OF THEIR JUNIOR SEASONS you diminish them before the ink is even dry on the suntimes. you dont even attempt to conceal your disappointment. try reading chicagohoops.com s coverage of these 3 commits. see where theyre ranked in their class now, where they're projected to be ranked and their rank in-state. maybe even their rank by position. impressive.
ill admit, some of illini nation can smash with the best of them. however some of the vitriol is justifying when looking at your body of work. vomitting such negativity not just occasionally but constantly? for Gods sake, why?

realism? again, dig deeper. do more research. these kids are damn good prospects with upside to spare.

and you diminish them and the coaching staff as casually as you draw your next breath.

thank you,

jimi

Sir,

I haven't read any of your columns before, but my first response is -- what??

There is a big reason why these kids don't compare to most on your list...they're juniors. Who knew about Iman Shumpert a year ago? What schools were chasing him then? Ditto for Sherron Collins, who made his big splash in the summer before his senior year. FWIW, Deron Williams wasn't a blue chip, can't-miss kid coming out of high school.

If these were a couple of low-rated seniors who Illinois plucked from the clutches of some mid-major, I would understand your point. But, from where I sit, these are two kids who figure to be top 100 at worst by the spring of '09, and probably better than that. What's more is that a staff that couldn't catch air in a bag a month ago suddenly locked up 3 (including Joseph Bertrand) solid recruits in a day. Why rain on that parade?

There isn't a college basketball fan anywhere who wouldn't love to see Rose and Gordon in the same backcourt, but it didn't happen. Not at Illinois, not at Indiana, not at Memphis.

It's a new world in hoops recruiting and Illinois is finally stepping into it. In the days of Yunkus and Buckner, kids committed during their sr. year. Today, people call an uncommitted senior 'indecisive'.

You're right - cheerleaders don't win basketball games. Then again, neither do one-and-done players. Carmelo Anthony is the exception. Nobody has ever raised a banner for November recruiting victories, and Florida proved to the critics that titles can be won without a bunch of 5-star kids. (they had only one - Corey Brewer - these last two years)

Let the Illini fans have their fun. While they certainly shouldn't be disrespectful to you, only time will tell if their glee is warranted, or if it is you who is correct.

I can understand the points you are trying to make, but your assertion that Bruce has yet to land a franchise recruit is baloney, since Jereme Richmond has been committed for quite a while, and will remain committed until he signs his LOI.

Why don't we reflect on the reality of the situation. What factors were involved in the recruitment of several of the players mentioned above?
By not telling the whole story, you attempt to disuade the true meaning of getting three committments in one day, all three will be top 50 players by the time they enroll.
I guess I should not expect objectivity any more from Taylor "Hall of Fame" Bell.
I think having a blog should be limited to people under the age of 90.

I have read for a long time that you were anti-illinois and brushed it aside. However after reading this garbage I now see what people are talking about. Why do you care if other people are getting "giddy"? I would say 3 players who are going to give a solid FOUR years is a reason to be giddy, unlike Gordon or Rose who would be one and done. You articles are flat out annoying.

It's obvious Mr. Bell that you are on a one man "Fire Weber" crusade or you must be getting under the table payments from the two coaches CPL that want to see Illinois and Weber fail at all costs. Weber and Illinois basketball received it's first piece of good recruiting news in over a year or more and you want to rain on the parade. But why should we be surprised given your history of anti-Illini vitriol.

True these guys aren't Gordons or Wrights but that's if you believe everything the recruiting services say.
In any event this is good news for a talent starved (guard talent that is) program and the 2010 class looks even better.

De-committments? These are in state players who were fans of Illinois during their formative years in Jr. high so that won't be an issue.

Yes, it's a bit early to buy Final Four tickets for 2010 or 2011 but the scales have now started tipped back in Illinois' and Weber's favor after a very tough two year period. You should at least give Weber and the fans that much. If only for a day.

Isn't it about time that you write another book with Lemming, sing his praises, and then criticize downstate reporters as lacking objectivity because they write books with Weber? I also liked the one where you said Lemming wouldn't be a puppet for the BTN, but oops, the guy regularly takes payments from ND (a reasonable honorarium, I'm sure). I'm sorry you didn't get the job way back when Taylor, but is it really worth trashing your "Hall of Fame" record in order to troll on the Sun-Times' website?

You heard from fans about this because all you've done is trash Illinois recruiting. Suggs and Humphrey were apparently significant enough misses to mention, but DJ and Paul merit an "eh" from you? You're a bitter, bitter man. Thankfully, no one gives your words any real consideration.

Man, you seem to have an agenda about the Illini. The fact is, all those guys are great players, and they'll have a chance to play together for several years. With the addition of Joseph Bertrand on Thursday as well, this class is getting harder to pick apart.

I know they say that making news and creating controversy is a reporter's job, and its how you get press, but you have proven today that you are just out to smear the Illini rather than report any good news. I have read your column for a couple of months now, but that will no longer be the case. Good luck to you.

Nice point Taylor on recruits. However Clyde Turner helped put Minnesota in the outhouse for recruiting violations. I still remember someone asking Turner why he went to Minnesota. His reply, They offered me more money. Roger Powell could not get into school so he was a non recruit. Quin Buckner was part of the Indiana heyday
So Taylor who has the Derrick Rose- Eric Gordon backcourt? No one does. We shall see who pans out in the future. Just keep misrepresenting facts.

As the illini Nation is celebrating some long-needed recruiting victories, here is Taylor Bell kicking us all in the gut, again.

Thanks for nothing, Mr. Bell. Now go back to your keyboard and figure out the next thing to criticize the Illini for.

Mr. Bell.

You sound like somebody that is bitter over the loss of all those players you listed and is unwilling to move on and focus on the future instead of the past. What do all those players have in common? These are all players Illinois lost out on yes, but they are all players they also can't get back either.

So I ask, why bother focus on the players that they lost out on and focus on the ones that they have? Weber and Company also just received a verbal from Bertrand another top in state guard for 09 today. That's 3 in state top guard verbal’s in 2 days. Remember that these kids are also just entering their junior years and all are considered to be top in state and national recruits by the time they are seniors. Paul was given rave reviews by a lot of national recruiters and he was playing up an age group.

Also, is it just a coincidence that Tracey Webster, the man that was suppose to be Illinois lead recruiter leaves and then we get 3 verbals within a month of him leaving? Webster also just happens to go to a program that was recruiting 2 of the same players this year that Illinois was, Deandre Liggins and Darius Miller who conveniently also went to Kentucky?? I’m not a person that believes in coincidences, especially ones that strong.

Mr. Bell for somebody involved in the media you seem to be uniformed about the other factors in which Illinois lost out on a good portion of the players you listed. Here’s another factor to consider, most recently with Dunnigan and Rose, you might want to check into the reported linking between these players and a person named World Wide Wes and his connection with certain programs namely Oregon and Memphis. Here is an article on ESPN.com from some months back going in depth about this man and his connection and influence.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2811417&sportCat=ncb

True fans and people that follow the program and also follow recruiting closely realize that what has happened in the last 2 days is a huge victory for this program. For years Bruce has been getting blasted by the media for not offering players early enough and also getting top in state recruits to go to the program, now he finally does it, and still can't win!!

Mr. Bell,

I feel sorry for you that you spend so much time writing about and thinking about what posters on a message board are doing. Those message boards don't represent the Illini fanbase. Write personal letters to them. I do read the boards to see what others are talking about. Your reaction appears like you are anti-Illini and negative towards them instead of anti-message board. These message boards are usually so negative that it should be a refreshing change for some positivity. Illinois over the years has not gotten what you would consider the elite. Yet, they have been very successful in conference and very competitive for the most part. The types of players the Illini got oral committments from yesterday reflects the type of players Illinois has gotten over a long time period even doing the great reign of Bill Self. (Didn't have much from the city by the way and didn't need it) Their are a few exceptions in the mid-late 80's. As an Illini fan I feel as though your attack on a group of internet posters is an attack on the entire fanbase because these comments are hurtful to the program and those who really support it. Don't care for the program right now, talk to Coach Guenther about it and spend your time on a program you do like.

Mr. Bell

as you wrote yourself on September 25, it is hard to clarify "how difficult it is to evaluate a 17-year-old player and project if he will develop into a productive performer in college"

and yet you seem to not be paying attention to your own advice and words here.

Rose and Gordon have not played a minute of college basketball. In fact, the smart money said those 2 would NEVER play in the same backcourt together in college, so what is the point of suggesting a "dream backcourt" of those 2? Reggie Rose wanted a spotlight for his brother, and sharing with IDKWTI was not going to allow that to happen, otherwise Rose would have ended up playing for Kelvin Sanctions.

A year ago Shumpert was not even close to the top 100 or top 150, and then he blew up in AAU ball. Will Paul do the same thing. I have no idea, and franly neither do you, but I will bet that a year ago you would not have pegged shumpert as a top 25 player. guaranteed.

and what did Wright ever do in college? not live up to his lofty expectations? Scheyer too. Duke got exposed by VCU and Scheyer was average all year. are you seriously asserting that Scheyer in Champaign has Illinois beating VaTech?

Dunigan has not even played his senior year. Liggins too. No one has any idea what will become of them in college as players.

and if memory serves, Clyde Turner spent 2 years in junior college, so the point of reliving his juco glamor is . . . ? how is that "objective"?

seriously. I know you are pissed you did not get Loren Tate's job at the NG, but your bitterness has overtaken any sense of objectivity (and for the record, I am not saying cheerleading, but being an actual journalist and not a bitter, remorseful contrarian)

Taylor,

I am sorry you have to find a way to be negative toward the Illini, and in the process devalue young men.

No, these (now three) players are not in the top-rated 5 players of their class. No they will not be in the NBA in 2010 after spending one year with the Illini.

Yes, everything I read about these young men indicates their character, talent, work ethic, and team spirit should make every Illini fans proud that they chose to come to our school (yes, I am also an alumnus).

Yes, I am proud that Bruce Weber is the Illini Coach and that he provides the teaching and leadership to help young men grow into something more than when they arrive at the U of I. That is what I expect of a college program. "Franchise players" are for the pros, and even many of them do more damage than good to their teams (but they do sell tickets). I assume that you do not become sanctimonious over the hiring of family/friends and other incentives some schools employ to acquire the services of top-tier players.

Yes, I am proud that Mike Davis, Mike Tisdale, Demetri McCamey, Jeff Jordan, and Bill Cole joined the Illini this year. These young men have been badly undervalued by those who lust over "franchise players". If you believe in the "student athlete", you may want question how that concept fits with the desire for "one-and-done" players.

Yes, Thursday was a good day to be an Illini, as is any day that a young person chooses to go to the U of I. Giddy? - With the talent level of these young men and the young men on this year's team? - Yes, I am giddy!

I agree with some of the things that you are saying. But when Deron came to UI didn you or anyone think he would be the player that he was at UI and also the NBA? If you did then I you should have your own recruiting web site and become the Tom Leming of Basketball. I highly doubt that you saw Deron coming on the way he did. We are excited because this is a start. These are three very good players. Maybe not the Julian Wrights of the world, but I will take a Bruce Weber team against KU, Memphis and put his recruits against those name players and I bet you we end up on the winning side. We have more then just those three names. Julian can't guard everyone at the same time. I would love to have the Derrick Roses of the world the Dunnigans of the world, but at what cost? The only thing I can say that I truly believe is if Bruce truly wants those gems that come out of chicago, he needs to show his face in the city and in the schools. Don't wait to come to the UC when you have a game. Don't send your assistants only and you never show up. There has been numerous talks about Bruce never showing his face in the CPL and local shows to promote Illinois Basketball. They say Zook is always there, Other schools out state are there so it's great we get solid good players that can blossom but when u need that special plyaer, thats gonna still be on Bruce and I will hold him to that. Howard will be great at getting his share but it will Bruce that seals the deal and lock down the Chicago Public League from the vultures...

Taylor -- I understand what you're saying, but Illinois has seldom been able to recruit those "superstar" top 20 recruits in my 30 years of following Illini basketball. The years when Illinois has been successful have been attributable to recruiting highly skilled, athletic players like DJ RIchardson, Brandon Paul and now Joseph Bertrand. Throw in the occasional top 20 star like Jereme Richmond, Dee Brown, Frank Williams or Nick Anderson, and you have the recipe that has given Illinois great succeess.

If you think Illinois should be able to successfully recruit the Derrick Roses, Eric Gordons and Jon Scheyers, I wouldn't disagree, but thats hardly been the history at Illinois and isn't necessary for Illini basketball to be successful. Just my $.02

Mr. Bell~

Your comments are very harsh towards these in-state athletes. I have commented in your posts before and have left my name. I have supported the Illini for over 50 years and am proud of it. Why are you always so negative? Are you trying to give a loyal family in central Illinois a lesson in realism? You can have your opinions, but don't include me as needing a dose of your realism. I think you are way off base in being able to do so. I take offense to that dose of realism comment.
Coach Weber is one of the most honest coaches and best teaching coaches that Illinois has ever had. You compare Iman Shumpert and our new recruits. Is that Iman Shumpert before his Junior season and where he ranked in a recruiting service? (like that makes any difference) I wouldn't think so, but if Iman was so prominent before his Junior season then I would still not buy into it because it is not fair to compare young men's abilities before their Junior season even begins, and it is not fair to even bring Iman into the picture to have people to compare with. Iman is Iman, and he chose to go elsewhere. I will not even touch the other comparisons between EJ, Rose, Dunigan, Scheyer, Collins and so on, because the reasonings are either too long to discuss, or they just had the right to go elsewhere. The facts are these young men have proven to many coaches and recruiting analysts that they are very gifted athletes, from great families, and from Illinois, that are very excited to play for their home school. Just don't be demeaning to these young men for their decision and let them grow and improve even more the next two years in high school.
You wish they were the above mentioned players, I don't. They are DJ, Brandon and now our newest recruit, Joseph. Young talented men from Illinois wanting to play for the Illini. Coach Weber is very good at evaluating talent and I trust his knowledge.
You want intelligent conversation, no you don't, you want to be critical of everything the BB team does. Doing this at the expense of these young men's abilities are just plain wrong.
Giving the Illini nation a dose of realism, are you kidding? I consider myself part of the Illini nation (all of us are pretty great people, except for a few negative ones, but that's just life) and I feel that I am a very fair minded and considerate person that gives everyone a fair shake, but Taylor you have got to quit talking down to everyone of the Illini fans and now the recruits like we are all wrong in our thinking and beliefs and our trust in our coaching staff and BB team. I will continue to give my support and I love doing it! Go Illini!

Dear Mr. Taylor,

My only comment is that of the 4 pairs of players you have listed, most, but certainly not all are 1 or 2 year players and then out.... not that I would turn them away, these types of talented players certainly worked out for tOSU in the year they had these caliber of players.

But, In my opinion, what Illinois needs is a healthy group of core players to pick and chose from to build the backbone of the program.... with 2007 and now 2009 class, thats exactly what we have....

I think its clear, with McCamey, Jordan, Richardson, Paul & Bertrand, we are set with some solid guards.... add in the fact that Jamar Smith will be with us in 08 and 09 and possibly still Watkins.... and then of course in 2010 we have Richmond coming in....and possibly 1 or 2 of the following may join this already solid class....McCamey's little brother and Luthers little brother and Jordans 2nd son. I think it is safe to say we have some very, very good perimeter players with the potential of 1 or 2 of them blossoming into superstar status... which ones ? Your guess is as good as mine.

There is one last thing I like to remind myself and that is, the trio of guards that lead us to the championship game a couple of years ago was driven by Luther, who by some recruiting sites was just a 3 star player, Deron, who was a 4 star player by most and Dee who was a 5 star player by most. Point is, not all of the great college players are sure thing top 25 five star players....

When these kids come into Illinois, guys like Carlwell & Semrau will be seniors, and by all rights should be playing to their potential by then. Add in the sleeper Jr Tisdale, who by all accounts is a guy who is not going to redshirt this year and possibly be in the rotation. I expect Cole & Davis to redshirt this year, thus they will be a sophomore in 2009.

Whats my point to all of this, although I would like to see a few more quality bigs get added to the mix for 2009 or 2010 at the latest, but this team appears by all rights to perhaps have the depth of talent to make a serious run in March as early as 2009, but more likely by 2010 or 2011....

Yeah, I think Coach Weber took several recruiting losses on the chin.... thats part of the game of his job... in fact everybody does. Those 4 pairs of players you have mentioned above were missed out by not just Illinois.... but a lot of schools missed out on them. Point is, Coach Weber is not the only ones to take it on the chin.

I think your reporting is fine.... but, it wouldn't hurt if you looked at the glass as being half full every now and then... I know Coach Weber does, and it looks like it just might be starting to pay off.

Sincerely,
Illinois Todd

You're right DJ is no Iman Shumpert - he is higher rated than Iman was before going into his Junior season.

One thing you don't understand is that these players are all sophmores who haven't played a game as a junior as yet. You compare these kids to Rose, Collins, Sheyer etc..., which is like comparing apples to oranges. All three of these kids may end up being better than all the ones you mentioned with two more years of high school ball. Oh, and by the way, you haven't forgotten about a kid named Jereme Richmond who is already better than half that list already. If you don't think these recruits are huge for the Illini, I think you're in the wrong line of work buddy. You must not have much knowledge about college and high school basketball.

You got to be kidding me! You are comparing 3 great gets two top 75 recruits for Weber and his staff and you are finding a flaw in this? As for your "list" let me explain some things to you.

They aren't Derrick Rose and Sherron Collins.

yes good examples of kids who were 99% committed until Derrick Rose's brother wanted some kickbacks, and we all know about Sherron Collins' midnight visit by Bill $elf. Rose will be gone to the NBA after one year, and we haven't seen anything of what Collins can do.

They aren't Jon Scheyer and Mike Dunigan.

John Scheyer we all knew was Duke bound, regardless of whether Weber's brother coached him in High School or not. The jury is out still to see how good he will be. Really? Mike Dunigan? Is he the next coming of elton brand? We shall see. We all know that WW Wes was somehow involved in him and his friend the shooting guard. Oregon is a beautiful campus, I don't blame him for going there one bit. Good basketball program too.

They aren't Eric Gordon and DeAndre Liggins.

We HAD Gordon, until Kelvin $amp$cum stuck his nose in there and had his cronies hire everyone close to him, and threatened his father's business, and crazy toothless hicks threatening him in school if he didn't go to IU. Liggins? Please, what has he shown!

They aren't Julian Wright and Iman Shumpert.

We all know that Julian Wright (as he said on NBA Draft night) "Just wanted to do what was best for his family" Yeah... mhmmm hmmm... Iman Shumpert during HIS Junior year was a complete unknown!!!!! He didn't "Blow Up" Until this past summer!

Your arguements are old and tired, and for someone in the supposed Journalistic hall of fame, you really are just doing this idiotic reporting to get hits from the message board nation, which doesn't represent most realistic fans. Illini Nation is thrilled to have these 3 commits, arguably the TOP 3 guards in the entire state!!! What is wrong with that?

i truly cant grasp why after the arduous journey its been for coach weber to land consensus top 100 recruits, you cant find it within yourself to grant him and illini fans just a smidge of love. he and his staff have busted their collective backsides and now, finally there is progress. SIGNIFICANT progress. did you look at the schools who were recruiting all 3 of these quality kids? names like ohio state, florida, marquette and the like draw the eye. yet you refuse to say word one about what a coup these kids could be for coach. BEFORE THEY EVEN PLAY ONE GAME OF THEIR JUNIOR SEASONS you diminish them before the ink is even dry on the suntimes. you dont even attempt to conceal your disappointment. try reading chicagohoops.com s coverage of these 3 commits. see where theyre ranked in their class now, where they're projected to be ranked and their rank in-state. maybe even their rank by position. impressive.
ill admit, some of illini nation can smash with the best of them. however some of the vitriol is justifying when looking at your body of work. vomitting such negativity not just occasionally but constantly? for Gods sake, why?

realism? again, dig deeper. do more research. these kids are great prospects with upside to spare.

and you diminish them and the coaching staff as casually as you draw your next breath.

thank you,

jimi

Come on Taylor, this is a great time to be with the Illini. Nothing was a given about Richardson, remember that Shaun Livingston was committed to Duke. Give Weber and his staff credit for learning from past misses,moving forward and getting these committments. Things have changed since you started in the business. The internet has changed everything and you can no longer preach from a bully pulpit. I would have thought that over the years you might have developed some thicker skin. I remember Buddy Ryan saying when he coached the Eagles about the media "When I win they can't hurt me and if I lose they can't help me."

Well, I don't know abt giddy, but it sure beats the past few years.

And the Illini have had plenty of "good recruiting" after Brewer, et al. How about Dee and Deron or before that, Winters or Douglas? That's a lot more recent and a lot more relevant as well.

And as for Shumpert, well, let's not get all too hot and bothered about him either. He hasn't proven- yet- to be the next best thing. Neither has Dunigan or Liggans for that matter.

These 2 guys are still a few years away, and so is Bertram, but combined, together w/ Richmond, well, things are a lot brighter for Weber than a few days ago.

Mr. Bell,

Why would you want to hurt these young kids just because you're upset with the Illini fans? You should celebrate their chances to playing college ball and getting a college education instead of denigrating their abilities. Very disappointing these are just young kids.

I'm suprised that an Illinois alumni, such as yourself could react so negatively to the program's recent commitments. With the recent struggles with Weber's recruiting, this is a huge step in the right direction. To have three of the state's best players commit during their junior years shows remarkable improvement in Weber's staff strategy. Also Mr. Bell, let's not forget that Jon Scheyer, Sherron Collins, DeAndre Liggins, and Iman Shumpert were all mid top 100 level recruits during their junior years. Similiar to Richardson, Paul and now Bertrand. Their stock all sky rocketed during the AAU season before their senior year. This is also my real email address so feel free to respond. Thank you.

Have you ever heard the phrase: If you don't have something good to say then say nothing at all. Please stop writing about Illinois basketball.

Taylor -

Why fight with the morons from Illiniboard? Just ignore them, don't bait them.

Why does Mr. Bell feel the need to "warn" anyone? Be "aware of giddiness?" This clearly isn't a writer who has Illinois fans' good intentions at heart; this guy is just takin' shots wherever he thinks can find an opportunity to do so. Let's add Joseph Bertrand to that 2009 list shall we?

Mr. Bell,

I'm not up to date on your struggles with Illini Nation. I also am an alum and I know that the Illini Nation can be a sensitive bunch.

You make some good points in this blog. Richardson, Paul and Bertrand are not Eric Gordon, Derrick Rose and Sherron Collins. However, they are recruits that other schools such as Ohio State, Kentucky and Florida, among others were after. This trio alone would seem to make for a top 15 recruiting class on its own and I don't think that Weber is done for 2009. Personally, I'm hoping that they become 3 or 4 year stars a la Luther Head and James Augustine. The one year wonder appears to be Jereme Richmond.

Also remember that Illini fans have been Charlie Brown to other schools' Lucy so many times with regard to recruiting. We've all been waiting for a long time to celebrate so I think that exuberance is understandable, isn't it?

Landing native Peoria son Richardson was a must, I agree. As you know, nothing is certain until it happens. Remember that Illinois has lost a player whose coach was Weber's brother!

Some constructive criticism, if you are interested: Beginning this blog posting grumbling at Illini Nation and their anonymity rather than the subject at hand could give the impression that you might be more interested in getting in a shot at your nemesis than in providing your learned opinion on a subject matter that is of interest to a great number of people.

Regarding anonymity, I tried to send my email address via submit feedback and also to access the contact us link but they failed. I'll keep trying. I'd be glad to indulge in intelligent conversation.

You're right, these not MDAA at this point, yet I would take issue with you on a couple of points.

1. You've ignored the solid verbal of Jereme Richmond, who is by all accounts a "difference maker".

2. No one was projecting Dunnigan, Liggins, Shumpert, and Collins to be "difference-makers" when they were entering their junior year. All of these guys blew up their last two years in HS.

Maybe we shouldn't be "giddy" but seeing how dissappointing the last year as been it's a good start.

Mr. Bell

Your negativity towards the progress made this week by Bruce and his staff is disheartening. As a reporter I know you are compensated to write on what you think and what you think only, however I do recall an article you wrote several years ago criticizing Self for landing the other guard from The Colony. You have more often been wrong than right in your assesment of the quality of the program and the direction the Illini are heading.

Mr. Bell,

It would be impossible to have a reasoned conversation with you about the Illini basketball program because you have proven, over the years, to be very biased against the Illini. You are neither reasoned nor objective in your comments. A case in point. Back when Brian Cook had verballed to Illinois, you published a report in the Sun Times claiming he would reconsider that commitment and instead attend DePaul. That didn't happen, did it Mr. Bell? Still stand behind that "source"?

You crow about your "award winning" investigation into Efrem Winter's grades. Big deal, ancient history. Why not do something now and investigate why Derrick Rose picked Memphis. What is his brother Reggie doing these days? Or how about why Sherron Collins, after giving a verbal commitment to attend Illinois, switched to Kansas? Or is it enough that his high school coach Longstreet said, "Show me the canceled check." when asked about possible wrong doing. Of course, nothing like that ever happens in Chicago, does it Mr. Bell?

Of course you'll now bring up the Slush Fund. Wow, that was quite the operation there, wasn't it? Giving kids money to go home to attend funerals, or $15 per month spending money (which was legal under NCAA rules but not Big Ten rules at the time) is really on par with let's say the $600,000 that Michigan booster Ed Martin paid to members of the Fab 5 or the $20,000 cash that spilled out of a Fed Ex envelope from Kentucky to basketball recruit Sean Higgins (who, interestingly enough, later ended up at Michigan.) No, glory in the Slush Fund and Efrem's grades and ignore the real scandals going on today.

You will forever remain an object of scorn and ridicule in the Illini Nation and deservedly so. As the saying goes, you can't believe everything that you read, and that's especially true when reading anything you write about the University of Illinois.

And yes, I did submit a correct e-mail address.

Taylor, thanks so much for your very nice article today on Mike. My parents were thrilled to read it. Beth and I appreciate your interest.

Dave Trumpy

Taylor: Even though I'm out in Arizona now I read about coverage the Illini get in the Chicago papers. It seems to me, that your coverage is singularly negative regarding Weber and the Illinois basketball program. I don't really understand why it bothers you if some Illinois fans are jubilant over the recent recruitments by U of I. As a knowledgeable basketball guy you should understand that athleticism, quickness, and teamwork, is just as important, or more important than individual skills that are not a part of a cohesive winning package. I cannot understand your need to denigrate the talents of three, yet to be high school juniors, by comparing them to players who were highly rated in high school, but who have yet to prove themselves better on the court. As a basketball expert I defer to coach Weber. I expect him to put a great product on the floor with these recruits. I also expect to see another mean-spirited column from you in the near future. I doubt that the chip has fallen off your shoulder yet.

Tom Jacobs
Tucson, AZ

Mr. Bell,
You write "I can't imagine why so many card-carrying members of Illini Nation are interested in what I think about Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber's ability to land oral commitments from guards D.J. Richardson of Peoria Central and Brandon Paul of Warren."

Hmm, could the answer be, "I am a hack writer reduced to rattling the cage of message-board rubes with my unfounded, excessively pessimistic opinions, expressed as flamboyantly and obnoxiously as possible?"

There's your answer. Now, quit player h8'tin on high school kids--come after me. I'm a man! I'm 40!

WorldWide
Everywhere, USA

After reviewing the most recent AAU tournaments across the country, I've come to the conclusion that your article on 10/11/2007 concerning Illinois and the misfortunes of Bruce Weber's attemp at recruiting was almost laughable ( not your words, but the definition is the same ). You mentioned D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul as an attemp on recruiting, but more or less doesn't matchup to the misses.

Well Mr. Bell, you should be the first to admit you were wrong. D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul are rushing up the rankings like men on fire. Last weekend at the King James, they were mentioned along with three others as the top 5 performers in the tourney. Also, not only did Paul out battle Shumpert in their only match, but he has just been invited to the NBA Top 100 Camp. A couple other commits for 2009, Tyler Griffey and Joe Bertrand has also been playing well. Not to mention Rivals is predicting Crandall Head and Jereme Richmond to finish in the top 10 in the class of 2010.

Mr. Bell,

I'd be curious to know what your thoughts are now regarding the current Illinois commits, given their recent performances. Can we expect a sequel to this article - one giving the Illinois coaching staff the credit they deserve for putting together not one but two upcoming stellar recruiting classes? Thanks and Go Illini!

Go Illini!

This was some of the worst information I have ever read in a sports board article. You might wish to try another avenue of work.

As always, nice job Mr. Bell. I wouldn't typically comment in a section such as this, but since the space seems to have been inundated with criticisms from my illini bretheren, i felt somewhat compelled to chime in.

I think you are wise to advise caution to fans who get caught up in the recruiting hype. We have some quality kids coming in, and i am thrilled for that, but no, they are not yet Rose or Collins. Making that comparison isn't fair to anyone right now. At the same time though, it is safe to say that they are not Frazier and Meacham either (and I really mean no disrespect to those kids).

So, I guess what I'm saying is that while we as a fanbase are probably a little overzealous with our comparisons, it is nice to actually have something to be positive about regarding recruiting again.

Also, as a somewhat younger fan, I would like to say that I absolutely loved your "Sweet Charlie, Dike, Cazzie, and Bobby Joe" book and the historical perspective that it provided me. I got a copy for my grandfather last year, and I know he enjoyed it immensely.

Any plans for another book in the mix?

I need your help I have looking for the alltime record and scores between Corliss and Julian H.S in football only. I checked with ihsa.org and I got nothing.

By the large volume of comments here, it seems that this article did it's job and got people stirred up. Hey, at least it's generating a conversation. That's always a good thing.