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I don't profess to have enough expertise to criticize the passion and professionalism of a college football or basketball coach. But I have observed the game for more years than most critics who claim that privilege, the ones who once anointed Ron Zook, Ron Guenther and Bruce Weber for sainthood and now lead parades calling for their dismissals.
So I'll tackle a subject that is sacred to Illini Nation and wait for their anticipated scorn. They'll insist that I'm bashing Chief Illiniwek but, truthfully, this is just a forum for debate. It is too early to say I don't know what I'm talking about--the truth will be known to one and all by this time next year--but I thought it was time to give Orange-and-Blue loyalists something else to banter about.
Jereme Richmond.
The two-time Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year from Waukegan is being touted as the next great star at Illinois, the savior of Weber's program (or his successor's if the lunatic fringe of Illini Nation has its way), the pied piper who will lead Illinois back to the Final Four and maybe its first NCAA championship. Oh, happy day.
Well, I don't think so. Not yet. Not if what we have seen up to date is what we have to go by. Yes, he is a McDonald's All-American, one of the top 24 high school seniors in the nation. But is he ready to step in and be a difference-maker as a freshman in the Big 10? Was Evan Turner? Was Deron Williams? Was Brandon Paul, last year's Mr. Basketball in Illinois?
Jon Scheyer wasn't a difference-maker as a freshman, either. But Derrick Rose was. John Wall, too. And Magic Johnson. But I don't think anyone is putting Richmond in their class.
Richmond is a thin 6-7 perimeter player. In that regard, he will fit in nicely at Illinois, where all of Weber's "big men" from Mike Tisdale to Mike Davis to Bill Cole to Tyler Griffey prefer to face the basket rather than bang on the boards. Offensive rebound, anyone?
Before we get to attitude and maturity, flaws in Richmond's game that have been well documented from the time he was a freshman at North Shore Country Day until the most recent incident a couple of weeks ago, let's zero in on what he brings to the court:
Every objective observer agrees that Richmond needs to gain weight and muscle if he is to survive in the Big 10. He is an excellent passer, has good length, great versatility, tends to make players around him better and is unselfish. He also has a killer instinct that has surfaced from time to time--but not frequently.
But his shot--his dramatic half-court game-winner as a junior notwithstanding--is fair to middling. His mid-range shot is inconsistent and his three-pointer is mediocre at best, certainly not great recommendations for a perimeter player in the Big 10. Jay Shidler or Billy Harris or Jon Scheyer he isn't. Not at the moment. And his ball-handling on the perimeter, when matched against quicker Big 10 opponents, is questionable.
That's the physical and technical side. How about the mental aspect of his game? He still pouts from time to time and has issues with his coach and teammates when things aren't going as he thinks they should. In high school, he is protected by his friends. In college? It was interesting to note that his father was outraged when his son's latest temper tantrum was reported in the Chicago newspapers but Weber claimed he didn't know anything about it.
Joe Henricksen of City/Suburban Hoops Report agrees with some of my thoughts about Richmond. "Illinois lacks leadership and toughness, which is something Richmond will not bring. I don't think he's going to be National Freshman of the Year, like a Durant or Carmelo or Beasley. Those are special, special players. But I think he will be a big addition to a program that simply needs an influx of talent," he said.
But Henricksen has seen a lot of Richmond in the last three years, good and bad, and he is convinced the youngster will make a positive impact on the Illini program. He predicts a starting lineup with Demetri McCamey at point guard, D.J. Richardson at shooting guard, Richmond at small forward, Davis at power forward and Tisdale in the pivot with Paul as the sixth man and Cole and Meyers Leonard, another freshman whiz kid, coming off the bench. However, he agrees that Richmond must deal with his demons.
"He will have to deal with those maturity and attitude issues," Henricksen said."But he has been terrific when he's down in Champaign playing with Illinois players on weekends and during the offseason. He certainly has been a pampered baby and prima donna throughout his high school career. But he is extremely talented. The negative issues are legitimate. Despite some setbacks, he has progressed somewhat in those areas and has to progress more."
Henricksen doesn't believe Richmond alone will make Illinois a contender for the Big 10 title. He thinks Richmond will average 10-11 points and five rebounds per game as a freshman on a veteran squad that will finish in the top two or three in the conference and qualify for the Sweet Sixteen.
"Very few freshmen bring leadership. That's not expected," Henricksen said. "Richmond will create opportunities for others, some easier scoring opportunities because he will have to be accounted for. He gives them size, length on the wing and much more athleticism than Cole, who is playing close to 30 minutes a game.
"Illinois desperately needs players. They don't have a senior or sophomore on the roster who can play. So Richmond's presence alone is a bonus, someone else who can score, adds quality depth and allows Weber to mix and match and play different lineups.
"As long as Jereme's maturity continues to grow, if he immediately accepts discipline, criticism and the teaching he will receive, there is no doubt in my mind that he will be a difference-maker early in his career."
But Henricksen admits the mental part of his game will determine how big of a factor Richmond will be as a freshman. "When things go bad, get rocky, which they always do for freshmen, how will he handle those situations? That competitive spirit is inside him but it still doesn't surface quite as much as you would like or with as much consistency as you see from the type of difference-making star players of the past," he said.
Does Henricksen think Richmond will be a one-and-done player? Will he be ready for the NBA after his freshman year?
"No. But I certainly think he can be an impact freshman," Henricksen said.
Time will tell. Like this time next year.
Cell Phone Alerts
"Please notice corrections from previous submission"
I think, that the alumni base at Illinois should show patience with the development of Jereme Richmond. He will need time to achieve certain "individual skill development", such as:
1. Physically get bigger.
2. Developing a stronger presence from the perimeter from 12-18 feet with his shooting ability-given he is truthfully only 6'6" which puts him slated for the small forward spot.
3. His ball-handling on the high school level is one thing, but; he'll need to develop his ball-man breakdown skills.
4. Right now, he is able to take advantage of the smaller player format in the high school ranks defensively most on "blind side help" situations. However, his ability to defend with quickness (feet) and strength will need to be addressed immediately if the Illinois coaching staff envision him being an "impact player" his freshman season.
5. The "Nice Kid" label he has will also have to be addressed, because; teams like Michigan State, Minnesota, Ohio State and Wisconsin test the heart of players in tight "possession-to-possession" games where team scoring will be the 50's and 60's. This point directs you back to the above-mentioned points of emphasis for development.
I see Richmond as needing a year to develop, another year to grow in his "in game" confidence, and; then eventually developing into a solid 1,000 point 800 rebound career at Illinois.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr
Taylor as usual not objective. Yes he needs to work on his three point shooting and needs to get stronger. He has a good midrange game and his a very good ball handler. As for the latest incicent nobody mentions the racial slurs from Deerfield fans and undercutting done to Richmond by Deerfield players. Everybody always wants to cut down the kid. Might it be time to just enjoy his skill level on the court and stop the bashing please. He's 17 years old and if he's an impact freshman fine. Not everybody is a Rose or Beasley as a freshman. Nobody mentions the racial slurs he endured as a freshman when he played at Ida Crown? Always negative about Richmond. And he's been the most scrutinzed player in the state for the last three years. I agree with Hendrickson in that he will have to handle the mental aspect of college basketball. But doesn't every freshman? Even John Wall and Demarcus Cousins at my beloved Kentucky have had ups and downs this year. Jereme's father should have been outraged it was irresponsible journalism. Or was it racial journalism? Nobody chastising the Deerfield fans for their racial slurs.
I understand your point Tom, I've seen the same watching East St. Louis Lincoln's Bennie Lewis deal with the same sort of ignorance with fans at Centrailia, Collinsville and Mt. Vernon as a kid going to games with my Dad and Uncles.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
All I can tell you is Jereme isn't McDonald's All-American, the 2 time Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year, and the most anticipated Illini recruit for nothing. This talented, young, black man hasn't been given the title of all these accomplishments by mistake or by luck. Its too bad you can't see what we see, you're really missing out.
I'm a former high school coach from NYC retired and living in Rolling Meadows.
Curtiss Jackson must be a coach, he's got that kid Richmond scouted just right. I saw the kid play against Young, he is good, but needs refinement on his skills.
I am looking forward to seeing how he plays in the Mickey D game.
What school does Jackson coach for?
Coach KS
In Your Statement You said Jereme Will 'not bring Leadership or Toughness to Illinois''. I Am A Junior at Waukegan High and a Friend Of Jereme's He is a good Leader like his Teammate Mike Springs who was suspended two games on Acamdemics Since then Mike has been a mentor for kids Mike and Jereme both bring good Leadership. In Jereme's 'Prep Diary' He states he is Sorry for his actions at Deerfield players. Unlike Most sport stars who people look up to Jereme Actually Apologized To the Deerfield Players and Coaches Personally.
What's the deal with Jackson's comments, or is it that he has something against suburban ball players?
Richmond is a Mc Donalds All- American, this say it all. I know your a Public School guy, just based on your comments.
Are you a coach or administrator?
However, I do have to admit, your words as to his Illinois career I agree with ya'on this... He'll be more of a contributor than star.
Victor (Go Wisconsin)
The discussion is a bit ridiculous. Jereme Richmond is Jereme Richmond. He is a kid learning how to be a man. Let him be that. The idea that you are predicting what this kid will be be based upon what others have done is logical fallacy. Derrick Rose is great but if you ask Jereme who he wants to be, I am pretty sure he would say Jereme Richmond not Derrick Rose. To be honest, none of us have any idea what he may become...any moment, any series of moments could make Jereme Richmond spectacular beyond belief. Let him find those moments. Adults, move out of the way...these kids have been misled by us all too often. Let Bruce and the Waukegan coach do what they are paid to do: develop Jereme.
I am SHOCKED. A High school kid with maturity issues who needs to add strength to play at the college level? This is some crack journalism.
I am sorry, if in some way I have offended some bloggers with my comments regarding the college basketball prospects of Jereme Richmond. However, you should consider; when one evaluates talent you’re the goal is to provide an unbiased review of that talent. Now, you have some bloggers, scouts, writers, fans and coaches who chose to evaluate without even an attempt to mask their biased agenda. Not myself.
-As an African-American, I can assure you- Bri; that I am very appreciative of the talent Richmond has,and that he is a two-time player-of-the-year and was cast-via vote- to be a McDonald All-American. However, I must say that I do not see the instantaneous “freshman phenom” that others see or forecast him to be as freshman.
-Coach K Slater, I was wondering… is this the same Kendrick Slater that I had the pleasure of meeting via legendary Queens’ Archbishop Molly High School coach Jack Curran back in 1990 at a YMCA basketball tournament in Secaucus, N.J.? If so, thanks for the comments, and enjoy your retirement. I’m attending the Big East tourney today, and I am hoping to see many of my old Yorker friends later.
Victor, your right… I am a Chicago Public League basketball fan and former student and player (grammar and high school). However, I am not biased as to my evaluations of talent whether it is on the high school, or collegiate levels. When I take on scouting project to a evaluate player(s), it is done so for a specific coach and/ or organization that requires specific details about a particular player’s projection for success. So, though my evaluations may seem blunt to some, this is really what is expected of me- straight and to the point.
Finally, I personally would love to see Jereme Richmond succeed at the highest level from his experience of playing for Illinois, as a player and student. Its unfair for any of us to label him “the most anticipated player to come to Illinois in its programs history”, because; that would mean you’ll have to forget about the hoopla that surrounded former highly anticipated freshman, such as: Eddie Johnson (1977), Efrem Winters and Bruce Douglass (1982), Nick Anderson (1985), Marcus Liberty (1987) and Deon Thomas (1989), just to mane a few.. Now, some will get angered at this, but; I would not have a hard time arguing that these players were better players than Richmond as seniors in high school and incoming freshman. So… lets all take a deep breath… exhale, and just take a cheerful wait and see approach - for Jereme’s sake, please.
Great topic for a blog! Always attack the Giant he looks foolish if he fights back and weak if he get's defeated. He has to battle adults that love and hate him talking too much and kids with the same love hate issues. He is growing up in front of the camera and that is difficult. Imagine being 15 and your every move under a microscope. He is not an angel! Please find me one! Let's talk only basketball coming out of high school WHO LOOKED READY FOR THE LEAGUE? Nobody! Who looked ready for the BIG TEN? Very few. Jereme is one of the best high school players ever in the state. He handles the ball well at 6'7 and 17 years old. He has a complete offensive game from the three spot and the athletic ability to compete at the NBA level. What he lacks in basketball he will develop. He will be a better pro than a college player unless Illinois speeds up the game. He is that good. For all you that love MJ, J RICH is that type of competitor and it is not always nice and polite. His defensive side is without comparison on the high school level. His maturity shows when he allows teammates that are not his equal to shine and at times lead in scoring. He is the real deal and we should appreciate what he has done. We can wait for the future to unfold but appreciate the present. Name the McDonald's All Americans from the state. Not many he is one of the few! DS
Right on, I see your point Curtiss.
Watch your back in thoses NYC EL tunnels and tracks at Madison Square Garden, it can get rough.
Harry
Tolentine H.S.'91
Manhattan, NYC
Most success in the Big Ten next year... Lenzelle Smith. Equally if not better than Jereme and has already physically matured. He has his weakenesses such as shooting but at the point guard position where he is slated to play, his skills are solid. Outstanding passer, cuts hard to the basket where his big body will be able to take Big Ten abuse, and finish once he gets there.
THE HORSE IS OUT OF THE BARN FELLOWS, IF RICHMOND GETS THE FIGHTING ILLINI TO THE DANCE, AND THEN THE FINAL FOUR, HE IS A ONE AND DONE ATHLETE, I KNOW SOME OF YOU ARE SNICKERING UNDER YOUR BREATH, BUT MAYBE YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED SOMETHING, LAST YEAR WHEN RICHMOND WAS A JUNIOR AND WAUKEGAN HAD THE REGIONAL, THE GAMES WERE ON TELEVISION BY COMCAST, AND THIS YEAR WAUKEGAN HAS THE SECTIONALS AND ONCE AGAIN THE GAMES ARE ON TELEVISION, WHAT AN UPSET LAST NIGHT BY AN UPSTART SCHAUMBURG TEAM OVER DUJE DUKAN FROM DEERFIELD, ALOT OF YOU DON'T WANT TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT EVERY YEAR A STAR IS BORN, AND RICHMOND MAY BE THE NEXT ONE, HE ALREADY CARRIES HIMSELF LIKE HE KNOWS SOMETHING THE REST OF YOU DON'T WANT TO ACCEPT, HE IS GOING TO BE A PRO ONE DAY, THE QUESTION IS WILL HE GO IN THE DRAFT A YEAR FROM NOW, I KNOW ABOUT HIS SKILLS, BUT PORTLAND IS FULL OF GUYS THAT PLAY LIKE RICHMOND, HE IS EVERY BIT OF 6'7", I KNOW WHAT HE NEEDS TO DO AND ALL THAT OLD SCHOOL STUFF, NIKE AND ADIDAS AREN'T INTO OLD SCHOOL, THEY ARE INTO GROOMING THE NEXT GUY WHOM WILL WEAR THEIR SHOE, IF RICHMOND IS A GOOD CITIZEN AT U OF I, AND HE GETS THEM WHERE THEY HAVEN'T BEEN SINCE D. BROWN AND COMPANY LAST DID IT, DID YOU NOTICE ALL THOSE GUYS GOT A SHOT IN THE LEAGUE, I KNOW DEE AND AUGUSTINE AREN'T THERE ANY LONGER, BUT THEY DID GET A SHOT!
ONE THING I HAVE LEARNED, DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO THE YOUNG GUYS, TIMES ARE DIFFERENT, MONEY IS DIFFERENT, DON'T HATE ON THESE YOUNGSTERS, MURDER IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH, WHAT JEREME RICHMOND IS DOING IS CONSTRUCTIVE, AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE HIM, THAT IS ON YOU, BUT GIVE THE YOUNG MAN ROOM TO BREATH, AND BE SUCCESSFUL, I HAVE, AND YOU SHOULD AS WELL!
I'm curious, I think some of you guys blogging need something else to do. You have one guy, simply making an impartial review of the skills Jereme has and those he need to improve on.
And then, you have others whom seem too kissy kissy to Jereme, to be able to make an truthful observation of his talent.
I think that guy Jackson is on to something: calling it as he sees it, but also being constructive and encouraging at the same time.
Taylor was right in the first post on this subject, some Illini Nation members and some hardcore Jereme Richmond fans are a bit too sensitive. Maybe you need to take another breath of "outdoor" fresh air.
Richard
Richard,Curtis and everybody else yes I know Jereme Richmond and his family. I also know Matt Lottich, John Scheyer,Todd Townsend and some others. My view is very objective. I have seen Richmond play many times. He's a 6"7 good ball handler,needs to improve his three point shooting and get stronger. Most high school kids need to get stronger for the next level (Lebron James being an exception). But Richmond has an excellent mid range game and is doing well playing out of position in high school. Richard, Mr Bell has been nothing but negative with this kid since he stepped foot in high school. Don't know what his problem is but there are some positive things about the kid. I think part of it is most of the media is white and judge African Americans more harshly. He hasn't committed a crime or been in trouble with the law. Phil I hope he stays in college at least a couple of years. He needs to just like Evan Turner did (who by the way is a Top 5 pick in this years NBA Draft). And I'll be up in the Dog Pound for Jereme Richmond's last high school home game. I will enjoy his greatness while I can on the high school level. I hope others do the same.
Yeah, I agree that Jeremy is a good player. I don't know if he is white or black. I guess if he's black, he's pretty good. White players from the U.S. usually are not good, but if they are from Italy or Australia they can dominate.
Johnson K. Johnson
Tim from Evanston,
You should know that Jereme is lucky to have such support that you are providing him... Jereme- via his prep journal in the Sun Times- seems to understand the support he is getting.
Not every fan, coach parent, sibling or scout will be able to agree on everything regarding Jereme. Believe me, every member of the McDonalds All-American team this year, as well as; the members on each of the other teams over the past 30-plus years had players that were being scrutinize justly or unfairly equally if not more than Jereme. Its part of the deal, unfortunately.
In life, you have a few opportunities to make the right coice at an important period of time in your life that can have altering affects on one's future- be it positively or negatively. This is why being able to make good choices each and everytime- which I admit is mostly impossible- to the best of your ability is so important.
With this in mind, I think Jereme Richmond will be just fine... as long as he just tries to be the best Jereme Richmond on and off the court he can be.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Jereme is a superb talent who has accomplished an incredible amount at Waukegan High School. He will be a great player for Illinois the next few years.
Jereme appears conceited and often has a bad attitude toward adults and oposing players, as do many of his teammates.
The statements above are FACTS.
I believe that there has been a lot said, and not said about Jereme Richmond. However, it seems that Curtis Jackson must have scouted Jereme pretty well. Because his remarks about Jereme seem to be well thought out and studied. Does this guy have a scouting service he runs? If so, can this information be forwarded to me so I can check it out.
I have been more of an observer than blogger on Taylor Bell's website, but from just the comments I've seen over the past week or so; it seems he should provide more of a forum for Jackson to be heard on issues of grassroots, prep and college basketball as a whole.
I enjoy reading the thoughts of of those Bell has a direct connection via the Sun Times, but a fresh perspective seems to be in order. I mean it has me looking to view his site more, and well is that not the whole idea? Jackson seems to best at balancing the truth and consideration of others, more so than ranting and raving with a specific agenda.
How can someone contact Jackson, and what is his specialty when it comes to talent evaluations for basketball players?
DJ
RICHMOND AND HIS MATES DISPOSED OF SHAUMBURG TONIGHT BY 18, AND GUESS WHAT, THEY HAD HIM PLAYING WITH HIS BACK TO THE BASKET ON SEVERAL HALF-COURT SETS, WAUKEGAN IS FOR REAL, WHITNEY YOUNG CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD TO DEFEAT FOREMAN, SIMEON IS ALIVE AND WELL, HALES LOST TO MEYERS LEONARD AND ROBINSON, THE FIGHTING ILLINI ARE GETTING A POST PLAYER WITH SOME SKILLS, ROBINSON HAS STATE CHAMPS WRITTEN ALL OVER THEM!
Look idk why you guys sitting here hateing on Jrich.
he is doing work the triple team him & he still finds a way to score & get Waukegan the W!
Of course he needs to work on some things i mean come one everyone does or you tell me ppl just come out of high school killing.
Leave Jereme alone already every lil thing he does you guys wanna make smart comments on it i mean he has growing up to do didnt we all? im a student at waukegan & i hate when ppl try to put him down he is a BEAST what dont you guys understand that.He is going to be a state champ go off to the U Of I & do some work.
So leave him alone already cause in the future when is doing so good all those who tlkd bad about him are gonna be the ones trying to tlk good about him then.
It doesn't matter what any of you so called journalist or (jereme richmond) haters say, this young man has followed a path and accomplished everything he set out to do. Why is it that a young black man and all his accomplishments would put a foul taste in your mouths to even try an discuss what you think jereme richmond can and cannot do? If you don't like the kid fine, but why sit there and criticize him before he even plays his first game at U of I? Jereme is #1 in the state, the only illinois basketball player playing in the Mcdonald All-Star, a leader among leaders, not you or anyone else can ever take that away from him. Suck it up and get over it, this young man has probably accomplished more in 18yrs than you all have in your entire pathetic lives.
I've been watching Waukegan basketball for 50 years. Jereme has more athletic talent than any other Bulldog player I've seen, and that includes two great players who went on to the pro's (Jerome Whitehead, Corky Calhoun). Since he is not the only gifted player on the team, however, the offense is not set up to constantly get him the ball, double and triple screen for him, isolate him for one on one, etc. Instead, Waukegan has gone with a balanced scoring attack, and who can argue with success. My only point is that if Waukegan had chosen to run a Jereme-centered offense, he'd be averaging well over 30 points per game. This year, the 4A tournament is the Bulldog's to lose. There isn't a team left in the pack of 8, other than 1st ranked Waukegan, that's been recently ranked above 10th. The relentless pressing, swarming Waukegan defense is one of the best, if not the best, defenses in the history of Illinois high school basketball. That being said, the Dogs have been able to cruise along with their B level offensive game, showing their A game only in spurts. When they get to Peoria, they will be facing teams that are playing their best basketball of the season, and that A game on offense will have to be there, at least a good part of the time. If it is, it will be a boring state final, except for the celebration of the Waukegan fans.
AMEN BULLDOG FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And if this was a white player they would be singing his praises and covering up his faults.
I am hopful the following comments will clarify my thoughts about Jereme Richmond as a "player"- not as a person because I do not know him personally.
As a player, Richmond is considered a high school all-american. But, this does not mean he has the talent to automatically be a possible "freshman phenom" or a "one and done" type of talent.
I have broken down more than a dozen game tapes of Jereme's play spanning from his junior to the current, and... I stand by my evaluation that he is a player that will not be leaving for the pros before the end of his junior year of college and that he will be a solid 1,000 point 800- rebound type of player at Illinois.
Now, I am African-American, and I grew up in the innercity area of Avalon Park where I lived within blocks of my hoop mentors Rickey Green and john Robinson(both former Hirsch and Michigan stars). I also grew up watching the best players annually try-out for the Boston Shootout's (Chicago Team Entry) at the Avalon Park Feildhouse from the 70's- 90's.
I have coaches AAU teams on a national level, scouted, attended Nike Coaching Camps in the '80' and '90's and have worked with some of the most influetial people in basketball on a national level.
I have also written on the subject of high school and college basketball for several newspapers, scouting services, basketball magazines and currently provide scouting services to more than two dozen coaches and organizations on a national level independently.
So, my "agenda" does not include providing ambush style comments on 17-18 year old kids. My job, is simply to evaluate and report on what I know from studying all aspects of a players talent- the good and the not so good.
I am hopful, that Jereme Richmond works hard enough to make me wrong- but it will take work. At this time, I can only see, evaluate and report on what he does (or not) now.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
JEREME RICHMOND IS THE JOHN WALL OF ILLINOIS, AND IF HE DOES FOR ILLINOIS WHAT JOHN WALL IS DOING FOR KENTUCKY, HE WILL BE A ONE AND DONE, AND A VERY RICH YOUNG MAN!
MEYERS LEONARD AND J-RICH CAN TURN THE PROGRAM UPSIDE DOWN, NO MORE NIT GAMES EVER!
I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU, MR. JACKSON, IF JEREME RICHMOND GETS THE FIGHTING ILLINI TO THE BIG DANCE, AND NOT A GAME AGAINST STONY BROOK, AND HE HELPS LEAD THEM TO THE FINAL FOUR, HE IS GONE, JUST LIKE JOHN WALL, ERIC GORDON, D. ROSE, O.J. MAYO, TIMES HAVE CHANGED, THE NBA IS A YOUNGER LEAGUE, AND THEY LOVE TO CREATE HEROES, AND JEREME RICHMOND IS RIGHT OUT OF CENTRAL CASTING, YOU CAN CRITIQUE HIM UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME, BUT IF HE DOES WHAT I SAID IN SENTENCE ONE, HE IS GONE, JUST ASK ED DAVIS FROM NORTH CAROLINA, SHOULD HE HAVE STUCK AROUND FOR HIS SOPHOMORE SEASON, ALL HE DID WAS LOSE OUT ON MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, AND TO TOP IT OFF, HE IS IN THE NIT TOURNAMENT AS WELL!
LETS STOP BLANKING EACH OTHER, THESE GUYS HAVE BEEN GROOMED TO PLAY PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL, ALL OF THAT FLYING AROUND IN THE SUMMER PLAYING AAU STYLING THOSE GYM SHOES IS SERIOUS BUSINESS, I KNOW, SOME MAKE IT AND SOME DON'T, BUT JEREME RICHMOND IS VERY FOCUSED, AND WAUKEGAN WILL WIN THE STATE IN CLASS 4A, AND THEN HE WILL TAKE THE FIGHTING ILLINI DANCING NEXT SEASON!
Mr. Smith,
Are you seriously mentioning Richmond in the same breath as Rose, Wall, Gordon and Mayo. All due respect Sir, I have to assume that you don't watch the NBA much.
But, there is hope. Maybe he'll show the nation during the McDonalds All-American game that he is as good as .... hmmm, Brandon Knight. This would be a more fair comparison- Blog here later, on how that worked out for you.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
CURTIS JACKSON WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, YOU ARE AN OLD SKOOL GUY AND I CAN ACCEPT THAT, BUT IF YOU ARE WATCHING THE TREND OF THE NBA, THEY LIKE YOUNG GUYS, ESPECIALLY YOUNG GUYS WHO PRODUCE, NOW I THINK YOU WILL AGREE IF MR. RICHMOND GOES TO ILLINOIS AND GETS THEM TO A FINAL FOUR IN HIS FIRST SEASON, HE WILL BE A VERY RICH YOUNG MAN, WHAT YOU GUYS FAIL TO REALIZE OR MAYBE YOU DO REALIZE, AAU BALL HAS MADE THESE GUYS WHAT THEY ARE, NOT HIGH SCHOOL BALL, I KNOW YOU HAVE A BAD TASTE IN YOUR MOUTH ABOUT AAU BASKETBALL, BUT GUESS WHAT, IT IS HERE TO STAY, DICK VITALE, SONNY VACCARO, THESE GUYS MAKE THE TELFAIRS, ROSE'S, WALL'S, AND RICHMOND'S OF THE WORLD, AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT, NOW IT IS ONE THING TO HOPE THE YOUNG MAN DOESN'T SUCCEED, BUT THERE IS ANOTHER WHEN YOU DON'T WANT TO GIVE HIM ANY CREDIT AT ALL, JEREME RICHMOND TRANSFERRED FROM A PRIVATE SCHOOL AFTER HIS INITAL SEASON, AND NOW HIS JUNIOR AND SENIOR SEASON, HE HAS HELPED WAUKEGAN GO DOWNSTATE, HE HAS HIS OWN DIARY OR JOURNAL WITH THE CHICAGO SUNTIMES, HE IS IN THE MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN GAME, HE WAS SELECTED TO PLAY IN THAT RUCKER PARK GAME THE LAST TWO YEARS IN NEW YORK, BUT HE WOULD HAVE LOST HIS ELIGIBILITY IF HE HAD PLAYED, HIS NAME RINGS OUT JUST LIKE LEBRON JAMES NAME DID WHEN HE PLAYED AAU BALL, HE PLAYED WITH MAC IRVIN, ONE OF THE REKNOWN AAU PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTRY, ALONG WITH MEYERS LEONARD, BLACKSHEAR, AND CRANDALL HEAD!
YOU CAN HATE ON THE YOUNGSTER ALL YOU WANT, AND YOU CAN TRY TO PUT HIM IN A CATEGORY, THE BOTTOMLINE IS HE IS GOING TO BE A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE IN MAYBE A YEAR OR TWO, BUT I GUARANTEE YOU THIS, IF HE GETS ILLINOIS TO THE FINAL FOUR LIKE DERON WILLIAMS DID, AND IN HIS FIRST SEASON, HE WILL BE IN THE DRAFT ONE YEAR FROM NOW AND THERE IS NOTHING YOUR OLD SKOOL PERCEPTION CAN DO ABOUT IT, THE NBA DRAFTS ON POTENTIAL, JUST LOOK AT EACH ROSTER, MIKE CONLEY, GREG ODEN, ERIC GORDON, OJ MAYO, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR, ALL OF THESE GUYS WERE SCHOOL BOY LEGENDS ON THE AAU LEVEL AND HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL, THE SHOE COMPANIES MADE THEM WHAT THEY ARE, IT DOESN'T MATTER IF HE SCORES ONE POINT IN THAT MCDONALD'S GAME, WHAT MATTERS IS WHERE ILLINOIS ENDS UP NEXT SEASON, TIMES HAVE CHANGED, AND WHEN BRANDON JENNINGS DIDN'T DEAL WITH A PREP SCHOOL OR JUNIOR COLLEGE AND WENT OVERSEAS TO MAKE THAT MILLION DOLLARS, AND RETURNED AND WAS DRAFTED BY THE MILWAUKEE BUCKS, YOU SEE HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED, AND SONNY VACCARO WAS BEHIND THAT MOVE AS WELL, THIS IS ABOUT SHOES, AND BIG MONEY, JEREME RICHMOND ALREADY HAS A CULT FOLLOWING RIGHT NOW, WE JUST AREN'T APART OF HIS POSSE!
AT THIS TIME OF HIS CAREER JEREME RICHMOND IS MORE POLISHED THAN THE GREAT SCOTTY PIPPIN!
THE ILLIN NATION IS GOING TO LOVE JEREME RICHMOND!
I am very aware of the "players"- on and off the court. And,your right, if Jereme Richmond were to be a part of an Illinois team that makes to the Final 4 next year, his freshman season; would be very welcomed by the Illini Nation and most IL. prep fans.
However, I caution everyone with billing him as "the one" to take Illinois to the promise land, and; give Jereme a chance to get on campus, find a good roommate, find some students who value him as much as student as they would him being a athlete, get his time management plan together-because balancing big time sports participation and books (meaningfully) can be a big task alone... and, finally; making sure that he does everything he can to "just" be the best person he can be- as a person, student and teammate- while working hard on his individual skill set, and; he should be fine.
And, as to the AAU (club ball) gimmicks, and; off the court figures like Sonny Vaccaro (who are only as important as the players their associated with), shoe company giants like Nike, and hypemeisters like Dicky V; Jereme serve himself more good to just keep his ears open to those who care about him the most.
Such as: his parent(s), immediate family members, and those who care more about Jereme the person, than as a player.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Curtis, thanks for your assessment. I don't coach, but I did see 90 high school games this year. smile.
It strikes me as a fair statement. You have provided a baseline/foundation for where Richmond is TODAY. None of us knows how tomorrow will turn out. Mr. Richmond has the opportunity though to get to the U of I this summer and start his work - on his body, his basketball skills and in the classroom. That work will determine what kind of player he will be next year for the Illini.
Having seen him play a few times I am looking forward to seeing how he and his game progresses. I will get a chance to see him this weekend in Peoria and I think he will do very well.
If I were a betting man, I would bet for Richmond. I sincerely hope he does well.
I can see you love the game, having attended as many high school games as you have.
Enjoy your trip down state, wow... Saying that just does not give me that huggy-feeling as it would if the games were held in the "Mushroom".
If you don't know what I am referring to when I say the "Mushroom", your probably not a CPS kid.(Kiddin).
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Curtis, thanks for your reply. I am looking forward to the weekend. Yes,I do love my hoops, always have and will.
Grew up in Ohio so I don't know what the "Mushroom" is. I do wish the games were closer to Chicago.
Have a great weekend.
Scott C,
The "Mushroom" term refers to the shape of the arena that Illinois plays their home games: "Assembly Hall". I was introduced to this terminology on the Westinghouse student bus as a kid in route to the (Elite 8) I.H.S.A. Class AA State Tournament.
I had the chance to watch a game that included two future McDonald All-American's in Westinghouse's Mark Aguirre and St. Joesph's Isiah Thomas. Westinghouse, the Chicago Public League representative eventually lost 63-60.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
MUSHROOM THIS, GEORGETOWN LOST TONIGHT, NOTRE DAME LOST, MARQUETTE LOST, SO THE BIG EAST ISN'T AS BAD AS IT CLAIMS TO BE!
WHEN THE NIT STARTED WE HAD 3 ILLINOIS UNIVERSITIES INVOLVED, NOW TWO HAVE LOST, SO ILLINI NATION IT IS UP TO YOU TO KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING!
GOOD LUCK J-RICH DOWNSTATE SHOW ALL THE NAY-SAYERS WHAT A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY LOOKS LIKE!
Mr. Smith Jr.,
All due respect, if have not noticed... collge basketball- at least on the Div. I level- in the state of Illinois is down, why is that?
So, if your cheering for Illinois to right the ship- in the NIT, well... maybe you need to consider something. At this time of the year, the only thing that counts is who's winning in the NCAA tournament. Sorry, Illini Nation, but; its the truth.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
THE ILLINI NATION IS THE ILLINI NATION, AND THE GAME AGAINST KENT STATE THIS MONDAY IS A BIG GAME, SORRY DEAR CURTIS BUT THIS IS A FACT, WE COULD BE PLAYING FOR THE PICKUP LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP, IF ILLINOIS IS INVOLVED, WE WANT THEM TO WIN!
JEREME RICHMOND IS A CLASS ACT, HE DIDN'T WHINE AND MOAN AFTER THE HARD FOUGHT GAME YESTERDAY, HE TOOK IT LIKE A MAN, AND HE WILL BE HEADING TO CHAMPAIGN TO HELP THE ILLIN NATION, AND THAT IS GOOD NEWS!
After watching Jereme Richmond play against W.Young, maybe Mr. Curtis Jackson is right.
Jereme played hard, fought back he's urges to "blow his stack". But, the more I just watched him as a basketball player, I think Jackson's scout on him is right on. Three years at Illinois.
greg
THE YOUNG MAN WAS IN FOUL TROUBLE, HE COULDN'T PLAY LIKE HE WANTED TO, DID YOU SEE THAT AWFUL CHARGING CALL, WHEN HE DUNKED OVER THE GUY, HE JUMPED OVER THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER, THE NEXT DAY HE SCORED 36 POINTS IN HIS FINAL HIGH SCHOOL GAME, MARK MY WORDS, THE NBA DRAFTS ON POTENTIAL, GREG ODEN, BLAKE GRIFFIN, MIKE CONLEY, OJ MAYO, ETC.....
ONCE AGAIN, JEREME RICHMOND HELPS TO LEAD ILLINOIS TO THE BIG DANCE, AND THEN TO THE FINAL FOUR, AND HE IS A MAJOR PLAYER IN THIS, HE WILL BE A ONE AND DONE COLLEGE PLAYER, AND YOU GUYS CAN COMPLAIN UNTIL THE STREET LIGHTS COME ON, BUT YOU CAN'T TURN DOWN A 5 MILLION DOLLAR A YEAR CONTRACT, NOT TODAY OR NEXT YEAR, SO THE CARROT IS DANGLING, AND THIS YEARS RECIPIENT IS JOHN WALL, AND IF YOU DON'T THINK MR. RICHMOND DOESN'T KNOW THIS, I HAVE SOME SWAMP LAND IN NANTUCKET FOR YOU!
TAYLOR BELL INFORMED ME, THAT SEBASTIAN TELFAIR IS NO LONGER IN THE NBA, BUT HE DID GET DRAFTED ON POTENTIAL IN THE FIRST ROUND, THE SHORTEST GUARD TO EVER GO THIS HIGH IN THE DRAFT, BUT A SCHOOLBOY LEGEND IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK!
I attend school with JRich. Look I dont know why you guys sitting here hating on Jrich.
He is doing work the triple team him & he still finds a way to score & get Waukegan the W!
Of course he needs to work on some things I mean come one everyone does or you tell me ppl just come out of high school killing.
Leave Jereme alone already every little thing he does you guys wanna make smart comments on it I mean he has growing up to do don't we all? Im a student at waukegan & I hate when people try to put him down he is a BEAST what dont you guys understand that. He is going to the U Of I & do some work.
So leave him alone already cause in the future when is doing so good all those who talked bad about him are gonna be the ones trying to tlak good about him then. He is an All- American! He's going to play for the USA under 18 team! He has not been in trouble with the law. You so called journalist make a big deal off of any little thing.