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Meyers Leonard is the real deal.
Forget for a moment what a dramatic and exciting Class 2A championship game it was, underdog Robinson beating traditional state power Peoria Manual 76-68 in overtime.
Forget for a moment that Robinson ("Where is that school located?" you probably asked) beat the No. 1 and No. 2 rated teams in the state to win the title.
Forget for a moment that Robinson point guard Derek Hannahs, who has a scholarship to play baseball at Ball State, might have been the best and smartest and most productive player on the floor. He converted 18 of 20 free throws and handled Peoria Manual's vaunted pressure from tipoff to final buzzer.
In 50 years of observing high school basketball in Illinois, I haven't seen a more dominant and intimidating big man since the great Russell Cross of Manley in 1978-80.
Leonard, a 7-footer who likely will compete for a starting job in Illinois coach Bruce Weber's system next fall, had 16 points and 15 rebounds and six blocked shots in Robinson's victory. But the stat sheet doesn't begin to tell the story of Leonard's performance.
Oh, some people aren't as well acquainted with him as they should be. As late as last Wednesday, one Chicago sports talk show host was still wondering if he was Meyers Leonard or Leonard Meyers. Today, he probably knows which is which.
Leonard isn't a great offensive threat. He lacks offensive skills. He doesn't have a hook shot or a turnaround jumper, just a dunk. It already is being speculated that he won't start as a freshman at Illinois in 2010-11. He needs to gain 20-25 pounds of muscle to be able to bang on the boards in the Big 10.
But no one does what he does as well as he does it. He is athletic, fluid and quick for a big man. He blocks shots and alters shots. His mere presence in the paint gives his team a tremendous psychological edge. Every opponent who dares to drive to the basket acts as though he is trespassing on private property.
That's the way it was with Cross, a 6-10 giant with long arms and sweeping movement from side to side who led Manley to Public League titles in 1979 and 1980 and the state Class AA crown in 1980. In the state final, Cross outplayed another giant, Indiana-bound Uve Blab, limiting him to six shots and eight points and four rebounds.
Cross still believes his 1980 squad never received the accolades it deserved. He played at Purdue. He was the Big 10 rookie of the year as a freshman, then was a two-time All-Big 10 selection before declaring for the NBA draft after his junior year. He was the sixth pick (by Golden State) in the 1983 draft.
But his professional career never took off. He was hampered by a knee injury that he suffered during his senior year at Manley. He played in the CBA, played overseas for seven years, then retired in 1991.
There have been a lot of other outstanding big men in Illinois, including Thornwood's Eddy Curry, East St. Louis' Darius Miles, Quincy's Michael Payne, East St. Louis Lincoln's LaPhonso Ellis, Providence-St. Mel's Lowell Hamilton, Batavia's Dan Issel, St. Francis de Sales' Eric Anderson, Simeon's Deon Thomas, Springfield Lanphier's Ed Horton, Peoria Manual's Marcus Griffin, King's Rashard Griffith, Thornton's Melvin Ely and Farragut's Kevin Garnett.
Some of them played in the NBA. But nearly all of them were known for their skills on offense, not defense. That's what makes Leonard unique. He doesn't have to score a point to be a difference-maker in a game.
Illinois has never had a big man with his defensive credentials. Sure, Mike Tisdale is better offensively, with an effective shot from the perimeter, but Illinois doesn't need jump shooters as much as it desperately needs a big man in the pivot to rebound, block shots, intimidate opponents and key its interior defense.
Leonard looks like he is the man for the job.
Cell Phone Alerts
Thank you T.Bell for once writing a POSITIVE article on your alma-mater! Yes, this kid is the REAL DEAL !!
JUST THINK IF TISDALE HAD BEEN IN THIS TYPE OF SHAPE WHEN HE FIRST STEPPED ON CAMPUS, LEONARD WANTS TO SUCCEED, HE IS A BIG TIME RECRUIT AT A 2A SCHOOL, WITH J-RICH ABOARD, SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR THE FIGHTING ILLINI, THEY NOW WILL HAVE THEIR OWN VERSION OF THE TWIN TOWERS!
EVERYONE CAN SEE THE YOUNGSTER ISN'T EATING JUNK FOOD AND SITTING AROUND ON THE WEEKENDS, HE IS IN THE WEIGHT ROOM, AND WHEN HE GETS TO SCHOOL THIS SUMMER, HE WILL ONLY GET STRONGER, AND HIS FOOT WORK WILL IMPROVE, NOW THE FIGHTING ILLINI CAN CONCENTRATE ON THE JUMPSHOOTERS OF THE WORLD, BECAUSE IF YOU DRIVE TO THE HOOP, MR. LEONARD WILL BE THERE TO GREET AND MEET YOU AND REJECT YOUR SHOT!
CONGRATS TO YOU MEYERS LEONARD ON WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, I LIKE YOUR CONFIDENCE, NEVER LOSE IT, AND DON'T LISTEN TO THE DOUBTERS, YOU ARE THE ONE IN CONTROL OF YOUR DESTINY, AND KEEP SETTING GOALS FOR YOURSELF, ONCE AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS, I WON'T LIE, I WAS PULLING FOR HALES, I AM AN OLD CATHOLIC LEAGUER MYSELF, BUT I DID GET CAUGHT UP WATCHING YOU GO TO WORK, YOU ARE JUST WHAT THE FIGHTING ILLINI NEED, SOMEONE WHO WEARS THEIR HEART ON THEIR SLEEVE, CONTINUED SUCCESS!
ALL THOSE GUYS YOU NAMED WERE GOOD, BUT NONE OF THEM WERE 7 FOOT TALL, WITH THE WING SPAN OF AN EAGLE, THIS GUY WILL BE A GAME CHANGER FOR THE ILLINI NATION, AND THE KICKER IS, HE WILL PLAY FOR FOUR YEARS, HE WANTS TO LEARN AND BE POLISHED, SO WHEN HE DOES PLAY IN THE LEAGUE, HE WILL KNOW ALL THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE, THE FIGHTING ILLINI COULD HAVE USED HIM YESTERDAY, BECAUSE THE HELP DEFENSE WAS VERY LOUSY, AND THAT IS WHY OHIO STATE WON THE GAME!
MEYERS LEONARD IS THE TRUTH, RUTH!
You need to watch him a little more if you think he has no offensive game. He didn't get a chance to show his complete offensive versatility on the 2 games as his teammates struggled to get him the ball. He's not the equal of Tisdale offensively, but he has a nice soft mid range jumper....very good ballhandler and passer...just an all around game that is just scratching the surface of his potential.
Leonard's performance was dominant. I was impressed and the best time won the State Title. He needs to get stronger, he will have foul problems his freshman year at Illinois. Very atheltic, can run the floor but needs to refine his low post offensive game. For once Taylor knows a little bit about the kid's game. He will be in the NBA one day and if he gets some low post moves possibly lottery pick. Richmond will have more of an immediate impact but it's possible Leonard could be a better player down the road. Phil not sure he will be at Illinois for 4 years but when he leaves he will be NBA ready. And for Illinois fans YOU MISSED THE DANCE AGAIN!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!! GO KENTUCKY!!!!!!!!!! UK WILL WIN THE NATIONAL TITLE!!!!!!!! BETTER THAN THE FAB FIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good points, Taylor. Leonard could be very good at Illinois, but based on what I saw this weekend, he needs a bit of an attitude adjustment.
IF TISDALE IS GOING TO PLAY FOUR SEASONS AT CHAMPAIGN, SO WILL MEYERS LEONARD!
WHAT GAME WERE YOU WATCHING NICK, THE YOUNG MAN DOESN'T NEED AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, HE PLAYS HARD, AND HE PLAYS TO WIN, SOMETHING WE NEED FOR THE ORANGE AND BLUE, BOTH JEREME AND MEYERS ARE BRINGING SWAGGER THAT THE ILLINI NATION WILL APPROVE OF IN THE FUTURE, AND JUST THINK, WHAT IF CRANDALL HEAD IS READY TO GO AS WELL, THE THREE AMIGOS WILL BRING JUST WHAT IS NEEDED IN ASSEMBLY HALL, AND JOE BERTRAND WILL BE READY TO GO NEXT SEASON AS WELL, FIRST THE ILLINI SHOULD WIN THE NIT AND THEN GET READY FOR THE FUTURE, LEONARD, RICHMOND, HEAD AND BETRAND TO GO ALONG WITH THE CURRENT TALENT, THE TWIN TOWERS WILL BE IN EFFECT NEXT SEASON, TWO 7 FOOTERS, ONE CAN SHOOT THREES AND THE OTHER ONE WILL SWAT SHOTS, ISN'T LIFE GRAND, THIS WILL BE THE LAST YEAR THE ILLINI MISS THE DANCE, AND YOU CAN TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!
Leonard's team won 2A. Not 4A, or even 3A. Looks like another 7-foot stiff to me. Sorry T. Bell. I loved reading your columns in the Dailey News and Sun-Times, but I have to disagree with you. White players tend to be rated higher than they really should be. I.e.: Jon Scheyer probably won't even be Jeff Hornacek. But everybody had Scheyer as the next Jerry West. Get my drift. Jeff Hornacek had no publicity in high school and was a walk-on at Iowa State. Scheyer was annointed as superman and went on to "Duuuuuke!" Scheyer still can't take his man off the dribble, create for himself or create for others and he plays with other H.S. All-Americans that make him look as good as he is. Derrick Rose shut him down in the 2006 IHSA state tournment. (Which reminds me, tell Scheyer to give the 2006 Mr. Illinois Basketball Award to Rose, he deserved it by far. While were at it, tell Julian Wright to give his Mr. IL BB Award to Rose also, because he was the best player even as a sophomore.) But Scheyer was overrated, like Brian Sloan, Eric Anderson, Len Berilini, Ryan Hogan, Chuck Verderber, . . . and Leonard Meyers. Oh, I'm sorry, Meyers Leonard. If you want me to get excited about this kid from the "sticks" in Illinois, tell me he is the next Dan Issel or Jack Sikma. Otherwise, my blood pressure remains at 120 over 80. P.S. T. Bell, I loved your articles on Mark Aguirre and Isiah Thomas back in the day. I have your books, their great!
One of the things that coaches had to work with Leonard on in his earlier years was to embrace his role as a Center. Meyers can drain it from past the arc all night long if asked to do so. He has an outstanding touch from the perimeter. But that is a good point in that you love your Center to have a money shot in the paint such as a turn around jumper or a hook. Meyers has the ability and touch to add those to his repertoire easily.
Another good point about his attitude in that at the higher levels Meyers is going to need to be able to not let his emotions take him out of the game nor to get out of control, but his attitude and work ethic are both very positive. He won't be a problem child for Weber on the court or off the court so we won't have to worry about that. He'll be adored by his coaches, his teammates, his Professors, and the student body in Champaign because he's Meyers and not because he's a 7' athlete.
When people look at Meyers and try to project what he may or may not become at Illinois, he's already done everything I doubted he could do as a basketball player. I don't think proving us wrong stops in Peoria and the sky really is the limit for him.
HEY TIM, UK WILL NOT WIN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, THAT BELONGS TO SHERRON COLLINS AND KU, YOU HAD YOUR LETTERS SPELLED BACKWARDS!
I'm convinced Taylor Bell is a boarder line racist. He comes on here and dogs the top Bulldog Jereme Richmond routinley. However, the first article he writes about Meyers Leonard is a critique with positive admissions. None of the leasst
"But no one does what he does as well as he does it. He is athletic, fluid and quick for a big man. He blocks shots and alters shots."
Sounds a like like JRich. But weve never seen you write one positive article on the kid. After he won Sun Times player of the year you were quick to talk about what he wont do at the college level."The sky is the limit". COme on!
The point isnt what can be taken away from Leonard, but what you take away from Jereme with every scathing review.
Taylor Bell you clainm to have years of HS Basketball knowlege but your are are none the less a harsh ctitic of black players. While playing up the great white hype.
What seperates Leonard from Tyler Griffery, Bill COle, or Mike Tisdale? 7 foot tweener thin white kid. Nothing!
Learn how to be consistent with your critique or you come off as a bigot.
TAYLOR BELL DOESN'T NEED ME TO DEFEND HIM, BUT I DON'T BUY THE FACT THAT HE IS A BIGOT, HE JUST ISN'T SOLD ON J-RICH, AND AS FAR AS THE LEONARD YOUNGSTER, IF YOU READ CAREFULLY, TAYLOR IS MORE OF A FAN FOR RUSSELL CROSS THAN HE IS LEONARD, AND WE ALL KNOW THE SKIN COLOR OF RUSSELL CROSS, I AM MORE A FAN OF J-RICH AND LEONARD THAN TAYLOR IS, BUT I KNOW THE MAN, HE IS JUST OLD SKOOL AND HE WON'T GIVE YOU ANY CREDIT UNTIL YOU HAVE FULLY PROVED YOURSELF!
YOU MAY DISAGREE WITH TAYLOR, BUT THE BIGOT REMARK DOESN'T HOLD WATER!
I am sure that some may find these following comments crazy, comical or down right stupid…but, I’ll take my chances. Let’s say that Leonard is able to avoid several important physical ailments that have often plague a many of talented big men-with slight physiques (problems with the knees, ankles and back)
Ok, here we go.
I think that if Leonard is given a chance to hit campus early, attend classes and concentrate on building his body… (I dare say) redshirt a year, while at the same time working on his post and sub-perimeter game (assuming Coach Webber is still around to give that caring developmental touch he mastered at Purdue for many years) Leonard may have as much upside (we’re talking future stocks here, so take easy) as Jereme Richmond.
There…I dare say it, I am now heading to the corner for some anticipated “timeout” punishment from the fan base in Waukegan- maybe I’ll get out of the corner soon enough to catch a NCAA game on TV tonight.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Hold on guys, Taylor Bell is “not” a bigot. I am African-American, I went to CPS grammar and high schools, I have been following Taylor Bell not just as a fan since the mid 70’s as sixth and seventh grader, but; as someone who can, and will always be in debt to this man for giving me an opportunity to be published in the Chicago Sun Times covering high school basketball…. at 19 years of age in 1985.
I have always felt that when you read an article by Taylor Bell, you need to be ready for someone to speak his opinion, report the facts, and to investigate- in an open forum- that allows opposing sides to debate, be heard.
Now, I am not saying that I’ve always shared the same feelings or viewpoints of Mr. Bell’s on a many of issues. However; I will admit I do find myself in agreement on a many of issues with Mr. Bell: recently, his review of the influence of AAU basketball over the landscape preps hoopsters in not just Chicago and Illinois, but; across the country.
In closing, to those that find hard-nosed, get-in-mix-of-things sports journalism too hard to stomach, then maybe you should grab a major newspaper from New York City, Miami, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, Detroit, St. Louis, Boston, Los Angeles and show me a prep sports writer that’s better. I can tell you, you’ll be hard pressed to find one better.
This is the Chicago way, say what you have to say, stand on it, and; support it with facts, accepting all comers that voice opposition- also referred to as an open forum for debate, kinda like we’re doing now.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
Well Curtis that's great that he helped you no problem. To me he comes off as a bigot. I will once again post this: I have said in other writings in here that Leonard might have a bigger upside than Richmond but knowing Jereme he will improve his weaknesses on the next level. He will get instruction from the assistant coaches and Weber to refine his skills. Jordan did not have a jump shot until he was a few years into the NBA. James Worthy didn't come into the league with one nor did Magic Johnson. Jereme and Meyers needs to get stronger (as do most high school kids going into college) and Jereme needs to refine his ball handling and three point shooting skills. Also his on the ball defense and sliding his feet needs improving. He is nowhere near a finished product and I see an NBA future for both Jereme and Meyers. And CURTIS Richmond is a better passer than most think. He has great vision of the floor. So I hope both Meyers and Jereme have great success in college and pro careers which I anticipate both having.
DEAR CURTIS JACKSON,
YOU SOUND LIKE A COOL GUY, BUT TO WANT LEONARD TO REDSHIRT FOR A SEASON, IS LIKE TELLING GENERAL COLIN POWELL OR GENERAL PATTON TO SIT OUT THE NEXT WAR!
IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN, DID YOU WATCH ILLINOIS PLAY LAST NIGHT, THEY COULD HAVE USED LEONARE AND RICHMOND TO HELP WITH THAT SAD PLAY, THOSE GUYS ALLOWED A FORMER DIVISION 3 TO DIVISION 2 TO DIVISION 1 SCHOOL TO DARN NEAR GET ON THE PLANE WITH THEM BACK TO CHAMPAIGN, THAT IS WHY THE BIG DANCE VOTERS DIDN'T WANT THEM IN THE TOURNAMENT, NO KILLER INSTINCT!
YOU HAVE A FLY-SWATTER LIKE LEONARD WHO IS STRONGER THAN TISDALE WILL EVER BE AND YOU WANT TO PUT HIM ON THE SHELF, NO WAY JOSE!
RICHMOND AND LEONARD ARE COMING TO TOWN, LEONARD WON HIS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP LAST WEEKEND AND MR. RICHMOND AND THE DOGPOUND ARE COMING TO TOWN THIS WEEKEND!
COME ON CURTIS LIGHTEN UP A LITTLE BIT, LEONARD ISN'T STAN SIMPSON, THESE GUYS ARE GOING TO BE IN THE MIX RIGHT AWAY, THESE GUYS HAVE MADE THEIR NAMES ON THE AAU CIRCUIT AND THEY ARE COMING TO CHAMPAIGN FOR BUSINESS, AND IF THEY GET THE ORANGE AND BLUE TO THE DANCE AND THE FINAL FOUR, THEY ARE GOING TO BE SOME RICH DUDES!
DON'T HATE THE PLAYER, HATE THE GAME!
REMEMBER FAN FAVORITE DEE BROWN, WELL JEREME RICHMOND MAY BE THE GUY TO TAKE OVER THAT NEEDED ROLE, HE HAS THE SWAGGER AND WE KNOW HE HAS THE GAME, THE RICHMOND SHOW ROLLS INTO PEORIA THIS WEEKEND FOR CLASS 4A COMPETITION, THE DOGPOUND IS IN EFFECT!
To piggy back my comment:
1.Im not the only one that feels that way. I knew it
2. phil smith jr One week your riding the best South Suburban team as the state champs...Now your on the Waukegan J RIch bandwagon..DIdnt you say weeks ago that I think RIchards or Rich SOuth was going to win state? Now your a Wauktown JRich band wagoner.
true Waukegan fans(class of 1999 WHS) have been saying our team was going to win state from the beginning. Even when we lost by 30 points to AMes
Ive played personally with Jereme RIchmond in a pick up game. Ive played pick up games with some of the best players to come out of Lake County in the last 10 years and Jereme's game was leaps and bounds better than all of them. The kid has to gain weight, so what. How is that a fault. The kid has to work on his ball handling..So you people are telling me Jereme is coming to Champaing to play point?!
lets talk about what he does well, which is required for his position:
Rebounding, Shot Blocking(not even really required for a 3), Inside Game, Sweet Midrange game. So to me it looks like people are reaching. because you point out what Jereme cant do well but everything you say he doesnt do well isnt required for a 3. ITs basically a bonus if a 3 can pull that off.
BRUCE WEBER SAID THE YOUNG MAN CAN PLAY EVERY POSITION BUT THE FIVE!
JEREME ISN'T COMING TO CHAMPAIGN TO PLAY POINT GUARD!
HE IS COMING TO HELP THEM GET THEIR SWAGGER BACK, LIKE DEE BROWN, AND DERON WILLIAMS, AND LUTHER HEAD, AND THE PREACHER DID IN 2005!
DID YOU WATCH THE GAME LAST NIGHT AGAINST STONY BROOK, THAT WAS A TERRIBLE GAME TO WATCH, MEYERS LEONARD, JEREME RICHMOND, CRANDALL HEAD, JOE BERTRAND, IT IS TIME TO STEP UP AND GET THE ILLINI OVER THE HUMP!
To: Tim from Evanston
This is America, and; you are absolutely within your rights to state your feelings. My response to your statement, was simply; my personal opinion supported by life experience in my dealings with Mr. Bell.
However, I must say... if you review Mr. Bell's entire body of work- which spans over 50 years- I think you'll find more reasons, than not; that Mr. Bell is anything but a bigot.
To: Phil Smith Jr.
For the record, I do not want Leonard to red shirt- just stating an viable option that could possibly help him, more than hurt him. I agree, he has some nice skill sets for he's height, the only question with many scouts and coaches: how will he's skills set as they are "now" translate to major college level from an impact standpoint. I do not see him as being as much of a impact freshman as Russell Cross was at Purdue.
Now, Mr. Bell has asked the question: Leonard better than Cross? I would have to say, for me; there is no comparison at this stage. Russel Cross, may not have been as tall as Leonard, but; when considering Cross' offensive and defensive post game and the intimidating persona he brought to the court, at the same stages of both players high school careers- to me Cross was unquestionably better.
Curtis K. Jackson Sr.
THE ANSWER IS RUSSELL CROSS, SINCE HE MADE IT TO THE MCDONALDS GAME IN 1980!
WHEN I SAW THAT GRAPHIC WHILE WATCHING THE STATE SEMI'S ON TELEVISION, I THOUGHT I WOULD ADD MY TWO CENTS TO THE STORY!
Jackson is right, I saw Cross as a junior and senior in high school, as I have seen Leonard.
The only thing Leonard can be compared to Cross is how less of a leap Cross would have to jump to Uve Blab him- dunk in his face..
David
THE BIG THING LEONARD HAS GOING FOR HIM, IS HE REALLY DOESN'T CARE WHAT WE THINK ABOUT HIM, HE HAS GOALS SET FOR HIMSELF, AND HE HAS ACHIEVED TWO OF THEM, HE WANTED TO WIN STATE, HE WANTED TO PLAY MAJOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL, AND HIS THIRD GOAL IS TO PLAY IN THE LEAGUE, SO WE CAN DEBATE UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME, MEYERS LEONARD HAS MADE A PLAN, AND WE ALL KNOW THAT IF FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL, SO KUDOS TO MEYERS LEONARD, IT IS YOUR LIFE, AND I CERTAINLY WON'T BET AGAINST YOU!
YOU ARE GOING TO LOOK GOOD IN THAT ORANGE AND BLUE!
White players tend to be rated higher than they really should be.
What a stupid, racist statement. I suppose you've never heard of Jamie Brandon. Marcus Liberty? Gerry Gee? Ronnie Fields? Howard Nathan? How many championships did Eddy Curry win? this would be a laughable statement if it weren't so racist.
But Scheyer was overrated, like ... Eric Anderson...
Another stupid, racist statement. I remember watching Eric Anderson take LaPhonso Ellis (the salutatorian who was academically ineligible twice at ND) to school in the 1988 state championship game. What a fool you are.
TO BRING UP THE RACE OF A PLAYER IS LIKE FOX NEWS CRYING ABOUT HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AMERICANS!
WE MUST LIFT OURSELVES, WE MAY HAVE COME HERE IN DIFFERENT VESSELS, BUT WE ARE ALL IN THE SAME BOAT NOW!
WE MUST LEARN TO LIVE WITH ONE ANOTHER, OR WE WILL PERISH AS FOOLS!
BLOG FOR THE FUN OF IT, NOT FOR THE RACE OF A PLAYER, WE ARE WHO WE ARE, AND THAT IS A GREAT THING!
KEEP BLOGGING, BUT KEEP IT ABOVE BOARD!
For the record, the quotes in my above statements:
"White players tend to be rated higher than they really should be."
and
"But Scheyer was overrated, like ... Eric Anderson..."
were responses to the poster above. I'm not sure why the italics were removed when I posted, the preview showed the italics.