Illini Fade in Loss to Virginia Tech Hokies

Ahhh, so predictable this year, the last 5 minute fade to lose the game again. Virginia Tech must feel very fortunate to win this game, after Illinois had it in hand, with a lead of 52-42 with 4:33 left in the game. The problems at the end seem all too familiar to the Illini this year:

-No one on Illinois wanted to take a shot with time running down
-Poor passes created turnovers and easy shots for Hokies
-Illini miss free throws down the stretch when they need them
-Too much time on the clock to close out the game, and the four corners does not work anymore

Well, tough way to end the season, but I guess it was quite an achievement to make the NCAAs this year with this team.

Warren Carter, good luck in Europe next year, hope you can make a good living playing basketball after a nice senior season.

Rich McBride, good luck trying to make a living playing basketball, maybe someone in Europe needs a three point shooting specialist or something.

Marcus Arnold, you really did come on at the end of the season and give us some quality minutes, good luck in your future endeavors.

Brian Randle, please see your doctor for a complete physical during the off-season and work on getting yourself in shape for a critical senior season. Do yoga, stretching exercises, whatever it takes to get ready for next season. Please do this, because we hate to see you in pain, and need more offense.

Shaun Pruitt, you really expanded your game this year, rest up for next season. If Oden leaves for the NBA, you could be the big man in the conference next season. When you are not lifting weights, please see a shooting coach to help you with free throws and try shooting 100 or more per day. With the number of times you go to the line, you need to make at least 80% of them.

Chester Frazier, please see your doctor for a complete physical exam during the off-season. You are in great shape, and we look forward to more progress in your game as a junior. Keep working on your shooting, because your defense and hustle are awesome.

Trent Meacham, good job this year, not bad for a walk-on/scholarship player. Please teach your teammates how to shoot free throws in your spare time.

Calvin Brock, very nice improvement this year, you really gave the team quality minutes on defense, rebounding, and some scoring as well. You should get more minutes next season, maybe a starter.

Jamar Smith, hope to see you back next year. You could be an NBA star if you work on it, so don't give up on yourself.

Brian Carlwell, get well, hope to see you starting next year. You need to get healthy, then work on firming up your game on both ends of the court.

Rich Semrau, hope you have recovered from your illness by now. As you can see, being a starter next year is a real possibility, especially if you can shoot the basketball.

QWat, D-Mac and the Big Guys, looking forward to some help on the offensive end next season. You all have a chance to start on this team as freshmen in the fall.