CH2k6: University of Illinois Fighting Illini

[DEE4THREE]

-UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI-

I'll start this dynasty shortly after I get the game. With all the confusion of the release date, who knows when that will be! The first few days I will edit rosters and play a few practice games.

Until then... I'll post some season previews and whatnot. First update will be in a few hours!

GO ILLINI!!!

[DEE4THREE]

Re: CH2k6: University of Illinois Fighting Illini

-UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI-
2005/2006 Schedule:
vs. Illinois Wesleyan (exhibition) W 82-60
vs. Quincy University (exhibition) W 78-52
vs. South Dakota State
vs. Texas-Pan American (South Padre Island Tournament)
vs. Texas Southern (South Padre Island Tournament)
vs. Wichita State (South Padre Island Tournament)
vs. TBA (South Padre Island Tournament)
@ North Carolina (ACC/Big Ten Challenge)
vs. Xavier
vs. Arkansas-Little Rock
vs. Georgetown
@ Oregon
vs. Coppin State
vs. Missouri (Busch Braggin' Right Game - St. Louis, MO)
vs. Southeast Missouri State
vs. Tennessee Martin
**Conference Schedule**
vs. Michigan State
@ Iowa
vs. Michigan
@ Indiana
@ Northwestern
vs. Minnesota
vs. Purdue
@ Wisconsin
vs. Penn State
@ Ohio State
vs. Northwestern
vs. Indiana
@ Michigan
vs. Iowa
@ Minnesota
@ Michigan State


Schedule Evaluation: The Illini's non-conference schedule is not nearly as tough as last year's, which included tough matchups against then #1 Wake Forrest, Gonzaga, Oregon, Georgetown, Arkansas, and Cincinnatti. Graduating starting players such as Luther Head, Nick Smith, and key bench player Jack Ingram as well as the departure of Jr. Deron Williams to the NBA are the main reason for the soft schedule.

This years team is much younger and inexperienced than last year's team. This "easy" schedule should provide this team with the confidence it needs and tough games against UNC and Oregon on the road as well as Georgetown at home will get this team ready to make another run for the Big Ten title.

The South Padre Island Tournament would be a cake walk for the Illini. The only team that could possibly give the Illini a challenge is Rutgers. These two teams will likely meet for the tourney crown. The goal of this trip is for this young and inexperienced team to jell while gaining the confidence from a few easy wins.

[elicoleman]

Re: CH2k6: University of Illinois Fighting Illini

I'm excited for the game, and I'll keep posted.

Just to throw it out there...you should add some color/bold/size difference on the page, to make it look better. I always find that I'm more interested when there is effort put into it (like Psyblast, CharlieBrown, Acids dynasties)

Either way, good luck.

[DEE4THREE]

Re: CH2k6: University of Illinois Fighting Illini

-UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI-

This young Fighting Illini squad will be led by seniors Dee Brown and James Augustine. The team needs some young players to jump in and fill some major holes if they hope to make another run deep into the NCAA tournament.

Starting Lineup:
G Dee Brown (sr.)
G Rich McBride (jr.)
F Brian Randle (RS so.)
C James Augustine (sr.)

-The final spot is currently up for grabs. If they Illini choose to go with a 3 guard lineup like they did last season, look for freshman Jamar Smith to be in the starting lineup. If not, freshman Chester Frazier, C.J Jackson, and Sophomore Shaun Pruitt will compete for the final Forward spot.

Roster Evaluation:
Dee Brown - What really needs to be said? Given the honor of pre-season All American, Dee is a perfect example of what college basketball is all about. His hustle, leadership, hardwork, dedication, and unselfishness is something every coach dreams of. Having a guy like Dee on your team makes you an instant contender. Dee elected to come back for his senior season after breaking his foot in the off-season. Expect for him to put up big numbers this year and be selected very high in next year's NBA draft.

James Augustine- James is a leader both on and off the court. He sets an example with his fierce and competitive attitude. The Illini expect big things from their big man this season. Augustine is also projected as a first round pick in next year's NBA draft.

Rich McBride- Known as one of the best shooters on the team, fans are yet to see what this man is truely capable of. He was very hyped coming in as a freshman but has yet to put up the numbers that people have expected. This could be a breakout man for this junior.

Brian Randle- Randle sat out last season after breaking his hand early in the year. It turned out to be a great thing for the Illini, as he wasnt needed as expected. Now, he's still a sophomore eligibility wise. He's known as being a great shooter and shot blocker. He is the best dunker on the team. This was displayed at this years Midnight Madness event at Assembly Hall where a sold out crowd saw him pull off some spectacular dunks!

Jamar Smith- The Illini are expecting big things from this freshman out of Peoria Richwoods High School. Some compare him to a young Dee Brown. He is an excellent shooter and is also very quick. He could crack the starting lineup some point in the year. He is just too good of a shooter to keep off the court.

CJ Jackson- Coach Bruce Weber pulled in this big name recruit from Georgia. He was one of the top prep players in the country and has a bright future ahead of him. At 6'8" and 265 pounds, this big man will fit right in with the physical play of the Big Ten. There are rumors of Weber possibly redshirting him this season.

Chester Frazier- Another highly touted recruit from famous Notre Dame Prep School is Massachusetts. It is also rumored that this guard my redshirt this season.

Shaun Pruitt- This sophomore didnt get much playing time last season and he wasnt very impressive when he did. Word is he as improved greatly this off-season. Many expect him to get considerable playing time. He may even get a spot in the starting lineup before it's all said and done.

Warren Carter- This fan favorite saw a fair amount of time in his sophomore season. He plays very hard and is a very solid shooter. The Illini are looking for him to step up his game for his junior season.

Calvin Brock- Not much is known about Brock, who redshirted last season. This freshman took the role as team cheerleader last season during the Illini's run to the National Championship.

Marcus Arnold- This transfer from Illinois State has a chance to have a big impact on this years team. In 2003, he dropped 20+ points on the Illini as the Redbirds nearly defeated the Illini at Assembly Hall. The Illini hung on to win in OT. This big man is a solid defensive player and rebounder. He is also a scoring threat inside the paint.

[DEE4THREE]

Re: CH2k6: University of Illinois Fighting Illini

I'm excited for the game, and I'll keep posted.

Just to throw it out there...you should add some color/bold/size difference on the page, to make it look better. I always find that I'm more interested when there is effort put into it (like Psyblast, CharlieBrown, Acids dynasties)

Either way, good luck.

Yeah I know... It just takes more time. I'll do it more once I start doing recaps... now is just the basic stuff that I dont really think people read any way. Thanks for the advice and thanks for following!!

[DEE4THREE]

Re: CH2k6: University of Illinois Fighting Illini

Coaching Staff:
Head Coach Bruce Weber - 63-9 in 2 seasons at Illinois; 166-63 overall. Big Ten record: 28-4. Bruce has led the Illini to Big Ten titles in his first two seasons at Illinois. He is setting himself up for a legendary coaching career. Illini fans love him and he loves being their coach! He's a great x's and o's guy. It has yet to be proved whether or not he can pull in good recruits.

Assistants:
Wayne McLain - Legendary high school coach. Coached Peoria Manual to 3 straight state championships. Will make a fine head coach someday. Father of former Illini Sergio McLain.

Jay Price

Tracy Webster

Gary Nottingham