ILL - INI (the aftermath)

The Illini Basketball Madness was an exciting evening of basketball and was a great way to kick off the season. I got to see the new players on our roster play a bit of basketball and some random other stuff. We also got to relive some old memories from last season such as the comeback of the century against Arizona. They had some sweet highlight montages. Here are some pictures from the evening

Here is THE COACH...Sir Bruce Weber. When they did the player and staff intros, Dee Brown, James Augustine and Coach Weber came from out of the crowd. Weber came right by where I was sitting. Notice the sweet championship ring on his finger.

This is a mass of people. I love Illinois!!! All these people lined up outside the Assembly Hall at 8 o'clock at night for a basketball team. There was an excitement about the night that not many things can generate.
NOW!!! This is an exciting picture. It is the team huddled up with the 2005 FINAL FOUR banner being raised in the background. It was a proud moment as we got to look back at the achievements of the previous year. Plus, I got reminded that I was actually at the Final Four and I attended the national championship game.
This is a blurry picture, but it actually looks kind of cool blurry. It is Brian Randle, one of our more athletic players dunking in the Slam Dunk contest. He ended up winning the contest on a between the legs throwdown that was awfully sick if you ask me.
And these are your 2005-2006 Fighting Illini!!! This is the whole team huddled up after introductions. This team is ranked 23rd preseason by ESPN.com. We'll have to see if we end up higher than that in the end. My inkling is that yes we will. We've got the talent to do so, especially if our young ones step it up. It's gonna be fun!!!