P-town was filled with excitement for their beloved Bradley Braves, are lone representative from Illinois taking part in the NCAA Tournament. All of us locals couldn’t be prouder of Hinsdale Central product and Braves Head Coach Brian Wardle. His journey as a player & now as a Head Coach has been whether special, particularly for many of us who have witnessed his rise through the ranks. It was awfully special watching the Bradley Braves astounding first half performance where they led 35-34 at intermission versus Michigan State in the opening round of the East Regional. This appeared to create a knee-jerk reaction from the Spartan faithfuls. Kudos to Coach Wardle and his Program, I won’t be startled by any of their future accomplishments.
Central Connecticut scored a coup when they landed a verbal from Chicago Orr’s swingman Greg Outlaw, the cagey six-foot five athlete masks as a dynamite defender as well as high-flying open court finisher. Kudos to CCU.
Belleville West star E.J. Liddle was named Illinois Mr. Basketball for the second consecutive season, he led his squad to another class 4A Title last month defending last season’s crown. Quietly Liddle has established some supremacy with his Metro East Cronies down in the Southern part of our State (near St. Louis, MO) racking up many prestigious honors in recent years. East St. Louis standout forward Terrence Hargrove finished runner-up for Mr. Basketball guiding his team this season to a 3A Title, and he will suit-up next season for St. Louis U.; Edwardsville’s Mark Smith was named Mr. Basketball in 2017, he’s now at Mizzou. Alton’s versatile 6-7 forward Donovan Clay grabbed a few votes as well this season, he’s awfully talented. Us folks up North with a few cues saw a potential shift in elite talent down in those parts 3 or 4 years ago. Now we are starting to see a re-birth in Peoria and Springfield with some fine youngsters in the 2021 & 2022 Classes. This changing of the guard certainly strengthens our State.
Former Niles/Notre Dame standout Matt Mooney will be our State’s lone representative during the Final Four. He’s a pivotal contributor for the lively Texas Tech squad. Mooney signed with Air Force out of High School had a short stint there before making his way to South Dakota. He was often recognized as un-heralded gem. We are elated for him and the Notre Dame Program.
It’s good vibes to hear one-time Chicago area phenom Amari Bailey back in town playing with the Mac Irvin Fire 16-U. This past season the 2022 prospect hooped out in Southern California, his return to the city would openly spark comparisons to Rolling Meadows standout-Max Christie. Bailey’s game can be daunting at times.
I can’t say many of us wasn’t surprised that Barry Hensen stepped down at Southern Illinois recently. Coach Hensen has always been a beautiful spirit, we wish him the very best in moving forward. Replacing Barry is Loyola Assistant Bryan Mullins who played and enjoyed fabulous career as Saluki. His brother Brendan peeled away from Illinois State swiftly. This gives the Mullin’s Brothers an opportunity to embark on something special together at SIU. What a dynamite first time Head Coach gig.
Former Simeon stand-out & Iowa State guard Talen Horton-Tucker has decided to begin his pro-journey sooner than later, opting to declare himself eligible for the 2019 Draft. Wishing THT the very best.
One-time highly touted prospect from Morgan Park Shon Robinson just committed to Ole Miss. The 6-9 forward is considered a top 100 national recruit, spent the last few years at Gilbert Eduprize Charter. We knew he could blossom into a fine cager.
Former Champaign Central stand-out Tim Finke will leave Grand Canyon after one season at the Phoenix area College, we can’t say this startled us.
Chicago heart-throb Charlie Moore is on the move again, departing Kansas after one season of court time. Prior to landing in Lawrence, KS, Moore nabbed all-freshman honors at University of California. Lil Charlie’s next destination could be close to home, possibly up on the north side. He has 2 years remaining.
Moline’s silky-smooth guard Deonte Billups has given a verbal to Indiana Fort Wayne who plays in the Summit League. This kid has a knack for making big shots, IFW grabbed a gem.
Terrence Shannon the six foot seven, south-paw who hooped this season at IMG in Florida appears to be heading to Texas Tech next season. The Lincoln Park Alum should be able to contribute some immediately.
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