Chris Piper sits down with Centennial basketball star Josh Piper to talk some hoops.
Study Break
What’s up yall? Long time no see. I know, I’ve been gone for a while – so long that a lot of things have changed since my last post. Illinois basketball is more inconsistent than ever (that would be something that hasn’t changed), Blake Griffin got tired of dunking over people so he dunked over a car, and the Cavs have won 2 games.
So what have I been up to? Other than being consumed by school and watching ESPN, not a whole lot. I’m currently playing on an intramural basketball team, the Bel-Air Academy, which is still seeking its first win of the season (0-3). Yours truly has had an up-and-down season but hopefully we will get our first W next Monday. So what’s the point of this post, other than for me to ramble about what’s on my mind…. well there is none, so let’s get to it.
The Illini have been disappointing to say the least this season. In case you saw the Orange Krush at Minnesota a couple weeks ago, yeah I was there. It was a great time but I’d rather not ride on a charter bus for 18 hours during a 24 hour period again. I guess I’ll have to give up the dream of being a Single-A baseball player.
Illinois is still enrolled in Professor Lunardi’s Bracketology, but a home loss to Iowa or Indiana will make the Bubblicious lose its taste.
Speaking of the Illini, how un-cool is it that I will have to miss the Illinois-Purdue game next week, and no I won’t be doing something cool like streaking the quad or photographing squirrels (which appears to be cool for some students on this campus). Instead, I will be at the Champaign County City Council meeting for my journalism class. I know what you’re thinking, “sucks to be you”, and yes, it does. How will that help me become a sports writer? Oh well, I guess it will be a chance to study the inside of my eyelids.
Chet Steadman (aka Rocket)
Okay, moving on. Adam Wainwright suffered a significant elbow injury on Monday and it looks like he will be done for the season. I know the Cubs might not want to give up another gem to the Cardinals in a trade (Brock for Broglio, feel the burn Cubs fans), but is Chet Steadman on the trading block?
Keeping on the Cardinals, Albert Pujols needs to be made a Cardinal for life PERIOD!
Next, a couple weeks ago I was filled with joy to find that Jim Edmonds was coming back to the Cardinals for one more go. Turns out Edmonds was not ready physically so he had to call it a career. My dreams of Edmonds hitting a walk-off HR in Game 7 of the WS and walking off into the sunset were crushed. But he still had a great career and I was privileged to watch the greatest defensive center fielder in baseball history play in St. Louis for 8 great years.
On to basketball. Last year I resented and even went to the extent of making fun of the NBA and how terrible it was. However, now the tables have turned and I have been made into a fan. But hey, this situation happens all the time, just like when high school or college boys/men cover their ears and cringe when they hear a Miley Cyrus song and after a while are found in their room with the door locked dancing to Party in the USA. I’m talking to you Jared Sullinger.
Anyways, the NBA has caught my eye. My childhood fandom of the Chicago Bulls is beginning to show signs of life with Derrick Rose keeping me in awe every time I turn on a game. However, I did not do him justice in my season in NBA 2k, losing to the Wizards at the United Center. Should I be banned from playing that game for that? Probably, but I could probably beat you as well. But let’s talk trades shall we?
Melo is back in his home state of New York which is pretty exciting for the league. Amare and Melo should do big things at the Garden in the future. 
Finally there is some buzz back in that place for the first time since Allen Houston and John Starks ran the joint. Isaiah Thomas tried to make it work with Stephon Marbury and Eddy Curry but they competed about as well as Starbury’s did against Jordan’s in the shoe business.
Deron Williams is now a New Jersey Net. I’m sure he is excited…. not.
So that’s about it for now. Hope you didn’t have too much trouble sorting through all that. Follow me on Twitter @FeelDaPaign. Until next time…. Peace.
-Derek Piper
Filed under Uncategorized
Richmond to Play in Must-Win Game for Illini
Saturday’s game in Madison was a tough one for the Illini to say the least. The Illini shot only 30 percent from the field, they were called for 30 fouls in a game that saw 77 free throws between the two teams and they were without key freshman contributor Jereme Richmond.
Richmond was in the building when the Badgers extended the Illini’s losing streak to two, but he never left the bench. This coming after the McDonald’s All-American missed two team practices during the week and returned to his home in Waukegan.
Coach Weber pointed to “personal issues” as the reason for Richmond’s absence. Following his situation, there was much speculation as to Richmond’s future with the Orange and Blue but Richmond put those questions to bed today saying,
“I dealt with some personal issues last week that caused me to miss two practices while I was home with my family in Waukegan. With the help of Coach Weber and my family, I have worked through this situation. I appreciate their support and the support of my teammates for getting me through a difficult time. Unfortunately, my absence led to some false rumors that I want to put to rest. I have been and always will be 100 percent committed to the Illinois basketball program. My coaches and teammates are my family, and I’m looking forward to helping our team achieve our goals. I am an Illini for life.”
Those are encouraging words for Illini Nation, as well as those uttered by Coach Bruce Weber stating that Richmond will play in a must-win game against Michigan St tomorrow night. Richmond will be key in the Illini’s attempts to get back on track and continue their undefeated streak at home this season.
It won’t be easy, however, as the once struggling Spartans have won two consecutive overtime thrillers against Wisconsin and Northwestern. But you can forget what happened last week when it comes to these two teams. Last season the Illini split with the Spartans, while winning matchup last February when ESPN Gameday came to town.
However, it has been the Spartans who have had Illinois’ number of late, winning five out of the last six matchups between the two teams. If the Illini want to change that, they are going to need a great effort from a variety of players tomorrow night.
Demetri McCamey, who shot 3-13 against the Badgers, will need to get back in form. More than one rebound out of Mike Davis will surely be a necessity. No matter who you want to mention, Bruce Weber will need an improved performance after a tough stretch last week.
Things won’t get any easier either with the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes awaiting this weekend. If the Illini want to remain in the upper echelon of the Big Ten, and the top 25 for that matter, now is the time to right the ship.
Prediction: Illini 73, Michigan St 68
The Illini have been a different team when they play in front of the home crowd this season. They seem to play with more energy and without question shoot a higher percentage from the field. I don’t see this changing very much in this game. After losing back-to-back games, the Illini will play with a sense of urgency in front of a packed house that will feature the Orange Krush at full strength now that school is back in session.
Tom Izzo’s squad will keep this game neck and neck, but an outstanding performance out of Demetri McCamey will help the Illini prevail.
*Let us know your predictions
-Derek Piper
Filed under NCAA Basketball
NFL Playoffs Pick’em
The divisional round kicks off tomorrow so here are our picks for the games.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh: Baltimore (both)
Green Bay at Atlanta: Green Bay (both)
Seattle at Chicago: Chicago (both)
New York at New England: New England (Derek), New York (Southey)
*Feel free to let us know who you got
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Feel Da Paign Radio 1-12
Feel Da Paign is back! Today, Derek Piper and Jake Southey break down the Illinois-Penn St game last night, as well as preview the Wisconsin game and NFL Playoffs this weekend. Enjoy
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The Decision
Derek Piper and Jake Southey making our “decision”. Check us out at our new home ILLINI-NATION.NET
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Scouting the Opponent: Ohio State
Overall Series: 61-30-4 Ohio State
Last matchup: Ohio State 30, Illinois 0 (2009)
Background: It’s obvious to see that the Buckeyes have dominated this series over the years, but the Illini have made their mark of late. Since 1988, Illinois is 7-3 at the Shoe, highlighted by the amazing upset of 2007. That record is crazy, and is easily the best record of any Big Ten opponent at Ohio Stadium over the past 22 years. As for games in Champaign, Ohio State doesn’t mess around. Usually filling Memorial Stadium with tons of Buckeye faithful, Ohio State has made Memorial their second home going 33-12 in Champaign. This Saturday, the Illini will attempt to beat Ohio State in Champaign for the first time since 1991.
Ohio State
Best Player in Program History: Archie Griffin, RB (1972-1975). The Buckeye’s rich history did not make this choice an easy one, but how can you go against the only player with two Heisman trophies sitting in the trophy case? Griffin was a four year starter for the Buckeyes, leading them to a 40-5-1 record and four Big Ten titles. Griffin’s 5,177 yards rushing ranks fifth in NCAA history. Griffin also holds the record for most consecutive games rushing for over 100 yards with 31. I don’t think it would be hard pressed to call Mr. Griffin and Illini great Red Grange the best two running backs in NCAA history.
My Favorite Buckeye: Troy Smith, QB (2002-2006). It’s difficult to choose your favorite player to continuously beat the Illini, but if I had to choose, it would be Troy Smith. Smith finished his Buckeye career with nearly 8,000 total yards and 68 TD’s. In 2006, Smith found the end zone 31 times, winning the Heisman and leading his team to a National Title. Smith also participated in one of my most memorable Illini football games when Ohio State barely squeaked out of Champaign with a 17-10 victory in 2006.
My Most Hated Buckeye: Beanie Wells, RB (2006-2008). Injury prone, overrated, oh yeah and this…
Favorite Illinois-Ohio State Moment: I’m glad you asked. November 10, 2007 will forever be remembered as one of the best days in Illinois football history. Juice Williams threw for four touchdown passes, the Illini defense picked off Todd Boeckman three times, and the Illini shocked the number one rated Buckeyes and the nation, winning 28-21. This is easily my favorite moment during my Illinois football fan-hood. Watching that game and then meeting the team at Willard Airport with hundreds of other ecstatic Illini fans was awesome.
Reasons to Like Ohio State:
1. The Buckeyes make the Big Ten look good (for the most part). Hate them or love them, if you’re a fan of the Big Ten, you have to at least respect the fact that Ohio State is the cream of the crop from a football standpoint. If Ohio State struggles, then the Big Ten is weak. Sure, they have gotten dominated in their past two championship appearances, but if the Buckeyes continue to win BCS games, like they did last year in the Rose Bowl, the Big Ten will move closer and closer to the SEC for conference supremacy.
Okay… that’s about all I got
Reasons to dislike Ohio State:
1. Buckeye fans. Congratulations Ohio State faithful, you win the award for my most hated visiting fans at Memorial Stadium. No other fans do a better job of being consistently obnoxious than you do. Over the years hearing comments like “where’s the chief” and “this looks like a high school stadium” only add to the fire. You act like you are the royalty of the Big Ten, making it that much sweeter when you get taken down. Don’t worry though, Hoosier basketball fans own a special place as the my most hated Big Ten fans PERIOD.
- Thank you Michigan fans for that one
2. Big Ten harassment. Remember when I said that we should like Ohio State because they make the Big Ten look good, well, that has not applied on the biggest of stages since 2002. All this talk about the Big Ten lacking speed and whatnot comes thanks to Florida and LSU spanking the Buckeyes in back to back seasons. For the talent you had, there is no reason that should not have at least competed in those games.
3. THE Ohio State University (pronounced “thee”). Oh so you attended Ohio State University? No, I attended THEE Ohio State University. Putting the word THEE in front of words has not been cool since Shakespeare. Even the Northwestern nerds are laughing
4. Win, win, win, and win some more. Don’t you ever get tired of winning? Even Michigan decided to take a couple years off. The first three reasons definitely factor into the overall hatred of Ohio State, but this is by far the number one reason. Stop beating up on the rest of the Big Ten and maybe more people will start liking you. Deal?
Prediction: Ohio State 38 – Illinois 21
I think there is a chance for an upset, like any game in college football, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Illinois will keep it close for most of the game but the Buckeyes will come out on top.
-Derek Piper
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