I loved Clyde Turner!The Cobden Appleknockers and the Clyde Turner led Champaign Central Maroons grade school memories standout for me.
"The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and their Board of Directors announced that the IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament will return to the State Farm Center in Champaign for three years: March 11–13, 2021, March 10–12, 2022, and March 9–11, 2023."
"'Whenever I discuss Fighting Illini Basketball, I always mention the proud history of this program,' Illinois Men's Basketball Head Coach Brad Underwood said. 'Much of that success comes from the rich tradition of high school basketball in this state. Some of the greatest players ever to wear the orange and blue first competed on our campus as part of the IHSA state tournament. We are pleased to welcome the finals back to the University of Illinois, where dreams will come true for the countless players across the state who spend their childhood imagining playing on the court at State Farm Center. There is nothing like the thrill of competing for a state championship and the impact it has on high school teams and in their communities, and I'm excited that will once again happen here in Champaign.'"
https://fightingillini.com/news/202...etball-tournament-to-return-to-champaign.aspx
I loved Clyde Turner!
This is great, Now move back to a single class and wait for the reincarnation of the Hebron Green Giants
Indiana still two classes?Never gonna happen. Going back to two class system would work better but I doubt it will happen anytime soon.
Bogie Redmon!
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Bogie was always a favorite of mine as a 10 year old Illini fanatic!
Indiana still two classes?
Jay Shielder.....what would he have scored with the 3 pt. line back in the day???
Do you mean Jay Shidler from Lawrenceville?
Fred Riddle was the stud on that Collinsville team but ruined it all by going to Iowa.Bogie Redmon!
My fondest memory of the State tourney was 1984, when Mt Pulaski beat Providence St Mel and Lowell Hamilton in the semis. No one thought we had a chance against them. We lost to McLeansboro and Brian Sloan in the championship though.I'm glad it is back in Champaign. The first one I distinctly remember what the 1993 championship. The 7 footers from King, Danville finished 3rd with Keon Clark and Durrell Robinson(Danville beat them earlier in the year). I believe Rockford Guilford lost to King in the final.
Sloan's dad also starred at McLeansboro. He actually committed to and enrolled at Illinois. Went home for Thanksgiving and never returned to play for Harry Combes. Transferred to Evansville.M
My fondest memory of the State tourney was 1984, when Mt Pulaski beat Providence St Mel and Lowell Hamilton in the semis. No one thought we had a chance against them. We lost to McLeansboro and Brian Sloan in the championship though.
Sorry for not checking, but would assume similar story at Rupp, Allen, etc. where the state college basketball king is undisputed.
The Cobden Appleknockers and the Clyde Turner led Champaign Central Maroons grade school memories standout for me.
I think C/U and UI have been trying to get it back since it left. It probably should have returned several years ago. While Peoria did a great job, I think it had run its course and the fan interest level just isnt what it once was. Hopefully the move can reignite some enthusiasm, and it probably will to some extent. Just not the glory days many of us still remember. The nearly year round nature of AAU has become more of a focal point for many. When you listen to recruiting analysts they will tell you AAU is much more important to recruits than HS due to the level of competition.Love this. Supports the notion that UIUC is the basketball capital of the state. Sorry for not checking, but would assume similar story at Rupp, Allen, etc. where the state college basketball king is undisputed.
I will assume both JW and BU (and staffs) deserve significant credit for this. I'd bet this was a long term goal discussed the first time our AD and HC talked at any length. Fits into BU's storyline of him sitting on the Western bench and being so impressed with how awesome this program is ... a legitimate sleeping giant.
Well said. My assumption is new leadership made it a priority to bring the tourney back to CU. Was punted by previous regime(s).I think C/U and UI have been trying to get it back since it left. It probably should have returned several years ago. While Peoria did a great job, I think it had run its course and the fan interest level just isnt what it once was. Hopefully the move can reignite some enthusiasm, and it probably will to some extent. Just not the glory days many of us still remember. The nearly year round nature of AAU has become more of a focal point for many. When you listen to recruiting analysts they will tell you AAU is much more important to recruits than HS due to the level of competition.
Bottom line is it’s still good for Illinois and C/U. I’m anxious to see what they can do with it.
...does anyone know if anything like the March Madness center (event), that was right next door to the Civic Center in Peoria, is in the works for the tourney in CU??
Hypothetical: Could a Cornjerker beat an Appleknocker?Thad Matta and the Hoopeston - East Lynn Cornjerkers.
After Central was out these guys were my pick to win it all. Damn near did once.
I think that I heard that the tournament is scheduled at the same time as the B10 tourney in Chicago. Unfortunate timing for recruiting if true.I think C/U and UI have been trying to get it back since it left. It probably should have returned several years ago. While Peoria did a great job, I think it had run its course and the fan interest level just isnt what it once was. Hopefully the move can reignite some enthusiasm, and it probably will to some extent. Just not the glory days many of us still remember. The nearly year round nature of AAU has become more of a focal point for many. When you listen to recruiting analysts they will tell you AAU is much more important to recruits than HS due to the level of competition.
Bottom line is it’s still good for Illinois and C/U. I’m anxious to see what they can do with it.