Perfect publicity storm for Illini
February 9, 2009 9:16 AM
The Illinois sports information people couldn't help but notice the jam-packed press room and figured it was the best-attended game (media-wise) since the Dee Brown/James Augustine era came to a close three years ago.
And, as if that wasn't enough, the Sunday noon start allowed top-flight recruits from near and far to roll in for the game. Among those in attendance (aside from commits Tyler Griffey, Meyers Leonard, Crandall Head and Tracy Abrams) included St. Louis' Bradley Beal, Lake Forest's Angus Brandt and Trenton's Phil Kunz (son of former Illini Phil Kunz), among others.
And, as if THAT wasn't enough, Illinois honored legends Eddie Johnson and Don Freeman before the game by sending their jerseys to the Assembly Hall rafters. Johnson, who lives in Arizona but catches most Illini games via the Big Ten Network and ESPN, also gave the team's pregame pep talk and told them how much he enjoys watching their unselfish play.
Willhite
And, as if that wasn't enough, the Sunday noon start allowed top-flight recruits from near and far to roll in for the game. Among those in attendance (aside from commits Tyler Griffey, Meyers Leonard, Crandall Head and Tracy Abrams) included St. Louis' Bradley Beal, Lake Forest's Angus Brandt and Trenton's Phil Kunz (son of former Illini Phil Kunz), among others.
And, as if THAT wasn't enough, Illinois honored legends Eddie Johnson and Don Freeman before the game by sending their jerseys to the Assembly Hall rafters. Johnson, who lives in Arizona but catches most Illini games via the Big Ten Network and ESPN, also gave the team's pregame pep talk and told them how much he enjoys watching their unselfish play.
Willhite
Filed under: Illini Basketball, Purdue Boilermakers
