Pure speculation but after listening to Chicago Sports Radio, Illinois insiders were upset with the FB coach hiring (Beckman from Toledo) and are targeting a minority for the BB position. Focusing on ties to Chicago and an ability to recruit the inner city, etc. #1 target is Shaka Smart. If he fall through, could Ray be an option? Wouldn't it be the ultimate if the poacher got "poached". Take the son with you, he sits out a year and you could be off to a good start in Year 2 of your program. Plenty of midwest and Big Ten experience. Impressive results at Detroit thus far. Possible?

Smart money is on Shaka.

I hope Illinois becomes the cellar dweller of the BIG. Fire Bruce Weber?????? Are you kidding. The guy played for a national championship. His record is 210-101. He's had 1 losing season, and seven 20+ win seasons in 9 years.

I'm not sure I take that job if I'm Shaka. Illinois is the NC State of the Big Ten. They think they're a hell of a lot better than they are.

hope not...I really want to see Darius Paul be a Bronco for 4 years

He also has a losing record in the big ten the last few years

Izzo on Illinois:

"That job's not as good as they think it is."

(03-12-2012 06:16 PM)jubbasubba Wrote:  hope not...I really want to see Darius Paul be a Bronco for 4 years

I think it is highly unlikely that he would bolt on us. His brother is going into his senior year, and Darius would have to sit out a full year if he transferred. In short, they could never play together, unless Brandon got fed up with Illinois and said "screw it" and joined Darius on the Broncos! Which ranks right up there with Dip doing a 180 and filtering his message board content in terms of likeliness. Some things just aren't in the cards :)