Illini run past the Jackrabbits 90-65         

[NOV. 19, 2005]  Illinois opened the 2005-2006 season with a 90-65 victory over South Dakota State on Friday night at the Assembly Hall.  Illinois was led by their two seniors, Dee Brown and James Augustine, who each poured in double digit points and played like the leaders they have proved to be.  Brown scored 19 points and ran the offense with poise, while Augustine scored 18 points in the paint and led the Illini on the boards with 14 rebounds.  The game featured five Illini players making their college debut.

Illinois led at the half 46-32 and was never in trouble as they cruised to victory. While the game was far from a masterpiece, several Illini showed flashes of what the future could hold for Illini hoops. LDN was blessed to spend the evening with one of the brightest basketball minds in Logan Country (who will go unnamed) and compiled below are many of our thoughts from the evening:

Brown and Augustine were just what the doctor ordered. Dee struggled with his shot on the evening, but made several hustle plays that personify his game and it is no wonder he is the poster child of college basketball 2005. Augustine was a man down low and had the first of what we expect to be many double-doubles.

Rich McBride – The junior from Springfield looks poised for a nice breakout season as the third option behind Brown and Augie. The Lanphier grad is stroking the ball like he was back in the Central State 8 and showed a nice ability to move with the ball and create offensively – something rarely seen in his first two seasons.

Jamar Smith – This freshman has to play – great shooting stroke; only a matter of time before he is starting. Unbelievably quick release on his shot – could be deadly when on the court with Brown and McBride.

Chester Frazier – doesn’t play like a freshman; really handles the point and runs the team. When teamed with transfer Trent Meacham next season, Illinois should be in good hands at the point guard spot.

Brian Randle – Look like he hasn’t played hoops for a year (which he hasn’t); really struggling to find himself – especially offensively; struggling to stay out of foul trouble in both exhibitions and Friday night.

Warren Carter – Should be really good, especially on the offensive end – yet to show his true potential. Carter could be a nice “instant offense” coming off the bench, but will have to commit to playing defense with passion all of the time.

Shaun Pruitt – Most improved player – really strong post presence on both ends of the court; showed several nice offensive post moves and rebounded very strong – especially on the defensive boards.

Calvin Brock – The red-shirt freshman from Chicago looks lost on offense and doesn’t appear to have the quickness to play Weber-style defense. It’s really early and we are hoping for a quick turnaround, but Brock looks like a project at this point.

Marcus Arnold – The Illinois State transfer, who absolutely killed Illinois at the Hall two years ago, has also made a slow transition to the Big Ten. Rust is obvious as Arnold tries to recover from a full season away from the game. However, Arnold will be a nice roll player off the bench in the paint when the rugged conference wars begin in January.

Charles Jackson – The freshman from Georgia didn’t play and is probably slated to red-shirt the 2005-2006 season.

In my humble opinion, five Illini have really stood out in the five weeks since practice began: Brown, Augustine, McBride, Pruitt and Smith. Frazier and Carter show signs of being really nice roll players, while, up to this point, Randle, Brock and Arnold appear to be struggling to find their way. Illinois has to have Randle playing well on the defensive end – Weber has referred to Brian as “our stopper” – if Illinois has visions of a three-peat in the Big Ten.

Illinois will return to action on Sunday afternoon at 4pm with a game against Texas-Pan American and then on Tuesday evening against Texas Southern. Illinois will then travel to South Padre Island for games on Thanksgiving Friday and Saturday.

Champaign Centennial product Steve Holdren led all scorers with 28 points for the Jackrabbits, who are coached by former Centennial player and Illini graduate assistant Scott Nagy. SDSU is in just their second year of division 1 basketball. Nagy is the son of longtime former Illinois assistant Dick Nagy.

[News release]

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