Titan Tidbits

Player Journals

2008-10-01T13:20:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the initiative demonstrated by sophomore Sean Johnson, the "Titan Player Journals" are back on IWUHoops.com. Sean recently e-mailed and asked if we could get that going again as a way the players can connect with the fans...I was thrilled to oblige. Sean's first entry is here...

http://www.iwuhoops.com/

Sean Dwyer will be participating and I hope to find 3-4 other student-athletes as well. Enjoy throughout the season!

Century of Titan Basketball

2008-09-12T13:19:00.002-05:00

Here is a video produced last year by Dan Ginavan, a classmate of mine at IWU, celebrating 100 years of Illinois Wesleyan basketball...

http://www.iwuhoops.com/century.mov

Thought I'd post again...it is great.

Zach Freeman blogs

2008-09-06T08:21:00.003-05:00

Most of you are aware that former Titan Zach Freeman ('07) maintains a great blog about his experiences as a professional basketball player in Germany. Now it looks like he is a guest blogger for the NCAA's Double-a Zone. Check it out!

"Choosing Illinois Wesleyan was one of the best decisions I have made in my life to date. Rejecting many full and partial scholarships at other schools, I was often criticized. By choosing Illinois Wesleyan, I felt I had the chance to get a great education and be a part of a very successful program."

Back to campus!

2008-08-20T10:26:00.009-05:00

Well, it is getting to be that time again. Yesterday, freshmen started their orientation activities at Illinois Wesleyan. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are starting to get to town and class starts Monday. Where the heck did the summer go?!?! For that matter, were did the last 19 years go?? Was it really August of 1989 that I showed up to campus for orientation?? Oh well...I digress.

I touched based with Coach Rose today and he is in great spirits and excited about the 2008-09 season. I think that sentiment is shared by all IWU fans. A few miscellaneous notes I gathered...

All 8 freshmen who committed to IWU during the spring recruiting process are on campus and officially IWU students. Welcome to Ryan Connolly, Eliud Gonzalez, John Koschnitzky, Eric McCullough, Steve Rudnicki, Sean Seibring, Dexter Walker, and Jordan Zimmer! A terrific recruiting class that has a chance to be part of special things at Illinois Wesleyan.
This summer, the Chicago-area guys played in the well-respected Joy of the Game League in Deerfield. That IWU roster included Brett Chamernik, Sean Dwyer, Eliud Gonzalez, Michael Kempf, John Koschnitzky, Duncan Lawson, Edmond O'Callaghan, Steve Rudnicki, Mike Salkeld, Doug Sexauer, and Dan Schouten.
The Central Illinois guys got together once a week to play at the Shirk Center.
Ron Rose spoke at length about how Doug Sexauer has, "Changed his body." My guy Chamernik introduced the formerly skinny Lockport native to the weight room and the results are impressive it sounds like.
Duncan Lawson also worked hard on his physical conditioning in the off-season.
Ed O'Callaghan is now fully recovered from an early summer case of mono.
Chris Stamas, a freshman last year, has transferred to UC-Santa Clara to pursue a specialized field of computer studies.
Senior Andrew Gilmore had an internship in Chicago and lived with former Titan Adam Dauksas. Gilly has been working out and shooting as he tries to come back from his well-documented knee trouble. "Cautiously optimistic" is the term Coach Rose used. I wish Andrew the best and hope he can get himself healthy.
Josh Sutton is playing again after foot surgery after his freshman season.
Freshman Jordan Zimmer has grown an inch and gained 10-15 pounds. And I thought Zimmer was taller than his listed 6-4 when I met him as a recruit last year...at 6-5 or so now, the Delavan native really does have great height for a Division III G/F.
Sean Johnson and Sean Dwyer had a contest that began right after the season last year - last to get his haircut wins. I saw both young men in mid-June and even at that point I thought I was looking at two cast members from a bad '70s TV show...say, Starsky & Hutch. Now two months later - and still no haircuts - I can't imagine how they must look. Hey, at least we won't have to worry about either having any type of girl trouble here in the early going!
Everyone you talk to says that Matt Schick had an awfully good summer playing basketball. Don't forget about the Railsplitter, Titan fans.
Practice starts October 15.

On a personal note, as many of you know, I moved to Columbia, Missouri right after the season last year. My fiance, Rosemary Travis, works here for State Farm and I was able to work out an arrangement to do my Corporate State Farm job from our office here. It has really worked out great for us as we prepare for our wedding. We hope to be back in B-N at some point, but will most likely be here through the 2008-09 basketball season. I will do my best to keep things up-to-date here and on IWUhoops.com, even if I may not be as much in the loop!

Speaking of the wedding, it is October 11 in Palm Coast, Florida...where Ro's parents live. No cold feet yet on my end...I cannot speak for my bride though.

It is an exciting time to be a Titan fan...these kids can play.

Zimmer & Walker

2008-07-03T15:04:00.002-05:00

Here is a WEEK TV story on incoming IWU freshmen Jordan Zimmer and Dexter Walker...

http://www.week.com/sports/22841014.html

Titan fans should really be excited about both of these two young men...they're going to be good.

Remembering Kevin Bryant

2008-06-17T06:22:00.007-05:00

It was a very emotional day in Batavia Friday as Kevin Bryant was laid to rest. We’ve all been to funerals that were really more a celebration of a long, complete life. Unfortunately this was not one of those…it was a sad day and I think it’s safe to say the healing process will be a long one for those close to KB. It’s still hard to believe that a 21-year-old who just walked across the stage to get his IWU diploma a month ago is gone.

Kevin's legacy at Illinois Wesleyan will be as a great friend to many and as a tireless worker on the basketball team. I spoke to Ron Rose the day after Kevin passed away, and he told me how he had just gone back through his notes from his 2007-08 pre-season one-on-one meeting with KB. Written down was a comment KB made to his coach as he explained his approach on the basketball court: "Never get out-hustled." Anyone who ever stopped by IWU's practice knows Kevin made good on that pledge.

The best way for Kevin's teammates to honor his memory is by emulating his work ethic in the off-season, at every practice, and during games. I'm sure everyone works hard...but find a way to work harder. This intensity and competitive drive will, in turn, be passed on to the next wave of Titans, and down the line for years to come. Twenty five years from now the young men on the IWU basketball team might not know who Kevin Bryant was, but that "Never get out-hustled" mentality will be very much part of each of them. That is what Kevin's legacy as a Titan will be.

As KB's family and friends start the healing process, let's all do our part to our honor his memory by just simply working a little harder at whatever we do day in and day out.

Media coverage of Kevin Bryant tragedy

2008-06-09T22:54:00.006-05:00

Beacon News obituary/guest book

Pantagraph obituary

Sun-Times obituary

CBS-2 Chicago feature (video)

Daily Herald

Illinois Wesleyan website

Pantagraph

Kevin Bryant passes away

2008-06-09T08:23:00.009-05:00

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I pass along word that Kevin passed away last night at approximately 7:20pm CST. (Kevin is pictured here with fellow IWU Class of 2008 members Jason Bloom, Darius Gant, and Brian Nussbaum.)

In order to let the family grieve, please refain from making contact at this time. Details regarding the funeral arrangements are below.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Kevin over the course of his four years at IWU, via his involvement in the Sigma Chi fraternity and the Titan basketball team. Kevin embodied everything Illinois Wesleyan, CCIW, and Division III athletics stands for. As a senior who played limited minutes on the varsity this past season, he did not develop a negative attitude. Instead, he becames IWU's hardest worker at practice every day, doing his part to make his teamates better...a contribution that had a lot to do with how well IWU's young players performed in game action in '07-08. His work ethic and attitude is something all of us should learn from.

Kevin fought the good fight. He touched the lives of many of will be dearly missed.

Godspeed, KB.

Pantagraph article

----------

Arrangements:

Wake: Healy Chapel in Sugar Grove on Thursday from 2-8 PM

Address and Phone:

Healy Chapel Sugar Grove

370 Division Drive

Sugar Grove, IL 60554630-466-1330

Funeral: Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia on Friday @ 11

Holy Cross Catholic Church

2300 Main Street

Batavia, IL 60510

630-879-4750

Burial: to follow funeral

Luncheon: to be held after the burial @ 1:00 at the Aurora Country Club

Aurora Country Club

1548 W. Prairie

Aurora, IL 60507

630-892-4281

Donations:In leiu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to a scholarship fund in honor of Kevin. Please include a note that the donation is for the Kevin Bryant memorial fund.

IWU Kevin Bryant Memorial Fund

P.O. Box 2900

Bloomington, IL 61702

A note from Theresa and John Bryant

2008-06-07T14:53:00.002-05:00

There is a comment posted below (on one of the previous entries) from Kevin's parents...just wanted to make sure everyone sees it.

----------
At 1:55 PM, June 07, 2008, Theresa and John Bryant said...

Thank You all so much for your prayers, concern and support. Please keep praying for Kevin. He is still very critical. Please pray for our family and the young men and woman who were with Kevin. (Ryan B, Alex, Bill, Ryan P., Casey, and Kory). They saved his life. We have seen so many positives come out of this experience, especially the unbelievable character, love and strength of the young men and women who are his friends and family. We feel your strengh. Kevin is having an MRI of the brain today. Please join us as we pray that God's healing hand will bring him to wholeness.

THANK YOU!

Theresa and John Bryant

KB update - Friday, 5:00pm CST

2008-06-06T17:12:00.004-05:00

The latest note from Jason Bloom, received this afternoon, is below. Please feel free to post your messages to Kevin and his family under "comments" here as people have done on the posts below.

----------
Kevin suffered a mild set back late yesterday. His lungs were not fully accepting the oxygen necessary so the doctors had to apply increased sedatives and muscle relaxers in an effort to help him breathe. He remains on the sedatives and muscles relaxers today and he is thankfully breathing much better.

The Bryant family greatly appreciates all of the love and prayers. Keep them coming.

Kevin Bryant update

2008-06-06T08:00:00.003-05:00

Below is the latest from Jason Bloom. This continues to be a very serious situation - again, please keep Kevin and his family in your prayers.

I will provide updates here as frequently as I get them (please send to bobquill@aol.com).
----------
"They got the results from the EEG and they showed some hopeful signs. While the EEG results were not a clear indicator of any type of outcome, Kevin did exhibit some normal background brain activity which is a good thing. The doctor recommended that they not change the course of treatment at this time and take another EEG in 48-72 hours. "

Kevin Bryant involved in rafting accident

2008-06-03T16:56:00.003-05:00

Recent IWU graduate Kevin Bryant (pictured left) was involved in a serious accident while white water rafting yesterday. Below is an e-mail sent by Jason Bloom to several people.

Please keep Kevin in your prayers.
----------
For anyone who hasn't heard, KB was in an accident rafting in Colorado yesterday and is currently in a medically induced comma. After a recent communication with KB's mom Teresa, here is what she had to say.

She said she had been trying to get KB to respond and thought he just squeezed her hand. She said the doctor's are most worried about the damage to his lungs - he took in a lot of fluid and gunk. She also said they were trying to reduce the sedation so they could try to determine what the status of his brain activity is - I can't even hardly type that because it seems so unreal.

She said that from what they are hearing so far, he will likely have an extended hospital stay as it will take some time for him to recover but she is optimistic that he will. She said his face was pretty banged up as was his right hand but other than that, he seemed pretty good physically.

She also mentioned that the doctors are thinking he was under more like 3 minutes which is better than they had heard originally. The boys who were with him had done a great job getting him out (he was trapped under the raft) and had successfully done CPR quickly.

Keep thinking about him and praying for him. As long as we all pull together hard enough, I think we can pull him through. We all know he'd do the same for us.

Some people have requested a location and address to send things to be there when he wakes up:

Medical Center of the Rockies Room 2108
2500 Rocky Mountain Ave.
Loveland, CO 80538
Hospital ICU Phone: 970-624-2100

I'll keep everyone posted as best I can. Again, if anyone is tough enough to get through this it's KB. Feel free to email or call me.

Eliud Gonzalez decides on IWU

2008-05-25T07:47:00.006-05:00

This week, Illinois Prep Bulls-eye reported that Eliud Gonzalez, the point-guard for 4A state champion Richards H.S. (Oak Lawn), has picked Illinois Wesleyan. Gonzalez is a highly regarded basketball player and student.
-
Gonzalez averaged 7.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game on a Richards team that finished 30-4. The Bulldogs defeated Zion-Benton 67-63 in the 4A title game on March 15. Gonzalez had a very typical game, scoring 9 points, but most importantly dishing out 5 assists, coming up with 3 steals, and playing terrific defense on the Zee-Bees' perimeter players.
-
Gonzalez is your prototypical "pure point-guard." He is one of those "coach on the floor" type players who is not flashy, but extremely fundamentally sound in everything he does. On the season, he dished out an impressive 203 total assists for the state champ Bulldogs. Everyone who talks about Gonzalez uses words like "smart", "steady", and "winner."
-----
An excerpt from "Richards relies on Gonzalez":

"With (Eliud) out on the floor, it's like having a coach out there," Chappetto said. "He takes charge, and he finds guys when they're open."
-----
And from "Gonzalez points way for Bulldogs":

The least physically imposing starter on Richards’ roster is arguably the player most crucial to their success.

Eliud Gonzalez has made a career out of subverting expectations.

The Bulldogs’ 5-10 senior point guard is precisely the type of heady, smart and fearless leader the rest of the team relies on to braid together the team’s talented collection of pieces.

Asked to break down the strongest aspects of his game, he is quick and exact in his response: "My heart."
-----
And finally, from "Small School gems have their shining moment in Peoria":

While 6'5 Indiana State signee Carl Richard and 6'8 junior Shaun Pratl draw most of the accolades, both Richard and Pratl will be among the first to tell you that in many ways Gonzalez was the driving force behind Richards capturing the Class 4A championchip in the school's first ever appearance in the state finals.

Gonzalez, a 5'10 point guard, is not a prolific scorer and doesn't do anything flashy. What he does do tremendously well is run his team's offense, as he has good playmaking capabilities and plays under control. He is also outstanding defensively, as he puts pressure on the ball and is adept at being able to get into the passing lanes and force turnovers. In Richards' championship game victory over Zion-Benton, Gonzalez only scored 9 points, but came up with 5 assists and 3 steals.
-----
Welcome Eliud and family to Illinois Wesleyan!

Here's Johnny...

2008-05-14T07:14:00.013-05:00

Coach Rose recently received what I believe is a very significant commitment. 6-6/205 "combo forward" John Koschnitzky of Air Force Academy Prep School has decided to attend Illinois Wesleyan. Koschnitzky will be considered a freshman at IWU in '08-09 after the year at Air Force Prep and will have all 4 years of eligibility remaining.
-
Ron Rose pursued John aggressively last year, when he was a senior at Oak Forest H.S. in the south suburbs. He chose Air Force Prep over a D1 scholarship to Maine, several NAIA and Division II scholarships, and a bunch of Division III opportunities (in addition to IWU, I remember that U. of Chicago was on him, among others). The understanding was that he'd be a scholarship basketball player at D1 Air Force Academy after a year at the prep school. Fortunately for IWU, it sounds like he wanted to get back closer to home.
-
As a senior at Oak Forest, John averaged 20.7 points and 9.4 rebounds and was named to the IBCA's 2006-07 Class AA 4th team all-state. He was a member of the Daily Southtown's 7-man all-area 1st Team, alongside 6 D1 recruits. Illinoishsbasketball.com ranked Koschnitzky as the 47th best senior in the state last year. The highest CCIW recruit on that list was IWU's Sean Johnson, #65. In looking at that 2007 IBCA all-state team, he was 1 of just 10 Class AA players to average at least 20 points last year, and 1 of just 5 to average 20 ppg with 5 or more rebounds per game.
-
I saw John play twice last year - "versatile" is the first word I'd use to describe him. He can easily play either the 3 or the 4 at the CCIW level, but I honestly think he could play the 2 or the 5 for stretches if a matchup dictated it. John has a polished back-to-the-basket game and is a load down low vs players his size or smaller. He is also very good facing though - a very good mid-range shooter, can step out and shoot the 3, and is a good ball-handler in the open court. It's hard to find stats from his Air Force Prep games this year, but here is a game where he scored 27 points and made 4 3's vs Trinidad State JC, and other where he scored 16 pts and took 3 3's...so sounds like he was playing that same inside/outside position out there. I found this link with detailed stats up to midway through his senior year at Oak Forest. As a junior he was 190-382 (.497) from the field, including 20-54 from 3 (.370)…through 16 games as a senior he was 117-228 (.513) from the field, including 13-43 from 3 (.302). He is a tough one-on-one matchup because of his inside/outside versatility.
-
Koschnitzky also brings athleticism to IWU's young core. He's a good leaper that made it to the state slam dunk contest finals in Peoria as a sophomore, junior, and senior. He is also a highly regarded baseball player. As pitcher for Oak Forest in '06-07, he was 7-1 with a 2.42 ERA, with 60 strikeouts in 52 innings. As a position player, he hit .356 with 37 RBI (I have not heard if he will be playing baseball at IWU). I think his athleticism and size will make him a very good defender in college - someone who can matchup vs with a tough perimeter player when needed or with a big, athletic frontcourt player. Koschnitzky is also an good student and just seems like the type of kid who is going to be a leader on the court and off at IWU.
-
Koschnitzky was definitely one of the top guys IWU was on last year, but it never seemed like IWU (or any other D3) had a great chance to get him - just too many other higher level opportunities between basketball and baseball. Still, it seemed like he really liked Wesleyan. He visited IWU the night Kent Raymond went off for 44 at the Shirk Center and I think seeing how good Raymond and Zach Freeman were was a factor in helping him understand the talent level in Division III and in keeping him interested in IWU, even after heading to Air Force Prep.
-
I'm confident the Titans found a really big piece to the puzzle in John Koschnitzky. His versatility seems like a perfect match with IWU's returning players and other '08 recruits. Welcome to John and his family!

6-8/255 Ryan Connolly heading to Wesleyan

2008-05-06T21:37:00.012-05:00

6-8/255 Ryan Connolly from Springfield Lanphier has chosen Illinois Wesleyan. Ryan Connolly is simply an enormous young man. He is certainly not hard to pick out in a photo of his high school team. (Note - the players to his left and right are basically the size of Darius Gant, 6-3.) He had a good season at Lanphier, averaging 16.2 points and 9.9 rebounds, and leading the Lions to an 18-win season and a sectional final appearance. He had several big games, including a 37-point, 21-rebound effort vs Peoria Notre Dame at Bloomington's U.S. Cellular Colliseum. He was named to the 3rd Team of the IBS 3A/4A All-State Squad.
-
Connolly drew interest from some D1's early this year - Illinois-Chicago especially - but wasn't offered by any of them - he is probably not quite polished enough offensively to be a D1 player. That said, Connolly is good enough offensively to do damage vs your typical 6-6 or 6-7 D3 center. He also runs the floor well for his size. At the Division III level, he is going to be an impact player.
-
"For a big guy, he moves better than people realize, and also, he's got that mid-range game so you have to respect him anywhere on the floor. He runs the floor better than you would expect, so he's a tough guard..." - Springfield Southeast head coach Tom Goers
-
IWU is going to be very big someday with 6-9 Eric McCullough and 6-8 Ryan Connolly sharing 40 minutes at the 5, or maybe even playing them together a little bit for stretches. I think this is a significant addition.
-
Connolly, appropriately, is nicknamed "Big Country." Welcome to Illinois Wesleyan, big fella.

-----

IBS Class 3A/4A All-State Team

State Journal Register All-Central State 8 Team

MidStateHoops Player Profile

"Things looking up for Lanphier's big man" (State Journal Register)

Seibring, Rudnicki, and Walker pick IWU

2008-05-06T17:47:00.006-05:00

Ron Rose has found three more impressive young men to add to the IWU basketall program...

6-6/215 Dexter Walker is a "combo forward" from Morton. Walker made the Peoria Journal Star's 3A/4A All-Area Team for the third consecutive year, which is pretty rare, and was named IBCA 3A/4A "Special Mention" All-State after a big senior year for the Potters - 18.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg.Walker does a lot of things well.

The game I saw him play, 6-6 Walker was asked to defend 5-10 Limestone superstar freshman point-guard Donivine Stewart, who has already been offered by the Illini. Walker chased Stewart all over the court and really took him out of the game in a Morton win - it really impressed me that a big, strong kid like that could defend a quick little guard. Walker, a lefty, can really shoot it from all over the mid-range, as well as from 3, but can play in the paint too. When I saw him, I compared him to former Titan Matt Hoder ('98) - like Hoder, he is a big, strong forward who can shoot the basketball.

Walker, who was a wide receiver on the Morton football team, had a lot of interest from top CCIW and D3 programs. He was a highly regarded, heavily recruited high school player. In Dexter Walker, Ron Rose has his first recruit his alma mater, Morton H.S. Welcome to Dexter and family!

----------

6-4 combo guard Steve Rudnicki led Evanston to Peoria and a state 3rd Place finish. Rudnicki averaged 9.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.3 points for the 30-4 Wildkits.

I've never seen Rudnicki play, but everyone seems to describe him the same way - smart, solid, not flashy but just a guy that helps you win. His height and versatility is a good fit with IWU's current group of young guards.

Rudnicki was featured in a photo sequence I love. These IllinoisHighSchoolSports.com pics were taken immediately after Zion-Benton's Ronald Stewart hit the buzzer beater 3 to defeat Evanston 54-51 in the state semefinal game. Check out the jubilation from the Zee-Bees and the absolute shock from Rudnicki (#30).

I know Coach Rose was very high on Steve all year long and is very happy about his decision. Welcome aboard, Steve and family.

----------

6-2 shooting guard Sean Seibring (pictured above) averaged 12.0 points for Normal West this year. He made the 10-man Pantagraph All-Area 1st Team, alongside fellow CCIW recruits Jordan Zimmer (IWU), Jeremy Pflederer (Wheaton), and Eric McCullough (IWU). He was also named 1st Team all-conference in the loaded Big 12. He is a smart, strong, steady guard.

With his father being a longtime employee at Illinois Wesleyan, Sean grew up going to Titan games at the Shirk Center. He was probably about 5 when the building opened, so he's seen a terrific era of IWU basketball (4 Final Four teams). It's hard for me to believe he's old enough to be in uniform next year.

Sean's father Steve and uncle Scott (also an IWU employee) are legendary Shirk Center noonball players. Both are "combo forwards" who utilize their posteriors to create space in the paint vs thinner defenders, like myself. They are tough matchups. Sean's game, fortunately, is much more fundamentally sound.

I'd say "welcome" to Sean, but he's been part of the IWU family his whole life.

----------

Terrific additions to Illinois Wesleyan and the basketball team - exciting days are ahead, Titan fans!

'08-09 Schedule & Recruiting

2008-05-01T06:40:00.007-05:00

Ron Rose has released the 2008-09 Illinois Wesleyan men's basketball schedule...

http://www.iwuhoops.com/sch09.doc

The Titans will open at the Manchester tournament, in North Manchester, Indiana, on November 22. At 6:00pm IWU will face Taylor-Fort Wayne, an NAIA school, and the next afternoon will face the winner or loser of the host and D3 Kalamazoo. Two weeks later, the Titans should get a chance to face the defending national champions - the Wash U Bears - at the Lopata Classic in St. Louis.

The holiday trip this year is to beautiful West Palm Beach, where the Titans will compete in the Northwood University tournament. Northwood, an NAIA school, finished 27-8 last year. The Seahawks are coached by Rollie Massimino, who led Villanova to the 1985 Division I national championship. Annual non-conference foes Olivet Nazarene, Chicago, and Hanover are once again on the '08-09 schedule.

It should be another great test for the Titans in preparation for the rugged CCIW.

By the way, it sounds like recruiting is far from over...you'll definitely want to check back here over the course of the next few weeks!

Raymond will return

2008-04-24T10:29:00.004-05:00

Two-time CCIW Most Outstanding Player Kent Raymond announced that he will return to Wheaton for his final year of eligibility.

After a big freshman season, Raymond sat out his sophomore year for personal reasons. He then returned to play his junior and senior years at Wheaton. He'll be a 5th year senior in 2008-09.

Raymond averaged 24.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists last season. He scored 47 points in Wheaton's Sweet 16 win over Whitworth. Raymond's 44-point performance at IWU in 2006-07 is the current Shirk Center scoring record.

Certainly big news for Wheaton and the CCIW. Raymond will enter '08-09 as one of the premier perimeter players in all of small college basketball.

The Titans, by the way, went 3-0 vs Mr. Raymond and the Thunder last year. More spirited IWU/Wheaton battles to come!

Freeman signs in Germany

2008-04-23T18:53:00.002-05:00

After a successful rookie season, former IWU All-American Zach Freeman ('07) has agreed to return to Germany next year. Read all about in the Pantagraph.

Congratulations to Zach...one of the best to ever wear the green & white.

Zimmer named 1A/2A PJ Star "Player of the Year"

2008-04-11T10:24:00.009-05:00

(Peoria Journal Star photo)

IWU recruit Jordan Zimmer was named 1A/2A "Player of the Year" by the Peoria Journal Star. There is a ton of small school talent in the Journal Star's wide coverage area, as evidenced by the quality of past POY winners...

2008 - Jordan Zimmer, Delavan (Illinois Wesleyan)
2007 & 2006 - Carlton Fay, Putnam County (Southern Illinois)
2005 - Ryan Burks, Midwest Central (Elmhurst)
2004 - Micah Lavender, Peoria Christian (Olivet Nazarene)
2003 - Chad Cox, Macomb (?)
2002 - Nathan Koster, Lewistown (Western Illinois)
2001 - Jake Sottos, Monmouth (U. of Hawaii)
2000 - Barry Welsh, Abingdon (Western Illinois)
2000 - Rhet Wierzba, Farmington (Austin Peay)
1999 - Seth Nelson, Farmington (Nebraska-Omaha)
1998 - Shawn Jeppson, Hall (Illinois State)
1997 - Travis Lewis, Williamsfield (Louisiana Tech)
1996 - Ryan Knuppel, Midwest Central (Elmhurst)

Complete story

PJ Star 1A/2A All-star team

Few is the number of high school basketball players given the chance to play in college at the Division I level. Even fewer is the number of those who pass on the opportunity.

Early this past season, Delavan senior Jordan Zimmer was extended an invitation to attend Saint Louis University as a walk-on player. The Rick Majerus-coached Billikins were even more interested shortly after Delavan's season had ended."

(Assistant coach) Porter Moser called and said they wanted to come up and watch me work out again," Zimmer said. "I had already thought a lot about it and told him I was no longer interested."He asked me if they offered a scholarship, would that make a difference," Zimmer said. "I said 'thanks but no' and told them not to waste the trip. I had already made my decision."
-----
"My dream coming into the season was to get a Division I scholarship, but eventually I realized the level I was going to play in college wasn't the most important thing," Zimmer said. "Wesleyan is close to home, and Division III feels right for me. It feels more like (small school) basketball. It feels more like Delavan."

All-stater Jordan Zimmer picks Illinois Wesleyan

2008-04-02T14:24:00.014-06:00

On the heels of Eric McCullough's decision to attend IWU, Ron Rose received another extremely significant recruiting commitment today. Jordan Zimmer, a 6-4 wing from Delevan H.S., said he will attend Illinois Wesleyan and play basketball for the Titans.
----------
Jordan Zimmer Facts:

6-4 Sr. G/F, Delavan High School
- 28-4 (school record)
- Regional Title
- Ranked #4 in class 1A final AP poll

Senior season stats:
Points: 736 pts. / 23.0 ppg
3 pt made: 123 (top 10 on IHSA all-time list)
3 pt. %: 123-293 / 42.0%
2 pt. % 121-211 / 57.4%
FT %: 125-137 / 91.3%
Rbs: 132 rbs. / 4.1 rpg
Asst: 99 ast. / 3.1 apg
Steals: 54 stl / 1.7 spg

· Career high 44 points (including 22 in 4th qt.) in sectional semi-final vs. Putnam County…his final game of his HS career
· Awarded “Best Defensive Player” on his team which allowed only 45.7 ppg

Career highlights:
- 2045 career points scored
- 347 career 3-pt made (top 5 on IHSA all-time list)
- 86.5% career FT %
- Started 121 out of 122 varsity games in career (2 regional titles)

School Records
- Career Points 2045
- Career 3-pt made 347
- Season 3-pt made 123
- Game Points 44

Senior Season Honors
· 1st Team AP Class 1A All-State
· 1st Team Chicago Sun Times All-State
· 1st Team IBCA All-State
· 1st Team IHSS Class 1A All-State
· 1st Team IBS Small School All-State
· 1st Team Tomahawk All-Conference
· 1st Team ICAC All-Conference
· 1st Team Bloomington Pantagraph All-Area
· Player of the Year Pekin Daily Times

4.0 GPA Valedictorian
National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar
----------

I saw Zimmer play three times this year, including his 44-point effort vs Putnam County in his final high school game. I'm convinced Zimmer is going to be an outstanding CCIW player. He will have to get bigger and stronger - and there will certainly be a learning curve as he transitions from a Class 1A to the CCIW - but he has all the tools to be great.

Zimmer received pretty significant interest from St. Louis University. Rick Majerus came to Delavan to watch him practice and then had him on campus. Fortunately for Illinois Wesleyan, SLU did not offer. (They offered and signed G/F Kyle Cassity of Pinckneyville.) Zimmer was pursued very aggressively by the three CCIW schools that he made his choice between - Augustana and Elmhurst being the other two.

In two years, the name “Brady Zimmer” will be a big one on the small college recruiting trail. Jordan’s younger brother started at PG this year as a sophomore, averaging 13 ppg…he is going to be a stud as a junior and senior. Jordan's parents are Doug (an IWU alum) and Beth Zimmer...Doug was a track star at IWU, graduating in '88. Jordan's grandfather, Duane Sampen, also played basketball at Illinois Wesleyan (Class of 1959)...with my father actually.

Below are a few Jordan Zimmer-related links. Welcome to Jordan and the entire Zimmer family!

Pantagraph (April 3, 2008)

WMBD TV feature

Pantagraph feature (Jan. 30, 2008)

IBCA 1A/2A all-state team

IHSS Class 1A all-state team

AP all-state team

IBS Small School all-state team

6-9 Eric McCullough will be a Titan

2008-03-24T20:40:00.012-06:00

The Pantagraph is reporting that 6-9/220 Normal U High center Eric McCullough has selected IWU over numerous Division I basketball scholarships. McCullough had offers from Holy Cross, IUPUI, Niagra, North Florida, Tennessee-Martin, and Youngstown State among others.

McCullough has exploded onto the prospect scene in the last six months or so. As a freshman at U High he was 6-2. He grew from 6-4 to 6-7 between his sophomore and junior years, and reached 6-9 this season.

As a senior, McCullough averaged 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. He shot 54% from the field. He earned 1st Team All-Corn Belt honors and was named to the 1st Team of the Pantagraph All-Area squad.

On the baseball field, McCullough is an accomplished pitcher with a fastball that's been clocked between 86 and 88 MPH. His ability to play both sports probably impacted his decision to attend IWU quite a bit.

From a basketball perspective (as this is a basketball blog) Eric McCullough's commitment to Illinois Wesleyan is really huge news for the program. He should be able to step in and provide immediate help in the low post, where the Titans were undersized this season. He is a terrific shot blocker and someone who can score in the low post. The exciting thing is that McCullough is still developing as a basketball player. If he continues to improve at IWU as much as he has the last 2-3 years at U High, he's going to be one heck of a CCIW player.

Welcome to Eric and his family! Exciting news, Titan fans!
-

Eric McCullough-related links:

Player Profile, MidStateHoops.com

"U High's McCullough grows into go-to guy" (Pantagraph, 2/7/08)

"McCullough Blowing Up (MidStateHoops.com)

YouTube video

Video (MidStateHoops.com)

Corn Belt all-conference team (Pantagraph)

Pantagraph All-Area Team

Wash U wins title

2008-03-24T18:34:00.005-06:00

I was in Salem, Virginia this past weekend as the Bears of Washington U. cut down the nets. They played just incredibly in impressive wins over Hope and Amherst and earned the school's first-ever men's basketball title.

Wash U website coverage

D3hoops.com coverage

The Titans will face Wash U in 2008-09 (as they do every year) in St. Louis at the Lopata Classic. It will be interesting to see what the Titans look like in November!

The Little Dance

2008-03-16T17:59:00.003-06:00

Here is a great article by Bryan Burwell from today's St. Louis Post-Dispatch that captures the essence of Division III. It reminded me of this 2001 article by IWU alum Dave Kindred in the Sporting News after the Titans played in the Final Four that year.

This week I make my annual trip to Salem, Virginia for the Division III Final Four. After covering the Sectional at Wash U this weekend for NCAAsports.com, and seeing the caliber of play, I feel very good about Illinois Wesleyan making a strong push for the Final Four sooner than later. Until then, I recommend any D3 fans try to get to Salem for the experience - the organizers do a wonderful job.

Wheaton one win away from Final Four

2008-03-15T07:24:00.003-06:00

Kent Raymond poured in 47 points last night vs Whitworth as Wheaton advanced to the Elite Eight. The Thunder face Hope tonight, on the Flying Dutchmen's floor (beautiful DeVos Fieldhouse, pictured), for a chance to go to Salem.

Good luck to Wheaton as they carry the CCIW flag!

Full tournament coverage on D3hoops.com.