News has broken that Freshman Jereme Richmond is leaving the Illinois Basketball team, heading for the NBA.
The move comes as a surprise to me, as Richmond was anything but excellent in his one year at Illinois. Richmond averaged 7.6 PPG, and 5 rebounds in 22 mins/game. He played his best game at home against Ohio State, where he did show off his athleticism as he ran the floor well, beating Sullinger down the court most times, and posted a season high 18 points. But since that January 22nd game, he scored in double figures only twice.
He did not play against Wisconsin in mid-January because of "personal reasons." He traveled back to his home in Waukegan, and rumors surfaced that he was going to transfer. He of course didnt, but he ended up playing 0 minutes combined against UNLV and Kansas in the NCAA tournament for an "athletic code violation."
All in all, he left no mark or lasting image.
Chad Ford, who I guess is supposedly assuming the role of the Mel Kiper of the NBA, has Richmond ranked as the 45th best prospect. So it isnt as if Richmond is guaranteed a top 5 pick, a lottery pick, or even a first round pick. Again, very strange indeed.
The Lake County News was a little more harsh on Richmond than I am being, quoted as saying, "Richmond wouldn't get picked in the 5th round of the NBA draft," and theres only two rounds.
Illinois was supposed to take the leap last year, with an experienced senior class, and two good consecutive recruiting classes. They didnt. Now, the seniors are gone, and one of the prized freshmen of the latest recruiting class is gone. All in all, Illinois is losing their three leading scorers, and 5 of their top 7. After Richardson and Paul, the best players they have returning are Leonard and Griffey, who each averaged 2 PPG last season.
Could be a long season ahead. And could be Weber's last.
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