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Weber on Johnny Kerr

Posted by: Paul Klee

Saturday, February 28, 2009 12:11 PM

Illinois coach Bruce Weber on Illini great Johnny "Red" Kerr, who died Thursday at age 76:

"He was such a loyal person to our university and to our athletic department and basketball program. He was synonymous with the Bulls. Before I ever met him, all the times recruiting late nights and listening to the Bulls games (while) driving home because you could always get that channel. And then to have the opportunity when I got here to meet him. I think it was such an honor for me.

"You don't ever want somebody to pass away. But I know when I talked to him and told him about the honored jersey (at the Assembly Hall), I think he was very moved. He said, ‘I just got a call from the Bulls last week and they're going to do a statue of me.' Two special moments for him. I think it shows when you're a good person and loyal, a lot of good things can happen. So we're saddened by his loss."

pklee@news-gazette.com

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