As we approach Senior Day against Michigan State on Sunday...lets take a little time to thank the Illni seniors for their contributions to this year's surprising season.

Calvin Brock:  Thank you for your energy that you bring off the bench and your quck smile and sense of humor.  You made a wise decision to redshirt your first year with Deron, Dee and Luther already established ahead of you on the roster and you are the last link to the Final 4 team of 2005.  While you have had your ups and downs during your career...you have been a fun player to watch and we wish you well in the future. Your University of Illinois degree will serve you well. 

Trent Meacham:  Thank you for coming back home to Champaign after that first year at Dayton.  As a kid sitting in the Assembly Hall seats you always wanted to play for the Illini and fulfilled that dream after sitting out a transfer season and eventually earned a scholarship.  You have been a great outside shooter during your time here and you have improved your defense enough to get Coach Weber's attention.  You have also been a splendid representative of the U of I.  Good luck with your future marriage also!

Chester Frazier:  I cant say enough about how far you have come in your four years here.  All the way from the kid that autograph seekers got mixed up with Dee Brown to the "heart and soul" of this year's Illini squad.   You came from the tough city of Baltimore and have earned the love and respect of Illni fans everywhere for your courage and your hustle....whether you are physically healthy or not (and most ot the time you were not healthy).  You have chosen to pursue a career in coaching and you will be a great example to young players everywhere as you start your new career.  Thanks again for showing all of us how hard work and persistence pays off.

CJ Jackson: This looks to be your final year with the basketball team as well.  You have been called a great teammate while playing both  football and basketball at Illnois   Your easy smile and your laid-back attitude...as well as your 6'8" 265 pound frame ...have led many to compare you to a "big teddy bear".  I think that description is a good one.  Thanks for being a part of our Illini family!

Now lets go win some more games as we get ready for the Big Ten Tournament in a couple of weeks!