Staff writer Paul Klee might be the fastest text messager in the Midwest. FWIW, each Wednesday we'll utilize his GR8 skill to interview a text-savvy personality. THX to former Illini sharpshooter Eddie Johnson, the school's sixth-leading career scorer who answered our questions via texts while in the thick of the NBA playoff race as the Phoenix Suns color commentator:

EJ, let's get right to it. Who wins the NBA title?

Boston – they have been the best and most consistent team all year.

Derek Harper, Steve Bardo, you. What's with all the ex-Illini in broadcast booths?

Broadcasting is a great job and it's a steppingstone to anything involving basketball if you are interested in doing so. The Illini are the best in the business.

What made you the best shooter in Illinois history?

I worked on my shooting relentlessly. And that's why I was and still am pure.

Can you please help Illinois' free throw shooting?

Yes, I could fix their woes.

How would you fix Shaq's free throw shooting?

To be honest, Shaq has improved a lot this year. He gets better arc and that's what I would have taught him.

Happy early birthday. (He turns 49 on May 1.) Where is Eddie Johnson in five years?

Probably living on a golf course and playing every day. But a lot of people including my wife expect me to be coaching at the college or pro level.

More of a thrill: Beating Magic's Spartans with a game-winning jumper, scoring 19,000 points in the NBA or Textin' with Klee?

Game-winning jumper in Game 7 of a playoff series. Or, as I did at Illinois, hit the game-winner against Michigan State.

Thanks, EJ.

Ur welcome.