AddisonStSox Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Hey fellas, As many of you know, I'm currently a freshman at the U of I. Living only a few minutes away from the Allstate Arena, my elite eight expierence was truly amazing. After having watched what I consider to be one of the best games in the history of the sport, my friends and I drove over to the Allstate to celebrate with our fellow students and Illini fans. But before I go into that, I really want to make a case for that game as one of the best in history. Down 14 with 4 minutes to go, Deron Williams led a charge unmatched by any in history. All things considered (Final Four at stake, record breaking Illini season, getting outed by Arizona in the past), this game has to be up there with the best in history. I was down on the guys in the second half and was really upset with all the shots from the perimeter and such, but they hit them when it counted and they lived and died with those 3's. But, the heart they showed after Roger got that lay-up blocked in his face, is something I will never, ever forget. If they get blown out by Louisville, I will still remember this team as heros. It was a night I will never forget. Now, back to the story. So, my friends and I drive to the arena and park in the Target parking lot. We get out of the car and start running through the parked cars and celebrating with the fans. Shortly after, I notice a souvernier stand outside the arena selling game-day shirts for $24: I buy one. I planned on getting the shirt. Being pretty very, very familiar with the arena, I decide we should walk in. My friends say: "Dude, no way. They are not going to let us in." Well, I showed them. We walked in right through one of the exit doors and gained access to the arena. After having walked down to the court to take a few pictures, I decided to go the backstage/lockeroom area and wait for the team. Sure enough, that is exactly where the team walked out from. First, Lute Olson and the Wildcats walked out and were greeted by a standing ovation and nothing but kind words. I was standing right on the rail where the guys walk out so I made sure to shake Coach Olson's hand and give Salim a pat on the back. Next, my heros: The Illini. One by one, the guys came out and greeted their friends and family. I couldn't believe we gained access to the spot we did cause it was only family, some friends, and us. I spent a lot of time with each player getting my official game-day shirt signed (BY EVERY PLAYER!!!!) and getting pictures with Luther, Dee, and Roger. Luther Head and Roger Powell were two of the nicest guys I have ever met in my life. They could have shrugged me off, but instead decided to stay and talk with me and sign autographs. Deron was a fan favorite and was happy to sign autographs, but only after spending some time with his beautiful daughter. She was a gourgeous baby, so cute. It was at that point I realized this team had destiny written all over it. It had to be. It was the only way we won that game. These guys are a tight-knit family and it showed. Each guy was hugging and sharing emotions with eachother and it was just amazing to see. These guys share one heartbeat and so do the fans. There is something special about this team. I had Arizona beating us in my bracket, but after having spent so much time with the fellas, I am convinced we will have success in St. Louis. I plan on betting some serious dough in Vegas on the Illini. Thanks for sitting through my expierence. I really wanted to share it with you all. This team is forever in my hearts and I will never forget that game for as long as I live. Oskee-Wow-Wow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnB Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 wow man. you've got some memories right there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aboz56 Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Good stuff Addy, glad you had a blast and it was a tremendous game to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 Most excellent story Addy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MinnesotaSoxFan Posted March 27, 2005 Share Posted March 27, 2005 take a pic of the shirt and the autographs... i really would like to see it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AddisonStSox Posted March 27, 2005 Author Share Posted March 27, 2005 QUOTE(silver and black @ Mar 27, 2005 -> 02:39 PM) take a pic of the shirt and the autographs... i really would like to see it No problem. Glad to share the story guys. I'm going to scan the pics as soon as I get them developed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 Sweet story addy and thats one badass t-shirt you got now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AssHatSoxFan Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Mar 29, 2005 -> 02:49 PM) Great story, that is sooo cool. BTW, Did you see Nick Smith? LOL. When we went to Michigan, we got High Fives from EVERY one of the Illini Players, Nick Smith just walked passed, gaves us a look, and kept walking. What a douchbag. i wouldn't want a high five from him anyways Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IlliniKrush Posted March 29, 2005 Share Posted March 29, 2005 Nick at this point probably doesn't even care if we win. His attitude flat out sucks. It's his own fault he's not seeing the floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AddisonStSox Posted March 29, 2005 Author Share Posted March 29, 2005 QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Mar 29, 2005 -> 01:49 PM) Great story, that is sooo cool. BTW, Did you see Nick Smith? LOL. When we went to Michigan, we got High Fives from EVERY one of the Illini Players, Nick Smith just walked passed, gaves us a look, and kept walking. What a douchbag. Excellent observation, Tony. Nick has a serious attitude problem. He reminded me of an adolescent, pre-pubescent girl. He walked around with his ear-phones on, shrugging off Jack Ingram's own mother (even though she was taking the two out for dinner). Talk about sour grapes. As he was walking out the door, I kind of threw the shirt in his lap, hoping he would sign it. Honestly, I could care less about him and his attitude; I just really wanted that signature to complete the shirt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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