Bill Cole

[tornado]

here's a new premium story on Bill Cole...he's finally getting a decent chance to play and he's contributing a LOT...
he was the key in Illinois' win over Wisconsin!

http://illinois.scout.com/2/1036664.html

"Bill Cole contributed 14 points for Illinois in a winning effort at Iowa, including 4 straight three-pointers. He followed that performance with 11 points including 3 of 5 from the arc in helping defeat Wisconsin. He has been on fire lately.

Cole worked hard in the off season to become a more well-rounded player. It took him awhile to incorporate new skills during game action, but he is no longer just a three-point threat.

Cole uses hustle and all-out effort to make up for a lack of athleticism. His defense has become more refined with each passing practice. In fact, he believes the Illini defense has made a major leap this year.
.... Cole is feeling positive about both the team and his own game. He is preparing to finish his final season on a great note."


Cole ranks 4th NATIONALLY in one statistic...
"The senior Peorian is fourth nationally in offensive rating (142.17), and his 7-for-9
three-point shooting in the past two games hasn't hurt."

http://www.illinihq.com/news/mens_basketball/2011/01/03/paul_klees_college_basketball_insider_davis_rebounds

[PTownHawkeye]

When the rumors were swirling after both his freshman and sophomore years that he was considering transferring to Bradley, I was really hoping we would land him. However, it looks like he may have made the right decision...sometimes it just takes a while for the light to come on for a player. I'm very happy for Bill.

[lefty]

It seems that Bill just continued to work on his game particularly his outside shooting and it has paid off for him.....hopefully he continues to have a good rest of the season

[Future Walk-On]

I don't know how many of you follow the Illini or watch their games....but try and watch one and you will see how he does pretty much everything. He is the glue. He rarely makes a mistage as well. Against Wisconsin he hits a 3....then throws down a 2 hand dunk....then takes a charge.

lol I brag to people that I played against him in grade school.

[Da Coach]

I have heard from enough sources to believe it is true that he seriously considered transferring from Illinois, and possibly to Bradley, after his freshman or sophomore year. I wish he would have, he probably would have been a star in the MVC, and possibly a POY-type player. He will never make the All-Big Ten team, but he is a very valuable part of the Illinois team.

[Buesch N Chips]

I was one who said he would never be a significant contributor at Illinois. Happily, I was wrong. The three-ball he sank in transition in the 2nd half against Wisconsin that lead to a timeout was a big time, difficult shot, and he nailed it.

[tornado]

..
lol I brag to people that I played against him in grade school.

I would also have loved to see him come to BU but I know he grew up a big Illini fan and wanted to be there ...they are fortunate to have him...

btw-- I never played against Bill (), but over a few-year span several years ago - I coached a youth travel team against Bill's teams several times...and as good as Bill was (probably about 6-2 back in 5-6th grade!) we were able to match up pretty well since we had a big kid, too - who went on the play FB in the Mid-Illini.

[PTownHawkeye]

I have heard from enough sources to believe it is true that he seriously considered transferring from Illinois, and possibly to Bradley, after his freshman or sophomore year. I wish he would have, he probably would have been a star in the MVC, and possibly a POY-type player. He will never make the All-Big Ten team, but he is a very valuable part of the Illinois team.

I heard much of the same...people very close to him who said he was 50/50 after his soph season. He was seen spending a lot of time on campus, befriended a few BU players, and if not for some coaxing from his dad, may have come here. Once again, I think things worked out for the best for him and I really hope he keeps making Peoria proud.