Jun. 28—Want a copy of today’s edition?
Staff writer Scott Richey with a look at what’s going on around the area:
Three reasons we love sports today
➜ 1. New chapter. Former Illinois volleyball star Raina Terry is entering the coaching ranks. The Illini’s all-time kills leader and a 2025 Third Team All-American was named an assistant coach at Milwaukee this week.
➜ 2. New chapter, part two. Coleman Hawkins did not hear his name called this week during the 2025 NBA Draft. Nor was the former Illinois forward among the flurry of immediate undrafted free agent signings. But Hawkins will get an NBA Summer League shot with the Golden State Warriors.
➜ 3. Award season. Ballots were due Friday morning for Big Ten male and female athletes of the year. While I’m embargoed by the conference from revealing any of the nominees at this time, I will say my top vote getters were a wrestler and a track and field star.
Numbers game: 20,917
That’s how many fans the United Center holds when it’s set up for basketball. (Hockey seats fewer, concerts several thousand more). Illinois’ hope is the attendance for its Nov. 19 game against Alabama at the “Madhouse on Madison” draws close to that number. The Illini’s return to Chicago could include multiple future high-profile games, per athletic director Josh Whitman.
Crowd control
Three events I’m paying attention to
➜ 1. Children’s Hospital of Illinois Championship. It was a tough couple days in Metamora for former Eastern Illinois quarterback Tony Romo, who missed the cut in the All Pro Tour event. But former Illini Tommy Kuhl is firmly in contention heading into Saturday’s final round.
➜ 2. NBA Summer League. Rosters are being finalized, with warm-up competition next week in San Francisco and Salt Lake City before the main event in Las Vegas. The good news for the Utah Jazz is first-round pick Ace Bailey might actually show up.
➜ 3. San Diego Padres at Cincinnati Reds. A random inclusion, yes, but I’ll be in Cincinnati on Saturday with two longtime friends as we continue our goal of hitting every MLB ballpark.
Ask an athlete
Three questions with Reese Frye, a Unity junior who plays volleyball and softball with the Rockets:
➜ 1. Three athletes I’d like to have dinner with are … Sam Landry, Harper Murray and Mia Scott.
➜ 2. The TV show I most like to binge-watch is … “Love Island.”
➜ 3. My biggest pet peeve is … inconsiderate people.