The University of Illinois has always lacked class. From cheating to throwing players under the bus that do not want to attend the school, the latest in the saga of Jereme Richmond shows the lack of class out of Champaign. Meanwhile, this may open the door for DePaul.

For those of you that are not aware of the situation, Richmond was the top player out of the state last season. From his freshman year of high school at North Shore Country Day School to his sudden and curious move to Waukegan High school, he said he wanted to be an Illini. Richmond kept his word and had a sub-par freshman year at Illinois. This included some interesting absences from the team and a suspension late in the season, Richmond never really fit in with the program. Were the fans understanding? Of course not…in typical University of Illinois fashion the kid was thrown under the bus.

Now Richmond has not exactly been a saint. He was suspended from Waukegan on a few occasions and his both off and on the court antics were well publicized. Even still, the kid is only 18 years old. All of this drama led to Richmond declaring for the NBA draft and leaving Illinois. While it’s not clear that he signed with an agent, it is clear that he is done with the Illini.

So how does this help DePaul? Perhaps top players will start seeing the scumbags that surround the Illinois program and realize that there’s a new option at DePaul. We embrace our players and treat them like their important. Oliver Purnell has a golden opportunity to capitalize on this situation, and he’s the kind of guy to do it. Since Purnell has taken over the program, kids are beginning to notice DePaul again and events like this with Illinois have to help our chances.

Bruce Weber is a quality coach. But reports out of Illinois show that the fan base is beginning to have some doubts about his ability to lead the Illini. If that’s the case, and Weber’s name continues to surface with job openings, the turmoil at Illinois may be just what the doctor ordered for DePaul. Of course, we as DePaul fans need to spread the word…you will be welcome at DePaul and we will treat you with the respect and admiration a top player deserves. Ask Bobby Simmons or Quentin Richardson if they feel any different about it?

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