Such a great episode with former Illini and current EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael. We discuss his AD duties, growing up in a small town, having his dad as a coach, playing at a high major college coming from a small town as opposed to a big city, his recruitment, his playing days at Illinois, his favorite places to play, his thoughts on Coach Lou Henson, and what he’s been up to since playing at Illinois (lotta commas there). THEN, we discuss how the game’s played today and how kids are today compared when he grew up. And last, but certainly not least, he gives AMAZING insight as to what it’s like being an Athletic Director at a Division 1 school during the craziness of NIL and the transfer portal. It’s GREAT. ENJOY.

GREAT episode with former Illini RIchard Keene. We discuss him being inducted into the Collinsville Hall of Fame, growing up playing sports, and when he started hearing from colleges. He tells some TOP NOTCH recruiting stories, including getting his name chanted at a Duke home game his senior year in HS. He gives great thoughts on his time at Illinois and his relationship with Coach Henson. Finally, next year Rich will have 3 children participating in Div 1 athletics, so we discuss recruitment as a player and parent, with a healthy NIL conversation. Finally, my son Stevie asks a question about his favorite player of all time. Rich was awesome, and I’m very happy he was able to come on. ENJOY.

GREAT time talking to Marcus Griffin live from Riggs Brewery prior to last Fridays big win over Purdue. We discuss the current team, who he thinks will stay for next year, as well as preview the Purdue game. Then we have fun with comparing old Illini teams of the past, and tell a lot of fun stories. There’s also questions from the crowd that are a lot of fun. This episode is also a great one for PARENTS and KIDS to listen to. For you parents that want to find some dumb loophole in the school handbook, or blame the school, or a teacher, or anyone except your own child when they get in trouble because you think your child’s perfect, PLEASE listen to Marcus’ thoughts on that subject. Ok rant over, it’s a great episode. ENJOY.

The 2nd all time leading scorer in Illinois Men’s Basketball history Kiwane Garris is the guest for episode 9 of Heath Barn Hoopcast. He discusses growing up and playing basketball in Chicago, as well as when he began hearing from colleges. He tells recruiting stories, what led him to choose Illinois, and his relationship at the time with Coach Henson. He tells a great story about Lou, and talks about the transition to Coach Lon Kruger his senior year. We get into his experiences in the NBA as well as overseas, and his son’s outstanding high school career. Oh, and wait for the end when we discuss his adventures as a middle school referee. Thank you Kiwane for a great interview. ENJOY.

Another awesome episode with former Illini point guard Tony Wysinger. Tony talks about his upbringing in Peoria, IL and how basketball became his favorite sport. He also talks about an individual sport in which he’s always flourished and actually thought would be his best way to a college scholarship. He tells a story about Coach Henson involving mustard, his favorite moments as a player, as well as his teammates. We then discuss how he got involved with coaching, and continue to have great conversations involving his coaching philosophies and recruiting. Finally, we get into his very serious recent health scare, and how he’s feeling now. Oh, and my son Stevie throws in a question toward the end. Great man, and a very inspirational episode. ENJOY.

On this very special episode, former Illini guard Nate Mast tells his story and discusses his journey to becoming a Fighting Illini. It’s an outstanding episode for many reasons, but it’s very inspirational and would be a great listen for young players. Nate’s story is a big reason why I’ve enjoyed talking with all of these former Illini, because every one of them has a different story, and they’re all unique in their own way. He was a great guest and I hope to have him on more in the future. ENJOY.

GREAT episode with TJ Wheeler live from Riggs Brewery. We discuss the current Illini squad, play a game of “will they transfer,” and if Deon Thomas would have been a lottery pick if he had Fletch as his strength coach. Then, he tells Lou Henson stories, recruiting stories, and RIPS on a couple former Illini that have transferred. Finally, he takes questions from my son Stevie and some Illini fans. Great time, easy, fun listen, and plenty of laughs. ENJOY.

In part 2 Marcus goes into depth on his time at Illinois, including his role, relationship with Coach Henson, and how seriously he considered transferring. He then discusses the NBA draft, where he thought he’d go and where he actually went. He talks about his NBA career in Denver and Detroit, along with great stories about Isiah Thomas “running the team.” Finally, he goes into his time playing overseas, some of his favorite current players, the overall state of the game, and what he’s up to currently. Great insight and he doesn’t hold back. ENJOY.

AWESOME episode with former Illini Marcus Liberty. Marcus starts from the beginning and discusses playing/living in Chicago, switching high schools, playing for Sonny Cox, his record setting IHSA state tournament run, his recruitment (with awesome stories), and his time starting out with Illinois. He sprinkles in GREAT stories, and doesn’t hold back at all. Exactly what you want out of a guest, and it’s just PART 1. ENJOY.

In this very fun episode, Michael and I meet at Riggs Brewery for a great conversation. We discuss how his life’s changed since the last time we chatted, the current Illini team, and which style of basketball we each prefer. Then we have an Illini draft where we each draft 8 players from 1990-present. Finally, the owner of Riggs Brewery, Matt Riggs, hops on to discuss our plans to continue pods from his awesome establishment. Great, fun episode. ENJOY.