Heath Barn Hoopcast

EP. 12 FORMER ILLINI AND CURRENT EASTERN ILLINOIS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR TOM MICHAEL

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.

EP. 11 FORMER ILLINI RICHARD KEENE

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.

EP. 10 FORMER ILLINI MARCUS GRIFFIN LIVE FROM RIGGS BREWERY

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.

EP. 9 FORMER ILLINI STANDOUT KIWANE GARRIS

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.

EP. 8 FORMER ILLINI TONY WYSINGER

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.