Illinois finally announced its poorly held secret on Wednesday: Jerrance Howard replaces Tracy Webster on Bruce Weber’s coaching staff.
For anyone who’s curious why Howard got the job, seeing as how he’s just 27 and hasn’t been anything more than a Director of Basketball Operations to this point, check out this nugget I found in my Daily Herald archives.
This was published on March 19, 2004, as part of the preview package for Illinois’ first-round NCAA win over Murray State. This pretty much describes Howard to a “T.”
Oh, and I just got off the phone with him. Here’s his recruiting plan, which will go into effect as soon as he completes the compliance test: “My first stop WILL be Chicago.”
COLUMBUS, Oh. _ Only effervescent, fun-loving Jerrance Howard could get away with addressing Dick Enberg as “Swifty.”
During Illinois’ walk-through Thursday afternoon at Nationwide Arena, the senior guard broke away from a drill to introduce himself to CBS-TV’s on-air personnel.After shaking Lesley Visser’s hand, Howard turned back toward the court momentarily before noticing Enberg.
“How you doing, Swifty?” Howard said as he extended his hand.
When Enberg opened his right hand to reveal popcorn fragments that made his hand unshakeable, Howard adjusted nicely and tapped his fist on top of Enberg’s left fist.
That’s how Howard’s entire senior year has gone _ making memories and connections that will last a lifetime.
Throughout this year, amplifying on something he did earlier in his career, Howard has carried around a camera to chronicle his fifth and final season.
Not a video camera, like so many other athletes do in this day and age. A regular old camera.
“I’m a big photo guy,” Howard said. “Wherever we go, I’m telling the guys to get in the middle and have a group picture. Just something to show my kids and my little nephews that I was a part of some good teams.”
And played against some good teams.
When Illinois faced North Carolina in December, Howard slipped his camera to a team manager so he could have his picture taken when he and the other Illini captains met the Tar Heels’ captains at midcourt for the pregame briefing with the refs.
“Just any place where I think it will bring up memories,” Howard said.
In hotels. During meals. During postgame locker-room celebrations. Basically, anywhere.
And which Illini are most eager to jump into Howard’s photos? One would assume Dee Brown would lead that list, but Howard asserts otherwise.
“Deron (Williams) and Luther (Head),” Howard said. “Without a doubt.”
“I want to be in there all the time,” Head said. “I want my face in there so he’ll never forget me, because I’ll never forget him.”
Why?
“Because he’s been so special to this program ever since he’s been here,” said Head, who got to Champaign two seasons after Howard. “Even before I came, I was hearing stories about him keeping everybody motivated and reminding guys how important things are.”
That’s the guy with the Illini passion. If he doesn’t get it done, it won’t be from lack of trying. To read what Jerrance had to say Wednesday, check out Thursday’s Daily Herald or www.dailyherald.com
LW
1 Comment
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Great story, Lindsey! I have always enjoy reading your articles. You will be in the biz for a long time. Keep it coming.