Jan. 18, 2002

by Scott Winter, Illinois Athletic Public Relations

Freshman guard Luther Head has as bright a future at the University of Illinois, as does the basketball program. Head became the first player from the talent-laden Chicago Public League to put on an Illinois uniform since Kevin Turner, who helped lead the Fighting Illini to a Big Ten Championship, graduated in 1998. Coach Bill Self has opened a door by landing Head and wants to make a habit of drawing top talent to the University of Illinois from the Public League.

"The Public League showcases some great athletes," Head said. "Many of the players are very strong and physical, which are aspects of both the Public League and the Big Ten. I think the Big Ten is the best place for Public League players."

Head chose Bill Self's program because he liked the personable coach's personality and the basketball philosophy he employs on the hardwood. "I like all the running and the uptempo style," Head said. "I enjoy the fast pace and think it plays to one of my strengths. Coach Self is just a great guy, he really cares about his players and lets them play to their strengths."

Head's resum? is strong. He starred at Manley Academy as a senior, averaging 22 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five steals per contest. Head's physical gifts are incredible. His quickness and athleticism are unrivaled and his leaping ability is a thing of beauty.

According to assistant coach Norm Roberts, the sky is the limit for Head. "We think Luther is going to be a great player," he stated. "Luther is young, but has already shown spurts of terrific things. His attitude is awesome and he is going to be a great player."

Head has handled the transition from high school to a major college basketball program with relative ease. He has honed his time management skills, allowing him to succeed both on the court and in the classroom. Illini junior All-American guard Frank Williams has been a calming influence for Head as he deals with schoolwork and basketball during his first year of college.

Frank has shown me how to use my time more effectively. It is important to balance my time between schoolwork and playing basketball at such a high level. I have found a good mix between free time, schoolwork and basketball," Head said.

Head has worked hard in practice, and the coaching staff has taken note.

His athleticism and creativity are great," Roberts said. "He has the ability to create shots for others around him, and that is what we are trying to get him to work on. From there, his offense will come to him and he won't have to look for it. He is getting better every day, and that is all we can ask of him."

Additionally, Head has taken extra time after practice with the coaching staff to improve areas of his game that remain unpolished.

"I have been working on my jump shooting a lot lately with Coach Roberts. He has encouraged me and is making me a better all-around player," Head said.

As a result of his hard work, Head earned starts early in the season. He made an impression on Illinois fans at the Assembly Hall in the Illini's 40-point win over Eastern Illinois when he posted a season-high 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while logging 18 minutes of action.

Head has enjoyed the season so far. He has already become a fan favorite at the Assembly Hall, largely because of his slam-dunking ability.

"Getting the crowd involved has been the most exciting thing so far for me. When I throw down a big dunk, it puts a charge into the crowd, and I think the team plays with more emotion," Head said.

Although Head has made an impact early on, his expectations for the season and his career at Illinois remain simple and unchanged.

"I want to work hard in practice and help the team succeed. I want to learn to become a complete player and be the best I can," Head said.

Perhaps Head is the key to unlocking the door and drawing top players from the Chicago Public League year in and year out. If Head succeeds, others will follow him to Champaign-Urbana from Chicago to help build a strong foundation for coach Bill Self and the Illinois basketball program.