Dec. 3, 2002

Last year, Blandon Ferguson was a rookie in the Illini program. He had to adjust to a new system, new players, new surroundings and a new school. However, just one year later, Ferguson now has to step up as one of the senior leaders for the very young Illini squad. What a difference a year makes, but that has been the scenario ever since Ferguson started his collegiate career.

Ferguson, a California native, started his college career at the College of Southern Idaho. There, he was a key part to the Golden Eagles 29-4 record in 2001. He led the team in scoring, averaging 14.4 points per game, while grabbing 5.6 rebounds per game. Ferguson was also named a third-team 2001 National Junior College All-American. Now, Ferguson is scoring points and pulling down rebounds for the Orange and Blue.

"The reason I chose Illinois is because I wanted to come to a winning program," Ferguson said. "I was used to success in junior college and I wanted to continue that at the Division I level. I could tell that this program was headed down the right track and I wanted to be a part of that."

Ferguson's admits Champaign and Southern Idaho are worlds apart.

"The biggest adjustment is time management," Ferguson said. "In junior college it seemed that I had a lot more free time, but here it is a completely different story. There's always something that needs to be done and managing your time and priorities are very important here."

In his first season with the Illini, Ferguson started seven games early in the season, but saw his minutes decrease as the season came to a close.

"I really worked hard this off-season on the aspects of the game that I needed to, so I can contribute more to the team this year," Ferguson said.

Even though this is only Ferguson's second year here at Illinois, it is also his senior season and last chance to make an impact.

"Coming into the season, the biggest thing that I worked on was my confidence," Ferguson said. "Last year I played a little tentative at times and when I went from a starter to not playing a lot I lost some of the confidence in myself."

The way Blandon got his confidence up was coming in the gym every day and working on his game.

"I really worked on my jump shot," Ferguson said. "I just kept shooting, practicing my moves and getting more confidence in my offensive game. Now I am confident in taking the shot where last year I may of passed up an open jumper. I also really concentrated on my physical training. Conditioning is going to be a key for our new style, so I trimmed down 15 pounds and got myself into better shape."

The new style that Blandon is talking about is the same new look that has all the fans excited about this years' team.

"Last year we were a very physical team. This year we don't have the size but we are much faster," Ferguson said.

The new system is a run and gun, fast-break type of style. Ferguson is excited about the new look.

"It benefits me a lot," said Blandon. "I love getting up and down and getting into the open court, so this fits my style perfectly."

Blandon made a name for himself last year as a defensive specialist. This year he still feels that is where is can contribute the most.

"I still feel that my role on the team is as a defensive specialist. I love getting the other team on their heels and creating havoc on the defensive side of the ball."

Ferguson also realizes that with all the new young talent on the team he also has to step up and take more of a leadership role.

"This new style is an adjustment for all of us, but last year Brian (Cook) really helped me and made my transition here much more easier," Ferguson said. "That is something that I can do for a lot of the new guys coming into the program. I can relate more to them since I was in their shoes just last year."

Blandon also sees Cook as the guy who has had biggest impact on his basketball career so far.

"We are roommates and also great friends," Ferguson said. "He was there for me last year always giving me advice and encouragement. I really learned a lot from him last year that has made me a better player this year."

When the season and his career here at Illinois comes to a close, the thing Ferguson will miss most is the time he has gotten to spend with his teammates.

"The best part of this whole experience is the friendships that I have made off the court," Ferguson said. "I have become really close with a lot of the people here in this program and hope to always carry out the friendships that I have made here."

Even though this is only Ferguson's second year as an Illini, he is making the most of his senior season. His dedication and hard work in the off-season has paid off. He should play a very important role, in what looks to be a very exciting season for Illinois basketball.