March 5, 2011
By Libby Knight, Illinois Sports Information
When looking back at their four-year careers at Illinois, seniors Mike Davis, Bill Cole, Mike Tisdale and Demetri McCamey will remember all the practices and games, but there are a select few moments that will stand out from among the others.
"I'll never forget GameDay against Michigan State last year," Davis said. "Just being together, being on the same page the whole game and wanting to win so bad. The fans storming the floor and just being a part of that was awesome. That feeling, just that rush that you had was something I'll never forget."
Also among that list was the NCAA tournament game as sophomores during the 2008-09 season.
"The tournament game out in Portland stands out," Cole said. "It was a fun experience, even though we lost, it was a experience that I'll probably always remember."
That feat is something that this senior class would like to experience one more time before their time is up at Illinois.
"Playing in the tournament and jumping around when you see your name pop up on Selection Sunday," Davis said on what he still wants to accomplish this season. "We want to enjoy that feeling again, hopefully in the next couple of weeks when Selection Sunday is here."
Over the course of their careers, it has been a rollercoaster ride for each player, a ride that none of them will soon forget.
"It's just one of those times of your life that you'll always look back on," Tisdale said. "It was a good experience, had a lot of fun and a lot of memories. It's been a four years that went so fast. You don't remember everything, but you'll cherish it forever."
"It's been huge," Davis agreed. "I don't think anywhere I would have went would have been better. I've really loved my time here. I love the fans, the kids and the students around campus. They've always had my back, even if I played a bad game."
For Demetri McCamey, returning for his final year after a strong junior season was an opportunity to finish playing his career with the guys he came in with, which he would always remember.
"It's been great," McCamey said. "I came in with these guys and to leave with them is tremendous. To go out with a bang, that's what I want to do."
Throughout their time at Illinois the four seniors started off as teammates, but have grown into friends and brothers.
"It's been up and down, but I wouldn't want to do it with any three other guys," Tisdale said. "I really enjoyed the time I spent with the senior class. We've been through a lot of things together, and I know we'll stay in touch after basketball."
Head coach Bruce Weber believes each senior has had a positive story while at Illinois and hopes that they have a positive finish as well.
"They are all good kids," Weber said. "Bill was patient, but he stuck with it, found his niche and he's ended up having a good college basketball career. Mike Tisdale was the small town kid, and it was a dream for him and his family to come to Illinois. He's improved every year and is a 1,000-point scorer.
"For Mike Davis, we were fortunate to find him late. He's the second leading rebounder in program history, has over 1,000 points and has contributed a lot of different things. Demetri is a talented young man, as the second player ever in Big Ten history to total 1,600 points and 700 assists. That's pretty amazing when you look at all the guards and the people that have played. I just hope for all the guys a positive finish here."
Weber, along with the rest of the coaching staff, has made an important impact on the senior class.
"They've all been like father figures," McCamey said of the staff. "Everything wasn't always a smooth ride, it was tough and they just wanted me to become a better basketball player. It wasn't just on the court, but also to be a better person and grow to be a man off the court. I think I've done that and it wouldn't have worked if they weren't hard-nosed and tough on me."
Over the course of four years, Davis, Cole, Tisdale and McCamey have played numerous games at Assembly Hall. On Saturday, it will be the final home game of their careers.
"I haven't really been thinking about it," Davis said on how he'll feel on Saturday. "I just want to try and get the win first of all. After that I'll enjoy it and thank all the fans, the Orange Krush, and everybody who's been there for me and cheering me on the last four years."
"We'll see how it goes," Tisdale said. "It will be very emotional, and I'm just looking forward to working on getting a win and celebrating that."
In the end, each senior will remember their time at Illinois fondly and appreciate the opportunity they were given.
"Honestly, its gone by so fast, and I'll just remember all the moments together," Tisdale said. "You remember all the time you spent in practice, all the games you had with the fans, the trips you've been on, things like that. All of them are exciting moments in your life."
"I'm just proud to have represented my city and my home state," Peoria native Cole said. "I've tried to do the best I can and play hard every time. I think people appreciate that, so I'm trying to leave that as my trademark and I hope that's what people remember me by."
Their time is limited in an Illinois jersey, but for the 2011 seniors, there is still a lot of basketball to play.
"Just knowing these could be the last couple games that you play for your college career and that you want to go out with a bang," McCamey said. "Each day you've got to play like it's your last."
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Each player was asked to describe a fellow senior. Here are their responses:
Mike Davis on Bill Cole: Bill's my best friend. Behind closed doors he's just one of the coolest guys I've ever been around. He'll be my friend for life. He's one of my closest friends and I'll always be there for him. I know he'll always be there for me.
Demetri McCamey on Mike Tisdale: Big. My center in high school was 6'6''. I'm happy I got to play with a seven-footer, especially with a guy that's skilled, that can shoot and post up at the same time. I would say tall for him.
Bill Cole on Demetri McCamey: I think Demetri's just smooth. If I had to use one word, it'd be smooth. He's smooth as a player, smooth off the court and a smooth talker. He's always got the right words to say, whether to the media, the coaches or his teammates.
Mike Tisdale on Mike Davis: I'd say he's a goofball, but there's more to him than that. Half the time he's a goofball, but he's just a funny guy. He's unique and just himself around everyone.
