Comments on: We were wrong about Chester

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:15:49 +0000

I lived in the same dorm with Chester freshman year. I wouldn’t say we were friends, but we talked every once in awhile and hung out a few times. I remember being incredibly impressed by his self control. I’m not sure if this still holds true, but freshman year, he didn’t drink or do drugs, which was a lot more than most athletes in the 6-pack could say. (On multiple occasions, we came home to cops busting other basketball players for smoking weed in their dorm rooms.) He rarely went out, and when he did, he was the first one home. Chester is definitely proof that hard work and a strong will pay off.

By: Joshua

Joshua — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:55:26 +0000

Tough loss today at Michigan. It really felt like the Illini were playing team ball on offense and totally collapsing on D. Michigan seemed to just pass the ball around until one of them made a one on one move, especially late in the game.

It’s scary how good this team could be come tournament time if Chester keeps growing and leading, and Legion develops, and McCamey becomes consistent.

Also, James, I noticed that when Chester isn’t in the game things start to fall apart on offense. I wonder who will shoulder the pg duties next year…

By: Evan

Evan — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:14:52 +0000

Honestly, I doubt Chester could make that much money even in Europe. Having said that, it’s been pretty impressive how much his basketball skills have improved this year, and few have ever questioned his heart or leadership ability. Anyway, Chester has stated he wants to go into coaching after he finishes his career at Illinois. Out of all the players Weber has had, I would say Chester is his favorite, so I’m sure Weber will help him achieve that goal.

Here is a story that details many of his trials and tribulations:

http://www.illinihq.com/news/print/2008/12/25/12_days_and_stories_of_christmas_chester_fraziers_story

James, if that is really you, Chester has taken a fair amount of crap over the years, but I think people have always appreciated his hustle and heart. I believe he will get an extremely warm reception on Senior Day.

As to the team’s performance, Illinois has road wins at Vandy (almost always a tough road win) and Purdue, a neutral court demolishment of Missouri, and a close loss at home against undefeated Clemson. It’s still early, but if they win tomorrow in Ann Arbor, it would be a pretty big collapse if they didn’t return to the tournament this year.

Ken Pomeroy, probably the most well-respected college basketball statistician, has the Illini sitting at #16, and at this point projects them to win the Big Ten. I don’t think the season will turn out quite that well (though I hope I’m wrong), but I definitely think Illinois will at least make the tournament, which would mean it exceeded almost everybody’s preseason expectations.

Another fun storyline for Illini fans to watch is Indiana’s quest to become the Big Ten’s version of the Detroit Lions. Will the Hoosiers complete the [im]perfect Big Ten season?

By: Joshua

Joshua — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 04:23:14 +0000

I think Dee was picked up by Phoenix. But he is popping in and out of the league. I tend to agree that Chester probably doesn’t have a shot at the NBA, barring a remarkable run the rest of the season, but he could easily play overseas, and I think he would be a fantastic coach someday.

While our beloved fighting illini are off to a great start, its true that many of the wins have been against powder puff teams.

By: chrism

chrism — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 04:04:36 +0000

Sorry, while Chester is playing extremely well up to this point, if Dee can’t even stay in the league and Luther can’t even crack a starting lineup, there is no way Chester can even remotely think about the NBA. Let’s not lose perspective, and remember there is still 2/3 of a season to play, and 95% of a Big Ten schedule.

By: Billy Joe Mills

Billy Joe Mills — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:36:43 +0000

I know that Chester might be a long shot to play in the NBA at this point, but if he works hard and continues to improve and he shows NBA coaches that he’s willing to be a team player and to work like a dog for his passion then I think it’s possible.

Also, James, thanks for the comment. It’s pretty cool to have you commenting on here. Be sure to send this link to your little bro.

By: Joshua

Joshua — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:19:23 +0000

James, Thanks for visiting our blog and for your note. I shared your quote with my girlfriends little brother to remind him how much hustle and heart can do for you. Chester is a gutsy young man, and if he can motivate his players to play with half the heart he has, he’ll be one heck of a coach someday.

By: james frazier

james frazier — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:23:51 +0000

My name is james Frazier aka chester’s big brother. I am very delighted to see an article , story , blog, or post that recognizes my little brother for his hard work , and tireless dedication. i have seen him judged and ridiculed for things which he had no control over. i’ve seen the stories in which he was called a thug, a waste, a bum, but if people only took the time to realize that we all cant be michael jordan or lebron, or kobe, but we can all play the game, or live our lives with heart and dedication anything is possible. there is a saying i oncer heard and it goes like this. HARD WORK BEATS TALENT WHEN TALENT FAILS TO WORK HARD… i think that defines my little brother. so , for the person who took the time to put this beautiful post together, i say thank you !!!!!

By: Joshua

Joshua — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:33:39 +0000

Great post! I was certainly guilty of criticizing Chester in all the ways you mentioned, and a few others, but he’s won me over. Sure it would be nice if he could even sorta shoot, but Chester has really proven himself this year.