The Magnificent 400 Miles

Abstract

Illinois, the "Tall State," is strategically situated between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. It is at least 400 Miles in length lying in the heart of the Midwest, bound on the north by Wisconsin and Indiana on the east and Kentucky on the south. This story is not about Illinois' indigenous people, the Blackhawk, Sac and other Native Americans. Nor is it about the early settlers of Italian, Polish, Swedish and German descent. This story is about all of the above who played Illinois high school basketball - one of the toughest basketball states in the country. This article covers Illinois high school players and coaches such as Derrick Rose (2011 NBA MVP), Glen "Doc" Rivers (Boston Celtics Coach), Isiah Thomas (NBA Detroit Pistons) and Jerry Sloan (Utah Jazz Coach). Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of grades in high school and becoming a student-athlete. This article also has a historical, social and political component - all to be discovered by the reader.

Keywords: Illinois Basketball, Derrick Rose, Barack Obama, Doc Rivers