A sports columnist’s mailbag: birthdays, bright lights and missed opportunities

The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team takes the court before the game against Michigan State at State Farm Center, on Feb. 22, 2014. The Illini lost 60-53.

Michal asks: What are your thoughts about Marcus Lovett? Some have called him the next Dee Brown. Is he a must-get for Illinois?

I’m not sure who told you that Marcus Lovett is the next Dee Brown, but go to that person ASAP and tell them that they are dumb.

Marcus Lovett’s nickname is “Bright Lights,” which is freaking awesome.

He also scored 45 points in a game this year on 20-of-27 shooting, which is almost as cool as his nickname.

I think Lovett is very talented, and I would love to see the Illini lock him down, but in no way do I think he can be compared to one of the best players in Illinois history.

What makes him valuable is that he seems to be a more than capable point guard, which is something Illinois needed badly this past season.

Obviously Tracy Abrams will be back for another season after sitting out last season due to injury.

If Groce can’t land Lovett, the point guard position gets very slim after next year.

Jaylon Tate started the season strong, but was exposed in conference play. He doesn’t appear to have what it takes to be a starting point guard in the Big Ten.

Illinois basketball needs a point guard and Marcus Lovett is a solid candidate for the job.

If you’ve watched any game in the NCAA tournament so far, you’d know how important guard play is in college basketball.

There is no reason John Groce shouldn’t get Lovett to commit.

Not closing the deal would be a major disappointment.

Jordan asks: How much do you think it would have helped recruiting to bring the IHSA State basketball tourney back to Champaign?

It was a bummer to see the IHSA State basketball tournament not return to Champaign (it’s going to be in Peoria through 2020), but not because of recruiting.

I don’t think the tournament being held in Champaign would have had any effect on Illinois basketball recruiting.

If a high school kid were deciding between Illinois and Kansas, the state high school tournament being held in Illinois would have no impact on his decision.

If a potential Illinois recruit played in Champaign for the tournament, I don’t think the ability to play at State Farm Center while in high school would make him think, “Oh, now I know Illinois is the right school for me.”

The unfortunate part of this decision is the impact it will have on tourism in Champaign. The difference between holding the tournament and not holding the tournament here from an economical perspective is massive.

This would have been a great time for thousands of students, parents and fans to visit Champaign and enjoy, what I believe, is a great city.

It would have generated tons of revenue, and would have showcased all of what Champaign has to offer to people who may not come here otherwise.

That is why not bringing back the tournament was unfortunate.

Illinois basketball shouldn’t worry too much — I don’t think recruiting would be effected significantly either way.

John says: Describe your perfect birthday.

Yeah, Monday was my birthday, so now is the time for all of you who didn’t wish me a happy birthday to feel bad about it.

I found out the morning of my birthday that according to Facebook, the only person who could see that it was my birthday, was me.

I didn’t want to change that on my birthday because I was pretty sure Facebook would have some update that said, “Sam Sherman updated his birthday to today.”

My girlfriend changed it for me, and I don’t know if there was a self-promotional update, but if there was I apologize.

It must have looked like “Sam Sherman is updating his birthday on Facebook so you all know today is his birthday, wish him a happy birthday, jerks.”

My perfect birthday would be a steak dinner with the famous people whom I share a birthday with.

Get ready to be jealous folks, because I share a birthday with a bunch of awesome people.

My cousin Richard plays for the Seahawks, and he happens to share a birthday with me, so he’s going to be there for sure, along with his new baby boy.

Richard is a cool guy, and he won the Super Bowl two years ago, and almost won it again last year. We would have a lot to talk about.

I could make small talk with Celine Dion, and talk about singing and stuff like that.

Vincent Van Gogh would paint me for my birthday. I would sell the painting for a bunch of money, and he wouldn’t know because he’s dead (he’s only alive on the day of my birthday steak dinner just so you know).

Eric Clapton could teach me how to play “Layla” on guitar and I could teach him how to make my famous incredible microwave nachos.

MC Hammer wouldn’t have to entertain me at all, because he’s MC Hammer and his presence alone is a gift.

Sitting right next to me would be White Sox ace, Chris Sale. He is the best pitcher in the American League and don’t try to convince me otherwise.

Sale would teach me how to throw that nasty slider of his, and then maybe after we could get ice cream or something.

I could have told you that Piers Morgan, Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman and Warren Beatty also share my birthday, cause they do, but I didn’t want you to get too jealous.

Happy birthday, Sam.

Sam is a senior in Media. [email protected]

@Sam_Sherman5