Editor’s note: The following is a partial transcript from an Illini Drive interview with Champaign Mayor Don Gerard about Illini sports.

Illini Drive: You’re a big Illini guy. What are your thoughts on the Illini basketball season?

Gerard: I’ve really had fun this year. And to be honest, I was listening on the way over, technically they have, by definition, one bad loss. … Maybe two. I’m really proud of them. Brand new coaching staff, new system, no point guard. I mean, no true point guard, really, coming into the season. You lose Meyers Leonard. It could be a lot worse. But it’s been exciting; they’ve won some fantastic games. It’s been fun to watch. That’s what we’re hoping for. It’s been a lot of fun. … Granted, I’m busy. I didn’t watch the second half of the Michigan game, so that was great. They won, as far as I’m concerned.

ID: Have you made any mayor bets?

DG: I tried to with the mayor of Minneapolis, but he’s big time, so they only do it for playoffs. So maybe we’ll see for the Big Ten Tournament. … But no, I haven’t made too many mayoral wagers, but we’ll see what happens.

ID: You’ve mentioned that you’ve been watching Illinois basketball for 40-plus years. Do you have an Illini memory that sticks out?

DG: I was there when Eddie Johnson hit the shot at the buzzer to beat No. 1. … I’ve seen all the games where they out-toughed No. 1 at the Hall, which is great. And one of them I was actually there. That 2005 season … it was just a whole different animal. It was just remarkable. Those guys were just such rock stars and it wasn’t just about the games; it was about the way they were around town and just how you felt if you saw one of them. Johnson hitting that shot is probably one of my most vivid memories.

ID: Are you a coffee guy like (John Groce) is?

DG: Yeah, I can be. I don’t sleep a whole lot.

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