Illinois
Southern Illinois neighbors: Obituaries for May 26
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The Illinois basketball team is in the middle of a huge season for the program, as this squad is poised for great heights.
Despite dropping two out of the last four contests, the Illini find themselves back in the AP Top 25 at No. 24 in the nation. This ranking is impressive considering we are only 8-3 overall. The three losses aren’t bad, and Illinois has also beaten a good Missouri program and ranked Arkansas and Wisconsin squads.
While Brad Underwood is trying to develop talent and lead this team to the promised land, there is clearly a need for continuous program development on and off the court. On Friday night, the Illini “front office” got a little stronger.
According to NBA reporter Jake Fischer, Illinois is hiring Neel Ganta as the new general manager for the program. The Illini managed to snag him away from the Denver Nuggets front office.
Sources: Neel Ganta is departing the Denver Nuggets’ front office to become the new general manager of Illinois men’s basketball. Ganta returns to the Illini program after previously serving as a graduate assistant.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) December 27, 2024
Neel Ganta should have an expansive role as the general manager of the Illinois basketball team
Ganta’s roots are actually with the Illini. He was a basketball analyst for the Illini from May 2019 to August 2020. After that, he moved into a graduate assistant role with the program from August 2020 to August 2021.
After his time with the Orange and Blue, Ganta then took a player development coordinator role with the Grand Rapids Gold, the G-League team of the Denver Nuggets. He then parlayed that position into multiple roles with the Nuggets, which ended with him being a pro scout.
Illinois is now bringing back Ganta, but what does the general manager title do for a college basketball team?
Well, this is the same situation that ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski took with St. Bonaventure just months ago.
In the description of what Wojnarowski does for the Bonnies, it includes name, image, and likeness opportunities. This is huge in the college game today. It also sounds like Wojnarowski is the front face for the program when it comes to collectives.
This is what I imagine Ganta will do for the Orange and Blue. He will be out there wheeling and dealing. Ganta will likely be the one who brings in the money to help pay for the athletes to come to Illinois.
I like this addition to the Illinois basketball program. We needed someone out there bringing in the money so the coaching staff can focus on recruiting and on court issues.
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WXIX) – Two men died in a Springfield Township crash Thursday afternoon, according to police.
On Dec 26 at 4:30 p.m., Springfield Police and Fire responded to the 9600 block of Daly Road for an auto crash, police say.
According to police, witnesses at the scene said they saw a head-on collision between a gray Toyota Sienna and a black Mercedes SUV.
Police say when they arrived on scene, the Toyota Sienna was on fire and both drivers had to be pulled from their vehicles.
The driver of the Mercedes SUV was identified as 55-year-old Jim Schneider from Cincinnati, who was pronounced dead at the scene according to a press release.
The driver of the Toyota Sienna was identified as 41-year-old Christopher Larkins from Springfield Township, the release says.
Police say Larkins was transported to UC Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Springfield Township Traffic Safety Investigators, it is believed that Larkins lost control of his vehicle going around a curve and drove left of center, hitting Schneider’s vehicle head-on.
Neither of the drivers is believed to have worn a seatbelt.
Officials believe speed was a factor and are working with the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office to determine impairment with a toxicology report.
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Illinois
PHOTOS: Illinois woman and cancer survivor celebrates anniversary of completing chemotherapy at Bears game
CHICAGO – An Illinois resident and cancer survivor was recognized as the Chicago Bears’ special guest during the Bear Down Flag Ceremony Thursday night.
Sally Wagner, of Round Lake, was invited by Advocate Health Care and the Bears to help unfurl the flag at Soldier Field during pregame introductions for the Bears vs. Seahawks game.
Wagner’s family joined her on the field before they returned to the stands to watch the game. The event marked the one-year anniversary of Wagner completing chemotherapy treatment.
In the spring of 2023, Wagner sought treatment for painful fibroids and opted for a routine hysterectomy, health officials said.
During the procedure, her gynecologist found suspicious tissue. A biopsy confirmed Wagner had non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Wagner said the diagnosis was a shock to her as she has no family history of the disease.
Besides feeling more fatigued than usual, Wagner said she didn’t experience typical symptoms of lymphoma, like swollen lymph nodes, fever or night sweats.
Her diagnosis required immediate treatment, and Wagner stayed at Advocate Condell for 92 hours of continuous chemotherapy every two weeks for six rounds, with additional rounds later in the year.
“I got really close to the team while I was there. From the very first night of treatment, I felt at ease. Everyone was so positive and kind, and the care was excellent,” said Wagner. “I never looked forward to chemo, but I looked forward to seeing the team who cared for me.”
The doctors and nurses said they admired Wagner’s strength, resilience and sense of humor throughout her chemotherapy treatment.
“I felt blessed to have met Sally and to be her nurse administering chemotherapy during her stay,” said Rodgers, a charge nurse in the Advocate Infusion Center. “Sally handled her diagnosis with such grace; she remained positive and focused on healing. Sally’s fun and upbeat personality won the hearts of everyone on our unit.”
Wagner said she stays connected with her care team, and now that cancer is behind her, she is embracing the present and looking forward to the future.
The Source: This article includes information provided by Adovcate Health Care.
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