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A lesson in motivational speaking: The fist

by Alex Bozich in Opponents | January 9th, 2009

As the Hoosiers prepare to take on Illinois tomorrow afternoon, it’s the perfect time to relive one of the most moving speeches ever delivered.

Let me set the scene: It’s the 2005 National Championship game at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. Coming off a comfortable 15-point win over Louisville, the Illini were ready to take on one of the most storied programs in college basketball, North Carolina. A win would mean their program would possibly become relevant. A loss and well, status quo: irrelevant.

So like any master motivator, Bruce Weber knew what he had to do: Deliver the words that would lead his men to the promised land. Like Winston Churchill before him, who said:

“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.”

… Bruce knew this one had to be special. And indeed it was. Ladies and gentlemen, prepared to be moved by the … fist.



  • Hoosier_Hound
    Did you guys know they had play-by-play of that speech?!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTBkKhktjHo
  • southsidehitmen
    The best is Deron Williams and Luther Head completely not paying attention to what Weber is saying. They both just sort of have this awkward/bored look on their faces. Priceless.
  • shootit
    You got to remember, those weren't his players.
  • I would totally run through an open door for that guy after that. Is there a second part where he runs out of the room yelling "Let's goooooo!" and no one follows?
  • southsidehitmen
    Of course they're not his players...They are actually talented. Ha!
  • cooper
    i have a good idea for where that fist should go
  • hoostheman
    Great stuff here. Bruce Weber rates #1 on my people to slap list (easily edging out the UPS whiteboard guy). What a zero.
  • HoosierSmitty
    I don't know what everyone is talking about...That was totally uh uh uh uh inspirational...I'm pumped...awkward silence...I think my blood turned orange...uh uh uh uh....more awkward silence...yeah, how can you not like Brucey after that?

    Ok, but seriously, this is important...you see, Bruce Weber is like a musical note...individually the sound can irritate the hell out of you, but together these notes can make beautiful melodies...unless you just totally suck and then it still sounds horrible.
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