Michael O'Brien's Pontiac notebook

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As far as individual talent goes, no holiday tournament in the state can match Pontiac. Warren’s Brandon Paul, Curie’s Wayne Blackshear, Simeon’s Brandon Spearman, Schaumburg’s Cully Payne and the state’s top player, Jereme Richmond of Waukegan, are all on hand.

Add another name to the list.

Bloomington’s D’Mitri Riggs was fascinating to watch in the Purple Raiders opening round loss to Lockport.

The 6-3 senior was once considered one of the top two players in the Class of 2009 and it is easy to see why. He’s got blinding athleticism. In the past, he was always a bit passive. Not anymore. There are plenty of holes in his game, but he’s a big-time talent.

TECHNICALLY DISAPPOINTING: Joliet is awfully close to being a good team, but small mistakes (technical fouls especially) are killing them. The Steelmen lost to Bolingbrook by one point last month. In that game, Joliet was assessed with a technical foul for leaving a player out of the official scorebook.

Monday against Curie, talented junior Anthony Shoemaker was hit with a technical for arguing with an official. The Steelmen lost by just five points.

Shoemaker was very impressive in the Bolingbrook game. He was much less assertive against the Condors.

PLENTY OF HANDLERS: An assistant coach for an undefeated Division I college basketball team pointed out one of Curie’s major strengths.

“They’ve basically got two point guards on the floor at all times with [Asante] Smiter and [Greg] Travis,” the coach said. “That’s a smart move by [Curie coach Mike Oliver].”

RICHMOND ON ABRAMS: Richmond, the player whose commitment helped turn around Illinois’ recruiting fortunes, commented on the newest Illini recruit, Mount Carmel guard Tracy Abrams:

“He is one of my best friends,” Richmond said. “We really get along well. When he gave the word that he was coming to Illinois I was really excited for him.”

Richmond was asked if he was planning on speaking to Blackshear about Illinois.

“I don’t know much about him,” Richmond said. “It’s not my job to recruit players, but at the same time it would be nice to get a special group of guys together.”