Two Illini Hoops Players Hurt in Crash

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Feb 14, 2007 2:12PM

We all know all too well, this week's winter weather can be a pain in the ass. But it can also be dangerous, as two members of the University of Illinois basketball team learned the hard way Monday night. Freshman center Brian Carlwell and sophomore guard Jamar Smith were injured in a single-car accident on an icy road, when Smith's Lexus crossed the center line and hit a tree.

Smith drove his car to his apartment, where he called for an ambulance. Upon being taken to the hospital, Carlwell was initially listed in critical condition with a severe concussion. Smith was treated for minor injuries and released. Carwell was upgraded to serious condition on Tuesday.

It is clearly too soon to determine when he will be able to rejoin the team. Carlwell is averaging 1.7 points and 1.4 rebounds this season backing up starting center Shaun Pruitt. The Illini are currently 18-9, in spite of these injuries joining a host of injuries that have resulted in all but three players missing games. Hopefully, both Smith and Carlwell can recuperate quickly and get back on the court.

Images via fightillini.com.