I was reviewing some of the stories that were prominent in 2007 in Illinois football and basketball and was struck by the extreme highs and lows the two programs experienced.

It’s hard to imagine that events in 2008 will span such a range of emotions.

The year started with the near-tragic accident involving Jamar Smith and Brian Carlwell. It ended with Illinois preparing to play in the Rose Bowl.

Both were shocking stories in their own right.

In between, the two programs experienced numerous noteworthy moments. So I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best and 10 worst moments/developments in Illinois football and basketball for 2007.

I’m leaving out the demise of Chief Illiniwek because depending on your perspective, his departure could be considered for either list.

Feel free to reorganize or suggest other items.

The Best

1. Beating Ohio State: This is the win that placed the Illini in the top 25 and the national spotlight for the remainder of the season. It was the kind of win that lures recruits. And ultimately, it positioned Illinois for a chance at the Rose Bowl.
2. Rose Bowl berth: This was arguably bigger than the Ohio State win, but it came with the realization that Illinois backed into the game. Regardless, the publicity and exposure received during December - good and bad - was a boon for the program.
3. Another NCAA Tournament: No one knew for certain on Selection Sunday if it would happen, but the Illini squeezed into the tournament for the eighth consecutive year. And fans took great pride in knowing that a win over Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament was the clincher.
4. The recruiting class: Recruiting analysts buzzed throughout January about the talent being lured to Champaign by coach Ron Zook. How could such a downtrodden program recruit such talent? Led by Arrelious Benn and Martez Wilson, Zook had a top-20 class.
5. Legion commits: It didn’t happen through customary methods, but coach Bruce Weber finally landed a top-50 recruit. When Alex Legion decided to leave Kentucky, Weber reeled him in. He is enrolled, practicing and provides some hope for the 2008-09 season.
6. Stadium renovation: The first phase of the Memorial Stadium facelift was revealed as students found a new home in the rowdy north end zone. Next season the renovation will be complete with a new look and new amenities to tempt prospective players.
7. Leman and Mendenhall: These two players became ambassadors for the program. Leman earned numerous All-America honors and stories of his faith and diet were printed coast to coast. Mendenhall’s ascent to NFL first-rounder should keep talented running backs interested in Illinois.
8. Weber’s triple play: The grumbling about recruiting was on high when three highly regarded high school juniors committed to Bruce Weber in a span of days. Guards Joseph Bertrand, D. J. Richardson and Brandon Paul are the basis for a top ‘09 recruiting haul.
9. Zook’s extension: The Illinois administration acted quickly to secure Zook for the future after two wins over ranked teams. He was given an extension through 2013 and a raise that will pay up to $1.505 million per year. Zook then made the decision look good.
10. The Jordan influence: When Jeff Jordan chose to walk on at Illinois, he brought along a significant new supporter. Shots of Michael Jordan at Illini games will boost credibility. After all, the greatest player on Earth entrusted his son to Bruce Weber.

The Worst

1. The accident: Hopefully this will be the worst thing to happen to Illinois sports for a long time. Make that ever. Jamar Smith’s poor decision placed a teammate’s life in danger, cast a shadow over the program and led to his suspension for the 2007-08 season.
2. Players arrested: Derrick McPhearson and Jody Ellis were arrested on burglary charges and immediately tossed off of the football team. It was a bad moment that was amplified by the events surrounding the basketball program.
3. NCAA meltdown: Illinois led by 10 points with 4:28 left in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Illini then suffered a mind-numbing meltdown and gave away the game along with a chance to play Southern Illinois in the second round.
4. New York Times story: A lengthy article questioning Ron Zook’s recruiting tactics was splashed on the front page on signing day. The story included empty allegations with little to no substance, but it cast a pall over the program on signing day and has been referenced for the last year.
5. Lack of recruits: Illinois was unable to lure top in-state players such as Michael Dunnigan, Iman Shumpert and Matthew Humphrey. Scott Suggs of Washington, Mo., also got away, leaving the Illini thin on the type of talent they need next season.
6. Guenther’s outburst: The loss to Virginia Tech became a darker moment when an online columnist wrote about the antics of athletic director Ron Guenther on press row. He reportedly screamed and criticized. And eventually he apologized.
7. Loss to Tennessee State: The Illini have hit hard times in basketball but no loss was more troublesome than the final home game of 2007. The loss to Tennessee State is the program’s worst at Assembly Hall this decade. The Tigers are 3-9 and No. 232 in the RPI.
8. Randle’s woes: Brian Randle can’t stay healthy. As a junior he played through an abdominal/groin injury that required a second surgery in the offseason. He pulled a hamstring in a summer shootaround and missed the team’s tour of Canada. Then he was injured in the Maui Invitational and suffered a concussion in the final game of ‘07.
9. Iowa letdown: After beating two ranked opponents, the Illini went flat in Iowa City, losing a game and their national ranking. The game included some controversial decisions by coach Ron Zook and a critical penalty that wiped out a possible game-winning 82-yard touchdown pass.
10. Benn/James injuries: The Illinois receiving corps was dealt a blow before the season when Chris James was knocked out for the season with a knee injury. Arrelious Benn’s shoulder plagued him all season, maybe more than we know. James would have contributed; Benn was hampered.