How Eric Gordon caused strife between the University of Illinois and Indiana University after college decision

Houston Rockets veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon has had a very successful 15-year NBA career since being drafted seventh in 2008 by the LA Clippers. Gordon has earned his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier 3-point marksmen, with career averages of 16.3 points per game on 37.0% from three.

Prior to his NBA career, Gordon also had a very brief yet successful college career at Indiana University during the 2007-2008 season. However, Gordon was the target of animosity during college after a controversial decision he made during his recruitment process.

Eric Gordon originally committed to the University of Illinois before switching up and going to Illinois’ rival, Indiana. This led to the build-up of a lot of tension between Illinois fans and Gordon ahead of their matchup on Feb. 7, 2008.

Gordon and Indiana were 19-3 at the time, while Illinois was just 10-14. Many fans blamed Gordon’s switch-up for their teams’ struggles. So Gordon heard boos and chants of "Liar! Liar! Liar!" all game long. One student said at the time:

"He's the reason we're in this situation. He's the reason we've got a losing record."

Eric Gordon struggled in the game shooting just 3-for-13 (23.1%). Still, he made a difficult clutch 3-pointer to send the game into overtime. Indiana went on to win the game 83-79 in double overtime and Gordon and his teammates needed to be protected by security as they celebrated. Despite his shooting struggles, Gordon still finished with a team-high 19 points.

Former Illinois coach on tough loss to Eric Gordon and Indiana

Former Illinois Fighting Illini coach Bruce Weber

Following the game, then-Illinois coach Bruce Weber spoke about Illinois' tough loss to Indiana:

"Kind of emblematic of our season."

Weber took a lot of criticism for not being able to retain Gordon as a recruit. However, he was still complimentary of Gordon postgame.

"Our kids really respect E.J. and what a good player he is. He's a special player, as good a freshman as I've seen in 20-some years of coaching."

Then-Indiana coach Kelvin Sampson also spoke about the pressure Gordon was facing, particularly after he didn’t make a single field goal in the first half:

"He probably was pressing a little bit. But I think in the second half he played like a man."

Eric Gordon went on to finish his college career with an average of 20.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He played a total of 32 games for Indiana, but none were as hostile as his game in Illinois.

Also read: NCAA Analyst hails Indiana Hoosiers as they defeat UNC: "Indiana didn't give a s**t that they played in the national championship game last year"