Illini players Carlwell, Smith injured in car accident

By Steve Bauer The News-Gazette Web Site - www.news-gazette.com
Tuesday, February 13, 2007 7:52 AM CST

University of Illinois basketball player Brian Carlwell, a passenger in a car driven by teammate Jamar Smith, was listed in critical condition this morning at a local hospital. Illinois sports information director Kent Brown said Carlwell suffered a severe concussion.
Illinois coach Bruce Weber spent the night in the hospital with Carlwell. So did Illinois basketball trainer Al Martindale.

"We just hope and pray Brian is going to be OK," Weber said.
The two basketball players were injured in a single-car crash late Monday, according to University of Illinois police Sgt. Vanessa Horsman.
Smith, 19, who listed an address in the 1100 block of Sterling Court, Savoy, was driving a car north on First Street between 11:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. Monday.
For unknown reasons, Smith's car crossed the center line and struck a tree on the west side of the street at 2021 S. First St.. she said.

"The accident is still under investigation," Horsman said. "We're trying to determine why he crossed the street and struck a tree."
Carlwell, 19, who lives in a campus dorm but whose local address was not reported, according to Horsman, was a passenger in the car.
Both were taken to Carle Foundation Hospital, where Smith was treated and released, according to Carle House Officer Debra Inman. Brown said Smith suffered a concussion.
Smith, a part-time starter from Peoria, is averaging 8.1 points and 1.9 assists this season.

Carlwell, a reserve who has appeared in 26 of the Illini's 27 games, is averaging 1.7 points and 1.4 rebounds. Both were News-Gazette All-Staters after outstanding high school careers at Peoria Richwoods and Proviso East, respectively.
The Illini practiced Monday night. They are off until a Sunday home game against Northwestern. Smith's status will be determined later.