Recent content by Calvin

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    Illini Basketball 2023-2024

    Same. Went and looked at my old posts. Didn't really commit to anything, but I remember what my opinions were. I said this in Oct I didn't expect Coleman to make much improvement and boy was that wrong. Somewhere the light went on for him to be more aggressive, and every aspect of his game is...
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    Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

    It's amazing how quickly they recovered from the prior year. By all accounts, there were a few me-first players. Guys that stayed are ones that have really bought in. There's been some serious all-conference talent here over a sustained period, and no shortage of leadership this year. From my...
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    Illinois vs Iowa State, 9:09pm CT, TBS

    Won't be a game for the nervous -- should be tough and hard fought. Hope they play like champs. Having watched them this season, they're a composed group and I suspect they'll get over the nerves pretty early.
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    Pregame: Illinois vs Iowa State, Thursday, March 28th, 9:09pm CT, TBS

    BTW, that Wiscy v Kentucky game was one of the best take-downs I've ever witnessed. IIRC, that Kentucky team had 7 NBA draftees with 4 lottery. Wiscy, who we all know had a reputation for laying eggs in the tournament beat them anyway. Really thought they would win the NC that year after they...
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    Pregame: Illinois vs Iowa State, Thursday, March 28th, 9:09pm CT, TBS

    My biggest concern is passing against an elite defense. I think some of what we do is a bit dodgy, and won't fly against a team like Iowa St or Houston (although they have differences in how they defend). How the game is called may be a big factor as well. Really curious how they do --should be...
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    Coaching Carousel (Basketball)

    And they still wound up with a vacated championship. It's really odd to look back at all the recruiting violations in light of how the NCAA eventually lost it's fight to keep players from any kind of compensation outside of attendance. Those were violations to be sure (with hookers no less), but...
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    3/24 Games Thread

    Houston playing pretty badly, but leading TAM
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    3/24 Games Thread

    Seems like half the teams in the S16 have cruised (or will cruise) to a pair of double digit wins. Regional semi's should be much higher quality as the better teams start to collide.
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    Pregame: Illinois vs Iowa State, Thursday, March 28th, 9:09pm CT, TBS

    Amen -really special to watch. I know it only takes an off game or an opponent getting hot to end it, so really trying to savor how well they've played between the conference tournament and these two dominant performances. Kenpom 1-15 are still alive today (except Auburn), so only top shelf...
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    Game Thread: Illinois vs Duquesne

    Can't recall ever seeing a game over so early in the second half. The running out the clock this long is epic.
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    Game Thread: Illinois vs Duquesne

    Another odd one from the announcers, 50 is the most points Illinois has scored in a half... Now I'm not a mathematician, but we've scored over 100 for a game, so that doesn't add up.
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    Game Thread: Illinois vs Duquesne

    Probably the only area the team could do better. Some of those rebounds looked like they weren't boxing out at all. That said, this has been a dream game to watch.
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    Game Thread: Illinois vs Duquesne

    They've come to play. Not gonna risk playing down to the competition.
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    3/22 Games Thread

    Hepburn with an awful ankle twist. Surprised he's still in. Wiscy really off tonight.
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    3/22 Games Thread

    Duke looks pretty bad, but their opponent looks worse and over-matched on pure talent.