Pregame: Illinois vs VCU (Miami, FL), Saturday, December 3rd, 2:00pm CT, CBSSN

Status
Not open for further replies.
#76      
Illini1221
Fighter of the Nightman said:
Holy moly, just read one of their boards. I'm fully willing to admit we have some arrogant fans (who doesn't?) who are ignorant of their program and just think it was all Shaka, but they certainly return the favor! They're talking about us like we're Oregon State or something. We're not very good this year and are definitely in some dark years ... but for God's sake, we're the winningest team in Big Ten history (including IU), have been to 30 NCAA Tournaments, 5 Final Fours, won 17 Big Ten titles and until about three years ago, we were one of the ten winningest programs in the country since 2000; we're still one of the 15 winningest programs all-time.

None of this is to mention we're the flagship school for the fifth biggest state in the Union, are prevalent in both the Chicago and St. Louis media markets, are a top ten public university in the country, have a freshly renovated arena, have a large and passionate fan base that has caused us to finish in the top ten for attendance the last three decades until last year...

Sorry to flatter ourselves, but the complete lack of respect over there is astounding. Are they that mad that we had the audacity to try to hire their coach away from his mid-major job and try to convince him the sky's the limit at U of I? Jeez.

EDIT: In regard to this year, I'll be surprised if we win, but I'm sure hoping for it! Unfortunately, we've seen Groce improve greatly from one game to the next only to revert. As I said, this could get us on a bit of a run if we can steal a win, so I-L-L!
Click to expand...

Lol ya, after reading their thread, we need to shut them up. Ive got a lot of respect for their program, but they're fans sure do talk a lot of trash on us. And a friendly reminder, Shake Smart is pooping his pants in Texas this season so far. And if he struggles at Texas, hed struggle at Illinois. We need this game for pride, and for our resume.
 
#77      
FollowTisdale
Illini1221 said:
Would love to see a Leron vs Mo Allie Cox matchup Saturday:)
Click to expand...

Leron has impressed me so far with his defensive toughness. Using his feet better, not backing down from a challenge. Has, for the most part, stayed out of foul trouble. Had 4 against NC State due to 2 ticky tack end of game fouls. Mo Allie is a big boy, built like a football player for sure. He isn't as much of a force inside for VCU as I would have thought, but should be a good challenge for Leron and the bigs.

Needless to say, I'm excited for a potentially huge match up of Mo Alie-Cox.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
#78      
ItsFootballTime
mattcoldagelli said:
....AND have the best conference season of the Groce Era. I know you're kind of implying that, but it's a big matzoh ball to have hanging out there.
Click to expand...

Big ten is down this year. I don't know how much down but so far it looks like " way "

The big ten / acc challenge is just one symptom of that. But there was a reason every body picked acc to win it.

Big ten has been pretty darn good before this yr

Beat Vcu and we are on the road.
 
#79      
GoIllini40
Fighter of the Nightman said:
Holy moly, just read one of their boards. I'm fully willing to admit we have some arrogant fans (who doesn't?) who are ignorant of their program and just think it was all Shaka, but they certainly return the favor! They're talking about us like we're Oregon State or something. We're not very good this year and are definitely in some dark years ... but for God's sake, we're the winningest team in Big Ten history (including IU), have been to 30 NCAA Tournaments, 5 Final Fours, won 17 Big Ten titles and until about three years ago, we were one of the ten winningest programs in the country since 2000; we're still one of the 15 winningest programs all-time.

None of this is to mention we're the flagship school for the fifth biggest state in the Union, are prevalent in both the Chicago and St. Louis media markets, are a top ten public university in the country, have a freshly renovated arena, have a large and passionate fan base that has caused us to finish in the top ten for attendance the last three decades until last year...

Sorry to flatter ourselves, but the complete lack of respect over there is astounding. Are they that mad that we had the audacity to try to hire their coach away from his mid-major job and try to convince him the sky's the limit at U of I? Jeez.

EDIT: In regard to this year, I'll be surprised if we win, but I'm sure hoping for it! Unfortunately, we've seen Groce improve greatly from one game to the next only to revert. As I said, this could get us on a bit of a run if we can steal a win, so I-L-L!
Click to expand...
I mean Oregon State has been to a tourney the last 3 years
 
#81      
Cook
Going to be tough in Miami

Grew up in IL, U of I undergrad. Been living in RVA for over 15 yrs. and did grad school at VCU.
Love basketball and watch both teams as much as possible. Would be great if both could win in Miami.
That being said, VCU is the superior team right now. I think Will Wade is a rising star and has continued what Shaka, Capel, and Grant started.
Lastly, under Wade VCU does not press in the havoc style that Shake used at all.

Both the WVU and FSU games were truly putrid. At this point I'm in the "Groce needs to prove something and justify his job- this year!" camp. Hopefully things go well in Miami. We'll see...
 
Last edited:
#82      
jrichisamazing
I remember Second and Chalmers brought this up when this game was first announced, but what is the o/u on attendance? 3,000?
 
#83      
skamin7
I bought my tickets a few weeks ago and they are only selling the lower bowl to the game. The tickets are good for both games so they are selling pretty well since Miami will be in the second game. The tickets for the second weekend are selling much worse. I just hope we have more fans than they do. the stadium will fill up more the closer it gets to the start of the Miami game would be my guess. During the ACC/Big Ten challenge in Miami a few years back, the Illini attendance wasn't too bad on the Miami campus. I would say we made up at least 1/3 of the stadium that night so I would assume the majority of who is there Saturday will be illini fans.
 
#84      
Deleted member 29907
VA Illini Chief said:
I am a coordinator at a program here at VCU. Wish the Illini were playing here so I could go to the game (although VCU is tough at home). My office actually overlooks the VCU basketball practices so I get to watch them most days. Will Wade was going off on them this week ...quite the language being thrown out. lol Anyway, I think Illinois has a great shot and they can score on this group - just need to get decent looks and play some defense. VCU definitely isn't pressing and playing havoc D yet this season, but they may get there. I will keep you posted of anything else I notice in practices
Click to expand...

Thanks for the update - i haven't been down to see them play yet this year - but from what I've seen on TV - the press is not there. There were a few articles in the Dispatch this year too relating a bit of discord or Wade not pleased with the team - a bit of a public vote of no confidence earlier - not sure how that plays out with the team.
 
#85      
Deleted member 29907
Fighter of the Nightman said:
Holy moly, just read one of their boards. I'm fully willing to admit we have some arrogant fans (who doesn't?) who are ignorant of their program and just think it was all Shaka, but they certainly return the favor! They're talking about us like we're Oregon State or something. We're not very good this year and are definitely in some dark years ... but for God's sake, we're the winningest team in Big Ten history (including IU), have been to 30 NCAA Tournaments, 5 Final Fours, won 17 Big Ten titles and until about three years ago, we were one of the ten winningest programs in the country since 2000; we're still one of the 15 winningest programs all-time.

None of this is to mention we're the flagship school for the fifth biggest state in the Union, are prevalent in both the Chicago and St. Louis media markets, are a top ten public university in the country, have a freshly renovated arena, have a large and passionate fan base that has caused us to finish in the top ten for attendance the last three decades until last year...

Sorry to flatter ourselves, but the complete lack of respect over there is astounding. Are they that mad that we had the audacity to try to hire their coach away from his mid-major job and try to convince him the sky's the limit at U of I? Jeez.

EDIT: In regard to this year, I'll be surprised if we win, but I'm sure hoping for it! Unfortunately, we've seen Groce improve greatly from one game to the next only to revert. As I said, this could get us on a bit of a run if we can steal a win, so I-L-L!
Click to expand...

My son was listening to the radio yesterday on his drive home and said we were getting pounded... I didn't hear any of it - but I would love to shut this group up. Shaka had a huge impact on this program (hype-wise) and now that he's gone - I don't see the allure. The gym is meh, the location is downtown Richmond (meh).

We need this win to help shut this fan base up. ... getting tired of them acting like they're a power bb school.

EDIT: It would not surprise me to get a W here if we play the right lineup and rotation.
 
#86      
Lord Snow
VAIllini35 said:
My son was listening to the radio yesterday on his drive home and said we were getting pounded... I didn't hear any of it - but I would love to shut this group up. Shaka had a huge impact on this program (hype-wise) and now that he's gone - I don't see the allure. The gym is meh, the location is downtown Richmond (meh).

We need this win to help shut this fan base up. ... getting tired of them acting like they're a power bb school.

EDIT: It would not surprise me to get a W here if we play the right lineup and rotation.
Click to expand...

If we play the lineup we used in the second half of last game. I have no doubt we get a W.
 
#87      
frozenrope9190
To be honest, I don't really care what another fan base is saying about our team on their fan base site. It's their site, they can say whatever they want. And if they're confident in their chances, that's good for them.
 
#88      
FiveStar
If they're not pressing, I feel more confident. If they press and it's a zone look as someone posted earlier, that's actually preferred IMO. Rotations are more predictable and those are easier to break through spacing. The crazy man run and jumps like havoc and West Virginia are the worst to face and prepare for. Really happy they're not going that route this year.
 
#89      
EfremWinters84
Thinking this is perhaps our best 9-man rotation right now:

1. Lucas -- Abrams
2. Abrams -- JCL
3. Hill -- DJW
4. Black -- Finke
5. Morgan -- Thorne

Minutes dwindling: AJ, Tate, and Nichols (TBD)
 
#90      
ntsillinifan
I was just looking at a thread about this matchup on one of VCU's fan forums, vcuramnation.com. Some pretty arrogant fans over there. Sounds like a lot of them pretty much think this one's in the bag for the Rams.
 
#91      
DragonIlliniFan
EfremWinters84 said:
Thinking this is perhaps our best 9-man rotation right now:

1. Lucas -- Abrams
2. Abrams -- JCL
3. Hill -- DJW
4. Black -- Finke
5. Morgan -- Thorne

Minutes dwindling: AJ, Tate, and Nichols (TBD)
Click to expand...

I still believe that Thorne will be a totally different player come February and will end up snagging the starting center job with success. Just gotta shed another 10-15 lbs. which is very doable during the season despite his well documented struggles with weight. Leron is turning out to be a beast. Him and a healthy Thorne makes for an above-average frontcourt imo..... Lucas-Tracy-Hill then round it out for our best starting 5.

Oh, I also think Lucas will have multiple games of 10+ points and 5+ assists. Can't wait to see him get the keys. He just looks.....hungry.
 
#93      
FeelYourPaign
ntsillinifan said:
I was just looking at a thread about this matchup on one of VCU's fan forums, vcuramnation.com. Some pretty arrogant fans over there. Sounds like a lot of them pretty much think this one's in the bag for the Rams.
Click to expand...

To be fair, they will be favored by the oddsmakers, and the sabremetrics guys. But that doesn't mean that we don't have a fighting chance; we do.
 
#94      
Deleted member 29907
FiveStar said:
If they're not pressing, I feel more confident. If they press and it's a zone look as someone posted earlier, that's actually preferred IMO. Rotations are more predictable and those are easier to break through spacing. The crazy man run and jumps like havoc and West Virginia are the worst to face and prepare for. Really happy they're not going that route this year.
Click to expand...

TJL was actually able to handle the pressure against WV the other night (for the most part). He wasn't in alot, but when he got in - he was passing across court to the 2nd option because WV's trap was anticipating the next closest player and he saw that. This team in general lacks good vision and passing skills which is the main reason traps will hurt us. TJL (small sample size I know) is a much better passer and seemed to handle it well.
 
#95      
Fighter of the Nightman
zpfled said:
Program history is only cool if we're currently living up to it, or at least coming anywhere close. We're not, so our history is not very relevant at the moment.
Click to expand...

It is somewhat relevant. When Tennessee was down in football, I still thought of them as a team that *should* be good based on all the program has accomplished over the years; I don't afford that same respect to a bad Wake Forest team we are about to play in football.

Anyway, I have had two slow days at work, so I have been checking both our and their boards when I have down time (waiting for a game SUCKS, haha), and they are seriously delusional. At least they're pretty funny about it. If they weren't trashing my team, I would probably kind of like the motley crew they've got on whatever-the-hell message board I googled.

I also see one of my posts here was already mocked! :cool: So, dear VCU fans: we respect what your program has done or whatever, LOL. You will probably beat us this year because you have the better team. You're still a mediocre school that is at best third rung in your state in terms of relevance, you have a crap gym, an ugly campus and if history is any indication (hey, it might not be! :thumb:), you'll be back where you belong - well below Fighting Illini basketball - within a decade. I also LOL at how stupid you all sound every time you say, "y'all." Peace out! :chief:
 
#97      
Dan
Groce/players preview VCU

Groce said VCU press has ability to turn up pressure like WVU. Very aggressive. HALF-court man D more like FSU.

Groce: we're going to have to be strong with the ball and have an offensive toughness about us.

Groce: VCU not long but really athletic and play extremely hard. "They take pride in punking you." Have culture established

Groce: VCU very old, like us. But they've played together a lot, so they're very connected.

Groce: made nonconf schedule difficult. We've learned a lot about ourselves. We knew it'd be challenging. Hope it prepares for B1G

Groce: still learning about rotations. We have more objective analysis (stats) and subjectivity (instincts, feel).

Groce: Still think we're a team that needs to be strength in numbers

https://twitter.com/JWernerScout
Click to expand...

[youtube]PltuSIArjLc[/youtube]
[youtube]QwfJFQvMBgc[/youtube]
[youtube]conkkYIAEhQ[/youtube]
 
#99      
Newman
It'll be a challenge but I like our chances. Besides Lewis, they're not a big threat from the perimeter. We'll have a size advantage and should rebound well against them. Their guards are good rebounders but their bigs are mediocre. Cox is really poor rebounder for his size especially so hopefully he doesn't go off and get a double double against us. Their bigs are prone to foul trouble so I think we'll be shooting a ton of free throws. If we can take care of the ball and get some decent production from our bigs, I think we win. Burgess and Brooks will get some steals but they'll also get a bunch of fouls called on them quickly so I think we can get in the bonus early. We have to take advantage of that.

Looking at their stats right now and it looks like Lewis gets in foul trouble every other road or neutral court game. Hope that happens in this case.
 
Last edited:
#100      
Newman
Also, I just checked VCU's message board to see what all the fuss is about. There's really no filter there and I'm sure they don't mind. IlliniFan1010, you set yourself up for failure trying to demand respect from people that don't need to give you any. It's their message board, let them be.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back