Foggy Notion
- San Francisco
Pregame: Illinois vs VCU (Miami, FL), Saturday, December 3rd, 2:00pm CT, CBSSN
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Rowdypkunk
- Richmond, VA
Friendly VCU fan here,
First off, I just want to say I come in peace, not here to stir up trouble.
As far as "arrogant fans"... every fan base has them.... Programs at the Top like UNC, Duke, Kansas... etc.... as well Programs at the bottom.... and every program in between at all levels. Every fan base in every sport has their "arrogant fans" and their fans who can get along with even their most hated rivals fans.
No one is truly expecting us to just absolutely crush you.... nor should we expect it.... after we started off down 16-0 at home in one of the toughest environments in College Basketball against a Princeton team at the time who was .500 coming into that game. Now sure, we didn't have one of our best guards for that game.... and Princeton threw out a defense that we hadn't seen them use this year..... but still we should not have started off down 16-0 at home.
Now, of course as fans.... we all hope for a win, some will even say they "expect" a win..... but I think we've all seen in College Basketball anything can happen, anytime, anywhere.
If you look at our Illinois thread on our boards.... you'll see that most of it early on... actually had to do with one of your posters VA Illini Chief who said they work at VCU as a Coordinator..... Their posts regarding VCU seem awfully similar to a person that we like to call "VCU Insider" (who is not a real VCU fan) who goes around spreading rumors about all sorts of stuff.... almost all of which ends up being false.
Take a look for yourself at some of his posts on Twitter
https://twitter.com/VCUInsider
https://twitter.com/VCURamsInsider
And not sure if this is the same guy.... but here's another one
https://twitter.com/MD_VCU_Insider
This one is most notable to you all.... because this person said they were hearing Shaka to Illinois is "a done deal" #illini back in 2012 and had 3 posts total.... Obviously that didn't happen.
Now you take a look at this VA Illini Chief guy.... back in 2012 (don't believe look for yourself.. unless he deletes his post before you get a chance to). He said... "I root for VCU - Go to their Games. I work at VCU too".... and he's talking about how awesome VCU is, how stellar the atmosphere is & such...
And now he's trying to talk bad about VCU since we are playing you guys. So he says that "We have no real appreciation for the Final 4"... that is a HUGE LIE... if anything go through and look at our boards.... Its more like we are tired of hanging our hats on the Final 4 that happened 5 (going on 6) years ago now.... and most of them will tell you... What have we done in the Tourney since? We haven't made it past the first weekend since the Final 4. So if anything, It's more of the fact that we'd like to get past the First weekend more on a regular basis instead of always having to bring up the past.
Obviously, Getting to a Final 4 is ridiculously hard... only 68 teams make the tournament out of about 350 D-I teams... only 4 teams make the Final 4... and only 1 wins the National Title every year.
And while sure if VCU was still a "mid major" in a conference like CAA... we could continue to hang our hats on the Final 4 and be happy just making the tournament seemingly every year for the rest of our lives with no further expectations.... Now sure, we are not a P5 team like yourselves.... but we aren't in the CAA anymore, we aren't a "mid major" anymore.....
We are in the Atlantic 10 conference which is no easy task in itself. We took that next step in playing tougher competition in hopes it would get us better prepared for making deep runs in the tourney without having to rely on chalkboard material from guys like Dick Vitale, Jay Bilas and others saying "We did't belong in the tourney", "We had no chance against G'Town, Purdue, FSU & Kansas"... heck most of those guys didn't think we would get past USC.... Shaka used all that as fuel to get the team going... and then the Morris Twins before the Kansas game in 2011... walked up to 2 of our seniors and said "You Guys had a nice run, but that ends here".... ironically after we got past Kansas.... then all the "experts" started thinking we were for real & thought we would beat butler.... and wasn't giving us any more "chalk board" material so to speak.... and coincidentally we lost... But take nothing away from Butler that year... they had a great team themselves.
We do appreciate the Final 4.... we just want to continue to add to our success. We want to make the Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final 4 more often... and as does every team... We want that ultimate goal of the National Title.
I mean let me ask you (and this is mainly for the long time fans who have seen both the Highest of Success & the Lowest of lows at Illinois)... You guys have been to the NCAA Tourney 30 times, 1 National Champ. game appearance, 4 additional Final Four's (5 total), 4 additional Elite 8's (9 total), and 4 additional Sweet 16's (13 total).... Are you long time fans ok with "Just making the tourney" when you guys make it... or do you want more? Sure if y'all have a drought of years where you miss the Tourney.... then initially you just want to make it back to the tourney.... After that though... you want to start making runs in the tourney.... am I wrong?
That's how we feel at VCU... initially in 2004, 2007, 2009 we were happy just making the Tourney (got a big win over Duke in 07 which was a huge bonus) but then 2011 happened.... and we made a seemingly improbable run in the Tournament..... Every year since then VCU has been in the championship game of it's conference Tourney (1 CAA, 4 A10) and won 2 conference championships (1 CAA, 1 A10)... and we've made the NCAA Tourney every year... We are tired of getting knocked out in the First weekend of the NCAA Tourney every year..... We want to achieve similar success that you guys have achieved and ultimately reach the level that schools like Duke, Kansas, UNC & others have reached and win a National Title.
Anyways, again, not trying to stir up trouble. Just offering my view on things. I have no reason to disrespect you guys or hate you guys (at least other than the 40 mins tomorrow where we are facing off... but that's it).
Good luck tomorrow, even tho I'm obviously pulling for VCU. Should be a good game
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Rowdypkunk
- Richmond, VA
You are correct that Oregon State lost to us last year before we lost to Oklahoma in the Round of 32.
2015 they missed the postseason
2014 they lost to Radford in the CBI. They've made the CBI 4 times starting in 2009 when they were the CBI champs
Last time they made the NIT was 2005.
Deleted member 29907
D
Guest
Right now, like you said, we'd be overjoyed (given the start to the season), to just make the tourney. I think the whole "wanting more" feeling should be how every team that makes the tourney a good clip (maybe something like every other year at least??) feels. I think a lot of posters on here believe we should be a team that at least has a decent shot of making the tourney every year, especially given our history and geographical location in terms of recruiting.
The problem is, while this may have been true even 6 or 7 years ago, we had a very slow spiral downward when Bruce Weber was coaching. he seemed to always get a good team together every three or so years, enough to make it seem like the next year wouldn't be so bad, but then fall into mediocrity. Eventually, it got to the point where fans and the higher ups got sick of this water treading and canned him. Being completely honest he wasn't a bad coach or bad recruiter, his teams just seemed to lack a will to make a push in Feburary and March.
Therefore we hire Groce. Which, so far, has been even worse, though many will point towards injuries and suspensions as the reason his teams have failed. Great guy, above average recruiter, but defenitely lacking in game planning and many other coaching attributes.
So to answer your question, most of us would probably take an appearance in the tourney and have him stick around another year or two. I doubt anyone here believes we could be a, lets say sweet 16 team, within a year or two, but its hard to not see the kind of talent we could have (and hopefully do have coming in.) From a vacuum, looking at the guys we've got, and the age this team has, I think it probably looks like we are a shoo-in tournament team and therefore should have higher aspirations than just a round of 64 appearance. But we will be 4 years removed from our last tournament bid (with Groce btw), so just getting one at this point is a major step back to want more than just that.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Damn it, LOL. Leave it to our own fans to go make as*es out of all of us and make me actually regret posting what I did. Pretty easy to get bitter when you have a very accomplished basketball program that gets overshadowed and disrespected, but we really have no one to blame but ourselves for our current spot. Every advantage in the world here, and we suck and have for a while.
I found their fans annoying and delusional (though, I'll admit, hilarious), but I posted that HERE. It's just weird and lame to go post on their board demanding respect. Let's get this game over with and hopefully pick up a big win.
I found their fans annoying and delusional (though, I'll admit, hilarious), but I posted that HERE. It's just weird and lame to go post on their board demanding respect. Let's get this game over with and hopefully pick up a big win.
Gents,
I didn't read every post in this thread. From watching VCU vs Princeton I don't see WVU. They didn't seem to have the athletes that both FSU and WVU have or the length. I didn't see the deep bench. Once again this was one game and I didn't see the second half where they outplayed Princeton to win. But they scraped by St John's and SJU is not looking good this year. SJU reminds me of DePaul and that isn't a compliment. I'm not going to make predictions because the VCU starting PG was not playiing and I'm not sure what Illini team shows up. I will say this is a winnable game from what I saw last week. If Illinois comes out flat and VCU comes out like their heads were held underwater than look out we might be starring at a loss. This could be a game where we either take advantage of our depth at center (Thorne, Maverick) or decide to play small. My guess is we are going to keep a rotation of both Thorne and Mav. But we need a lot of TJL is this game, we need to cut down on the sloppy turnovers.
I didn't read every post in this thread. From watching VCU vs Princeton I don't see WVU. They didn't seem to have the athletes that both FSU and WVU have or the length. I didn't see the deep bench. Once again this was one game and I didn't see the second half where they outplayed Princeton to win. But they scraped by St John's and SJU is not looking good this year. SJU reminds me of DePaul and that isn't a compliment. I'm not going to make predictions because the VCU starting PG was not playiing and I'm not sure what Illini team shows up. I will say this is a winnable game from what I saw last week. If Illinois comes out flat and VCU comes out like their heads were held underwater than look out we might be starring at a loss. This could be a game where we either take advantage of our depth at center (Thorne, Maverick) or decide to play small. My guess is we are going to keep a rotation of both Thorne and Mav. But we need a lot of TJL is this game, we need to cut down on the sloppy turnovers.
Me thinks you're on to something here Efrem.....
Let's hope our coaching staff has the guys ready to play, plays the best players, and wins a winnable game tomorrow:thumb:
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
Ken Pom says 6 points, Sagarin says 7.5 (I think).
Seems that 6.5 is "about right"
Until we win
Any time a fan from a rival fan base comes to this board I ask myself, "what's the point?" I don't care what they have to say, and I would expect the same treatment on their board.
DON'T POST ON OTHER FANS BOARDS. It never ends the way you think it's going to.
Except Lefty, he can stay, although his circumstance is different, he doesn't come to talk about games between our teams
DON'T POST ON OTHER FANS BOARDS. It never ends the way you think it's going to.
Except Lefty, he can stay, although his circumstance is different, he doesn't come to talk about games between our teams
frozenrope9190
- Aurora, IL
+1
I don't mind seeing other teams' posters come to this board if they have good input and don't turn the conversation into a peeing match. And I would expect the same in reverse. I just don't understand why people here care what is said on an opposing teams' forum. Everyone is not always going to like us. If you don't like what they say, don't read it.
We are all fans of the college game, so I don't mind posters from other schools. Like others mentioned, if it is a logical discussion about both current teams and not what happened 10-20 years ago.
Illini1221
Peru,IL
I keep checking on here for game insight but instead I see stuff about VCU's board. Anyway, I think tomorrow should be a good game. I've watched some VCU highlights and looks like they've got some high flyers and overall good athletes. I'm looking for Malcolm to score 25+ and for JCL to hit some big 3's down the stretch. I think if Malcolm tries to play hero ball down the stretch then we will be in trouble. With that being said, if Leron is hitting his mid range and Tejon is distributing well, I think Malcolm won't have much trouble finding his shot, especially if they are in foul trouble, which will cause them to be a little less touchy. Go Illini! This is a huge game!
Thats not really a high scoring affair these days. I expect we will be in the high 80's maybe 90 if its a high scoring game.
The Over/Under 140 anything north of that would be considered a high scoring affair- Game wise
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The Panthers played without one of their top players in Jamel Artis. Speaking of the Terps, has anyone noticed that Turgeon is starting his youth. I figured Wiley and Nickens would be starters. Some other guys that have came off the bench this year are players like Tyus Battle, Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins, Craig Victor, Noah Dickerson, Dillon Brooks, Mariel Shayok, and I'm sure there are a lot more. I was looking for Victor as a grad transfer because of how bad LSU has been on top of him not starting, but he's starting again. Craig sparked the Tigers to a win over a good Houston Couagars club. Dickerson was also someone I wanted to keep tabs on just not as an immediately eligible grad transfer, but Romar smartened up by making him a starter. Jenkins has been starting lately too. Hart still isn't for some reason? Did anybody notice Cook not in Iowa's lineup for their game vs. the Hokies? They had another pf that I hadn't seen who isn't the athlete Cook is, but every bit the competitor. Another name to keep an eye on as a potential high level grad transfer is Trayveon Reed even though there is baggage. He could be a model citizen for a couple years , and warrant our attention then. There's a lot more that I want to talk about, but I haven't had a lot of time.
I fully expect the 140 to be broken, and that's why it won't happen.
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Cook broke a finger and is out for a few weeks.
Rowdypkunk
- Richmond, VA
Quite understandable... and that's how we were in 2004, 07 & 09.... We were a consistent NCAA team in the early 80's.... then we had 1 tourney appearance (1996) between 1985 & 2004. So in 2004, & 2007 we were happy just to make the Tourney... obviously beating Duke made most of us ecstatic.... but then the Final 4 happened... and of course we were all ecstatic cause it was our first Sweet 16 / Elite 8 / Final 4 ever....
Now if you were in our current situation... Made 6 straight NCAA Tourneys (7 of the last 8 & 8 of the last 10).... including 1 Final 4... if you guys were in this situation right now.... Would you guys be happy just making the tourney every year? Or would you be like most of us (myself included) who are appreciative of our lone Final 4.... but we want to make it past the First weekend more? just making the tourney doesn't have that same feel that it did back in the mid 2000's for us.
My guess is, you guys would have the same feeling that I have & many others do & would want more... you'd wanna at least make the Sweet 16 or Elite 8 every so often.... it's not discrediting or being unappreciative of what you've already accomplished.... it just gives you desire to continue to excel & succeed more.
Rowdypkunk
- Richmond, VA
Personally I don't see a problem with fans posting on each other's boards as long as they are respectful. We have posters come on our boards all the time from opponents.... whether it's our rivals like Richmond or Odu....A Fellow A10 opponent or even non conference opponents.
I actually think sometimes it can make things more fun at times being able to talk to fans of other teams. Plus if they're coming to the STU for a game... sometimes those fans like to know where the best bars or restaurants close to the arena are. A couple of fellow Rowdy Rams and I actually met a couple of fans from Rhode Island a few years who came down to Richmond for a game. And we actually had fun hanging out & talking before going to the game at the bar.
But as long as they're respectful & don't try to turn things into a fight or what not... then I don't see a problem with talking to other fan bases.
Which is why I try to be very respectful when I'm ever on another teams message boards... especially if it's a team that I don't have any hatred towards.... like you guys... I have absolutely no reason to hate you all.
Yes, we would want more. Every team should desire to be more than just one of the best 68 teams. And maybe contrary to what others on this board think, we don't deserve respect just because of what our history says. I guess I haven't read any of your guys threads but personally I believe peanut gallery can have faith in their team. You guys are good, you deserve to flaunt it. Now, if you lose, don't expect civility, its a two way street
. Respect is given to those who deserve it, we don't, VCU does.Personally, VCU is probably my favorite "mid-major" (hard to call you guys that now though haha) always enjoyed watching you play, happy I get to see you guys play us tomorrow!
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