Dan
Game Thread: Illinois vs Fairleigh Dickinson
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The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
Unfortunately, it's a brand new season. Every single guy is going to need to step up. If anyone was concerned about their playing time, well, some just opened up. Prove you deserve it.
The one tiny solace in this absolute mess is we have a game to figure it out before conference play resumes. Come out focused. Work through the inevitable issues. Beat FDU and start stacking wins.
I’m ready to cheer like heII for our guys tonight and forever. I-L-L
The one tiny solace in this absolute mess is we have a game to figure it out before conference play resumes. Come out focused. Work through the inevitable issues. Beat FDU and start stacking wins.
I’m ready to cheer like heII for our guys tonight and forever. I-L-L
It will be really interesting to see who wants to put this team on his back tonight and lead them on the floor during a difficult time.
Will one guy assert himself and begin to put a new stamp on this team? Or will it be more of a group effort with each guy playing within his game and not trying to do too much?
And what an interesting pre-game speech it must be in the locker room. Coach U certainly didn’t want this incident to happen... but this is when coaches also can shine and show leadership in ways they may not have had to in the past.
Whatever happens, this is just the first step. It will take a couple games to find a new equilibrium.
Will one guy assert himself and begin to put a new stamp on this team? Or will it be more of a group effort with each guy playing within his game and not trying to do too much?
And what an interesting pre-game speech it must be in the locker room. Coach U certainly didn’t want this incident to happen... but this is when coaches also can shine and show leadership in ways they may not have had to in the past.
Whatever happens, this is just the first step. It will take a couple games to find a new equilibrium.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
I must say I don’t quite understand people acting like our season starts over. We will still have a 9-2 record and a win over FAU on the resume. This is of course a massive change, and we’ll see how the team responds … but we don’t just lose the results thus far.
Go Illini. I would assume Zluke will start with Harmon being 6th man. I am looking forward to see what Dain will do tonight.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
I think it will really depend on how the team plays from here. If they still continue playing as they were, the previous games still have merit. If they play .500 the rest of the way, that will be games played with TSJ. Player availability will affect seedings.
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
“(It affects seeding) a great deal,” Reynolds said. “When you think about it? You have Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, UCLA. All have player availability issues. And, also, Coach Self being out? It’s something that the committee talked about throughout the course of the year. It certainly played a factor in seeding and selection.”
Chris Reynolds explains how injuries, health impacted NCAA Tournament seeding
Reynolds said health and injuries to key players and coaches on top teams was definitely taken into consideration by the selection committee.
Marcus has been an alpha before, Quincy has played in just about every arena in America, and Hawkins is a 4 year contributor. I gotta believe these boys are ready to step up. No excuses.
The environment tonight will be more like a funeral and less like a top 15 basketball game at home. Sad
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
What Quincy has been doing is no fluke. There's a reason BU wanted him, it's because he knew the best way to utilize him. We are going to miss TSJ, but we are nowhere near a "bad" or even a "bubble" team. We still have the horses, let's ride.
Goillinikobd
- Southeastern US
Really really really time for CoHawk to step up to the plate.
I am on obligated to attribute the “really” quote to Pru or join the bevy of plagiarists running amok
I’ll be there & I won’t be mourning. The guys in uniform need us now more than ever. We think we are upset… This is their brother, best player, and leader.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
If I were able to be at this game tonight, I would scream my lungs out even louder than normal. I would want to show my support for this team of players and our coach. Illini Nation has to be behind ALL of these guys as visibly and vocally as it can be because they’ve all earned it. Go Illini!
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
Pretty sure CoHawk has been performing at a very high level.
I would think Amani, DGL and/or Dain need to bring their games up a bit.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
To be clear, that isn’t what I meant. I mean more that if we look like a top 25 (but not top 10) team from here on out, I don’t think the FAU win and 9-2 record are just erased from our resume.“(It affects seeding) a great deal,” Reynolds said. “When you think about it? You have Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, UCLA. All have player availability issues. And, also, Coach Self being out? It’s something that the committee talked about throughout the course of the year. It certainly played a factor in seeding and selection.”
Chris Reynolds explains how injuries, health impacted NCAA Tournament seeding
Reynolds said health and injuries to key players and coaches on top teams was definitely taken into consideration by the selection committee.www.on3.com
What we do without TSJ is going to matter a whole heck of a lot. There's precedent.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Agreed. I hope the team gets a long, drawn out standing ovation. While TSJ was our star, we have a great group of players … we’d prove the worst fan base in the nation if we bailed on them right now.
The Galloping Ghost
- Washington, DC
Genuinely excited to hear Mike call this game. Love his analysis on Illini Inquirer.
DICKnaggie
- Champaign
How do Amani and DGL bring their games up when they haven't been played? That is a strange take given they are thrown in with CH who has recently been great, but always gotten a ton of tic.
Need a rallying cry from the boys tonight. Play hard. Win big. Go Illini
foby
- Bonnaroo Land
Strange take or strange interpretation. Either way these are strange times.
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