Illinois 75, Washington 66 Postgame

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#152      
fatboyslim
There's no one left on their schedule to ambush. They don't play a ranked team the rest of the season unless they do it in the BTT
 
#157      
Serious Late
Went to the game with the family, fun game and great win!

That said, something is broken with the fanbase in the 200 level. Had seats at center court in the second row of the upper deck, behind the main cameras on the opposite side of the Krush on the floor. It took me a few minutes to realize how quiet it was up there when we were on defense, to the point it would lull me into not making noise. I had to ACTIVELY remember to get loud when they were on D, and quite honestly it was uncomfortable at times. Being the only person making noise within 2 sections around you is a bit of a weird feeling. I battled though, my family did their part.

There were 3 young guys sitting in front of me, and I am fairly certain they were actually annoyed with the noise we made. Keep in mind, my family and I were not screaming, not saying anything inappropriate, just your general "ohhhhhhhhhhhh", "De-Fense", clapping, etc. They politely clapped a few times and that was about it. The problem was, they were the norm. I felt like the outcast. I had to keep myself motivated to keep cheering when we were on defense.

A few other sets of fans were decent, one family would plan a De-Fense chant here and there, and when all of us cheered together it would get loud, then it would spur the other 95% of people around us to make some noise. Almost no one would sustain it for an entire possession, though. They would make noise for the first 5-10 seconds of the shot clock, then quiet down and watch.

It isn't Krush, folks. It isnt a few kids with their arms crossed. I could hear the students clearly, but that was the problem. I could hear them CLEARLY. Because it was so quiet around me. The fans were genuinely just there to watch. The ratio of active participants to mere observers was less than 1 to 10.

Shout out to the few brave souls around me willing to make some noise and cheer. The vast majority of 200 level had no interest in it whatsoever.
 
#159      
chudaman
Fighter of the Nightman said:
I remember watching multiple games like this as a kid in 2005. Other team is playing with spirit, maybe it’s not a night where our offense is going to blitz the other team … but guess what? We’re super talented, we’re calm under pressure and eventually we’ll get separation and beat you.

Good win, now on to the Huskers!
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I remember watching multiple games like this as a "kid" in 1988-89. Same eventuality with Keaton causing a flashback to Kendall Gill of that year and how he made you feel like the Illini would pull out the win in every game he played. Kendall almost went undefeated that year. He really really almost did.
 
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#160      
AirTran
Serious Late said:
Went to the game with the family, fun game and great win!

That said, something is broken with the fanbase in the 200 level. Had seats at center court in the second row of the upper deck, behind the main cameras on the opposite side of the Krush on the floor. It took me a few minutes to realize how quiet it was up there when we were on defense, to the point it would lull me into not making noise. I had to ACTIVELY remember to get loud when they were on D, and quite honestly it was uncomfortable at times. Being the only person making noise within 2 sections around you is a bit of a weird feeling. I battled though, my family did their part.

There were 3 young guys sitting in front of me, and I am fairly certain they were actually annoyed with the noise we made. Keep in mind, my family and I were not screaming, not saying anything inappropriate, just your general "ohhhhhhhhhhhh", "De-Fense", clapping, etc. They politely clapped a few times and that was about it. The problem was, they were the norm. I felt like the outcast. I had to keep myself motivated to keep cheering when we were on defense.

A few other sets of fans were decent, one family would plan a De-Fense chant here and there, and when all of us cheered together it would get loud, then it would spur the other 95% of people around us to make some noise. Almost no one would sustain it for an entire possession, though. They would make noise for the first 5-10 seconds of the shot clock, then quiet down and watch.

It isn't Krush, folks. It isnt a few kids with their arms crossed. I could hear the students clearly, but that was the problem. I could hear them CLEARLY. Because it was so quiet around me. The fans were genuinely just there to watch. The ratio of active participants to mere observers was less than 1 to 10.

Shout out to the few brave souls around me willing to make some noise and cheer. The vast majority of 200 level had no interest in it whatsoever.
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Wow, interesting observation. Have our fans become spoiled or could it be that they don't see the basketball team (players) as part of the of the school by nature of the recruiting process? I am a Northwestern MBA and I remember taking my children to McGaw Hall (when they were children) and could only get NU tickets. I was asked year after year if all Illini fans were "that obnoxious," to which I proudly provided the affirmative! This team is a true treat to watch.
 
#165      
OrangeBlue98
These games are type of grind it out affairs when you play OK but not great and still win. You have to win games like this in the post-season.

Not sure I want to play Washington again. They are a team that actually causes a few matchup issues for Illinois with some quick guard play and a skilled big man. They'll keep getting better this season.
 
#166      
blackdog
I think this game should put the bed the idea that Keaton needs another year of strength development before going provide. Washington was really physical on him all game long. Despite that Keaton still got downhill and finished THROUGH contact. He's not like Riley who would bounce off defenders and throw up off balance shots, he really out muscles these physically bigger dudes with regularity and stays on balance the whole time. Definitely a lot stronger than he looks.
 
#167      
OrangeBlue98
stlrunner said:
Underwood quotes from the postgame had me rolling.

“Ben couldn’t guard a dead man last year.”

“Izzos grandma could score 20 on him.”

Are we sure he doesn’t read the Loyalty boards?
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We've talked about this before - his kid does. :ROFLMAO:
 
#169      
RabidDawgClassic
blackdog said:
I think this game should put the bed the idea that Keaton needs another year of strength development before going provide. Washington was really physical on him all game long. Despite that Keaton still got downhill and finished THROUGH contact. He's not like Riley who would bounce off defenders and throw up off balance shots, he really out muscles these physically bigger dudes with regularity and stays on balance the whole time. Definitely a lot stronger than he looks.
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Last year, I would constantly question whether KJ and Riley were truly ready for the NBA, never buying the hype that either was a lottery pick. Obviously both made the right decision as NBA GM’s liked their games enough to nab them at 20 and 21 respectively, but I do believe another year in college could’ve vaulted them into the lottery.

With Keaton, I see it. Barring an unforeseen collapse or injury, he’s clearly a lottery pick. His all-around game is phenomenal and like nothing I’ve ever seen from a freshman in an Illinois uniform. He’s currently projected to go at #6 and, if that holds form, I could see a future where five NBA GMs are forever asked “what were you thinking not drafting Wagler?”
 
#170      
Mobi
blackdog said:
I think this game should put the bed the idea that Keaton needs another year of strength development before going provide. Washington was really physical on him all game long. Despite that Keaton still got downhill and finished THROUGH contact. He's not like Riley who would bounce off defenders and throw up off balance shots, he really out muscles these physically bigger dudes with regularity and stays on balance the whole time. Definitely a lot stronger than he looks.
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A top 10 NBA pick does not need a 2nd year of college. Honestly he probably doesn't need the 1st year if it weren't the rule. It took him like 5 games figuring out college basketball
 
#175      
STL Illini
I’m very happy to see BH with a super strong game and happy to see all the positive comments.
For the seasons:
20 minutes per game, 5.8 pts per game on 35.3% from 3 and FT are 77.3%.
3.7 rebounds per game and protects the ball with .7 assists vs .2 turnovers per game.
Playing solid defense with just 1.2 fouls per, and .4 steals and .7 blocks per game.
Assists are .7 per with .2 turnovers per game.
All the while, the guy plays with a great attitude and has accepted and thrived in his reduced role compared to last year.
Yes, lots of posters with positive comments on his game last night. He was terrific.
But, he’s been terrific all season. Perhaps not every night, but that’s the case for every player on every team.

Can we finally put to rest all the crap that’s been thrown at BH and recognize the dude is a valued contributor to this team and has played remarkably well this season?
 
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