I’ve been watching Illinois BB for 30 years. At least 1/2 that time we didn’t make the tournament. Being part of the BIG is one of the greatest selling points for our program. A good team from a weak conference is the exception to the rule. I do not consider any P5 school plus the Big East to be a weak conference. Memphis is a weird animal formerly in CUSA which was a decent basketball conference. Also, Penny can straight ‘cruitMaybe you started watching Illini basketball during the end of the Weber years? Because from where I stand:
Historically, we’ve always recruited well, regardless of the strength of the conference. Some of our best seasons have come in years when the conference is down.
Of course, you’re free to root for whoever you’d like, but B1G teams performing well, does not help us.
Look at Alabama, in the SEC, recruiting very well, yet in a poor conference.
Memphis recruits incredibly well in a small conference. So does Gonzaga.
Tennessee recruits well in the SEC as well.
I could go on & on.
Other B1G teams losing non-con games does not impact our ability to recruit well or get high seeds in the tournament.
Lol. I support your right to root for whatever team you choose. This is America! I am simply making the point that you are rooting against what is in the best interest of the beloved.The B1G will be just fine without me supporting Indiana. Maybe I'll root for them vs. Iowa or scUM. It's more likely that I won't watch or care.
Gonzaga and Purdue would be really fun to watch, mainly due to the Edey / Holmgren battle.A lot of weapons and they play pretty good defense.
Man, Purdue is for real. It was nice spanking them for a couple years but we won’t be very close this year.
Man, Purdue is for real. It was nice spanking them for a couple years but we won’t be very close this year.
Purdue, no questionRoof about to come off the arena. Who the heck is #1 if Duke drops this?
Agreed. How far does Duke drop?Purdue, no question
No buzzer-beater, but kinda followed the script of our loss there in '05.Wow. Ohio State takes down Duke.