Illini Basketball 2016-2017
Again, those channels don't exist during basketball season because of the cost. You can't compare the expense of a local station broadcast with a national one.
Going by typical player trends, it's crazy to think Hill is likely 6-7 years away from his prime. He's going to be an awfully good player when he grows into a man & it makes you wonder what kind of physical specimen he will be.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
I am soooo ready for basketball season!! The dearth of info on the practices now underway, and the sporadic recruiting news, is driving me bonkers! I hope these young men all have a fantastic season, cause that means I will too! 
illini80
- Forgottonia
This.
Deleted member 3875
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Guest
Channel 3 is not spending $1 more than hey have to.
Deleted member 533939
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Not understanding this. Are BTN overflow channels used all that often in football season?
BillyBob1
- Champaign
In the non big 10 portion of the schedule.
Illinifanatic4ever
- Orange & Blue Blood in my Veins
Does anyone think the Illini can do an event like Hoosier Hysteria or The Phog out next year since all the renovations will be done in a couple weeks? Maybe call it Illini Insanity?
It's not so much the venue that is a problem. We have tried many things over the years. It is the ability to attract big crowds like, UK, IU, MSU, KU, etc. We do not have the historical tradition of hosting such event like these schools (i.e., sold-out events), so we need to build excitement by putting some good NCAA performances, being nationally ranked going into the season, having a big time recruiting class, etc. Without those it is hard to attract a big crowd, and without a big crowd, these events become mediocre.
All respect in the world to those programs who sell out for Midnight Madness type events, but we should address the other issue, which is that those things are stupid and boring and a waste of time.
Serious Late
- Peoria via Denver via Ann Arbor via Albuquerque vi
I had a ton of fun at the Midnight Madness in Huff Hall back in 2004...
I completely disagree. Went to huff as a high schooler for deron, dee and the crew in 03. It was rockin. Who loves basketball and doesn't wanna see 3 point shootouts, dunk contests, and your favorite team just ball out?
Maybe it's generational.
Yep, every Saturday. Because all 14 teams are playing, so there's 14 games to try and squeeze into that day. Once conference play starts there's half the # of games, so they aren't needed.
With hoops, same thing. Non conference means way more games to cover, plus during the early portion the BTN is still doing football games. They'd have to have closer to 24x7 availability of the overflows for basketball since those games aren't all played on the same day/time.
Not surprised that someone has this opinion but a majority of fans would disagree.
Not anytime soon. We need to string together a few tournament appearances before something like this could happen.
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
:thumb:
By all accounts, the players love it, the coaches love it (at least Izzo seems to), and I would assume recruits would love it and want to be a part of it as well.
And the fans....the fans eat this stuff up. Just talk to anyone who roots for Kentucky, Kansas, or MSU.
Tevo
- Wilmette, IL
But if it's only a thousand fans, and the place is only a quarter-full (if it's held at, say, Huff), then it can feel a little sad. Or even a lot sad.
Which is why you'll be much more likely to see something like that return after a few more appearances in the Top 25, and a few successful tournament runs.
wILL-INI
- Charlotte, NC
I thought the outdoor event was awesome. Was on campus at the time, left the bars for 2 hours walked down the street and watched the event. Had a real rucker park kinda feel. The way it was set up, it seemed packed. There was a hype around it. I could do without the newly wed games "whats your roommates favorite cereal" stuff, and just stick to a 3pt contest, intros, dunks and like a highlight video. Keep it simple. But there is no way we can touch the Late night at phog, and Big Blue Madness.
To be real honest, I always enjoyed the Orange and Blue scrimmage more.
Off topic but nice to Alec Peters from Washington getting some love. Nice 6'9" stretch-4 with plenty of 3-point range.
Joel Goodson
- dawgville
Kidding, right? Even when we were VG, those season opener events were sparsely attended (and lame, but that's somewhat correctable). Let's revisit the subject when after we've put together a couple of good seasons.
http://btn.com/2016/10/17/jon-crispin-return-of-tracy-abrams-should-spark-illini-turnaround/
At least Crispin's a believer.
At least Crispin's a believer.