Illini Basketball 2020-2021

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#751      
This team seems to have the "it" factor. They do not fear the moment and when someone doesn't come through there is someone else on the team that is not afraid to step up and make a play. We all knew Ayo has ice in his veins but watching Curbelo take some gutsy shots the last few games and seeing Da'monte playing without any fear makes me confident that even if someone has an off night - someone will step up and fill the gap. So fun to watch...
 
#752      
Seeing our players hug the B10 trophy, I realize was wrong. Winning the B10 tourney is a huge victory for these players. They have been the best team in the B10. Hooray, they got to celebrate for a great year. Now lets focus on the biggest prize. Still stay with BU system and play D, play 8 deep, and get TO buckets. Wow as a fan of 40+ years, this is the greatest year. Our Illini has a true triple threat, Kofi, Ayo, & Curbelo can go get bucket, while the foundation of De Monte, Trent & Georgi keep us grounded. Adam's D growth has been impressive, Jacob has quietly has helped us get buckets and play D, and the rest of the team do their jobs. This is a truly special year. BTW, I love having the best 6th man come on the floor as the answer. Congrat's to Alan last year & Andre this year. Our opponents have to get exhausted trying taking the 2nd punch. Most of all, Ayo has helped set the culture of defense and energy, he is a true special player. Top 5 players in my life as an Illini fan, and that is a heck of a complement.
 
#753      
This team seems to have the "it" factor. They do not fear the moment and when someone doesn't come through there is someone else on the team that is not afraid to step up and make a play. We all knew Ayo has ice in his veins but watching Curbelo take some gutsy shots the last few games and seeing Da'monte playing without any fear makes me confident that even if someone has an off night - someone will step up and fill the gap. So fun to watch...
Excellent points. Someone always seems to step up right when the Illini need it most. You can see the body language and cohesion in this squad. They all know their roles and are hungry for that trophy. What a time and what a squad. Simply to say, I’m pumped.
 
#755      
This thread got me thinking of when I first became an Illini basketball fan, late 79’s, early 80’s. Looked up some of the players from that time. 83-84, beside Efrem Winters, Bruce Douglas, and Doug Altenberger was Anthony Welch. So skinny... smooth. Found this nice interview with him, with Marcus Liberty,
. Great story, how he got from Michigan to Illinois.
 
#756      

Wokker

"The Good Land", WI
For me it was 2001, when my older brother collected and put up full page color printouts of the entire squad from the Lincoln Courier, leading up to the 2001 tourney. We then watched the first couple rounds at school on one of those TVs on a cart the teacher rolled in.

That and Brian Cook as a Logan County hero and I was forever hooked.

Good times...
 
#759      

JFGsCoffeeMug

BU:1 Trash cans:0
Chicago
Really nice article on Belo and his family/homeland connections:

When Curbelo steps on the court, it’s like watching the uncorking of a Champagne bottle. He adds equal doses of pizazz and poise that have helped make the No. 1-seeded Illini a popular contender for the NCAA Tournament championship.

Always had the pizazz. Now, as a freshman, also has the poise? Belo has come a long way in only his first year. Tons of credit to him for all of his hard work and attention to detail.
 
#760      

AirNeezy

Orange Krush '13 -'14
Really nice article on Belo and his family/homeland connections:


Can't hurt having an entire island going crazy over one of your players.

Loved Curbelo since the first game I saw him play here, love him even more after reading that article on his background.
 
#761      
1616257223646.jpeg

Daughter made me one of these!!!

Absolutely awesome!
 
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