Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
Praying we get a return of the United Center game coming off an Elite Eight!
Illini Basketball
- Status
I think the rumor is they’re going to be in the emerald coast classic
I think Clingan is strong enough to keep Edey far enough from the basket to where he is not very effective. The rest of UCONN is much better IMO than PU's "other than Edey" team so it probably doesn't matter too much so UCONN wins going away.
sacraig
- The desert
I don't know. I think Edey's a beefier guy and will still be reasonably effective. Edey also has better stamina and likely plays an extra 5-10 minutes of game time compared to Clingan.
I think this will be the difference maker.
sacraig
- The desert
I was astounded how much Clingan sat during our game.
chrisRunner7
- Spokane, WA
I don't think Clingan is strong enough to push Edey away from the basket while he's posting up. I also don't think he can block Edey's hook shot, especially 'cause Edey will hold him off with that raised left arm.
Man, this will be a tremendous battle if it happens, though.
Agree. And I was equally astounded how little Edey did yesterday.
any idea who else is rumored to be in it?
Braggin' Rights is under contract through 2029 just as an FYI.
Yes but Edey's elbows will finally be connecting in a place where the refs may call it. That's my hope anyway.
Neither player gets called for much but I truly think Edey commits a lot more uncalled fouls than Clingan. IMVBO
OrangeBlue98
- Des Moines, IA
I would imagine we would get a first round game at home against a mid major before going to Destin. I’d also have to think we would be candidates for at least one of the made-for-TV events (probably not a return to the Jimmy V Classic since we were there this season). Maybe the annual United Center event that ESPN airs or the Indianapolis event that CBS airs? Those are always really good program exposure since big name teams are always playing in those matchups.
EDIT-if Illinois does play in the UC event, that means there wouldn’t be a need to return a road game for that game. However, if you can get a big name for that game in exchange for a road neutral game, I’m not against it. Maybe Colorado with a return game in Denver?
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man. seeing the results from the early 2000s with Kruger/Self...I remember watching those teams as an ignorant adolescent, certain that I would never see a dark day in my life as an Illini basketball fan.
Thank goodness BU has us back on track.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
(And I am quite sure that it will be renewed prior to 2029.)
Thought there were rumblings / a straight out answer from Whitman about a return to the United Center at some point. Have to imagine it’s time and that we could easily garner enough attendance to make it worth it again.
Wonder if there’s any actual substance to this.
Wonder if there’s any actual substance to this.
OrangeBlue98
- Des Moines, IA
And if there isn’t, how about this little Big 10-Big East doubleheader on Fox or FS1 the weekend after the conference championship football games?
Marquette-Northwestern
Illinois-Butler or Providence
As the conference grows and we only play a team once in conference play I would say play NW at the United Center or Wisky in Milwaukee or USC in the staples center
Selling point is it would be a neutral court so it would improve chances for a quad 1 game. But u sacrifice a potential home game. Only works in season you play once
I think Clingan gets in foul trouble early and Purdued wins in a tight one. Go Big!
Don't know where to put this, but at the moment Marcus Domask is currently leading the country in total minutes played at 1,316.
Unfortunately he will likely get passed by Casey Morsell from NC state(maybe DJ horne if they play two games), and Tristan Newton.
Can't really even say how much I enjoyed watching him play. Legitimately one my favorite Illini and he only played 1 year. The trio of him, Shannon, and Hawkins was special.
Unfortunately he will likely get passed by Casey Morsell from NC state(maybe DJ horne if they play two games), and Tristan Newton.
Can't really even say how much I enjoyed watching him play. Legitimately one my favorite Illini and he only played 1 year. The trio of him, Shannon, and Hawkins was special.
Was going to put this in the UConn postgame, but that time has passed. I didn't read any of that thread, only because I have been very busy with family activities. So I decided to post it here.
This is my wrap on the 2023-2024 Fighting Illini basketball season. I am certain that many people stated similar things to what I have to say, so maybe this is just for me. I have been an Illini since 1976. There have been many factors that have wayed into my assessment, but summarily, this was the most enjoyable basketball season I have ever experienced. I hope the details don't fade from my memory too quickly.
I used to wish we could lose the "best team to never..." stigma, but I really don't care any longer. I think about how many years when the tournamnet ends, the winner is crowned NC, and the majority of serious sports fans will say, "Yea, but they weren't the best team this season". (I don't expect that this year). I agree. So, isn't the opposite a fair argument as well? I have quietly always felt the Fighting Illini of 1989 and 2005 were the best team in the country that season. While watching the Sunday games with my 2 SiLs and my son, I offered my opinion. They are old enough to know the 2005 team/season and know enough historical info to the know the Flying Illini. I filled in some holes for them regarding the 1989 team and the Final Four scenario. All 3 agreed with my conclusion. SiL#1 (born and raised in upstate NY, elected a private college, met my daughter, and is still an avid Syracuse fan, which I respect). Said, "that was one of the best Syracuse teams ever in the Sweet 16". So, I got that going for me. Which is nice. (Carl Spackler). My wife tells me I need to do that for people missing my references. Like her.
This 2024 was actually more fun for me than even those Final 4 teams. Maybe it was because I could see it coming and expected it in 1989 and 2005. Whereas, I wasn't sure what to expect this year regarding the "team". Or maybe it's because I'm older. I'm fine with that reason too. At New Years (think about the timeframe) I still wasn't sure what would happen, but I was telling everybody The Fighting Illini are going to be fun to watch. And they were. And they were special in their own way. Most importantly, I was very proud of these representatives (players, coaches, admin). Clearly good people of great character.
I am certain that one of the most significant factors in my feelings toward this season is THIS IllinoisLoyalty board. There are many people in my life that are serious sports fans. But, none are Illini. Of the friends that are Illini fans, only a couple are not necessarily real sports fans that can discuss the Illini in datail. Don't see them often enough any longer. I don't really know the status of sports blogs in 2005. I wouldn't have had time anyway (too busy running a business and getting kids into/through college). I have enjoyed so many posters insight, information, and humor. I have LOL many times. Off the top of my head I just want to thank @Dan for obvious reasons, @illini0440 and @Indy Illini Fan for their insight, and @Fighter of the Nightman for all his research. Thanks and I look forward to the future.
I am not a complete fan of the current state of college sports, but I have learned to adapt. I am thoroughly excited to watch Brad Underwood (and his team) build and coach our basketbll team. I have no idea what to expect for next year's team, but I could not be more excited to see it. Now, it's time to focus on football.
This is my wrap on the 2023-2024 Fighting Illini basketball season. I am certain that many people stated similar things to what I have to say, so maybe this is just for me. I have been an Illini since 1976. There have been many factors that have wayed into my assessment, but summarily, this was the most enjoyable basketball season I have ever experienced. I hope the details don't fade from my memory too quickly.
I used to wish we could lose the "best team to never..." stigma, but I really don't care any longer. I think about how many years when the tournamnet ends, the winner is crowned NC, and the majority of serious sports fans will say, "Yea, but they weren't the best team this season". (I don't expect that this year). I agree. So, isn't the opposite a fair argument as well? I have quietly always felt the Fighting Illini of 1989 and 2005 were the best team in the country that season. While watching the Sunday games with my 2 SiLs and my son, I offered my opinion. They are old enough to know the 2005 team/season and know enough historical info to the know the Flying Illini. I filled in some holes for them regarding the 1989 team and the Final Four scenario. All 3 agreed with my conclusion. SiL#1 (born and raised in upstate NY, elected a private college, met my daughter, and is still an avid Syracuse fan, which I respect). Said, "that was one of the best Syracuse teams ever in the Sweet 16". So, I got that going for me. Which is nice. (Carl Spackler). My wife tells me I need to do that for people missing my references. Like her.
This 2024 was actually more fun for me than even those Final 4 teams. Maybe it was because I could see it coming and expected it in 1989 and 2005. Whereas, I wasn't sure what to expect this year regarding the "team". Or maybe it's because I'm older. I'm fine with that reason too. At New Years (think about the timeframe) I still wasn't sure what would happen, but I was telling everybody The Fighting Illini are going to be fun to watch. And they were. And they were special in their own way. Most importantly, I was very proud of these representatives (players, coaches, admin). Clearly good people of great character.
I am certain that one of the most significant factors in my feelings toward this season is THIS IllinoisLoyalty board. There are many people in my life that are serious sports fans. But, none are Illini. Of the friends that are Illini fans, only a couple are not necessarily real sports fans that can discuss the Illini in datail. Don't see them often enough any longer. I don't really know the status of sports blogs in 2005. I wouldn't have had time anyway (too busy running a business and getting kids into/through college). I have enjoyed so many posters insight, information, and humor. I have LOL many times. Off the top of my head I just want to thank @Dan for obvious reasons, @illini0440 and @Indy Illini Fan for their insight, and @Fighter of the Nightman for all his research. Thanks and I look forward to the future.
I am not a complete fan of the current state of college sports, but I have learned to adapt. I am thoroughly excited to watch Brad Underwood (and his team) build and coach our basketbll team. I have no idea what to expect for next year's team, but I could not be more excited to see it. Now, it's time to focus on football.
Surely playing in the United Center would be a home game for "Chicago's Big Ten Team", unless they'd like to give up that moniker.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
We should send an open letter offering to move the Evanston game to the UC every year in honor of them being Chicago’s Big Ten team and see if they accept, lol. 55/45 Illini crowd in Evanston —> 90/10
- Status