Illini_1979
- Oregon
I wouldn't object if Liddell decides to go pro after this year. He's a tough matchup.
Illinois 73, Ohio State 68 Postgame
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
Am wondering how our teams in '48-'52 under Harry Combes compared. He had such an excellent run as coach over 20 seasons but those three early teams that made it to the final four must have been something else.
EJ Liddell picked OSU because he felt stuck between a rock and a hard place (Mizzou & ILL) so he took the easy way out. He justified it by saying the OSU had more talent than either Mizzou or ILL. OSU is a really good team. I however agree with illliram here, he didn't have the guts that Ayo did. He wanted to come to Illinois as a sophomore but was concerned with our talent. He wanted to play in the B1G but didn't have the courage to take on the challenge. That is ok by me and I wish the kid well. It does however speak to why AYO is a Saint for our program. WhynotMe he said, and he changed the face of this program overnight. We owe him immensely.
He looks like he’s got a lot of guts whenever I’ve seen him play.
He is a really good player. Wish the kid well and hope he goes pro right now!
You are correct, sir. The Whiz Kids! Man, I bet they made their free throws!
Lol years ago I created the flyin Illini shirt with the flight numbers on the back. If I still was in that business I would make a “domino” shirt with the Batman 11 graphic. It would sell like crazy!
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
Agree. They were well-coached, really quick, and played tough, tough defense. I am very partial to the ‘49 team. A couple of banners were raised to the rafters from players on that
team!
No. 1 option there, no. 3 option here? Surprised not seeing him on draft projections. See Wagner and not nearly the player in any aspect.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
That was after the main group of the Whiz Kids played in ‘41-‘43. The ‘43 #1 ranked Illini never played in the tournament because some of them went to war...
Supposedly Liddell grew up a big OSU football fan. We were in bad shape when he committed, Ayo led Illini wasn't strong early on and Kofi hadn't committed.
Not sure he made a bad decision, he is highlighted on a top ten team and looks like he will be a player to watch next year.
Hoping our success can lead to more instate recruiting victories that we would of lost the last 15 years.
Not sure he made a bad decision, he is highlighted on a top ten team and looks like he will be a player to watch next year.
Hoping our success can lead to more instate recruiting victories that we would of lost the last 15 years.
altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
We're certainly in a smidge better position to reel in Illinois Mr. Basketball winners than we were three years ago.
So are we now ranked #2 or #3 on Monday and what are the odds of a BIG Ten co-championship being granted.
The time to appeal the league champion decision was prior to the decision being made or immediately after. Not ~a week afterwards.
If we don't get the B1G to make us co-champions (and I would bet a beach house we won't), we should hang a championship banner in the SFC with an asterisk next to champions and then put "unofficial" in very small print at the bottom of the banner. Then tell the B1G to stuff it if they complain.
Maybe Josh appealed behind the scenes. Crazy to think that only 2 loses to Maryland for a combined 4 points was the difference between back to back BIG TEN championships. Regardless, super proud of this squad!!
Likely a good fit among Illini greats, Chief and Altgeld88, but with no TV, there are likely not more than a couple of dozen folks who saw them play that are still alive. I turned two after that season was over and therefore have no recollection of that team. But thanks to my grandfather, I was practicing my set shot with a nerf ball about the size of a cantaloupe at a basket stuck on the top of my closet door!!! Had no idea there was a game associated with all that. Manny Jackson and Governor Vaughn were my first Illini heroes and Bogie Redmon, Skip Thoren, Tal Brody, Dave Downey, and Don Freeman led the first Illini B1G champs that I was able to watch....compliments of Chesty Potato Chips.Agree. They were well-coached, really quick, and played tough, tough defense. I am very partial to the ‘49 team. A couple of banners were raised to the rafters from players on that
Thanks for bringing them to attention. You old! On the other hand, I am just maturing!
on the other hand am just maturing.
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altgeld88
- Arlington, Virginia
Chesty Potato Chips. Stellar. I had to look that one up.
Respectfully disagree. All this B1G shaming is good for our team. They are literally pissed, no amount of trash talk could light a fire that has been lite for these guys. After we win the National Championship ... when the celebratory beer is poured at RW52's house and yours... we really won't give a darn about this "asterisk". We should be thankful for the gas pouring motivation at the right time.
I remember watching those guys on TV with my parents in Central Illinois. That's when I became a fan; lasted all my life despite decades of distractions. I always come back to my roots as an Illini BB fan.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
I am only aware because I have watched old file tapes that I got from WCIA long ago because my father-in-law was on that ‘49 team-known as the Rockford Flash...
I think Underwood has a big ten championship incentive. Whitman ought to announce tomorrow that he's getting it.
No banner is going to be hung until after the NCAA tournament. By that time, the motivation won't make a difference.