This would be far more embarsssing with John Groce. With an interim coach, we'll be expected to lose.
NIT Pregame: #2 Illinois vs #7 Valparaiso, Tuesday, March 14th, 6:00pm CT, ESPN
- Status
This would be far more embarsssing with John Groce. With an interim coach, we'll be expected to lose.
hooraybeer
- Pittsburgh, PA
my guess is we see more DJW
haasi
- New York
Oops yes. In MSG
I will be particulary interested in him and AJ
Dan
Admin
Tix for NIT game vs. Valpo are on sale now.
$22 reserved 100-level
$11 GA 200-level
$5 #Illini students
http://ev11.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncom...ntext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=MB&cgc=
$22 reserved 100-level
$11 GA 200-level
$5 #Illini students
http://ev11.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncom...ntext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=MB&cgc=
Wonder what the morale of the team is right now. I'd expect them to be in pretty bad shape, and not good enough to come back from this kind of a finish to the season. I can definitely see a first round exit. OTOH, if they can get through the first game, they might be able to make a run.
I think the morale of this team was answered in the last 2 games. Furthermore, Hill could hardly walk after the game in D.C. Not expecting some miracle run here.
Currently, Vegas has us as a 7.5 favorite against a depleted Valpo.
On the other hand, we seemed in pretty good shape before Rutgers & Michigan turned out to be the best team in the BTT, so I think how the team responds to the firing is more of an issue than the last 2 games. Every team out there has lost at least there last game. I also will give some credit to Groce for attitude in the presser, he didn't give any of the players a pass on the season & seems to be sending every reason for them to fight through this. Easier said than done sure, but I don't think it is a given that we can't come out and at least put up a fight.
Without potential NBA first round pick Alec Peters, this Valpo team is pretty short on talent. In case you weren't paying attention to Peters this year, he averaged 23 & 10 with over 2 assists per game.
Wing Shane Hammink (yes, son of Geert) is their second best player. Transfer from LSU - averaged 15.5 ppg, 4.1 reb, 2.5 ast. We should have more talent at every single position. I expect a 15 point win. The next game (probably against Utah) is a different story. That one should be close.
Wing Shane Hammink (yes, son of Geert) is their second best player. Transfer from LSU - averaged 15.5 ppg, 4.1 reb, 2.5 ast. We should have more talent at every single position. I expect a 15 point win. The next game (probably against Utah) is a different story. That one should be close.
Somebody mentioned the possibility of a change in the rotation. The only thing I'm really hoping for is a MAJOR increase in DJW's time. Everything else....status quo.
I'm still scratching my head at the 2 month benching followed up with a few minutes of PT completely out of the blue in D.C. Anybody have a theory on that one? Bizarre.
I'm still scratching my head at the 2 month benching followed up with a few minutes of PT completely out of the blue in D.C. Anybody have a theory on that one? Bizarre.
Even if we get blown out by ISU, Illinois basketball will be back on top of the Big Ten, let alone the state of Illinois, in a couple years if we hire the right coach. No one will be thinking about the NIT then
+1
When your coach is fired, no one cares what your team did in the NIT. The program will be judged by the new coach. And the new coach will be judged on his own performance. This game is irrelevant to everyone but the most die-hard fans of the teams playing.
ILLINI IN NE
- Omaha,Ne.
Well we did beat NW twice this season so even though they're in the NCAA they should still rank behind us in the state.
Plus I'm pretty sure a program who has a losing record all-time, and just reached their first tournament in program history has a long way to go before you can say that they are ahead of a program who has 30 NCAA appearances, is in the top 15 all time in wins, has the highest all time winning percentage in the B1G, and is tied for 14th all time in Final Four appearances.
Dan
Admin
2nd round date/time will be announced sometime late Tuesday night.
Maybe DJW will finally get some meaningful tick if Hill is truly hurt. Got a different HC after all. =P
Not playing DJW early on, one of the biggest failures by the coaching staff. He should of been allowed to play early on against weaker opponents and allowed to make mistakes. There were plenty of mistakes to be made, why his were emphasized is a mystery . He did show some nice things like defense and rebounding. Also his length allowed for some baskets behind the defense.
Illiini
- In the land of the Nittany Lion
Eh, they'll be running into the buzzsaw of reality soon enough.
This could be completely off, but I saw it as Groce giving DJ one final nod before his fate was sealed.
Just as bizarre as starting AJ @ NW.
Wasn't JCL hurt at that game?
Illini1221
Peru,IL
Nope, that was the home game that JCL rolled his ankle. I believe AJ started the game in Evanston.
- Status