Mismatch between Underwood's vision for this year's team and the actual roster that was put together -- ten strangers, and misjudgements regarding skills (shooting, PG skills) -- is a major part of the issue with team success this year. Whining endlessly about "behind the scenes issues" doesn't obviate that clear-as-day fact.
Pregame: Illinois vs Duke, Saturday, February 22nd, 7:00pm CT, FOX
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I understand that viewpoint. But my sense is that the teams are good, not great. They are relatively equally-matched.
From Miya rankings
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
That may be, but it doesn’t shift all blame from the decisions our staff and players have made to be slaves to the idea that one day we’ll magically become competent three point shooters!
sacraig
- The desert
*cooties, apparently
-8.5 right now on some books
Battle89
- Cary-Grove, the better Trojan team
I’m waiting for IlliniCon 2025, when we all fly to Vegas for insider panel discussions on the appropriateness of zone defenses and the fluidity of recruiting and NIL.
Everyone keeps blaming the staff for the 3 point shooting game plan. How do we know that was the actual game plan, and before anyone starts the, sit anyone who doesn't follow the game plan, how many do you sit. Seems to me that the "game plan" is followed at the start and whenever there is a little push back by the opponent the PLAYERS start chucking threes. maybe I am not seeing the same things everyone else is but at some point, we have to acknowledge that this is not all on the staff and I would say it is at least 90% very young players trying to hard and making bad shot decisions.
Sorry, needed to vent.
Go ILLINI
Sorry, needed to vent.
Go ILLINI
Thats just the nature of being 30 games into the season. I'm sure nearly every team has guys that are banged up and playing through stuff or are getting sick(it's been a bad winter for illnesses).
Good teams and good coaching staffs are supposed to find ways to adjust and compete. I don't really feel like we've seen that level of adjustment from the coaching staff and we've had entire games where the guys look flat and uninterested.
Good teams and good coaching staffs are supposed to find ways to adjust and compete. I don't really feel like we've seen that level of adjustment from the coaching staff and we've had entire games where the guys look flat and uninterested.
A very drunk post is inbound! We either win by 8 or lose by 18. Really hoping it's not the latter 
Time to make a statement. No better opportunity than tonite against Duke. The only feeling I have about Duke is admiration. I hated them when Shishefski was the coach. A more disgusting hypocrite you'll never find. Same with Indiana; no negative feelings about them anymore, now that the a**hole coach is gone. Not so for Iowa; the treachery of Bruce Pearl and all he did to sabotage (successfully) the Illini worked. Never, never.
Goillinikobd
- Southeastern US
I would love to believe Duke is only 9 points better than us, but it doesn’t pass the eye test.
Orangetool
Give me back my Afta, heh heh
I would be pleased to receive the vitriol from this forum for this post if I am incorrect.
I think the only real question is: will this be a blowout loss or a respectable loss? (define respectable as you wish)
A loss nonetheless.
I think the only real question is: will this be a blowout loss or a respectable loss? (define respectable as you wish)
A loss nonetheless.
I love being able to tell others that we old guys had Dan Ro(w)an and and Dick Martin on the call.
Initially.
Big Jack
- Decatur
So its true that Morez actually broke his wrist by punching Kylan because he won't pass him the ball? /s
This game will depend on how healthy we are at the moment. I just want to see the guys fight hard. Adversity is something we have to deal with in life. After how sick they looked at Wisconsin, I'm not expecting a victory. But tonight we get to watch the Illini in Primetime, so I'm pumped!!
too soon
Current vibe of Loyalty
I grew up with Tom Schoenideinst (sp?) and Larry Stewart. Both were very good IMO. Larry was usually disgusted by Illini turnovers. Then came Turpin, but I think Barnhart is the best we've ever had.
I’m pumped too. I’ve got a perfect Gene Bartow costume all picked out.
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