I didn't realize Rutgers is in the midst of a 6 game winning streak. Hmmmm
Both Wood and Ayo talked about Rutgers in their post game comments. This team seems to be locking in and concentrating on the next team up. Rutgers is a serious team, so I happy about our focus.After beating Purdue and @Wisconsin, this would be a classic letdown game...but Rutgers is playing really well this year and should have our attention.
Ranked? Are we even in the tourney right now?
Not that Joe Lunardi is scripture, but we were out (5th) before the Wisconsin game, so I'm confused on how beating an unranked team, who was an projected 8 seed themselves, jumps us from Out to 8/9.Easily, our NET is in 34. Right now likely an 8 or 9 seed.
Who gets the job of stopping Harper?Was at the game last year. Took everything we had to beat them. I imagine they've had this game circled since before the year began both as a great opportunity for a road win and also as a revenge game. We have to come ready to play
Looking at their roster I think Harper Jr will give us the most problems. We don't have anyone that can match up well with 6'6 245. Having Baker out helps us. Really like his game. Hope we continue to run effective screen/rolls with Kofi and Ayo and need to knock down some shots. Go Illini!
I agree. From a numbers perspective this is what they need to do to stay in the field...Easily, our NET is in 34. Right now likely an 8 or 9 seed.
Is Joe attempting to predict final results based on results so far? Or, defining a bracket that would be as if the season ended today? I honestly don't know what his approach is.Not that Joe Lunardi is scripture, but we were out (5th) before the Wisconsin game, so I'm confused on how beating an unranked team, who was an projected 8 seed themselves, jumps us from Out to 8/9.
What is some posters' obsession with being ranked?
It. Matters.
Growing up, the only programs I really knew about besides Illinois and our rivals were the teams that were constantly broadcasted as being ranked. It’s a status symbol, and I’ve never entertained the coach-speak-like assertions to the contrary as anything but trying to be contrarian (i.e., the “calm voice” in the room) or preparing yourself for potential disappointment by not getting too invested in it.
ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI having a little number next to it is nice recognition, a status symbol and ... in what should be the most important thing to all of us ... ammunition for having some actual pride again when talking to our non-Illini fan friends.
See below linkEasily, our NET is in 34. Right now likely an 8 or 9 seed.
Not that Joe Lunardi is scripture, but we were out (5th) before the Wisconsin game, so I'm confused on how beating an unranked team, who was an projected 8 seed themselves, jumps us from Out to 8/9.
I think that after our win last night, we just about washed out this two brutal losses vs Miami and Missouri. We won three nice games in conference, but beat absolutely nobody in the preconference. They worked themselves back onto the bubble.Easily, our NET is in 34. Right now likely an 8 or 9 seed.
Who gets the job of stopping Harper?
I graduated in '89 and was a section leader for Orange Crush. It was a magical season that I will always remember! One of my favorite memories aside from all of the wins was when Jud Heathcoate (MS coach before Izzo) went crazy after a call, grabbed the ball, slammed it down and it came right back up and popped him in the mouth ... hysterical! While I am still a die hard fan, I live in Colorado and I am sad to say that I have not been back to U of I since graduation. I will be joining 4 Illini alums and life-long friends at the game on Saturday. I plan on bringing whatever Flyin' Illini mojo I can with me. To be honest, I think AG is starting to look like he might fit on that team ... off the bench obviously. Would've been fun to see him and Battle go at it in practice! So excited to see the campus, the stadium and an Illini victory!