Pregame: Illinois vs Texas/Xavier

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#476      
CleverHandle1
This Evan Miyakawa guy, who had percentages giving the Illini a 38.1% chance to reach the S16, has predicted either Xavier or Texas to defeat them in R1.

I get it: he has an opinion, but he basically just blew them off. I've been reading here how it's a great path to the S16 for Illinois, so what gives? LOL!

BU needs to get this team to play some defense.
 
#477      
Chukwuwumba
CleverHandle1 said:
This Evan Miyakawa guy, who had percentages giving the Illini a 38.1% chance to reach the S16, has predicted either Xavier or Texas to defeat them in R1.

I get it: he has an opinion, but he basically just blew them off. I've been reading here how it's a great path to the S16 for Illinois, so what gives? LOL!

BU needs to get this team to play some defense.
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I’m more focused on intangibles. Mental strength. Follow the scouting report. How to they respond to adversary, it will happen in every game.
 
#479      
sacraig
CleverHandle1 said:
This Evan Miyakawa guy, who had percentages giving the Illini a 38.1% chance to reach the S16, has predicted either Xavier or Texas to defeat them in R1.

I get it: he has an opinion, but he basically just blew them off. I've been reading here how it's a great path to the S16 for Illinois, so what gives? LOL!

BU needs to get this team to play some defense.
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38.1% chance of making the sweet 16 means there's a 61.9% chance we don't. 🤷🏻‍♂️
 
#480      
CleverHandle1
sacraig said:
38.1% chance of making the sweet 16 means there's a 61.9% chance we don't. 🤷🏻‍♂️
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Kentucky, Troy, Texas and Xavier had lower odds. Out of those teams, the Illini have the best chance to reach the S16 according to this guy's odds.

Lot of talk saying Illinois has a great draw. Just trying to connect the dots. We'll find out Friday.
 
#481      
Second place is 1st loser
One Man Fast Break said:
I'm always envious of those teams that get like a 10 seed out of a power conference and then make the Sweet Sixteen so they can pretend like they had a great season when it was really just a nice 2-game stretch.
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Some of our fans take it the exact opposite. We have a great season, but the coach should be on the hot seat for missing that same 2-game stretch.
 
#482      
Bleedorangeandblue44
I-L-L 1318 said:
I will take one for the team and bet Xavier to win. That should give us the more favorable matchup (Texas) Friday night.
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Did the same thing. Not sure I can stomach Xavier knocking us out. If that happens, might have to take about a two-month break from my favorite site, work on my golf game, and come back in May to see who is on the roster (and staff).
 
#485      
racinghoss
Chad Fleck said:
At one point are they not kids anymore? They are over 18 years old and making pretty solid money at this point. Also, they get to play a game for a living.

Now, I don't heap criticism on these guys because it's just basketball and it's just not that big of a deal to me. I'm just curious about when they stop being kids and start being treated closer to adults, given their station in life.
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When I was 18-19, I was an infantryman in the USMC, on the other side of the world and headed back alone...a world traveler. I made stupid decisions, didn't have the experience to know what was best, and was naive in many ways...but had proven my chops to be considered an adult.

These kids are less mature than many others. Cut them some slack, even if they are getting paid to play a game.
 
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#486      
From the cheap seats
I initially preferred to play Texas. After seeing a half, I think the Illini could do some damage inside against Xavier and we probably match up physically better with Xavier. Of course, I reserve my right to change my mind again...:)
 
#487      
racinghoss
Illini in Italy said:
I say this based on my military career (1975-1998): Just like 17 and 18 year old military recruits, when they put the uniform on they are no longer kids. They are adults who, while they may lack life experience, have been trained to do an extraordinarily difficult job with no excuses, and have high expectations placed upon them. They are going to make mistakes, that's part of growing as a professional (and these players are professionals), and they should be and will be held accountable for those mistakes.

Having said that, they sure don't deserve verbal $h1t given out on a message board forum . . . .
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I had not seen this excellent post when I made mine above. Well said.
 
#488      
SAELION
Chad Fleck said:
At one point are they not kids anymore? They are over 18 years old and making pretty solid money at this point. Also, they get to play a game for a living.

Now, I don't heap criticism on these guys because it's just basketball and it's just not that big of a deal to me. I'm just curious about when they stop being kids and start being treated closer to adults, given their station in life.
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So, Chad. You really expect college age basketball players to be adults and not kids? You expect them to grow up because they are making "solid money?" Money has magical properties that makes you mature? Can't imagine many posters here will be comfortable with that argument.
 
#490      
Orangeandblue72
I don’t expect them to be adults. Just be better at basketball than the kids they are playing against. Basically doing what they are recruited to do. It’s not life, it’s not death. It’s not anything that has dire consequences. But that is what coach and fans expect them to do. Beat the other team.
 
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