Pregame: Illinois vs UConn, Friday, November 28th, 11:30am CT, FOX

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#227      
Todd99
NarrowJ said:
Go back through our social media the past, well however long there’s been social media, and you’ll see them post stories of the team with pics of them getting on the plane, at the hotel, etc etc

It’s not like this was any different than the last hundred social media road trip posts, other than Brad had to recreate the AI meme, and why wouldn’t he? It’s hilarious and everyone loves it

Except for a few sticks in the mud 🤷‍♂️
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Yea, I mean, they’re college kids just having some fun. They’re high level athletes, that have gotten to this point because of their competitive nature and drive. But they’re still kids, going to class, dealing with things young people have to deal with. And several of them are adjusting to life in a new country and the challenges of a different culture and a new language. Let them have some fun. I’m sure they can have their pictures taken and still be prepared to play at a high level.

As far as Underwood and the tracksuit meme, I think it’s great that he has embraced it and I’m sure the players do too. I love the self deprecation, I would much rather have a coach with a sense of humor like this than a pompous, arrogant a$$ like Hurley.

Regarding the social media posts, Illinois literally has people whose job it is to manage content and social media. I mean, they actually give out national awards for recognition and achievements in this field. From my understanding the woman Illinois has as their media director was highly sought after when she came here a few years ago.
 
#228      
altgeld88
JKR said:
I only implement it when sloshed (short "o").
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This ^^^ kinda thing is exactly what I'm here for at the margin, and I cherish the fact that you posted it on Thanksgiving morning. :giggle:
 
#229      
NarrowJ
21ChampaignSt said:
It's more of a commentary on the human condition than a criticism of specific posts or posters.

But there are certainly posters who believe we'll win every game, are quick to talk about moral victories after losses, who believe the team or coach is above criticism, who never wanted that recruit anyway, so on and so forth.

In these examples, the "truth" they're avoiding is that the team is not as good as they want to believe. That failure and disappointment are 100% on the table for any given game or season. For fanatical people (which all of us here are), this can be hard to deal emotionally so they focus on the positives (or sometimes make up a positive) to avoid confronting the negatives.

The way I see it, there is good, healthy optimism and then optimism that borders on delusion. A healthy optimist doesn't actually believe they're going to win the lottery every week. That's delusional. The healthy optimist knows they probably won't win the lottery but that it'll be ok and life will still be good.

My point isn't to alienate either one or say that either side is right or wrong. It's to point out that neither are absolutely good or bad.
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I definitely accept all of this, all very rational, and there's certainly folks on both sides.

My own personal preference is to live on the side of optimism and hope, as opposed to pessimism and despair. This is the part that baffles me: I just have never understood how persons feel a positive emotion when the thing they supposedly love fails (and maybe they don't, I'm no psychologist or psychiatrist, but they do seem to exist on that plane by choice).

So I guess it just has me wondering: do the folks on the pessimistic side feel the same anxiety and frustration when the more positive folks celebrate after a win? I get that people are all very different, but as an optimist it is something that simply escapes me.

Edit: I also want to avoid falling into a trap where we view the pessimists as "realists" and the optimists as "delusional"... I think we have enough recent achievement within this program that the "realist" side would be one that supports, encourages and believes in the success and health of the program.
 
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#230      
altgeld88
NarrowJ said:
I definitely accept all of this, all very rational, and there's certainly folks on both sides.

My own personal preference is to live on the side of optimism and hope, as opposed to pessimism and despair. This is the part that baffles me: I just have never understood how persons feel a positive emotion when the thing they supposedly love fails (and maybe they don't, I'm no psychologist or psychiatrist, but they do seem to exist on that plane by choice).

So I guess it just has me wondering: do the folks on the pessimistic side feel the same anxiety and frustration when the more positive folks celebrate after a win? I get that people are all very different, but as an optimist it is something that simply escapes me.

Edit: I also want to avoid falling into a trap where we view the pessimists as "realists" and the optimists as "delusional"... I think we have enough recent achievement within this program that the "realist" side would be one that supports, encourages and believes in the success and health of the program.
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(1) It's compensation and, frankly, for some who have lived for long periods in extreme circumstances in which they have little power and freedom of movement, a positive survival mechanism. Compensation can also certainly take a starkly different form, too, of course. We should be grateful that the former often prevails. The positive outlook can be healthy (finding the pony in the pile of s*#t) or delusional;

(2) I imagine that they do, along the lines of "wake up and live in reality!!" I sometimes feel that way about someone I know well who demonstrates (1) above, but I understand what he went through as a child and I cut him a lot of slack.

I'm not a psychologist but did stay at a Holiday Inn Express(TM) last night. Will defer to any professionals here.

Also, I turn 60 in four weeks so am gearing up now to begin generously to dispense all the wisdom I've accumulated. Unsolicited and constantly. Get ready. ;)
 
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#231      
FloridaMan
Very good discussion. Agree with almost all of it on either side.

I think one thing that should also be considered (if someone has mentioned and I missed, apologies in advance) is that fans have different definitions of "success." Is success defined as annually being ranked in the top 25? Is success top 4 finishes in the B10? Or is success B10 championships, sweet 16s, final fours, NCAA championship? Is each season judged on the short term, today's ranking/wins & losses or end of season what ifs and team "potential?"

Each fan has a different personal history and experience with the program. Each fan invests more/less time, money, etc into the program. A lot of long time fans have experienced a lot of lows and let downs that newer fans have not. Being objectively one of the best programs to have never won a modern day championship tends to reinforce what could go wrong in a season for some fans more than others.

At the end of the day for me, while I am extremely happy with the program's position as one of the "premier" programs year in year out, it feels like it is at a point where talent and potential need to be more regularly leveraged into post season success. We haven't had the privilege of experiencing that in 20 years now (yes I remember the Elite 8 appearance). I know the Admin and staff strive for that and they say as much.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of Illini Nation!
 
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#232      
NarrowJ
Todd99 said:
Yea, I mean, they’re college kids just having some fun. They’re high level athletes, that have gotten to this point because of their competitive nature and drive. But they’re still kids, going to class, dealing with things young people have to deal with. And several of them are adjusting to life in a new country and the challenges of a different culture and a new language. Let them have some fun. I’m sure they can have their pictures taken and still be prepared to play at a high level.

As far as Underwood and the tracksuit meme, I think it’s great that he has embraced it and I’m sure the players do too. I love the self deprecation, I would much rather have a coach with a sense of humor like this than a pompous, arrogant a$$ like Hurley.

Regarding the social media posts, Illinois literally has people whose job it is to manage content and social media. I mean, they actually give out national awards for recognition and achievements in this field. From my understanding the woman Illinois has as their media director was highly sought after when she came here a few years ago.
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Yes, 100%…

And if you peruse the UConn men’s basketball social media pages you’ll find the exact same photo shoots and “fashion shows” (lol). Of course, minus the fun factor because Dan Hurley’s default setting seems to be “angry douchebag”.
 
#233      
Uihoop2
21ChampaignSt said:
It's more of a commentary on the human condition than a criticism of specific posts or posters.

But there are certainly posters who believe we'll win every game, are quick to talk about moral victories after losses, who believe the team or coach is above criticism, who never wanted that recruit anyway, so on and so forth.

In these examples, the "truth" they're avoiding is that the team is not as good as they want to believe. That failure and disappointment are 100% on the table for any given game or season. For fanatical people (which all of us here are), this can be hard to deal with emotionally so they focus on the positives (or sometimes make up a positive) to avoid confronting the negatives.

The way I see it, there is good, healthy optimism and then optimism that borders on delusion. A healthy optimist doesn't actually believe they're going to win the lottery every week. That's delusional. The healthy optimist knows they probably won't win the lottery but that it'll be ok and life will still be good.

My point isn't to alienate either one or say that either side is right or wrong. It's to point out that neither are absolutely good or bad.
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There are also people on here who blow a gasket when a turnover happens with a 40 point lead so there is that
 
#235      
Rap47
I would like to know why the majority of posters think the llini will lose. Who has uconn beat? BYU when Dybansa took the game off until the last ten minutes. I could be wrong but I think along with Gonzaga and Houston, Uconn is over rated.
 
#238      
Fighter of the Nightman
21ChampaignSt said:
Although, same can be said for the exuberant optimist. It's a defense mechanism that allows them to avoid confronting the truth. And, while perfectly well intentioned, can come off to others as disingenuous. This persona is way more fun at parties though.
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Last part is the key for me! I’ll take someone trying to make his optimism infectious 11 times out of 10!
 
#239      
BretMyBeachHouse
Rap47 said:
I would like to know why the majority of posters think the llini will lose. Who has uconn beat? BYU when Dybansa took the game off until the last ten minutes. I could be wrong but I think along with Gonzaga and Houston, Uconn is over rated.
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I don't think they're overrated. But we have a good chance against any team on a neutral court.

I feel good about this team. I don't think we hit full stride until mid January.
 
#242      
Grandpa
altgeld88 said:
(1) It's compensation and, frankly, for some who have lived for long periods in extreme circumstances in which they have little power and freedom of movement, a positive survival mechanism. Compensation can also certainly take a starkly different form, too, of course. We should be grateful that the former often prevails. The positive outlook can be healthy (finding the pony in the pile of s*#t) or delusional;

(2) I imagine that they do, along the lines of "wake up and live in reality!!" I sometimes feel that way about someone I know well who demonstrates (1) above, but I understand what he went through as a child and I cut him a lot of slack.

I'm not a psychologist but did stay at a Holiday Inn Express(TM) last night. Will defer to any professionals here.

Also, I turn 60 in four weeks so am gearing up now to begin generously to dispense all the wisdom I've accumulated. Unsolicited and constantly. Get ready. ;)
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When you get a little older you will forget who you have given what wisdom, so you tell them many times.
 
#244      
Bucktown
Rap47 said:
I would like to know why the majority of posters think the llini will lose. Who has uconn beat? BYU when Dybansa took the game off until the last ten minutes. I could be wrong but I think along with Gonzaga and Houston, Uconn is over rated.
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PTSD
 
#245      
lstewart53x3
FloridaMan said:
Very good discussion. Agree with almost all of it on either side.

I think one thing that should also be considered (if someone has mentioned and I missed, apologies in advance) is that fans have different definitions of "success." Is success defined as annually being ranked in the top 25? Is success top 4 finishes in the B10? Or is success B10 championships, sweet 16s, final fours, NCAA championship? Is each season judged on the short term, today's ranking/wins & losses or end of season what ifs and team "potential?"

Each fan has a different personal history and experience with the program. Each fan invests more/less time, money, etc into the program. A lot of long time fans have experienced a lot of lows and let downs that newer fans have not. Being objectively one of the best programs to have never won a modern day championship tends to reinforce what could go wrong in a season for some fans more than others.

At the end of the day for me, while I am extremely happy with the program's position as one of the "premier" programs year in year out, it feels like it is at a point where talent and potential need to be more regularly leveraged into post season success. We haven't had the privilege of experiencing that in 20 years now (yes I remember the Elite 8 appearance). I know the Admin and staff strive for that and they say as much.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of Illini Nation!
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Some people watch sports for fun. Others to release anger.

If you watch sports for anger, you pick the highest possible expectations. Say something that out of 360 D1 teams, only 4 accomplish each year. Then when those lofty expectations aren’t met, you get to be angry. So the good news is, you get to be angry a lot.

This fan is never not angry, btw, except for the single season expectations are met. Once you win it all, that becomes the new expectation after all.

As someone who watches sports for fun, I care slightly less about arbitrary expectations. I’m not thinking “well sure, we made an E8, but that was 2 years ago and we still haven’t made a F4, so now I’m angry, gimme new coach”.

I’m more so thinking:

“Oh wow, we’re playing top 5 UConn on national tv in the garden the day after thanksgiving and we’re top 15 and it’s a pick ‘em? That should be really fun!”

“We went a decade without making the tourney at all, and now we’re automatic each year. We’ve won the B1G, the B1G tourney, made the E8, had a couple of one & dones, got to appreciate epic players like TJ and Ayo, it’s been a really fun couple of years”.

My brain thinks less about what we haven’t accomplished and more about what we have.

Sure, give me more. That’s awesome.

But as long as we have teams good enough to schedule and compete with 4 top 15 teams in the non-con, plus play meaningful basketball in March, I’m a happy fan.
 
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#246      
altgeld88
lstewart53x3 said:
Some people watch sports for fun. Others to release anger.

If you watch sports for anger, you pick the highest possible expectations. Say something that out of 360 D1 teams, only 4 accomplish each year. Then when those lofty expectations aren’t met, you get to be angry. So the good news is, you get to be angry a lot.

As someone who watches sports for fun, I care slightly less about arbitrary expectations. I’m not thinking “well sure, we made an E8, but that was 2 years ago and we still haven’t made a F4, so now I’m angry, gimme new coach”.

I’m more so thinking:

“Oh wow, we’re playing top 5 UConn on national tv in the garden the day after thanksgiving and we’re top 15 and it’s a pick ‘em? That should be really fun!”

“We went a decade without making the tourney at all, and now we’re automatic each year. We’ve won the B1G, the B1G tourney, made the E8, had a couple of one & dones, got to appreciate epic players like TJ and Ayo, it’s been a really fun couple of years”.

My brain thinks less about what we haven’t accomplished and more about what we have.

Sure, give me more. That’s awesome.

But as long as we have teams good enough to schedule and compete with 4 top 15 teams in the non-con, plus play meaningful basketball in March, I’m a happy fan.
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Spread the positivity, brother. I was at Thanksgiving dinner at my partner's cousin's place a year ago. At some point I asked our host (neither he nor anyone else there were sports fans of any sort) if I could turn on the Illini-Hogs game in KC. He kindly did so.

The boys were pounding them and playing with joy.

It was there for all to see, on network TV with robust ratings, and on a national holiday.

It was glorious, like the Olden Times.

I was extremely happy.

That is all.
 
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#248      
FloridaMan
lstewart53x3 said:
Some people watch sports for fun. Others to release anger.

If you watch sports for anger, you pick the highest possible expectations. Say something that out of 360 D1 teams, only 4 accomplish each year. Then when those lofty expectations aren’t met, you get to be angry. So the good news is, you get to be angry a lot.

This fan is never not angry, btw, except for the single season expectations are met. Once you win it all, that becomes the new expectation after all.

As someone who watches sports for fun, I care slightly less about arbitrary expectations. I’m not thinking “well sure, we made an E8, but that was 2 years ago and we still haven’t made a F4, so now I’m angry, gimme new coach”.

I’m more so thinking:

“Oh wow, we’re playing top 5 UConn on national tv in the garden the day after thanksgiving and we’re top 15 and it’s a pick ‘em? That should be really fun!”

“We went a decade without making the tourney at all, and now we’re automatic each year. We’ve won the B1G, the B1G tourney, made the E8, had a couple of one & dones, got to appreciate epic players like TJ and Ayo, it’s been a really fun couple of years”.

My brain thinks less about what we haven’t accomplished and more about what we have.

Sure, give me more. That’s awesome.

But as long as we have teams good enough to schedule and compete with 4 top 15 teams in the non-con, plus play meaningful basketball in March, I’m a happy fan.
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It's not an either/or, friend. You can both be happy with all of your thinking while still hoping for more.

Interesting theory that there are only two diametrically opposed reasons people watch sports. And who is saying they are angry we haven't made a F4 lately and we need a new coach. Can you point out those posts?

I am thankful that our AD and staff seem to be in the camp that there is still more that can be achieved. Great for you that you have been completely satisfied.
 
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#249      
Chase321
Doesn’t the “fashion show” make the players more NIL money because it promotes the track suits that are for sale? Doesn’t that help recruiting and retention? Doesn’t Brad’s playfulness with the tracksuit help his image and give the program some free publicity? Aren’t there people in the Athletic Department that did all the extra work to make this happen and all Brad and players did was get dressed yesterday and pause for a few photos?

Can people stop hunting for things to complain about?
 
#250      
PNWIllini
Tracksuit Bradovic has mojo. Win or lose, I like mojo.

National TV against a high level opponent. Isn’t this what we all ground our gears during the Groce years wishing we had back?

Brad is living his best life and inviting us all along to enjoy the ride. We all waited too long for this to happen not to enjoy it now.
 
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