Don't read the post-game thread of any loss, or the next game thread for that matter. Remember it is only a game. Be a fan of players, not just the team, so that you can rejoice in their individual improvement and successes, even if the team does not win.Man, I'm torn. I love the Illini, especially hoops, but don't like how it impacts my mood/day at this point. While it can bring great joy, it also heaps on the sorrow...a bit of a self-reflection post below. Wondering how others Illini fanatics "deal" with it, and when/how you chose to step back a bit in your fandom or lean deeper into it?
I think I'm going to look at hoops games differently going forward this season starting this weekend with Wisconsin as my expectations have changed a good deal, even though all hope is not lost. I no longer expect us to challenge for the BIG, nor go super deep in the tourney (hope I'm wrong!) A good goal should be to return to respectable basketball the team and fans can be proud of again and make the post season. For now I'm hoping to see some improvement in team ball and effort/hustle from game to game.
Probably similar to many others on here I'm thinking I can't get as hyped up so much pre-game as the inevitable emotional crash and in-game watching frustration/depression is unhealthy with the current incarnation of this team.
I'm planning to go into what had traditionally been my "Illini football mode" by every mid-season in losing years, where I'll DVR the game and start sometime mid game or even after the result and fast forward through each snap/commercial (the hoops version skipping the free-throws/timeouts). Less emotional build-up; less frustration. Looking for positive signs to be happy about, and hopefully not impacting the rest of my day which emotional losses can tend to do. I've never reverted to this in a hoops season, but it may be time.
To be clear, I'd much rather be in peak live/die with every moment, watch evert minute live with the game thread up, soak in all the pre/post game content mode that I had hoped this team would make enjoyable...but for now I think I need to manage my blood pressure
Here's hoping I can get back to full-viral fan mode by the end of the season as our chemistry and effort improves, but if it doesn't well things could easily go further off the rails. Up to the players and coaches from here I suppose as usual; as a fan I might need to ratchet my commitment back a bit...
Anyone else struggle with this dynamic of wanting to fully support vs. managing mental health? I know many of your are much more involved/passionate so can only imagine your mood swings. Tips on staying positive & engaged from any die-hard super-fans out there?
I'm sure Pru will recommend the herb
Pregame: Illinois vs Wisconsin, Saturday, January 7th, 12:30pm CT, ESPN2
- Status
splitter
- and not Nebraska
don't think Pru has enough gummies and neighbor ladies to deal with this. hoping for a TEAM effort from players and coaches.
pruman91
- Paducah, Ky
I agree with the article Rees Woodcock wrote, lets play these highly recruited and talented freshman and Dain at the 5. Use Hawkins and R.J. off bench. Sub Mayer and Shannon. Play em or we lose them to the portal .
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
If you find yourself agreeing with something Rees wrote, you've probably taken a wrong turn somewhere.
Increased playing time does not ensure you'll keep players from transferring. In the current transfer portal age, you should assume players will transfer. You will replace those transfers out with transfers in and recruiting, not by playing games with minutes.
Bigtex
- DFW
PT....why isn't adam miller still wearing orange/blue?
Also agree that anything Rees writes could have been lifted from the board.
No snark or shade intended, I just can't understand how any game can be called a guarantee after watching the last few. 16-0 run by Alabama A&M, etc. We are fully capable of losing to anyone if things don't change.
Underwood sounds like a tired parent.
Something tells me we are going to win this game.
Illinois 71, Wisconsin 67
Illinois 71, Wisconsin 67
Kind of have that feeling too. Well, either that or we get curb stomped.
I'd love to see Epps start going forward. Love Sencire, but think he's better as a spark off the bench.
Hoping for Epps, TSJ, MM (or RJ), CH and DD.
JFGsCoffeeMug
BU:1 Trash cans:0
- Chicago
I love Epps. His 1-on-1 skills are tremendous. His effort is great. He's doing what he needs to on defense.
But playmaking? Oof. That just seems like one of the hardest skills to develop in basketball. Best of luck, Epps. We're rooting for you.
But playmaking? Oof. That just seems like one of the hardest skills to develop in basketball. Best of luck, Epps. We're rooting for you.
Hearing Mayer non-contact injury…not good Illini nation 
Ha! Yeah, the options are a little limited at the moment. It's going to be a challenge for sure. Really interested to see how we come out tomorrow.
Strange, but I feel better about this game than the NW game.
illini80
- Forgottonia
It’s certainly not unusual for teams to rally together in times of adversity and we should know it as well as anyone. Michigan basketball, Mich State football, Miss State football. It will be interesting and potentially a pivotal point in the season.
So who is starting tomorrow and who else is in an 8 man rotation?
Ransom Stoddard
Ordained Dudeist Priest
- Bloomington, IL
TBD after shoot around
Lieb starting PG
- Status