... disagree with the thoughts that this won't derail the season. This team went from top 10 with Final Four potential to a bubble team and even that's a maybe. You just don't remove a first team All American and replace him.
Most people are going to agree with you. My take is not the most likely thing to happen. But it is possible given the way that Guerrier has come on strong lately as a talented veteran (the new Alpha?) And Hawkins still has more in his game to give. So does Goode. And we’ve seen what Domask is capable of in breaking loose.
Maybe be the Illini won’t be able to compete at a Final Four level. We'll soon get an idea. But there is no reason why they cannot go Sweet Sixteen at least. And once you’re at that level you still have a chance.
Coach U has known about this situation for a while according to reports. And if so, you know he’s been thinking about how to handle this and what to do with his roster. Probably for a good while now.
As they say, you can’t always control what’s going to happen to you in life (as a Team here, that is). But you can always have control over how you respond to it.
Play and fight like hell on the court, Illini. Give it your best without excuses. Make Illini Nation proud, and yourselves. That is what’s required here.