So Whitman is TJL? Younger, not as highly ranked, good potential and a year later.
I like your optimism, my fellow Illini.
Tiley and George would have been grand slams, but Whitman has a ton of potential and is already a brilliant and personable and passionate Illini man.
As a lifelong Illini fan, I feel, like many do, that the News-Gazette just trumps what the U of I wants it to regarding sports. Illinihq has a little cover story about Whitman. We're getting Whitman.
We could do worse.
We probably weren't willing to meet Tiley's demands. The sad truth. We are what we are.
This does not mean we are toast though. The BIG west is wide open. If we could continue to string together some taller, more athletic classes,and develop them, we could build some consistency and become relevant in football again. It is possible for Whitman to hire our Ferentz, Alvarez or Dantonio which is what so many of us our hoping for.
Regarding basketball, hopefully Groce is the answer, but if not, we could still attract a good coach. There are other Hensons out there. We just have to find him (or her, but I would bet "him") And we should be able to learn about Groce next season with all of the talent we have returning and coming into the program. It really is difficult to give Groce a fair shake after this snake-bitten season.
And you never know, Cubit could, maybe, build something. I am willing to give him a chance this year to see what he can do with an experienced roster and healthy offensive weapons. If he wins 8 games, he deserves an extension. Heck, if he wins 7 games, I would extend him and the staff. 7 wins is a good first step back to relevance for the Illini. We need to build a foundation. We have to be patient to actually build something of substance here.
Illini forever, just need to realize that the University isn't willing to invest in the athletics department. I doubt Tiley's demands were unreasonable. He is worthy of a top level salary. His abilities are worth whatever it takes to get him. He will galvanize the fanbase, and bring us together. He will be able to raise millions. He already built a tennis program here. A tennis program at Illinois!! I would feel safe with him choosing our future coaches.
I really hope I am wrong about the article about Whitman...
(Maybe we can still get Tiley!!! )