A lot of people compare this team to the ‘23 team…I hope the arc for this team ends up resembling the 8 seed Arkansas squad that beat us. That team was big & talented, had a lottery point guard and couple other future NBA guys but was crazy inconsistent. Just like us. The talent showed up when it mattered and they overachieved their way into a sweet 16. I’d happily take that ending
Week of 2/10 Bracketology
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to be fair, 4 out of our last 5 games are brutal. It would be tough to go 3-2 even if we were playing our best. We should be underdogs vs Wisconsin, Michigan, Duke and Purdue. I get your point, but projecting 1-4 actually isn't being hyperbolic.
We will be favored against Purdue at home. I think 3-2 with the talent that's on the team is a fair expectation. Win the one game we 100% should and go 2-2 in four tough ones. Really needs to be a must
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
The expected win total using metrics would indicate anywhere from 18 to 20 wins for the Illini at the end of regular season. The lower expectation would still likely earn the Illini and 8 or 9 seed in the tourney. At this point, I want to see the Illini execute a well-designed gameplan down the stretch, even if it results in 3 or 4 losses. The problem is that in the losses the last few weeks, the Illini have looked lost and clueless and have defaulted to chucking 3's when the going gets tough. That needs to change if the team has any hope in March.
That's probably not happening.
That's a dream scenario, not expectation .
3-2 isn't a dream scenario. 4-1 or 5-0 would be
We SHOULD beat Iowa. What other game do you feel good about, much less what two other games?
You're saying it's a must. What does 1-4 get us(in your opinion)?
You're saying it's a must. What does 1-4 get us(in your opinion)?
Just for the sake of the discussion, if we are saying L for Duke and W for Iowa ... that leaves @Wiscy, @scUM, home Purdue - you think we're winning 2/3? After watching last night???
I think this team can win or lose any game left on the schedule. 3-2 is possible, we will see what team shows up
Agree. 0-5 is also a possibility with the way the season has unfolded. Last night - the game after first 10 minutes, halftime, postgame - was one that can break a team for good. It certainly broke the fanbase, unfortunately.
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I think that it broke 3/4 of the Sybil like personalities in this board, but the fanbase, as a whole, understands that with a team this young.... despite talent, this was going to be a roller coaster. I don't care how good of a player you are....17 years old is still a kid. 18 years old and you've just broken into legal adulthood.
Anyone who broke over the results and ups and downs are silly. In some games, we're playing against teams of 22 and 23 year old men. Perspective is a good thing.
Anyone who broke over the results and ups and downs are silly. In some games, we're playing against teams of 22 and 23 year old men. Perspective is a good thing.
Illini2010-11
- Sugar Grove
I don't know. I have heard this stated on at least seven different occasions, and each time, the fans were back the next game. The one game that would break the fanbase (and likely the team as well) is the Iowa game if Illinois loses the next two games. The good news, Illinois has two great opportunities in a row to pick up a win against a ranked team as an underdog. Win at least one of those, and we will be feeling better. Win both, and last night's debacle becomes a more distant memory. One small perk of playing such a challenging schedule.
Illini in Italy
- Illini HQ, Florida Panhandle
It might have broke you, but the rest of the "fan" base is still supporting the team thru the highs and the lows.
You may be right. But I have definitely seen a lot more unrest in the fanbase these last 24 hours than has been seen in a long time. Given the entirety of the night with the TJ ceremony, blowing a 16 point lead, not scoring in the final 8+, etc. something definitely turned last night. Even the most optimistic posters here are growing restless; not to mention X posters and media. A lot of angst right now, rightfully so.
Yes, I am a lone voice in a sea of optimism..... 
And I've been supporting - and will continue - for closing in on 50 years, season ticket holder, attended just about every post season run during that time, yada, yada, so spare me the "not a true fan" lecture.
And I've been supporting - and will continue - for closing in on 50 years, season ticket holder, attended just about every post season run during that time, yada, yada, so spare me the "not a true fan" lecture.
Not a dream scenario, true. But setting aside the word games, 3-2 is unlikely.
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