Your Ideal Illini Basketball Non-Conference Schedule
They should play the bulls
Going back to 04-05 we played Wake Gonzaga @Arkansas Mizzou GTown Oregon and Cincy. Our team was ready for that schedule
Forgot the cupcakes play good teams and be rewarded for it. If you know your team is not good then try adding cupcakes
Forgot the cupcakes play good teams and be rewarded for it. If you know your team is not good then try adding cupcakes
sacraig
- The desert
We should play Kentucky every year. They’re the only border state real school we don’t play annually.
You may be on to something
I do like the idea of keeping the money we pay teams we should beat in state instead of paying out of state cup cakes.
I would prefer more quality opponents that provide a bit more of a challenge provide experience and national TV exposure. If we do schedule some easier games at least in state schools generate more interests and support state schools financially.
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I thought this year's non conference home schedule was pretty bad
The only Major opponent we had was Syracuse who wasn't even expected to be good and that was made only because of the ACC/BIG Ten tourney
and as crazy as this sounds, I'd rather pay 10.00 and drive 30 mins to watch Illinois St vs whoever then spend 50.00+ and drive a hour to watch Illini vs a cupcake
The only Major opponent we had was Syracuse who wasn't even expected to be good and that was made only because of the ACC/BIG Ten tourney
and as crazy as this sounds, I'd rather pay 10.00 and drive 30 mins to watch Illinois St vs whoever then spend 50.00+ and drive a hour to watch Illini vs a cupcake
+1
I tend to think Izzo has the right approach. Schedule hard --if your guys lose, they get the message to get better. If they win, it's better to have played good competition. Much better for the fans and the program too. I think a couple easy games to start the season is fine, but after that, I'd rather they play meaningful games.
Back in '04-'05 we played 16 conference games, not 20.
In '04-'05 our worst non-conference opponents were (KP ranking):
Longwood (328)
Florida A&M (302)
Chicago St. (241)
Delaware St. (209)
Valparaiso (196)
Oakland (178)
Northwestern St. (171)
For comparison, our worst non-conference opponents in '21-'22 were (KP ranking):
St. Francis PA (325)
UT Rio Grande Valley (301)
Jackson St. (277)
Arkansas St. (181)
Missouri (137)
Cincinnati (101)
4 additional conference games (2 of which are home) changes the non-conference scheduling calculus quite a bit.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
RE: The United Center game being difficult, I actually don't think it would be difficult to maintain, it would just take a lot of planning to get going. I think you would just have to outline multiple 4-year series lined up in advance like we had with Gonzaga a few years ago:
2009-10: Chicago, IL (Neutral Home)
2010-11: Seattle, WA (Neutral Away)
2011-12: Champaign, IL (Home)
2012-13: Spokane, WA (Away)
Once you found a couple of those, I think you could just stagger it appropriately and it would work out to benefit both parties involved. We are in the enviable position that we are not asking a team to come to Little Rock, AR (as we did for the Razorbacks) or Des Moines, IA (as Iowa or Iowa State would have to do); we are inviting them to play in Chicago in one of the nation's best areas for recruiting, and I think a lot of teams would jump at the opportunity if the logistics of the series were well thought out.
Imagine these series that I personally think would be fun, huge draws in both Champaign and Chicago and provide us an opportunity to play in some talent hotbeds and/or places with a significant number of alumni:
Kansas: Champaign, IL - Lawrence, KS - Chicago, IL - Kansas City, MO
Texas: Champaign, IL - Austin, TX - Chicago, IL - Dallas, TX
Syracuse: Champaign, IL - Syracuse, NY - Chicago, IL - New York, NY (MSG)
Virginia: Champaign, IL - Charlottesville, VA - Chicago, IL - Washington, DC
Texas A&M: Champaign, IL - College Station, TX - Chicago, IL - Houston, TX
Somebody else could probably make this more efficient, but you could stagger the schedules something like this:
2023-24: Kansas in Lawrence, Texas in Chicago
2024-25: Kansas in Champaign, Texas in Dallas, Syracuse in Chicago
2025-26: Kansas in Chicago, Texas in Champaign, Syracuse at MSG
--- Add Virginia to make sure we have a Chicago game ---
2026-27: Kansas in Kansas City, Texas in Austin, Syracuse in Champaign, Virginia in Chicago
--- Kansas and Texas series done; add Texas A&M to replace Texas ---
2027-28: Syracuse at Syracuse, Virginia in DC, Texas A&M in Chicago
--- Syracuse series done; add UConn to replace Syracuse as an opponent that gets us in NYC)
2028-29: Virginia in Champaign, Texas A&M in Houston, UConn in Chicago
--- Find a replacement for Virginia to start as the United Center game the next year, etc. ---
Again, someone whose brain hurts less than mine does could maybe make it work more smoothly, but I think you'd have to do something like that. And I think a lot of big-time programs would be interested, and it would provide us with the dual benefit of (A) getting us playing at a packed United Center against good opponents again, (B) getting us exposure in other recruiting hotbeds and also (C) being a GREAT way to get high-profile opponents to come to Champaign and still feel like there is a lot for them to gain besides a demoralizing defeat at the hands of the Orange Krush.
2009-10: Chicago, IL (Neutral Home)
2010-11: Seattle, WA (Neutral Away)
2011-12: Champaign, IL (Home)
2012-13: Spokane, WA (Away)
Once you found a couple of those, I think you could just stagger it appropriately and it would work out to benefit both parties involved. We are in the enviable position that we are not asking a team to come to Little Rock, AR (as we did for the Razorbacks) or Des Moines, IA (as Iowa or Iowa State would have to do); we are inviting them to play in Chicago in one of the nation's best areas for recruiting, and I think a lot of teams would jump at the opportunity if the logistics of the series were well thought out.
Imagine these series that I personally think would be fun, huge draws in both Champaign and Chicago and provide us an opportunity to play in some talent hotbeds and/or places with a significant number of alumni:
Kansas: Champaign, IL - Lawrence, KS - Chicago, IL - Kansas City, MO
Texas: Champaign, IL - Austin, TX - Chicago, IL - Dallas, TX
Syracuse: Champaign, IL - Syracuse, NY - Chicago, IL - New York, NY (MSG)
Virginia: Champaign, IL - Charlottesville, VA - Chicago, IL - Washington, DC
Texas A&M: Champaign, IL - College Station, TX - Chicago, IL - Houston, TX
Somebody else could probably make this more efficient, but you could stagger the schedules something like this:
2023-24: Kansas in Lawrence, Texas in Chicago
2024-25: Kansas in Champaign, Texas in Dallas, Syracuse in Chicago
2025-26: Kansas in Chicago, Texas in Champaign, Syracuse at MSG
--- Add Virginia to make sure we have a Chicago game ---
2026-27: Kansas in Kansas City, Texas in Austin, Syracuse in Champaign, Virginia in Chicago
--- Kansas and Texas series done; add Texas A&M to replace Texas ---
2027-28: Syracuse at Syracuse, Virginia in DC, Texas A&M in Chicago
--- Syracuse series done; add UConn to replace Syracuse as an opponent that gets us in NYC)
2028-29: Virginia in Champaign, Texas A&M in Houston, UConn in Chicago
--- Find a replacement for Virginia to start as the United Center game the next year, etc. ---
Again, someone whose brain hurts less than mine does could maybe make it work more smoothly, but I think you'd have to do something like that. And I think a lot of big-time programs would be interested, and it would provide us with the dual benefit of (A) getting us playing at a packed United Center against good opponents again, (B) getting us exposure in other recruiting hotbeds and also (C) being a GREAT way to get high-profile opponents to come to Champaign and still feel like there is a lot for them to gain besides a demoralizing defeat at the hands of the Orange Krush.
RE: The United Center game being difficult, I actually don't think it would be difficult to maintain, it would just take a lot of planning to get going. I think you would just have to outline multiple 4-year series lined up in advance like we had with Gonzaga a few years ago:
2009-10: Chicago, IL (Neutral Home)
2010-11: Seattle, WA (Neutral Away)
2011-12: Champaign, IL (Home)
2012-13: Spokane, WA (Away)
Once you found a couple of those, I think you could just stagger it appropriately and it would work out to benefit both parties involved. We are in the enviable position that we are not asking a team to come to Little Rock, AR (as we did for the Razorbacks) or Des Moines, IA (as Iowa or Iowa State would have to do); we are inviting them to play in Chicago in one of the nation's best areas for recruiting, and I think a lot of teams would jump at the opportunity if the logistics of the series were well thought out.
Imagine these series that I personally think would be fun, huge draws in both Champaign and Chicago and provide us an opportunity to play in some talent hotbeds and/or places with a significant number of alumni:
Kansas: Champaign, IL - Lawrence, KS - Chicago, IL - Kansas City, MO
Texas: Champaign, IL - Austin, TX - Chicago, IL - Dallas, TX
Syracuse: Champaign, IL - Syracuse, NY - Chicago, IL - New York, NY (MSG)
Virginia: Champaign, IL - Charlottesville, VA - Chicago, IL - Washington, DC
Texas A&M: Champaign, IL - College Station, TX - Chicago, IL - Houston, TX
Somebody else could probably make this more efficient, but you could stagger the schedules something like this:
2023-24: Kansas in Lawrence, Texas in Chicago
2024-25: Kansas in Champaign, Texas in Dallas, Syracuse in Chicago
2025-26: Kansas in Chicago, Texas in Champaign, Syracuse at MSG
--- Add Virginia to make sure we have a Chicago game ---
2026-27: Kansas in Kansas City, Texas in Austin, Syracuse in Champaign, Virginia in Chicago
--- Kansas and Texas series done; add Texas A&M to replace Texas ---
2027-28: Syracuse at Syracuse, Virginia in DC, Texas A&M in Chicago
--- Syracuse series done; add UConn to replace Syracuse as an opponent that gets us in NYC)
2028-29: Virginia in Champaign, Texas A&M in Houston, UConn in Chicago
--- Find a replacement for Virginia to start as the United Center game the next year, etc. ---
Again, someone whose brain hurts less than mine does could maybe make it work more smoothly, but I think you'd have to do something like that. And I think a lot of big-time programs would be interested, and it would provide us with the dual benefit of (A) getting us playing at a packed United Center against good opponents again, (B) getting us exposure in other recruiting hotbeds and also (C) being a GREAT way to get high-profile opponents to come to Champaign and still feel like there is a lot for them to gain besides a demoralizing defeat at the hands of the Orange Krush.
I would add Bradley Loyola and DePaul to that list, but schedule ONLY ONE of all those a year. Like the addition of the Tennesse series and would like the same with Kentucky and Kansas, maybe Iowa State. Start with Western before Geoff becomes a head coach. Hope it isn't too long before Valpo becomes a must add.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
RE: My last post about the United Center game setup, these are some more that might work in the same mold as the examples I gave for series with Kansas, Texas, Syracuse, Virginia, Texas A&M and UConn:
Arizona: Champaign, Tucson, Chicago, Phoenix ... no-brainer, we have so much history with them!
Florida: Champaign, Gainesville, Chicago, Orlando/Tampa/Miami ... not sure where UF would want their neutral game or where it would benefit us the most?
Tennessee: Champaign, Knoxville, Chicago, Nashville ... though maybe it'd be too soon after the home-and-home we have with them starting next year.
North Carolina: Champaign, Chapel Hill, Chicago, Greensboro/Charlotte/Raleigh
Georgia: Champaign, Athens, Chicago, Atlanta ... UGA basketball is nothing now, but look what happened with 'Bama. I don't think they'll suck forever, too many resources. Only worry is if it is enough of a draw for OUR fans in Chicago.
And lastly ... the absolute homerun:
Kentucky: Champaign, Lexington, Chicago, Indianapolis ... how frickin' funny would the Hoosier outrage be if Illinois and Kentucky played in Indy and both packed the house with our fans.
Arizona: Champaign, Tucson, Chicago, Phoenix ... no-brainer, we have so much history with them!
Florida: Champaign, Gainesville, Chicago, Orlando/Tampa/Miami ... not sure where UF would want their neutral game or where it would benefit us the most?
Tennessee: Champaign, Knoxville, Chicago, Nashville ... though maybe it'd be too soon after the home-and-home we have with them starting next year.
North Carolina: Champaign, Chapel Hill, Chicago, Greensboro/Charlotte/Raleigh
Georgia: Champaign, Athens, Chicago, Atlanta ... UGA basketball is nothing now, but look what happened with 'Bama. I don't think they'll suck forever, too many resources. Only worry is if it is enough of a draw for OUR fans in Chicago.
And lastly ... the absolute homerun:
Kentucky: Champaign, Lexington, Chicago, Indianapolis ... how frickin' funny would the Hoosier outrage be if Illinois and Kentucky played in Indy and both packed the house with our fans.
My question is which side would OA be on?Kentucky: Champaign, Lexington, Chicago, Indianapolis ... how frickin' funny would the Hoosier outrage be if Illinois and Kentucky played in Indy and both packed the house with our fans.
Tacomallini
- Washington State
Washington or Oregon away games please!
One that matches my travel schedule please
I would like to see us play the top 150 teams in kenpom in the non conference. It doesnt do stregnth of schedule any good to play 300 or lower teams.
And lets quit playing teams that are not Division 1. I am ok with it if you would like to begin the season with a cupcake but after the first game or two, that would end.
And lets quit playing teams that are not Division 1. I am ok with it if you would like to begin the season with a cupcake but after the first game or two, that would end.
Captain 14
- The Last Best Place
William AND Mary
Think you could simplify by only having the neutral games. Also as you pointed out a lot of bigger teams would have no issue playing in Chicago because of recruiting.RE: My last post about the United Center game setup, these are some more that might work in the same mold as the examples I gave for series with Kansas, Texas, Syracuse, Virginia, Texas A&M and UConn:
Arizona: Champaign, Tucson, Chicago, Phoenix ... no-brainer, we have so much history with them!
Florida: Champaign, Gainesville, Chicago, Orlando/Tampa/Miami ... not sure where UF would want their neutral game or where it would benefit us the most?
Tennessee: Champaign, Knoxville, Chicago, Nashville ... though maybe it'd be too soon after the home-and-home we have with them starting next year.
North Carolina: Champaign, Chapel Hill, Chicago, Greensboro/Charlotte/Raleigh
Georgia: Champaign, Athens, Chicago, Atlanta ... UGA basketball is nothing now, but look what happened with 'Bama. I don't think they'll suck forever, too many resources. Only worry is if it is enough of a draw for OUR fans in Chicago.
And lastly ... the absolute homerun:
Kentucky: Champaign, Lexington, Chicago, Indianapolis ... how frickin' funny would the Hoosier outrage be if Illinois and Kentucky played in Indy and both packed the house with our fans.
By that thinking I think UI targets the places they want to recruit as well. DC, Orlando, Indy, Detroit, Phoenix, NYC
The Sprouting Divot
Invisible and Bulletproof
- Miracle Mile
My ideal non-conference schedule is one that is announced well ahead of time.
In looking at this website that seems to be pretty comprehensive (can't vouch for its completeness or accuracy), it seems like we don't really have much on the books compared to other programs.
Does anyone know whether we're going to be in some kind of tournament/multi-team event? Or know when we're supposed to find that out? Does the fact that the team is going to Spain mean that we're less likely to do something else?
I'm trying to plan some unrelated PTO days for the fall, and while I might want to attend whatever we might be doing, the complete lack of clarity is a significant obstacle.
In looking at this website that seems to be pretty comprehensive (can't vouch for its completeness or accuracy), it seems like we don't really have much on the books compared to other programs.
Does anyone know whether we're going to be in some kind of tournament/multi-team event? Or know when we're supposed to find that out? Does the fact that the team is going to Spain mean that we're less likely to do something else?
I'm trying to plan some unrelated PTO days for the fall, and while I might want to attend whatever we might be doing, the complete lack of clarity is a significant obstacle.
As a fan? All killer, no filler. As a coach, I think you need a small handful of freebies to work on some stuff in real game situations and to give your kids a break mentally. (Fortunately for all involved, I'm neither a coach nor an AD.)
It will never happen but like others here I'd love to see a tournament with all of the Illinois schools. I think there are 13 now, worked a lot better before SIUE moved up (they were the last ones, right?). With 12 teams you could have four pools of three teams each playing round robin, and then three brackets of four teams each. Four games guaranteed for all, pools could exclude in-conference matchups, etc. Sounds fun to me...
It will never happen but like others here I'd love to see a tournament with all of the Illinois schools. I think there are 13 now, worked a lot better before SIUE moved up (they were the last ones, right?). With 12 teams you could have four pools of three teams each playing round robin, and then three brackets of four teams each. Four games guaranteed for all, pools could exclude in-conference matchups, etc. Sounds fun to me...
2 critter schools (cupcakes)
Loyola
UIC
Game in bigger city arena with good recruiting opportunities (Madison Square Garden type) against a St. John's/Syracuse
Tourney against top 25 teams
Mizzou
DePaul
Kensucky
Another bigger city game in a hotbed town of recruits. San Antonio/Dallas against Texas
We would be B10 ready after that schedule
Loyola
UIC
Game in bigger city arena with good recruiting opportunities (Madison Square Garden type) against a St. John's/Syracuse
Tourney against top 25 teams
Mizzou
DePaul
Kensucky
Another bigger city game in a hotbed town of recruits. San Antonio/Dallas against Texas
We would be B10 ready after that schedule