Re: Illinois basketball fans
[QUOTE=ILLsmak]I don't feel there's anything we can do this season to make it a success. Obviously, if this were a movie, we could go on some epic tourney run. Likely, we won't.
Did we have higher expectations than we should have for a team without a quality big man or senior leadership? Did we really think McCamey was going to be our savior?
I think when things go wrong that everyone likes to blame something. I prefer to blame the players because they are the ones on the court and they are the ones throwing the ball out of bounds, missing shots and free throws, and making stupid fouls/defensive mistakes down the stretch. I can see how Weber would get the blame because you're right... he is the constant. But, I'm not convinced.
I am waiting until next year... and if we do not become the top 10 team that I predict us to be (assuming the don't fire Weber at the end of the season...) then I will start questioning Weber. But I'm pretty sure we're good to go next year as both an offensive and defensive juggernaut being as we've had our pick of players and 3 top recruiting classes in a row, all being "Weber players" too.
-Smak[/QUOTE]
This season can still be a success but that depends on the 2nd act. What does this team do in the tournament. If they win a couple of games and get to the Sweet 16 I consider that a success. That was most Illini fans expectations before the start of this season is either winning a tourney game or getting the 2nd weekend. That goal is still possible.
Re: Illinois basketball fans
[QUOTE=bootsy]This season can still be a success but that depends on the 2nd act. What does this team do in the tournament. If they win a couple of games and get to the Sweet 16 I consider that a success. [B]That was most Illini fans expectations before the start of this season is either winning a tourney game or getting the 2nd weekend[/B]. That goal is still possible.[/QUOTE]
It is still possible, and if those were your expectations, why are you calling for Weber's head? It seems like we are right on track for that. Of course, we could lose in the Tourney or maybe not make the tourney... but I dunno. I don't see that as changing this season much. No doubt, the tourney is what people remember, but if we hit our stride or end up facing a team like BYU in the 2nd round and beating them... is that really a success? I mean, it's something to talk about, but it doesn't make our team any better.
Lastly, I want to comment on something I forgot to say. People say that our Big Ten record isn't good anymore, but what people forget is that the Big Ten is now one of the strongest conferences. Just something to remember...
-Smak
Re: Illinois basketball fans
[QUOTE=ILLsmak]It is still possible, and if those were your expectations, why are you calling for Weber's head? It seems like we are right on track for that. Of course, we could lose in the Tourney or maybe not make the tourney... but I dunno. I don't see that as changing this season much. No doubt, the tourney is what people remember, but if we hit our stride or end up facing a team like BYU in the 2nd round and beating them... is that really a success? I mean, it's something to talk about, but it doesn't make our team any better.
Lastly, I want to comment on something I forgot to say. People say that our Big Ten record isn't good anymore, but what people forget is that the Big Ten is now one of the strongest conferences. Just something to remember...
-Smak[/QUOTE]
I am calling for Weber's head because this team was supposed to be in contention for the Big 10 title, a top 25 team and instead has reverted to previous seasons. I think I have explained this about 850 times. Winning a game or two in the tourney isn't going to erase what happened during the season. This team shouldn't be in the position it is right now.
Re: Illinois basketball fans
I hope those wins against UNC and Gonzaga affect their resume.
I'm not sure they've had marquee wins like that non-conference in the past few seasons. Granted at the time I don't think neither Gonzaga or UNC were ranked but they still count as W's.
Re: Illinois basketball fans
[QUOTE=ballinhun8]I hope those wins against UNC and Gonzaga affect their resume.
I'm not sure they've had marquee wins like that non-conference in the past few seasons. Granted at the time I don't think neither Gonzaga or UNC were ranked but they still count as W's.[/QUOTE]
Don't forget Northern Colorado and Oakland as well. Both won their reg season and conference tourneys. Those aren't marquee wins but wins over tourney teams.
Re: Illinois basketball fans
On a somewhat unrelated note, who else is really enjoying Indiana finishing at the bottom of the Big 10 year after year?
Re: Illinois basketball fans
[QUOTE=IlliniFan]On a somewhat unrelated note, who else is really enjoying Indiana finishing at the bottom of the Big 10 year after year?[/QUOTE]
Always. Someone posted they have finished in last in football and basketball for the last 2 or 3 seasons I believe.
Re: Illinois basketball fans
[quote=IlliniFan]On a somewhat unrelated note, who else is really enjoying Indiana finishing at the bottom of the Big 10 year after year?[/quote]Wait til next year, Cody Zeller, recruits, CTC's not actually an awful coach!
Re: Illinois basketball fans
[QUOTE=IlliniFan]On a somewhat unrelated note, who else is really enjoying Indiana finishing at the bottom of the Big 10 year after year?[/QUOTE]
Nah... lol. Indy is cool w/ me now. They beat us, so we can't revel in their failure. haha...
I'm cool with every big ten team right now. We have a lot of coaches that I like now. For awhile, it seemed like we had a bunch of douchebags but now it seems like we cleaned it up. Kinda wish Lav would have come to the big ten, but I think it's cool that he's doing his thing in the Big East.
I think we should beat Michigan even though they are pretty good. I really think we got a chance to push it and do something worthwhile. I wish I could talk to the Illini players... someone needs to light a fire under their ass.
Bruce seems that he's so annoyed with these team that he's just like "whatever." Everyone on the team is going hard now except McCamey... that is crazy. Hopefully last game was a sign that he's back on track...
-Smak
Re: Illinois basketball fans