The Road to Madness! (was Illini)

[johnsemlak]

I'll be happy if they make it to the final eight or better.

I'd say anything short of the final four would be a major (though certainly possible) disappointment for the Illini, and really the only fuly satisfactory result, given current expexcations, would be to win it. That said, it will be a major test.

I don't know where this 'I don't see the Illini winning it' idea comes from. The Illini's results surly indicate they can beat anyone, plus the final four will be played on a friendly court (in st. louis). No team is guarenteed to win (c.f UNLV 91), but the Illini have to be the favorite. Yes, their conference isn't as strong as some (really the ACC is the main one stronger) but Illinois's results nevertheless just to seem to point to any weaknesses. They're unanimous #1's in both polls for a reason.

 

[pogre]

Well as an Illini local let me just say this has been a very special year. I see no reason why they cannot go all the way. Anything less than final four is going to be a major disappointment. I like Coach Self, but I cannot help but cheer a little when KU loses

 

[Angel Tarragon]

I went mad at the time I hit puberty! I've been livin' a charmed life as a lunatic. Its a natural high! I highly reccomend you try it......





...just kidding...





...or am I?

 

[diaglo]

Go Terps

i'm hoping we win the NIT. (not important tournament). we ain't got what it takes to make the big dance.

although, we swept Duke this year. so it wasn't a total flop of a season.

 

[LightPhoenix]

I don't know where this 'I don't see the Illini winning it' idea comes from.

Well, I can't speak for everyone, only myself, but here's where I come from.

First, IIRC no undefeated team going into the tournament has ever won. I could be wrong, but I don't have time this second to do the research. Boo going to work, boo.

Second, while Illinois is a great team, they have to go straight from the conference into the tourney, and that's a major endurance issue. Especially if they have to play every game in the conference tourney. They'll just be plain tired, by the end.

Third, there's a ton of pressure on them right now. They certainly have the talent to win the whole thing, there's no doubt about that. However, wacky things tend to happen in the NCAA tourney due to pressure.

Now, if Illinois can get past all of that, then they'll have a really good shot at winning. That's a lot of hurdles though, and I'm not convinced they can do it.

 

[Crothian]

Last team to go undefeated through it all was Indiana in 76

Many teams go through the conference brackets, winning all fo those and do very well in the Big Tourney. For Illini to do it, it will depend on their match ups. And if they can get by OSU today. 2 point game, minute left

 

[Crothian]

And its not going to happen this year. Illini go down to the Buckeyes!!

 

[ph34r]

And its not going to happen this year. Illini go down to the Buckeyes!!

You know what's weird about that. I had a dream last night that Illinois lost their next game.

 

[Stone Angel]

This is the first team in a long time from the big ten that I though could win it. Win IU went to the finals I was in disbelief the whole time, rooting all the way, but in utter disbelief with everyone else I think too.

I really look for them to go to the finals this year, I haven't really had a lot of time to watch college ball this year but I cannot wait for the division tournaments to start and the big dance. I am so stoked!

Good luck to everyone and their respective teams, pools, and picks!


The Seraph of Earth and Stone

 

[Krieg]

And its not going to happen this year. Illini go down to the Buckeyes!!

I had been pointing to that game as an upset for awhile. With the self imposed sanctions this year that was the Buckeye's national title game. Unfortunately the three game skid scared me off a bit.

Should've stuck to my guns, woulda made a killing.

This is the first team in a long time from the big ten that I though could win it.

Including the MSU teams?!