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Post by motorcitysam on Aug 11, 2016 15:17:41 GMT -5
Big Ten member Illinois is on the Titan schedule this year. Illinois is at a crossroads. They aren't really thought of as a football school or a basketball, having no great recent success in either sport that would create an identify. Four years ago, the basketball program made a coaching change, getting rid of Bruce Webber who had gone to the NCAA tournament six times in his nine years as head coach. The leadership thought they could do better, so they hired John Groce, the hot young assistant that had just taken Ohio University to the Sweet Sixteen. Groce made the tournament in 2013, his first year, but has gone down steadily since, with a worse record each year. Last season the Illini suffered some injury issues and finished 12 in the Big Ten with an overall record of 15-19. In addition to that, Groce's teams have been beset with legal problems among his players. Illinois is hoping for a bounce back season, in what might be the head coach's last shot to keep his job. The current AD at Illinois isn't the guy who hired Groce. Illinois is a question mark coming into the season, but a Titan win over a Big Ten team is always cause for celebration. Hopefully, we can make it happen. www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/115215/looking-ahead-illinois-facing-make-or-break-season
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Post by motorcitysam on Sept 6, 2016 15:45:22 GMT -5
Athlon Sports picks the Fighting Illini to finish in 11th place in the Big Ten (confusing, right?) and make the NIT. Head coach John Groce, who has presided over a team that has missed the NCAA tournament three years in a row and has been plagued with disciplinary and criminal issues, is reportedly on the hot seat.
Big guard Malcolm Hill is picked first team all Big Ten. Last season he became the first player in program history to have 600 points, 200 rebounds, and 100 assists in a season. Impressive.
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Post by motorcitysam on Sept 16, 2016 13:38:44 GMT -5
Lindy's picks Illinois to finish 8th in the Big Ten. The Illini actually have two sixth year seniors on the roster, and three conventional seniors. They are experienced. Malcolm Hill is picked third team all conference.
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Post by motorcitysam on Nov 12, 2016 17:41:24 GMT -5
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Post by motorcitysam on Nov 14, 2016 9:53:02 GMT -5
Spent a lot of time in car yesterday evening and was actually able to pick up some of the Illinois versus Northern Kentucky game last night on 670 AM The Score in Chicago. Illinois won by 15, but struggled with the Norse, for much of the game. NKU lead at the half by two. Illinois still seems to be working out the kinks. They have one more game before the Titans get their shot at them. www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400918564
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Post by motorcitysam on Nov 17, 2016 14:56:21 GMT -5
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Post by motorcitysam on Nov 18, 2016 16:04:55 GMT -5
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Post by motorcitysam on Nov 19, 2016 15:00:37 GMT -5
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Post by Commissioner on Nov 19, 2016 16:37:53 GMT -5
Get used to it. We'll see that headline a lot between now and 2027, when the University throws in the towel and goes back to "Detroit."
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Post by motorcitysam on Nov 21, 2016 22:20:11 GMT -5
After blowing out the Titans, the Illini fell at home 84-80 in overtime to Winthrop. It was Winthrop's first win ever over a Big Ten school.
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Post by rbj on Nov 22, 2016 1:01:23 GMT -5
After blowing out the Titans, the Illini fell at home 84-80 in overtime to Winthrop. It was Winthrop's first win ever over a Big Ten school. Wow, sometimes I wonder, why not us?
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