Just go Illini. Great job of winning the Big 10 championship...

Taking down Iowa and Ohio State!... I was an Illini fan this weekend.

+1 Illini. Whatever an illini is??

The illini are the only team in college sports without a mascot. But tread lightly here.

Is an Illini the same as a Buckeye? What's that?

Arughhhhh
That was worse then breaking your favorite fishing pole...

Illinois and the Big 10 are overrated. How many teams will make it to the Sweet 16? After the Illinois loss today, the conference is only 3 of 9 left in, I think. Yes Michigan and Iowa are good, (I do not count Rutgers), but the conference sucks this first two rounds with the aforementioned teams yet to play in round of 32.

The coaches have been terribly outcoached based on the results to date. If not, the players are overrated. No other option is seen by me. A total wash out is possible and the odds of a winning the title for the first time in decades are reduced.

Wow... and I thought it was success to be in the tournament.

Success comes in all forms.
I hope both Ayo and Kofi stay another year

I do not try to diminish the accomplishments of anyone who makes the tournament. However, I doubt the upper half of the Big 10 teams will consider losing in the first rounds a grand success for having made the tournament. My point is that the powerful touted conference teams top to bottom are not as good as advertised. Check the final scores and the teams who did beat them. Michigan and Iowa may salvage some conference dignity, but the jury is out on that. If either wins the tournament, that team will prove they are the best team in this tournament, but the conference as a whole should be ranked lower than the number one in the nation.

bwcadan: "I do not try to diminish the accomplishments of anyone who makes the tournament. However, I doubt the upper half of the Big 10 teams will consider losing in the first rounds a grand success for having made the tournament. My point is that the powerful touted conference teams top to bottom are not as good as advertised. Check the final scores and the teams who did beat them. Michigan and Iowa may salvage some conference dignity, but the jury is out on that. If either wins the tournament, that team will prove they are the best team in this tournament, but the conference as a whole should be ranked lower than the number one in the nation."

Wow... I didn't realize how bad they were.

bobbernumber3: "Is an Illini the same as a Buckeye? What's that?
"

A Buckeye is some sort of a hairless nut

bobbernumber3: "Is an Illini the same as a Buckeye? What's that?
"

I'm sure everyone knows this already but just in case: Illini Native American Confederation.

My bracket is busted though :)

rtbaum: "

bobbernumber3: "Is an Illini the same as a Buckeye? What's that?
"

A Buckeye is some sort of a hairless nut"

Thanks. This thread was heading south.

bobbernumber3: "

bwcadan: "I do not try to diminish the accomplishments of anyone who makes the tournament. However, I doubt the upper half of the Big 10 teams will consider losing in the first rounds a grand success for having made the tournament. My point is that the powerful touted conference teams top to bottom are not as good as advertised. Check the final scores and the teams who did beat them. Michigan and Iowa may salvage some conference dignity, but the jury is out on that. If either wins the tournament, that team will prove they are the best team in this tournament, but the conference as a whole should be ranked lower than the number one in the nation."

Wow... I didn't realize how bad they were. "

Drinking the Big 10 Kool-Aid is quite common these days. They have good teams, just overrated. Probably should have had 7 teams in tournament, maybe 6.

bwcadan: "I do not try to diminish the accomplishments of anyone who makes the tournament. However, I doubt the upper half of the Big 10 teams will consider losing in the first rounds a grand success for having made the tournament. My point is that the powerful touted conference teams top to bottom are not as good as advertised. Check the final scores and the teams who did beat them. Michigan and Iowa may salvage some conference dignity, but the jury is out on that. If either wins the tournament, that team will prove they are the best team in this tournament, but the conference as a whole should be ranked lower than the number one in the nation."

I am curious what qualifies you to make these assessments.

FYI, I earned 9 HS varsity letters in 4 different sports-was honorable mention all-state in basketball...played small college basketball and baseball, coached HS basketball, officiated HS and college basketball, coached college softball. I know more than a thing or two about this game...you may too and we simply disagree.

Relative to many things, I find your proclamations to be silly.

bwcadan: "

bobbernumber3: "

bwcadan: "I do not try to diminish the accomplishments of anyone who makes the tournament. However, I doubt the upper half of the Big 10 teams will consider losing in the first rounds a grand success for having made the tournament. My point is that the powerful touted conference teams top to bottom are not as good as advertised. Check the final scores and the teams who did beat them. Michigan and Iowa may salvage some conference dignity, but the jury is out on that. If either wins the tournament, that team will prove they are the best team in this tournament, but the conference as a whole should be ranked lower than the number one in the nation."

Wow... I didn't realize how bad they were. "

Drinking the Big 10 Kool-Aid is quite common these days. They have good teams, just overrated. Probably should have had 7 teams in tournament, maybe 6."

I was kidding and being sarcastic. Sorry you have mis-understood.

Your hate of the Big Ten seems to run deep. And is very odd to me. I just can't get that excited watching others compete. I enjoy participating in sports where I am able.... canoe, fish, triathalon, 5k, etc. Always better to do than watch.

No hate. Just the facts, please. The Big 10 has been close to the top top for quite a while even if they have not won the championship in 2 decades. What qualifies me is having played the game well years ago and the ability to read the scores of the games. "You are what the score says you are"

This is fun and many here are in Big 10 country. I love the tournament and have followed it for over 60 years. Several years ago, I was in a pool and picked 3 of the final 4 and the eventual champion. I only wish the pot would have been more than created by a $2.00 fee. For what it is worth, I drank some of the Kool-Aid this year as well as many others.

So many upsets this year. But hey, Michigan is the only Big Ten team left....so of course they'll win it....but I'm kinda rootin' for Gonzaga!!

Well I guess the way I'm thinking now is,, more time to go fishing.
I will always bleed orange.
Sad times for illini basketball for the last 10 years...
THINGS ARE LOOKING UP.