IlliniKrush

QUOTE (GoodAsGould @ Mar 21, 2012 -> 01:46 PM) He didn't get his main targets but not sure how that's all on him, its not like he has a magic wand and command them to accept the job. Correct. We can only judge him on the actual hires and if they work. Which we won't know for a while. Doesn't appear any AD in that situation was getting Smart to jump.

QUOTE (Tex @ Mar 21, 2012 -> 01:05 PM) TV is best possible interview for any and all possible openings. He exposes himself to the major donors and ADs. He didn't need an interview. He already had an offer. He wasn't going on TV with all this hanging in limbo.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Mar 21, 2012 -> 12:54 PM) Anthony Grant from Alabama is the other major name out there. Who the Sun Times said is not interested. So yeah.

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Mar 21, 2012 -> 11:42 AM) I agree that it should not be at all about the money, which is why if Im Illinois Im aiming higher than Smart. The only reason Illinois would have any issues is that their football team may not be as profitable as other Big 10 schools and therefore they need to use more of the basketball revenues to pay off the other sports expenses. The reason I say this is because of a 2011 article about Big 10 v SEC in terms of profitability. http://www.kristidosh.com/wp-content/uploa...ancial-Data.pdf http://www.forbes.com/sites/sportsmoney/20...ports-revenues/ Based on their numbers Illinois Athletic Department made $1.3 mil, which is 3rd lowest. If Illinois wants to use athletic budget to pay for the new coach, they likely have about 1-2 mil to add to Weber's salary On the current landscape, who exactly his higher than Smart?

QUOTE (Soxfest @ Mar 21, 2012 -> 11:41 AM) I think it is number 2. It's both.

Tebow to the Jets for a 4th rounder.

Shaka has agreed to do studio work for the tournament this weekend, starting tomorrow. This means 2 things IMO: 1) He'll have a decision made by today 2) He's not coming here I don't think he'd go on TV with this hanging and make that the storyline. I also fail to see how he'd accept a job and then be in the studio for the weekend. I think this just comes down to the fact he doesn't want to leave his little place in Richmond. It's not about the money, as we've reportedly offered enough. It's a much better job, all things considered, he just doesn't want the change. I know the perception will be Illinois is down because they didn't get him, but if we made a great offer and he wants to stay, that's on him. Minus maybe 4 programs (and even that's a maybe), Smart wouldn't leave his current position. I don't think it's Illinois in particular. IMO it's a dumb long term career move, but he's going to do what he wants depending on what makes him happy. If this is the case, time to move on, lot of good candidates and interest in the job.

And rumor has it (on B&B, who usually have great sources when it concerns U of I athletics) Smith (Simeon) is being tabbed for an assistant position. Could be trying to let Smart know (or someone else) that if he's worried about recruiting Chicago, he won't have to be. Obviously all just rumor right now, however if you somehow combined Smart and Smith as his recruiter, this whole thing turns around really, really, really fast. Interesting twist to follow nonetheless.

QUOTE (kjshoe04 @ Mar 20, 2012 -> 01:24 PM) disagree. I have no interest in watching any more unless Xavier or Ohio keep winning. The only reason to watch College Basketball is for the big upsets. If I want to watch good basketball I watch the Bulls. Stupid.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Mar 20, 2012 -> 09:32 AM) Sh*t like that is why the NHL is 4 or 5 on most people's radars. Fighting has its place in the game. But like I've said before, I disagree with the pre-meditated crap, like the example at hand. But it's not the reason it's a 4 or 5 on people's radars.

QUOTE (Tex @ Mar 20, 2012 -> 10:08 AM) That seems like an oversimplification. Location should be somewhere on the list and it will probably be different for different people. Tex did you not read his original post? That was the oversimplification.

QUOTE (DukeNukeEm @ Mar 20, 2012 -> 07:57 AM) Hmmm.. within spitting distance of Chicago or mired in Champaign. Tough career choice. Yes, the only thing you look at when considering a job is location. Good call. If that were the case, NW would have had legendary coaches by now and not made the tournament 0 times.

SHAKA WATCH: DAY 2. Who the hell knows. So much stuff out there it's impossible to keep up with all of it. I'm guessing we know something within a few days, or it's on to the next plan. At this point, anyone but Shaka will be a letdown in the eyes of both the fans and the media. Thing is, if he says no to a s***load of $$$$ and anything else he needs, not much more we could have done. It's all his call, I don't think we'll come up short on the offer side of things.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Mar 19, 2012 -> 08:22 AM) Totally, as much fun as early round upsets are, it's definitely better if those teams get weeded out as the tourney goes on. It makes for much better basketball when the Final Four is mostly high seeds. Absolutely. Want the better teams around late.

Goodbye UNC's title hopes http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball...ll-breaks-wrist

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Mar 18, 2012 -> 12:59 PM) Sorry I didn't see this but Florida or South Florida is what I would have went with. MSU-SLU is gonna be a battle and I haven't seen a Henson update but if he doesn't play(though I'm sure he is) Dougie might go off for 800 points but if he does play I'd be pretty surprised if UNC lost. I know its over, but usf? That game was a toss up at best. Next week will be impossible to navigate.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ Mar 18, 2012 -> 07:32 PM) Lehigh can beat both Xavier and Baylor. And then they scored 3 points in the second half

QUOTE (knightni @ Mar 18, 2012 -> 01:42 AM) But, Louisville was the favorite and won... The game was in progress, and they were winning.

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Mar 17, 2012 -> 09:20 AM) Not that my opinion means a damn thing but I'd go Baylor. Gonzaga has enough skill to at least hang with OSU... Thoughts on Florida tomorrow? Otherwise it's nab an MSU/UNC/Kansas.

Straight chalk today (minus a Louisville choke).

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 17, 2012 -> 08:28 PM) In a normal year, I'd be cheering for Iowa State, because I'd want the 8 seed going against my team. That said...with where IU was, I'm already completely content with this season...and frankly, I want the rematch. Um ok...rather give my team best chance to advance

That second half was awful bball

Your table is ready

Sweet non call on the push in the back

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Mar 17, 2012 -> 09:04 AM) Ugh someone wanna call me out of work so I can go drink? Stupid switching to get Thursday and Friday off so I can watch basketball... I'm working all morning/day as well. Fun.