I definitely didn't expect to be undefeated at this point.  The biggest reason for the illini being this good is because of jamar smith's ridiculous play for a freshmen.  His shooting has saved us in several of these early games.

Another win against another made up school tonight.

It's been the defense, not Jamar Smith. He hasn't been THAT big of a difference.

I do wish everyone would stop fussing over Northern Iowa. They're not a 3-4 seed like everyone is projecting them to be.

I do wish everyone would stop fussing over Northern Iowa. They're not a 3-4 seed like everyone is projecting them to be.

 

Who projected them to be seeded that high?

Well, I had the seeds off...

 

This site has them 5th, about as off as having ISU fifth as well.

 

http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/ncaatournam...racketology.htm

 

They also have Bucknell as a 4, and if these guys aren't lying, they've been accurate.

 

I love mid-majors as much as the next guy, but Bucknell and Northern Iowa aren't 4-6 seeds.

 

That, and I think McDermott's a prick.

Well, I had the seeds off...

 

This site has them 5th, about as off as having ISU fifth as well.

 

http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/ncaatournam...racketology.htm

 

They also have Bucknell as a 4, and if these guys aren't lying, they've been accurate.

 

I love mid-majors as much as the next guy, but Bucknell and Northern Iowa aren't 4-6 seeds.

 

That, and I think McDermott's a prick.

 

I'd say teams like Bucknell or Northern Iowa would be six seeds at the highest. UNI isn't going to go through the MVC unscathed enough to be a higher seed than that.

They already lost to Bradley tonight.

Anybody surprised at how good the Illini are?  I didn't think they would completely fall off,  and I know the real challenge will come when conference play starts,  but they've gone above and beyond what I expected from them to this point.

 

very surprised. admittedly the schedule has not been as challenging as in past seasons, but regardless of who they are playing the illini get out and defend the f*** out of you every night. i love the consistency of the defense, and it will be this team's identity.

 

tough start to the big ten, though, considering you have msu at home, at iowa, michigan at home and at indiana. those games will give us a more accurate gauge i think as to where illinois stacks up nationally.

Washington can do everything.

Except make free throws at the end of a game when a trip to the NCAA Tourney is on the line.

 

This was perhaps my favorite moment of the whole season last year, especially after he acted like it was a sure thing he was going to make all 3 after he hit the first.

 

 

 

What's scary is that they are a young team that will probably get better as the season goes on. They start 3 freshmen and 2 sophmores. Rodney Carney is a very gifted player and he comes off the bench. They make some ugly decisions that result in some poor shot selection and turnovers, but they make up for it with great depth and athleticism. They'll be an interesting team to watch this year.

I have them pegged for a second round exit when they face a fundamental team who capitalizes off of their mistakes.

 

They will also have few challenges in the conference and I think they could get complacent if they blow every team they face out, which is a good possibility in Conference USA.

I have them pegged for a second round exit when they face a fundamental team who capitalizes off of their mistakes.

 

They will also have few challenges in the conference and I think they could get complacent if they blow every team they face out, which is a good possibility in Conference USA.

 

I think the Memphis-UAB matchup will shape up to be an exciting game. I may have to check that one out in person.

I think the Memphis-UAB matchup will shape up to be an exciting game.  I may have to check that one out in person.

That game will be fun to watch, no doubt. I love watching UAB play every year.

That game will be fun to watch, no doubt.  I love watching UAB play every year.

 

I know OK State is down this year, but UAB flat out killed them last night, 90-71.

I have them pegged for a second round exit when they face a fundamental team who capitalizes off of their mistakes.

 

They will also have few challenges in the conference and I think they could get complacent if they blow every team they face out, which is a good possibility in Conference USA.

 

There is no way Memphis doesn't make it to the 2nd weekend of the tourney with that talent. None.

There is no way Memphis doesn't make it to the 2nd weekend of the tourney with that talent.  None.

They fit the bill of a bunch of talented boneheads who will tense up when the pressure is applied.

 

When was the last time Memphis did anything in the tourney anyhow?

Don't make me drop the days of Keith Lee on you Aboz!

They fit the bill of a bunch of talented boneheads who will tense up when the pressure is applied.

 

When was the last time Memphis did anything in the tourney anyhow?

 

What does the past have to do with now? Calipari has put together an awesome team, and to be honest the only reason I think your slamming them is the fact your afraid of them.

Righhhhhhhhhht

I know OK State is down this year, but UAB flat out killed them last night, 90-71.

The entire Big 12 is down and overrated. In fact, they suck as a conference.

Righhhhhhhhhht

Here's more, if you'd like.

It's been the defense, not Jamar Smith. He hasn't been THAT big of a difference.

you're right, the defense has been amazing.

Augie has really stepped up his game on defense this season and Randle is just a machine on defense.

But I think jamar has had a bigger influence than some think. There's been a few games already this season where we were looking sloppy and no one could hit a basket. Then jamar came in and just started lighting up the place.

 

Note: I refuse to call him "the microwave", god, what an awful nickname given to him.

Iowa will defeat the Illini in Iowa city pretty soon. Your undefeated season will come to an end

 

Sure, I said the same thing last year and we got damn close, damn close.

Iowa will defeat the Illini in Iowa city pretty soon.  Your undefeated season will come to an end

 

Sure, I said the same thing last year and we got damn close, damn close.

I think people have stopped listening to you when it comes to college sports predictions.

Iowa will defeat the Illini in Iowa city pretty soon.  Your undefeated season will come to an end

 

Sure, I said the same thing last year and we got damn close, damn close.

i believe you came damn close to beating us here in champaign, not iowa city

ISU could beat Illinois in Ames.

 

Of course, they'd follow that up with a home loss to Baylor......:rolly:

Iowa will defeat the Illini in Iowa city pretty soon.  Your undefeated season will come to an end

 

Sure, I said the same thing last year and we got damn close, damn close.

 

Problem is it's not that big of a homecourt advantage when 1/4 of the crowd is wearing orange.