D2bets said:Illinois plays the best team defense in the nation. And with lots of inexperienced players. Big props to Bruce Weber. He can really teach hoops. Illinois a national contender again.
Like Webber especially what he did at So Ill. He is a better coach then Self IMOKornholio said:Was a little skeptical when illinois hired weber but I think we flat out got a great coach in Illini land. He sells defense and his players buy in. Plus they are always the best conditioned team on the floor. Gonna be another fun year
D2bets said:And check out the schedule. Illinois is damn-near guaranteed 14-0 entering conf play. Next 4 games:
vs. Coppin State
vs. Mizzouri
vs. Se Mizzou State
vs. Tennessee-Martin
Apparently all at home.
But then they get:
vs. Mich State
at Iowa
vs. Michigan
at Indiana
The Big 10 is strong this year.
Illinois
Mich State
Iowa
Indiana
Michigan
Wisconsin
Ohio State
7 teams should dance.
GreenDoberman said:Oregon has major problems again this year, they will get clobbered on boards by all teams with any inside game.
Illini play impressive defense, national title contender may be a bit of a stretch THIS YEAR, but they definitely reload and teams that play that kind of D have a chance to win any game they are in.
D2bets said:I doubt they will be a better team next season, without Dee Brown and James Augustiine. But they landed Indianapolis junior guard Eric Gordon so '07 could be a great team. Gordon is a legit possible future superstar.