I hate to feed the Illini Trolls but ESPN just did this . .

[Max_Power]

Most challenging job in Illinois:

Illinois: Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois fans often repeat tales of a Final Four run the program achieved more than a decade ago, but Illinois continues to fight through a variety of challenges Bruce Weber and John Groce could not overcome. Chicago is a rich and fruitful recruiting landscape that has become the Whole Foods of the national college basketball scene. Every team wants to grab players off the city's impressive shelf of talent. Chicago has been a tease for Illinois, which has produced one first-round pick in the past decade. Can Brad Underwood sign the city's and region's best?

But here's the thing, Illinois can build a sweet 16 team in four years with kids from just 60 miles from Champaign. Underwood just has to get these kids. He got Smith. Finke and Okoro will give him a great core and they are in his backyard.

 

[elgatoloco_rivals308553]

60 miles doesn't even get him to Peoria. He gets Bloomington-Normal, Decatur and Rantoul.

 

[Max_Power]

60 miles doesn't even get him to Peoria. He gets Bloomington-Normal, Decatur and Rantoul.

Finke is Champaign and Okoro in Normal.

 

[elgatoloco_rivals308553]

Finke is Champaign and Okoro in Normal.

B-N kicks out a D-1 prospect every couple of years. I grew up there and it's great for basketball, but the writer is nuts to think you can build a program focusing on a 60-mile radius.

 

[Max_Power]

B-N kicks out a D-1 prospect every couple of years. I grew up there and it's great for basketball, but the writer is nuts to think you can build a program focusing on a 60-mile radius.

Right now there are two strong recruits within 30 miles of underwood. My point was the idea Illinois needs chicago is a fanboy thing not supported by the availability if high quality recruits south of I-80

 

[chitownUofI05]

LOL, is Rittenburg writing all of the articles now a days?? Pretty sure it's more challenging to win at Northern Illinois in basketball than it is at Illinois, but one worthless article is pretty irrelevant to that.

And yes, Illinois does not need Chicago or even the Chicagoland area as a whole to be particularly loyal to the state school to field a consistently good team every year. Downstate Illinois produces plenty of talent, and there's no reason we can't recruit from other states, too. However, if you can get most of the talent out of Downstate and even get half of your fair share from the Chicago area, you'll be in business.

 

[Windy City Cat Fan]

LOL, is Rittenburg writing all of the articles now a days?? Pretty sure it's more challenging to win at Northern Illinois in basketball than it is at Illinois, but one worthless article is pretty irrelevant to that.
.

The article isn't claiming Illinois is the most challenging program to win at, it is the most challenging job - success relative to expectations, fan fervor, salary, job security, facilities, tradition, institutional support, staying power and recent level of drama.

 

[Styre]

The article isn't claiming Illinois is the most challenging program to win at, it is the most challenging job - success relative to expectations, fan fervor, salary, job security, facilities, tradition, institutional support, staying power and recent level of drama.

Yeah. "Most challenging to win at" is Chicago State and it's not particularly close. But nobody expects anything of them.

 

[Username Not Available]

What's amazing is how the expectations continue to be so high this many years down the road...

 

[chitownUofI05]

What's amazing is how the expectations continue to be so high this many years down the road...

Why shouldn't they be? Multiple coaches have won at U of I, it's not hard.

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

Why shouldn't they be? Multiple coaches have won at U of I, it's not hard.

Because times change.

 

[EvanstonCat]

Why shouldn't they be? Multiple coaches have won at U of I, it's not hard.

NC State and the San Francisco Dons used to be great under multiple coaches (and unlike the UofI won national championships). That could be what you're looking at for your future.

Multiple football coaches have won at U of I. And by the appearances of it, it's not easy at all. That's the apt analogy. Don't you miss the days of Zook? That's basically where you're going to be in just a few years, missing the days of John Groce.

 

[pawildcat_rivals209725]

Because times change.

Illinois is a good basketball state, period. The expectations at the state's biggest university should be high whether they've won much recently or not. Any coach who can't win consistently at Illinois should be fired —quickly.

 

[chitownUofI05]

NC State and the San Francisco Dons used to be great under multiple coaches (and unlike the UofI won national championships). That could be what you're looking at for your future.

Multiple football coaches have won at U of I. And by the appearances of it, it's not easy at all. That's the apt analogy. Don't you miss the days of Zook? That's basically where you're going to be in just a few years, missing the days of John Groce.

LOL, you think what you'd like. I'd say you're dreamin', high on your one successful season in school history and don't want to see it tarnished by the Illini returning to their usual program status. It wasn't ancient history, it was 12 years ago. It's perfectly reasonable to expect Brad Underwood to do well enough at Illinois that no one is missing the days of John Groce, who had one of the worst stretches in program history and the worst in over 40 years. I get it, you want us to be terrible at everything so that NU can mop up those state resources that we enjoy, but it's not happening. Illinois has too many built-in advantages to suck forever, the right leadership can take advantage and at least put competitive teams out there. I think we have the right leadership now in place.

Roll your eyes all you wish. You guys hate us more than any Big Ten fan base, and I don't expect to change any minds here, I guess.

 

[backdoorpass]

Roll your eyes all you wish. You guys hate us more than any Big Ten fan base, and I don't expect to change any minds here, I guess.

You raise an interesting point. I definitely hate Illini basketball more than any other team in the B1G. It's not because of the coaches, the players, the arrests, the style of play or anything like that...it's your fans and their attitude towards NU. Trust me: you would hate Illinois fans and everything they stand for if you were in my shoes.

Being consistently better at football for a considerable stretch has been a "nice to have," (especially when it piles on the misery of your ****** fans) but I am a basketball fan first--and the rivalry with Illinois is always a big deal to me. That said, it was interesting that your previous football coach made a big thing of the football rivalry with NU. For whatever reason, NU football fans seem to be much more obsessed with the rivalry with Iowa.

I imagine that for Illinois basketball fans, being better than NU for the majority of our histories has been a "nice to have"...but you obviously get much more fired up about a program like Indiana. I understand your fan base rolling its eyes at NU fans talking big after one successful season. But I also understand NU fans rubbing it in after the mistreatment that your fans have doled out over the years. (Such a bummer that we lost to you twice despite all our success last season!)

If Illinois gets better at football, I imagine that the rivalry will become a bigger deal for NU football fans. Similarly, if NU stays good at basketball, Illinois basketball fans will be forced to contend with that and not be so cocky and dismissive towards NU.

We could have a great rivalry in both sports...but only if Illinois gets better at football and NU stays good at basketball. Our brands are quite different, and that makes it an even more fun rivalry in recruiting and on the field/court.

 

[Sec_112]

Yes, as part of this fan base, I do hate the Illini more than any fan base. But if you don't think there's a reason the Illini mindset earns that hate, then you're not paying attention.

Let me put it another way: Can anyone name another B10 program whose fan base has earned a stronger-than-usual "hatred" (I think that's a fair word) from three other programs?

And I'm not talking about a little snit from a program or a reasonable rivalry. I'm talking about angry rivalries that beat dead horses that have been killed for decades.

Illinois has them. Anybody else?

 

[seavue617]

I fondly remember waving dollar bills at the Illini at McGaw after their basketball slush fund scandal circa 1967.

 

[chitownUofI05]

Yes, as part of this fan base, I do hate the Illini more than any fan base. But if you don't think there's a reason the Illini mindset earns that hate, then you're not paying attention.

Let me put it another way: Can anyone name another B10 program whose fan base has earned a stronger-than-usual "hatred" (I think that's a fair word) from three other programs?

And I'm not talking about a little snit from a program or a reasonable rivalry. I'm talking about angry rivalries that beat dead horses that have been killed for decades.

Illinois has them. Anybody else?

I'm a naturally curious person...

1. NU
2. ?
3. ?

 

[Sec_112]

Iowa and Indiana

 

[EvanstonCat]

Yes, as part of this fan base, I do hate the Illini more than any fan base. But if you don't think there's a reason the Illini mindset earns that hate, then you're not paying attention.

Let me put it another way: Can anyone name another B10 program whose fan base has earned a stronger-than-usual "hatred" (I think that's a fair word) from three other programs?

And I'm not talking about a little snit from a program or a reasonable rivalry. I'm talking about angry rivalries that beat dead horses that have been killed for decades.

Illinois has them. Anybody else?

I don't really understand why anyone hates the Illini. Contempt is all I have for them.

Hate is reserved for dOSU. I used to hate Iowa too, but it's hard to hate someone you feel like you should beat all the time. Which is why I don't hate the Illini.

 

[NUChicago]

My all time favorite was leaving Ryan Field after we beat them and one of their little **** fans yelled, "well at least we have basketball, what do you have, chess"?? priceless little bunch of turds.

 

[Jaycg15]

Yes, as part of this fan base, I do hate the Illini more than any fan base. But if you don't think there's a reason the Illini mindset earns that hate, then you're not paying attention.

Let me put it another way: Can anyone name another B10 program whose fan base has earned a stronger-than-usual "hatred" (I think that's a fair word) from three other programs?

And I'm not talking about a little snit from a program or a reasonable rivalry. I'm talking about angry rivalries that beat dead horses that have been killed for decades.

Illinois has them. Anybody else?

I don't really understand why anyone hates the Illini. Contempt is all I have for them.

Hate is reserved for dOSU. I used to hate Iowa too, but it's hard to hate someone you feel like you should beat all the time. Which is why I don't hate the Illini.

Iowa has won a lot of basketball games historically. Just not any big ones.

 

[NUCat320]

I don't really understand why anyone hates the Illini. Contempt is all I have for them.

Hate is reserved for dOSU. I used to hate Iowa too, but it's hard to hate someone you feel like you should beat all the time. Which is why I don't hate the Illini.

I don't get excited for NU-Illinois games any more than I do for, say NU-Minnesota games.

I get amped for Indiana and Wisconsin and MSU in hoops, and for Michigan and OSU and Wisconsin in football.

Illinois is boring.

 

[GOUNUII]

LOL, you think what you'd like. I'd say you're dreamin', high on your one successful season in school history and don't want to see it tarnished by the Illini returning to their usual program status. It wasn't ancient history, it was 12 years ago. It's perfectly reasonable to expect Brad Underwood to do well enough at Illinois that no one is missing the days of John Groce, who had one of the worst stretches in program history and the worst in over 40 years. I get it, you want us to be terrible at everything so that NU can mop up those state resources that we enjoy, but it's not happening. Illinois has too many built-in advantages to suck forever, the right leadership can take advantage and at least put competitive teams out there. I think we have the right leadership now in place.

Roll your eyes all you wish. You guys hate us more than any Big Ten fan base, and I don't expect to change any minds here, I guess.

You need some cred to be persuasive on this board Junior. And your stereotypical state school we use to be good comments won't cut it. Look at the coaches just to the North, South, East and West of your hoops program. Now look at the assistant coaches old man Underwood hired. If this doesn't paint a picture of the future for you, you know nothing about college hoops. Recruiting out of state? Yea ... the Illini will get misfits from out of state, but nobody with serious blue chip options. Illinois is special only to people like you. It has no brand beyond its borders and will have to succeed or fail with out of state players with baggage, the occasional Mark Smith and primarily second tier CPL talent. Good luck with that. By the end of Underwood's 3rd year, the chaos and losses will be intolerable and you'll be begging for yet another coach to clean things up again. Now if you had been able to hire Archie Miller I would be singing a different tune. That caliber of coach could make a difference most places. But he wasn't interested. Why? ... Martin to the West ... Collins to the North ... Petino and Cal to the South. And now Miller and Indiana to your immediate East. Like I said, good luck with that Junior. And by all means come back when you have something credible to contribute. We welcome intelligent discussion from all comers.

GOUNUII

 

[Jaycg15]

LOL, you think what you'd like. I'd say you're dreamin', high on your one successful season in school history and don't want to see it tarnished by the Illini returning to their usual program status. It wasn't ancient history, it was 12 years ago. It's perfectly reasonable to expect Brad Underwood to do well enough at Illinois that no one is missing the days of John Groce, who had one of the worst stretches in program history and the worst in over 40 years. I get it, you want us to be terrible at everything so that NU can mop up those state resources that we enjoy, but it's not happening. Illinois has too many built-in advantages to suck forever, the right leadership can take advantage and at least put competitive teams out there. I think we have the right leadership now in place.

Roll your eyes all you wish. You guys hate us more than any Big Ten fan base, and I don't expect to change any minds here, I guess.

You need some cred to be persuasive on this board Junior. And your stereotypical state school we use to be good comments won't cut it. Look at the coaches just to the North, South, East and West of your hoops program. Now look at the assistant coaches old man Underwood hired. If this doesn't paint a picture of the future for you, you know nothing about college hoops. Recruiting out of state? Yea ... the Illini will get misfits from out of state, but nobody with serious blue chip options. Illinois is special only to people like you. It has no brand beyond its borders and will have to succeed or fail with out of state players with baggage, the occasional Mark Smith and primarily second tier CPL talent. Good luck with that. By the end of Underwood's 3rd year, the chaos and losses will be intolerable and you'll be begging for yet another coach to clean things up again. Now if you had been able to hire Archie Miller I would be singing a different tune. That caliber of coach could make a difference most places. But he wasn't interested. Why? ... Martin to the West ... Collins to the North ... Petino and Cal to the South. And now Miller and Indiana to your immediate East. Like I said, good luck with that Junior. And by all means come back when you have something credible to contribute. We welcome intelligent discussion from all comers.

GOUNUII

Illinois' brand is actually stronger outside of its borders. It's apparent in many of the recruiting interviews.

If Illinois' brand is weak due to the surrounding teams, what does that say about NU's? It's not even a top 5 job in the B1G. Your own Teddy G thinks it barely merits to 10, and even that could be argued. Minnesota was 11 on that list, and they have a better program historically, and many would say they do currently.

Let's not let one year of the tournament swell reality. Until Groce, Illinois has never had an issue making the tournament. If Underwood is, at minimum, competent, that will put Illinois back to where NU currently is.

I'm curious to hear you extrapolate on what you think about Illinois' assistants. They did hire the most sought after guy on the market.

I'm biased, as you are, but I'd like to be civil. I'll accept criticisms of my team, but I'll expect the same from you.

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

Illinois' brand is actually stronger outside of its borders. It's apparent in many of the recruiting interviews.

If Illinois' brand is weak due to the surrounding teams, what does that say about NU's? It's not even a top 5 job in the B1G. Your own Teddy G thinks it barely merits to 10, and even that could be argued. Minnesota was 11 on that list, and they have a better program historically, and many would say they do currently.

Let's not let one year of the tournament swell reality. Until Groce, Illinois has never had an issue making the tournament. If Underwood is, at minimum, competent, that will put Illinois back to where NU currently is.

I'm curious to hear you extrapolate on what you think about Illinois' assistants. They did hire the most sought after guy on the market.

I'm biased, as you are, but I'd like to be civil. I'll accept criticisms of my team, but I'll expect the same from you.

The historic lists don't take account for all the things that have changed at NU -- increased administrative support as shown by millions of dollars of facilities upgrades, etc. The institutional issues that held NU back until quite recently have been largely removed and we are excited to see just how far Collins can take the program.

Which assistant are you referring to as "the most sought after guy on the market?"

 

[Jaycg15]

Illinois' brand is actually stronger outside of its borders. It's apparent in many of the recruiting interviews.

If Illinois' brand is weak due to the surrounding teams, what does that say about NU's? It's not even a top 5 job in the B1G. Your own Teddy G thinks it barely merits to 10, and even that could be argued. Minnesota was 11 on that list, and they have a better program historically, and many would say they do currently.

Let's not let one year of the tournament swell reality. Until Groce, Illinois has never had an issue making the tournament. If Underwood is, at minimum, competent, that will put Illinois back to where NU currently is.

I'm curious to hear you extrapolate on what you think about Illinois' assistants. They did hire the most sought after guy on the market.

I'm biased, as you are, but I'd like to be civil. I'll accept criticisms of my team, but I'll expect the same from you.

The historic lists don't take account for all the things that have changed at NU -- increased administrative support as shown by millions of dollars of facilities upgrades, etc. The institutional issues that held NU back until quite recently have been largely removed and we are excited to see just how far Collins can take the program.

Which assistant are you referring to as "the most sought after guy on the market?"

To be fair, most Power 5 teams are seeing huge increases in financial support. The tv deals changed the game.

Antigua was the assistant. Bossi said he was considered by many to be the top assistant in America, and that barring any issues with USF, he was a huge score.

 

[willycat]

To be fair, most Power 5 teams are seeing huge increases in financial support. The tv deals changed the game.

Antigua was the assistant. Bossi said he was considered by many to be the top assistant in America, and that barring any issues with USF, he was a huge score.

Between him and the club coach from Chicago, Underwood will have a lot of heavy lifting to avoid the heavy hand of the NCAA. That's if he doesn't leave for another job next year.

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

To be fair, most Power 5 teams are seeing huge increases in financial support. The tv deals changed the game.

Antigua was the assistant. Bossi said he was considered by many to be the top assistant in America, and that barring any issues with USF, he was a huge score.

The TV deals helped, but that's not all that changed at NU. Phillips and Shapiro are leading a different kind of athletic department.

Antigua seems like an interesting case to me. Cut his teeth under Calipari, but seems to have been run out of USF pretty quickly. Some rumors about his recruiting techniques as well. From where did he have job offers besides Illinois?

 

[Jaycg15]

Between him and the club coach from Chicago, Underwood will have a lot of heavy lifting to avoid the heavy hand of the NCAA. That's if he doesn't leave for another job next year.

It's a non-issue from what we're told. His brother was who got punished.

Good joke too. You sound like the OSU fans pissed that we signed Underwood away.

The TV deals helped, but that's not all that changed at NU. Phillips and Shapiro are leading a different kind of athletic department.

Antigua seems like an interesting case to me. Cut his teeth under Calipari, but seems to have been run out of USF pretty quickly. Some rumors about his recruiting techniques as well. From where did he have job offers besides Illinois?

Deservedly so. That program was in shambles.

That was never disclosed to us, but we we're told that his salary was pushed up quite a bit because of it.

 

[Medill90]

It's a non-issue from what we're told. His brother was who got punished.

Just spit-balling here, but wasn't Orlando the head coach? Is it believable that he did not know what is brother was doing? Is it likely that his brother took the rap to protect Orlando and his higher-income potential?

The disappointment on the part of USF had more to do with his inability to recruit than an NCAA investigation. When it was for coach Calipari and Kentucky the kids signed on, when it was Orlando and USF they didn't.

Now, from several posts on this board over the last few days Underwood + Illinois = Calipari + Kentucky. So we look forward to watching the progress in Chaimpaign.

 

[Jaycg15]

It's a non-issue from what we're told. His brother was who got punished.

Just spit-balling here, but wasn't Orlando the head coach? Is it believable that he did not know what is brother was doing? Is it likely that his brother took the rap to protect Orlando and his higher-income potential?

The disappointment on the part of USF had more to do with his inability to recruit than an NCAA investigation. When it was for coach Calipari and Kentucky the kids signed on, when it was Orlando and USF they didn't.

Now, from several posts on this board over the last few days Underwood + Illinois = Calipari + Kentucky. So we look forward to watching the progress in Chaimpaign.

Do I believe it? Probably not, but that's how these issues with themselves out. It's like getting caught at school and not selling out your buddies.

I haven't seen those posts, but I like the equation. It means Underwood is a phenomenal coach because Illinois is not Kentucky.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Do I believe it? Probably not, but that's how these issues with themselves out. It's like getting caught at school and not selling out your buddies.

I haven't seen those posts, but I like the equation. It means Underwood is a phenomenal coach because Illinois is not Kentucky.

Nope, but they are the Harvard of Public schools.

 

[Sec_112]

... I'll accept criticisms of my team, but I'll expect the same from you.

A lack of criticism about NU? On this site? LOL!!

You're new here, aren't you?

Good luck selling everybody on the history and strength of the Illini program. It's pretty obvious your AD doesn't believe it. The rush to a coach with one year of power conference experience isn't exactly a hire from a position of strength. Also, hiring an assistant at the center of an NCAA investigation don't scream the confidence and strength we're continually bored with by Illini nation.

Good thing for you somebody finally has a realistic view in Champaign, and doesn't mind overpaying to cover the problems.

As another one of these guys spews the usual Orange Krush spin, I'm still looking for a program whose fan base has earned stronger-than-usual hatred from three programs. Anybody?

 

[all4theillini]

I don't really understand why anyone hates the Illini. Contempt is all I have for them.

Hate is reserved for dOSU. I used to hate Iowa too, but it's hard to hate someone you feel like you should beat all the time. Which is why I don't hate the Illini.

40-132.
You must be getting tired of all that winning, Ace.

 

[Jaycg15]

... I'll accept criticisms of my team, but I'll expect the same from you.

A lack of criticism about NU? On this site? LOL!!

You're new here, aren't you?

Good luck selling everybody on the history and strength of the Illini program. It's pretty obvious your AD doesn't believe it. The rush to a coach with one year of power conference experience isn't exactly a hire from a position of strength. Also, hiring an assistant at the center of an NCAA investigation don't scream the confidence and strength we're continually bored with by Illini nation.

Good thing for you somebody finally has a realistic view in Champaign, and doesn't mind overpaying to cover the problems.

As another one of these guys spews the usual Orange Krush spin, I'm still looking for a program whose fan base has earned stronger-than-usual hatred from three programs. Anybody?

Your coach was never a head coach, yet it has worked favorably.

I don't think you have a clue about what our AD is/was/will be thinking.

Overpaying because he has realistic view. That makes no sense. He hired a guy away from a power 5 school that made the tournament. He's taken SFA to the tournament two more times than you've ever been.

I'm glad you're typically bored by Illinois' perennial strength. Perhaps, you'll get to resume that shortly.

 

[Walker Fan]

NU currently has the no. 11 recruiting class in the nation for the 2018-2019 class. Illinois was relevant when Bill Self was coaching and he brought in Deron Williams from out of state. Since he has been gone and his players moved on (yes Webber did well with the players he inherited from Self), UofI has been a non-factor. Also, the Deon Thomas and Bruce Pearl issues, the resultant probation and the stopping of the Chevy Blazers to recruits dried up the recruiting for years.

 

[EvanstonCat]

40-132.
You must be getting tired of all that winning, Ace.

No, not tired. We're just getting started. I'm guessing you're not used to all the losing yet, chum.

 

[all4theillini]

No, not tired. We're just getting started. I'm guessing you're not used to all the losing yet, chum.

You guys will catch up someday. Keep at it. I may 197 years old but it'll happen.

 

[EvanstonCat]

You guys will catch up someday. Keep at it. I may 197 years old but it'll happen.

Congratulations on keeping score for the last 100 years or so. I'll conveniently ignore the history and focus on what's coming. And what's coming? Pure domination. NU demonstrating to the UofI that we are not just the B1G team of Chicago but of the State.

Good to see that you admit it's inevitable that we will catch up some day. Although, given that the gap is only 90, and we will play short of 2 times a year on average (if I'm not mistaken, there is no protected rivalry in basketball - though I suppose it will be partially offset by the chances that we will see each other in the BTT from time to time, assuming you guys can make it past the qualifying rounds), I figure it'll only be around 60 years or so before we even the mark. You'll probably still be dead, but who knows.