By Chris Hine
STONY BROOK, N.Y. -- As Illinois gets another day removed from its disappointing selection Sunday, coming closer into view is the consolation prize of playing at Madison Square Garden for a chance of winning the NIT title.
Illinois took its first step in that direction with a 76-66 victory over Stony Brook on Wednesday night.
"I think you're going to have to get to New York to really get over what happened," Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. "You dream of being in the NCAA, you dream of that goal. At least we still get to play."
STONY BROOK, N.Y. -- As Illinois gets another day removed from its disappointing selection Sunday, coming closer into view is the consolation prize of playing at Madison Square Garden for a chance of winning the NIT title.
Illinois took its first step in that direction with a 76-66 victory over Stony Brook on Wednesday night.
"I think you're going to have to get to New York to really get over what happened," Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. "You dream of being in the NCAA, you dream of that goal. At least we still get to play."
Weber told his team, after it learned it would be in the NIT, that this
season was over and that this week would begin the 2010-11 campaign.
"We have a chance to learn how to be champions," Weber said. "This group hasn't won a championship and you've got to learn how to do that."
If Illinois should win its next two games and advance to the semifinals, it also would give the Illini a chance to get acclimated to Madison Square Garden, where they will participate in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in November.
"We're still disappointed, obviously, but Coach has been talking all week about making something happen in the NIT and just move on to next year," junior Mike Davis said.
If Illinois made it to New York, it would give Davis' family a chance to see him play. Davis is a native of Alexandria, Va.
"Anytime we play on the east coast, my family gets to come," Davis said. "They don't really come to that many games in Illinois, but when you play in the Garden, it'll be special."
"We have a chance to learn how to be champions," Weber said. "This group hasn't won a championship and you've got to learn how to do that."
If Illinois should win its next two games and advance to the semifinals, it also would give the Illini a chance to get acclimated to Madison Square Garden, where they will participate in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic in November.
"We're still disappointed, obviously, but Coach has been talking all week about making something happen in the NIT and just move on to next year," junior Mike Davis said.
If Illinois made it to New York, it would give Davis' family a chance to see him play. Davis is a native of Alexandria, Va.
"Anytime we play on the east coast, my family gets to come," Davis said. "They don't really come to that many games in Illinois, but when you play in the Garden, it'll be special."
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“Whenever a man does a thoroughly stupid thing, it is always from the noblest motives.”
Illini lose, Weber sucks.
Illini win, Weber sucks.
Honestly, what's the point? Bill Self is gone--get over it or go root for Kansas.
MAYBE IF EVERYONE WOULD STAND BEHIND THE TEAM INSTEAD OF REDICULING THEM THERE WOULD BE A DIFFERENT OUTCOME. AS FAR AS COACH WEBER IS CONCERN HE STARTED OUT WITH A FRESH GROUP OF MEN AND DARE WE FORGET THAT COACH WEBER TOOK US TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP AND WE GOT SECOND PLACE!!!!
Illinois basketball is pathetic and unwatchable. Weber is not worthy of carrying Bill Self's luggage.
Unwelcome truth is never defended except at the expense of those who defend it.
Here are a few of the idiotic quotes to save for next year.
Weber can't coach.
Weber can't recruit.
McCamey is nothing but a mediocre talent.
Weber and his recruits cannot win the big ones.
How quickly we forget. Weber and his recruits CANNOT win the big ones--even the little big ones.
Playing more games and giving the freshmen tourney experience is just what the bball doctor ordered. This could be a blessing in disguise. Naysayers will say the NIT means nothing, but Illinois has a much better chance of moving forward than in the NCAA. Watch out next year!
Does anyone even give a hoot about the NIT except the Illini fans after last night's amazing NCAA opening? And my school didn't even make the tournament this year. But what a night. You are overplaying this nothing tournament.
It ain't happening, Mike.