ChiTown, I am definitely glad that Mark Smith did not choose MSU.
As for your walk down memory lane for Illini basket, let me help you. Yes, in the 1980s and 1990s, the Illini was very strong during "the Chevy Blazer Era and Jimmy Collins Era". Then Bruce Pearl exposed that fact in "the Deon Thomas scandal era" and the program went south as the Illini were put on probation. The Illini was excellent during the Lon Kruger Era and the Bill Self Era, but not so hot in the Brucy Weber and John Groce Era. Unfortunately, you might not want to admit this, but for the past 10-20 years, UW and MSU have been the top 2 in the Big 10. Over past 10 years, Illinois went from maybe the 4th-5th team in the Big 10 to 10-11th place in the Big 10. Without Malcom Hill, not sure who leads the squad next season. With all five leading scorers returning for NU and adding 4-star performers like Falzon and Ivaunauskas, NU will be ranked much higher for next season than UofI, Southern Illinois' Big 10 Team. As for Tillman, I would not be surprised if Cuonzo or Travis Ford of SLU work their magic to get Tillmon, but even if Tillmon winds up at UofI, it takes big guys more time to develop than little guys. Still looking at the 10th best team in the Big 10 next season behind (MSU, Minny, NU, UW, UM, Purdue, Maryland, Iowa and PSU). Have fun with that type of season from Underwood and his crew.
As for your walk down memory lane for Illini basket, let me help you. Yes, in the 1980s and 1990s, the Illini was very strong during "the Chevy Blazer Era and Jimmy Collins Era". Then Bruce Pearl exposed that fact in "the Deon Thomas scandal era" and the program went south as the Illini were put on probation. The Illini was excellent during the Lon Kruger Era and the Bill Self Era, but not so hot in the Brucy Weber and John Groce Era. Unfortunately, you might not want to admit this, but for the past 10-20 years, UW and MSU have been the top 2 in the Big 10. Over past 10 years, Illinois went from maybe the 4th-5th team in the Big 10 to 10-11th place in the Big 10. Without Malcom Hill, not sure who leads the squad next season. With all five leading scorers returning for NU and adding 4-star performers like Falzon and Ivaunauskas, NU will be ranked much higher for next season than UofI, Southern Illinois' Big 10 Team. As for Tillman, I would not be surprised if Cuonzo or Travis Ford of SLU work their magic to get Tillmon, but even if Tillmon winds up at UofI, it takes big guys more time to develop than little guys. Still looking at the 10th best team in the Big 10 next season behind (MSU, Minny, NU, UW, UM, Purdue, Maryland, Iowa and PSU). Have fun with that type of season from Underwood and his crew.