Admit it, Illini Nation: you just didn’t think this would happen. Why didn’t you? Because even in the face of all the evidence, you refused to accept just how integral Chester Frazier was to this year’s Illinois team. You let yourself forget that based on the talent level and the respective skills of the players, this team has overachieved all year.
Does that make us feel any better? Hell, no. I’m angry that Coach didn’t have the guys more ready to play. I’m disappointed that he didn’t develop the bench better to shore up some of the shortcomings. I can’t understand how the players come out so flat and continue to make the same mistakes over and over.
That said, and despite losing 4 of their last 5, I enjoyed this team’s efforts this year. I thought these Illini would struggle to make 20 wins and the NIT. And I truly believe (as stated by my rube brother) that if Chester Frazier plays, we beat WKU by 10 and are looking at beating Gonzaga and a chance to get pummeled by the Tarheels… Anywho, 5 points to your final Illini bball game pentagram:
