Illinois loses first.

Purdue seems set up to get to at least the elite 8, maybe the final 4.

And that's just what will make it all the more glorious when they somehow fail to do so.

Why would it be glorious?

I'll never understand the hate that Purdue gets when they haven't been to a F4 since 1980 and have had more heartbreaking March losses than most teams have NCAA appearances.

I mean yeah, it's probably going to happen again like it has for 40 years. Enjoy it!

No one enjoys Purdue losing more than me. But it is hard to be too excited considering the dumpster fire that is Indiana basketball right now.

Trying to be as objective as possible, I do not see this being a good year for the Big 10 in the tournament. I think the style of play for most of the teams is a lot different than the rest of the really good schools/conferences. And it seems the talent level is pretty far down across the board in the Big 10. Is there a player in the conference that is for sure a NBA player? Some are high on Ware from Indiana, but I think his game has a lot of holes.

But what the hell do I know, probably means there will be a final four with multiple big ten teams

Shannon, Ware, and Edey are for sure going to be drafted this year. That's assuming that none of them are in jail by the draft though.

Shannon, Ware, and Edey are for sure going to be drafted this year. That's assuming that none of them are in jail by the draft though.

Why would it be glorious?

I'll never understand the hate that Purdue gets when they haven't been to a F4 since 1980 and have had more heartbreaking March losses than most teams have NCAA appearances.

I mean yeah, it's probably going to happen again like it has for 40 years. Enjoy it!

Shannon and Ware look to be middle to lower first round guys. But I dont think either is just a for sure NBA player. If things fall right and they go to the right place and such maybe they are a consistent NBA player.

Edey maybe a 2nd round pick, but he will be in Europe or some place like that sooner than later.

purdue doesnt have good enough ball handlers to handle end of game situations. they struggle quite a bit getting the ball inbounds and getting it past half court. i think it will be their downfall.

This is exactly the problem Illinois could face if they go up against full court pressure. Domask is your best ball handler who gets regular playing time and he doesn't have the best handles.

20+ years ago edey is the top pick right? incredibly skilled big man who absolutely dominated this year. he doesnt fit in today's NBA.

This is exactly the problem Illinois could face if they go up against full court pressure. Domask is your best ball handler who gets regular playing time and he doesn't have the best handles.

Seems to be a little bit of a theme this year with not having a strong point guard. I think it was the downfall for my Hogs this year, didn’t have a General.

Saw Musselmans name being thrown around for Louisville job maybe.

you think he is staying or going?

purdue doesnt have good enough ball handlers to handle end of game situations. they struggle quite a bit getting the ball inbounds and getting it past half court. i think it will be their downfall.

As an Illinois graduate, I just assume that they will not make it out of the first weekend. They should beat Morehead State, however.

I shouldn't even utter this but what the hell..... This matchup got me thinking about what happened in 1987 with the Illini. They had a 3 seed and slipped on a banana peel in round one against Austin Peay. Broke a young T-Bone's heart that spring.