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Thursday, January 1, 2009

Thumbs Down from Local Sportswriters for Redbirds and Illini


Here is a list of who votes in the AP top 25 poll

Including


Illinois
Paul Klee
The News-Gazette

Illinois
Bill Liesse
Peoria Journal-Star

Illinois
Lindsey Willhite
The Daily Herald

Either I am missing something, or only Willhite from the Daily Herald included the Illini in the top 25, with no Illinois writer including the undefeated Redbirds. What gives with our home state papers? No support for two of the best teams in the country?

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Consider the sources. Peoria and Decatur are carbunckles (sp) on the backside of the post-industrial world. The NG guy is living in the shadow of 40 years of Loren Tate (see Leo Ryan description).

Not to reflame the fire from last spring, but who has ISU played? The Illini haven't made any hay until the past week or so (and yes they deserve a spot). But the Top 25 hoopla doesn't really matter right now. We can really get down and dirty come 64 time.

Speaking of Purdue, when you watch them play does animal husbandry take on a whole new meaning?

Best player in the nation: James Harden.

All of that aside, peace for the New Year.

BEP

sempleman said...

Illinois State just needs to keep doing what they've been doing all year - win ballgames. If they continue undefeated into the MVC season the AP will not be able to ingore them anymore. A win over Creighton in their next game would probably open some eyes.

I personally think Purdue was a bit overrated but the Illini's convicing victory should vault them into the Top 25.

Anonymous said...

Illinois definitely deserves to be ranked. If the Minnesota Golden Gophers are ranked, then why not Illinois? I understand Minnesota is undefeated, but their only quality win is against Louisville and Louisville just lost to UNLV at home. As for the Birds, a win against a respectable Creighton team Saturday night followed by a smashing of Bradley in Peoria should get the job done and get them a ranking. If not - GO SPIT!

sempleman said...

I like that idea...a "smashing of Bradley." Doesn't get any better than that for 'Birds fans!!

Anonymous said...

One less undefeated team after ASU pasted Stanford by 30 on The Farm. The club grows smaller. Of course, how good was Stanford? How GOOD are the Devils?

BEP

Anonymous said...

Where is RedBird when you need him?

I liked his philosophy on hoops.

Didn't he prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the Illini and Big Ten are cowards.

And that in the accidental MVC v. Big Ten challenge a year or two ago that the MVC soundly defeated the big ten? It wasn't even close, just like the big ten acc thing in which the little ten has never won?

Didn't he base it solely on fact and things proved on the court and NOT in the press room?

And that all Wapellacans should think this way somehow?

Anonymous said...

how many other teams are 14-0?

'nough said!

NEXT!

Anonymous said...

I too miss red bird.

He was right, you aren't the toughest kid on the block if you refuse to take on all comers.

That is why Indiana will always be far superior to Illinois in hoops, they play anybody.

Even goliath was man enough to take on david.

Anonymous said...

The Redbirds stink. The Missouri Valley is a second rate conference. Only good thing to come out of the MVC is Carl/Hugh/Toohill's in general.

Love,

DIT's secret admirer

Anonymous said...

The Illini wouldn't escape the BIRDCAGE with a win! Osiris is the real deal.

Anonymous said...

I wasn't a Redbird believer until Saturday night. That Eldridge kid is the real deal. If Illinois came into Redbird, they would have their hands full.

Illinois played 3 good quarters at Michigan, then looked very average for nearly the whole of the 4th. Tisdale played WEAK. Meacham too.

Anonymous said...

The General - Chester Frazier - will get us back on the winning track Saturday. Next 4 out of 5 are at Assembly Hall and we need all 4.

Anonymous said...

No respect yet for the home teams, ISU needs to pound Bradley tomorrow night and then the coaches have to but the birds in the top 25. It was for the taking for the Illini. Play solid defense the entire 2nd half and Illinois would have been in. Just like to see both schools make the field of 64 this season. I think it would draw huge crowds each year if the Redbirds/Illini played every year. Also include Southern in the mix.

IRBW

Anonymous said...

Can we all agree the Salukis Suck?

You will never be national champs if you are too afraid to become State Champs!

Indiana Rules
Illini drools!

Anonymous said...

hey chief

the big ten did play in mvc arenas a year or two ago and they got their asses kicked.
that is why they won't play them.
of-course why would you let the truth get in the way?

didn't weber promise the play siu once his player's graduated?

i guess he has been in urbana long enough to become a liar like the rest of you.

the big ten is a joke.

Anonymous said...

Chief

motivation-cowardice

Anonymous said...

Where is RedBird when you need him?

Anonymous said...

Bradley reigns supreme!
The Red is dead.

Anonymous said...

So is bradley the best team in the state now?

Anonymous said...

Pretty sad. ISU can't handle a 9-5 Bradley team. It's always something with Illinois sports.

Anonymous said...

Mod,

Stop screening me. The Chief's identity must be known. He's a hero.

Anonymous said...

The chief has already been proven wrong!

And apologized for, thank you!

Next!

Anonymous said...

Tough loss for the Birds. Not to make excuses for them, but Champ Oguchi only played 16 minutes as he was hurt and he's the second best player on the team. They'll get their revenge in Normal. Bradley is 4-0 in the Valley though and a pretty good team. 3 of their losses are to Florida, Michigan State and Butler, all pretty good teams.

Anonymous said...

Maybe Bradley should be ranked!

Anonymous said...

Yawn!

Anonymous said...

If Illinois can win the next 4 of 5, then they have to be ranked. Win at Michigan State might be tough to do. NCAA tourny is the only thing that matters. Would be quite an accomplishment with this young team.

IRBW

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