Go Illini!

Final Four

My Illini son-in-law will be at the game today against UConn. I was knocking on doors, and a guy answered with a UConn sweatshirt on. He’s supporting me, but not tonight!

I have been with my other son-in-law and my grandson at Disney for the last two days. He’s a Wisconsin alum and isn’t too concerned about the Final Four. He went to the Final Four when Wisconsin was there.

When I traded on the floor, we had a lot of ex-college players on the floor. There was an internal floor league. It was pretty competitive! We had guys from Kentucky, DePaul, Penn State, Vandy, Indiana, Michigan and Illinos plus plenty of mid majors like Bradley and Loyola. Believe me, I am 6’5” and there were plenty of people that towered over me in the pit.

The Illini have had an interesting season. They started playing real defense at the end of the season, and that’s why they are where they are.

I think they can beat UConn, but you never know. They have played better competition. Most people think the real national championship game is Arizona vs Michigan. A friend of mine played at Michigan, and he’s excited for them. It should be an epic game. Both teams match up against each other pound for pound.

We both recall 1989. Illinois crushed Michigan the entire year, and then in the Final Four, Kenny Battle doesn’t get one rebound and Michigan wins. They beat Seton Hall in overtime to win it all. Illinois fans feel like that should have been their championship.

We also recall 2004. Illinois came back against Arizona and made it to the final game. The officiating was so bad that it made a State Farm commercial.

I read that the tournament will be expanded to 76 teams. I don’t like that idea at all. Scarcity is a good thing. Competition is good.

I will be grilling a couple of sirloins with a friend and hoping the Illini have a good night.