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Illinois Basketball: 5 takeaways from the Illini loss to Michigan State

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan State Spartans on January 22, 2018 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan State Spartans on January 22, 2018 at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – DECEMBER 11: Illinois Fighting Illini flag flies during the game against the Norfolk State Spartans at Assembly Hall on December 11, 2012 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois won 64-54. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Fans need to calm down about the team

Listen, I completely understand the frustration with the current Illinois basketball team. Many of you don’t remember the last time the team was this bad on the basketball court. It was the 1998-1999 season when Illinois finished the regular season 11-17 and only managed three Big Ten wins.

The Illini are on a similar path this season with three wins likely being their ceiling in the conference. But, as a fan, why do you continue to get mad at the team you are watching? I was getting mad at the team when the season first started but you have to realize now what we actually have on the court.

Illinois really only has two Big Ten caliber starters – Leron Black and Trent Frazier – on the team right now with three freshmen – Mark Smith, Greg Eboigbodin, Da’Monte Williams – who will turn into Big Ten starters with more experience under their belts.

I have lowered my expectations dramatically when I realized that Illinois is starting three players who are currently at a skill level of a backup in the Big Ten. They aren’t going to win too many games with that many backups starting.

This Illinois team is going through some changes right now. The future is bright because the foundation is building. Stop with the constant bashing of what you are seeing on the court and just enjoy watching the maturation of some of the future stars on this Illini squad.

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