On Monday night, the Illinois basketball team will be tested by a tough Gonzaga Bulldogs bunch.
The Illini tipoff their first game of the Maui Invitational at 10:30 PM CT. The field for the Maui is extremely tough this year. Illinois takes on No. 3 Gonzaga in the first game. The following game is going to be either against Arizona or Iowa State. There is also the possibility the Illini end up taking on Duke at some point, as well as Auburn. The field is stacked this year.
But, I believe this Maui Invitational means more than just games for this Illinois team and their fan base. This tournament could do great things for this program. It could put the Illini back on the national map, which is something that hasn’t happened in a half-decade or longer. This tournament has a chance to help pull this program out of a constant state of mediocrity.
It has been a long time since Illinois has played a team as good as Gonzaga in the non-conference. Even beating just a ranked team has been a challenge for the Orange and Blue. Leading up to the game against the Bulldogs, the Illini have dropped five games in a row against non-conference ranked opponents. The last win came during the 2013-14 season when Illinois beat No. 23 Missouri, 65-64. Since then, it has been a rough stretch for the Illini.
What does Illinois need to do to help their case of getting back on the national map? Well, hopefully, the team is fully healthy. I haven’t heard news about Trent Frazier but I would assume he is back for the start of the Maui. That is a big boost for this Illini team. A win would definitely help get this program back on the map.
I have realistic expectations for this program, though. I understand they are likely to lose the game against Gonzaga, although I do think they have a chance. But, the next game either against Iowa State or Arizona would be winnable. I think a win in the next round is a must. What I am looking for is at least two wins out of the three games the Illini play in the Maui. This is a goal I want to see accomplished.
Illinois has a program that is on the rise. If you think we are on the map right now, you are sadly mistaken. But, a good showing at the Maui would help accelerate the possibility of getting some national love. It all starts on Monday night against a tough Gonzaga team. Who knows, maybe we can shock the world.