Illini fans, I guess we can't play the "disrespect" card this year. ESPN's Dick Vitale has our team rated No. 10 in his Preseason Top 40.
Whoa. I'm optimistic for this season, and I definitely think the Illini are an NCAA tournament team. But Top 10? Even I'm not drinking that much Orange Kool-Aid.
I think it is interesting that Vitale has four teams from the much-maligned Big Ten in his top 11. He's got Michigan State at No. 3 and Purdue at No. 6. No surprise there, as those two teams are the consensus favorites to clash for the conference title this year.
Michigan is No. 11 on his list, right behind Illinois. Ohio State (No. 24) and Minnesota (No. 33) also are mentioned.
Vitale has Kansas at No. 1. Again, no surprise. But what the hell is Kentucky doing at No. 2? The SEC sucks, so I can see UK rolling through the regular season, but I'm calling it early: John Calipari will choke in the tournament in his first season at Kentucky. Remember, you heard it hear first. That program didn't make the NCAAs last year. Somehow, I doubt they'll be making the Final Four this year.
I honestly don't care about NCAA Baseketball, but I like because we are ranked higher than the Gophers!
I ought to wonder if you really follow any sports, whitesox901.
I don't fallow NCAAB, If you can read you'd know that. But in any sport where Chicago is picked higher than Minnesota is always a joy.
whitesox901: If you have a chance to go to JaytheJoke, could you go tell the folks there I sent my regards. Thanks.