Illinois’ nickname is the Fighting Illini. That is a fitting name, as they fought their way to a season to remember at 22-12.
As they enter the NCAA Tournament, however, we must ask—what should we know?
1. Illinois owns victories over two No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament—Gonzaga and Indiana. They won 85-74 at Gonzaga and 74-72 during a home game against Indiana.
2. Illinois has won five games by two points or less. Three of those victories have come on buzzer-beaters, all by different players. D.J. Richardson against Hawaii, Tyler Griffey against Indiana and Brandon Paul against Minnesota.
3. If you’re looking for a star to base your bracket on, try Illinois shooting guard Brandon Paul. He’s averaging 16.6 points per game and hit a buzzer-beating game winner against Minnesota on Mar. 14. This young man could be a bracket buster.
4. Illinois is in their first year under 41-year-old head coach John Groce. Prior to his hiring, Groce led the Ohio Bobcats to the Sweet Sixteen in 2012—that run included wins over Michigan and South Florida. In other words, coach Groce knows what it takes to make an NCAA Tournament impact.
5. Prior to John Groce, Illinois’ previous two head coaches were Bill Self and Bruce Weber. In Self’s first year, Illinois made the Elite Eight. During Weber’s first season, Illinois went to the Sweet Sixteen. What will Groce have in store?
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