Illinois crowd

4429 mcc · 02-08-2008, 10:48 AM

I'm pretty sure Hilton will be rockin this weekend. Call it a hunch but it will be the loudest its been all year.

travman23 · 02-08-2008, 10:48 AM

They have great fans and having a mom and uncle that graduated from there I can tell you there is a lot of passion for Illinois basketball in that state. Here's a really cool picture from Chief Illiniwek's last dance that is just awesome. Stupid NCAA, this was an honored tradition that even the native americans were OK with but the political correctness hypocrytes that are the NCAA made yet another dumb decision.

What was even more awesome was that after the ceremony was over many people peeled off their orange shirts and revealed their black shirts they wore under them in protest of the NCAA's decision.

becrisgreg · 02-08-2008, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by cyismydog

It does help a lot that they are near Chicago.

Campaign is only a little closer to Chicago than Ames is to Omaha.

travman23 · 02-08-2008, 10:57 AM

I think they actually have a hard time recruiting players from the Chicago area. They only have 2 players from Chicago and only one of them is getting minutes. Peoria and the Michigan area seem to be where they get a lot of guys.

jdoggivjc · 02-08-2008, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by travman23

I think they actually have a hard time recruiting players from the Chicago area. They only have 2 players from Chicago and only one of them is getting minutes. Peoria and the Michigan area seem to be where they get a lot of guys.

Yeah, well the thing is it seems on a yearly basis Peoria schools can school the Chicago schools when it comes to basketball, so it's no great loss that they get most of their talent from Peoria than Chicago.

That and I think a certain grade factor comes into play when recruiting Illinois. I can't imagine those playing ball in Chicago are also the sharpest tools in the shed, so I figure they also have problems actually qualifying for college.

ajk4st8 · 02-08-2008, 11:07 AM

There are a ton of excuses why we aren't there anymore. Fact is we have been there and the only reason we aren't is because people choose not to. You can insert any reason why, but it boils down to just not being loud or just flat out not going.

isucyfan · 02-08-2008, 11:12 AM

Originally Posted by jdoggivjc

Yeah, well the thing is it seems on a yearly basis Peoria schools can school the Chicago schools when it comes to basketball, so it's no great loss that they get most of their talent from Peoria than Chicago.

That and I think a certain grade factor comes into play when recruiting Illinois. I can't imagine those playing ball in Chicago are also the sharpest tools in the shed, so I figure they also have problems actually qualifying for college.

It certainly helps Illinois that they hired McClain from Peoria, who coached many good teams there.

There is some serious basketball in Peoria. The problem is, though, that most of the inner city boys there think they are going to get out by playing in the NBA. It's sad, but I'm sure not unique to Peoria.

isuno1fan · 02-08-2008, 11:22 AM

I enjoyed when Gordon was shooting a free throw one time they all turned their backs to him and right when he released it they all jump around to face him and yelled.

wonkadog · 02-08-2008, 11:38 AM

I'll admit it was impressive that they had a crowd like that on a weeknight. I assume they sell out the place with season tickets because every single game the attendance is listed at 16,618, even games against crappy teams during break. I really find it hard to believe that the place is filled to the rafters every single night.

ajk4st8 · 02-09-2008, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by wonkadog

I'll admit it was impressive that they had a crowd like that on a weeknight. I assume they sell out the place with season tickets because every single game the attendance is listed at 16,618, even games against crappy teams during break. I really find it hard to believe that the place is filled to the rafters every single night.

Pretty close ... Ive watched on the BTN

jtd9046 · 02-09-2008, 11:39 AM

Their crowd did get ripped on many sports stations for the treatment of Gordon and his family though. Let's not take it that far. ;)

Maybe are students wouldn't care about the shirts if the design was better. I haven't seen them the last couple years since I graduated, but the shirts were pretty boring the first couple years of Cyclone Alley.

Really though, I don't think it's the shirts that is really the problem. It's the fact that there is a 'membership' that splits the students, that is a recipe for a non enthused fanbase. Get back to the days where all you need is your student ticket and there is first come first serve seating. We sat outside for hours waiting to get into the stadium and good seats, that created an exciting atmosphere. IMO, members of Cyclone Alley know that their seat in the lower bowl is guaranteed so many don't show up early. This also creates non-members in no rush to get to the game because they'll have to sit in the rafters.

ajk4st8 · 02-09-2008, 11:51 AM

You are right. The shirts have NOTHING to do with it. Its just another lame attempt at an excuse why the students dont go. Weather, classes, tshirts ... .etc..

Bottom line is a school with over 20,000 students should be able to fill the student section. If not, thats ok, just dont go around talking about how great our crowds are because they arent.

wonkadog · 02-09-2008, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by ajk4st8

Pretty close ... Ive watched on the BTN

I have no doubts that their conference games have probably been full. You're telling me that you've watched every single one of their games and somehow every game they've had a crowd shot that shows the upper tiers of the arena? I have my doubts.

ajk4st8 · 02-09-2008, 11:53 AM

No... you are right Ive only caught a few of their non conf games... and the place wasnt full. BUT having their place full during the conf season is something ISU hasnt done in over 5 years.

ajk4st8 · 02-09-2008, 11:54 AM

Its a beautiful day out in Ames, sunny not too cold.

We play a top 20 team.

2:30 on a Saturday

Students will be there

Today will show how much interest there is in Cyclone basketball.