Illinois/Stoney Brook Info

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Illini treating NIT like ‘preseason to preseason’
Disappointed after no NCAA bid, players already looking toward next year

GateHouse News Service
Posted Mar 14, 2010 @ 11:19 PM
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois already is done with this basketball season, forward Bill Cole said.

When they failed to earn an NCAA berth and accepted their first NIT bid since 1996, the Illini already began to work on next season. Seeded No. 1 in one of four eight-team brackets but playing on the road because of a scheduling conflict at Assembly Hall, the Illini (19-14) play at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Stony Brook (22-9) in a first-round NIT game.

“We’ve got to look at the NIT as the preseason to the preseason,’’ Cole said. “People aren’t going to get giddy if we win the NIT.

“When we didn’t get (an NCAA) bid, I wanted to cry. I was almost sick to my stomach. That right there is the determining factor if you have a good season or not. We missed out.’’

Now the trick for Illinois coach Bruce Weber is motivating a team that often played down to the competition.

Penn State won the NIT last season, and Ohio State claimed the title two years ago. So the goal is playing five games and finishing in Madison Square Garden, then perhaps giving the Illini some momentum heading into next season — which they begin in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic that finishes in the Garden.

“I feel like this year is already over,’’ guard Demetri McCamey said. “With the NIT, it helps you. With our team, we have everybody coming back. This is about team chemistry, playing more games and seeing what we have to work on, then seeing if we can do big things next year.’’

Said Weber: “My message to the guys is if you’re really angry about it and frustrated, you have to show it on the court. It’s human nature to be disappointed. It was a sad locker room. Take out that anger on the NIT and see if you can prove that you do belong (in the NCAA).’’

Stony Brook, located on Long Island in New York, won the America East Conference regular-season title. The Seawolves are making their first postseason appearance since they joined Division I, in 1999.

[NightCap424]

I think Illinois will be just fine in the first round....I do have Kent State knocking them out in the 2nd round though.

[bigsportsguy2006]

Originally Posted by NightCap424

I think Illinois will be just fine in the first round....I do have Kent State knocking them out in the 2nd round though.

how many NIT brackets u fill out NC? haha