It was a tough year in Champaign.
After its dismal season, at least Illinois can get a couple extra weeks of practice in as it makes its way through the NIT, right?
Right?
After a cataclysmic collapse, a first-round exit from the Big Ten tournament and the firing of coach Bruce Weber, Illinois basketball received one final kick in the gut.
A snub from the NIT.
“Any time the University of Illinois is not involved in postseason play it hurts, so we’re disappointed,” interim coach Jerrance Howard said in a news release. “For our returning players, this should serve as motivation heading into the offseason so we don’t feel this way next year on Selection Sunday.”
On to the coaching search.
Meanwhile, Iowa plays Dayton, Northwestern plays Akron, and Minnesota faces La Salle. Games start Tuesday.
March 11, 2012
B1G Hoops, Illinois Hoops, Iowa Hoops, Minn Hoops, NU Hoops