They overcame Lucas Johnson’s torn anterior cruciate ligament, Robert Archibald’s sore back, Damir Krupalija’s stress fracture, Brian Cook’s self-doubts, Frank Williams’ two sprained wrists, Cory Bradford’s shooting slump and coach Bill Self’s diverticulitis.
They survived a three-game losing streak in late January and early February, a 3-4 start in conference play, Michigan State in East Lansing, Minnesota on Williams’ last-second bucket to win a share of the Big Ten title and their first two opponents in NCAA tournament play.
They withstood the pressure of being ranked No. 2 nationally in the preseason and the intense scrutiny of a media throng constantly asking them what was wrong.
Now all they have to do is find a way to beat Kansas, the top seed in the NCAA Midwest Regional.
Not surprisingly, given all the tests, trials and tribulations they’ve endured, the fourth-seeded Fighting Illini (26-8) say they’re eager to see how they stack up against the Jayhawks (31-3) Friday night at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.
The Illini agree with the saying that it’s better to know your enemy than not to know him. In Kansas’ case, Illinois knows exactly what’s coming.
“We all know this tournament is up for grabs,” said Bradford. “Kansas is a better team this year, but I think we’re a better team this year too. We know we match up well with them. We know each other’s strengths, weaknesses and personnel. We know we’re capable of beating them. It’s going to be a dogfight.”
For Illinois’ seniors this will be the fourth meeting with Kansas in the last four seasons. The Jayhawks won the first game 65-55 on Dec. 19, 1998 at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo., but the Illini have taken the last two, prevailing 84-70 Dec. 18, 1999, at the United Center and 80-64 last March in the Sweet Sixteen in San Antonio.
“They’re obviously the best team in the country,” said Johnson. “We’re looking forward to playing them again. I think there’s a rivalry there now. We played them when they were young and when we were young. We’ve all kind of grown up together.”
The overwhelming consensus is that the Jayhawks are a much better team than last year–quicker, more physical, more poised, more experienced. Similarly, the Illini are thought to have taken a half-step back; that the loss of Sergio McClain and Marcus Griffin has made the Illini softer, a little less intense team than the one that beat up Kansas in the Alamodome.
Self doesn’t necessarily disagree.
“To win, I think we have to play better than we have thus far,” he said. “We played real well against San Diego State but we didn’t play Kansas. Kansas has had a better season than us. They deserve a No. 1 seed and we deserve a four seed. We’ll have to play great. I don’t think you look at Kansas and say this is where you exploit them. They don’t have a weakness. They have maybe the best front line in America, maybe the best backcourt in America.
“On the other hand, our guys have played well lately when the stage is bright.”
Whether Friday’s stage–the Kohl Center–will shine brightly for the Illini is open to some debate. Self joked Tuesday that he thinks the Kohl Center “is a great advantage, because we always play well in Kohl, whenever we don’t play Wisconsin.”
Of course every time Illinois has played at Kohl the opponent has been Wisconsin. Since the arena opened on Jan. 17, 1998, the Illini are 1-3 against the Badgers there.
Self wouldn’t mind if Madison’s close proximity provides a home-court edge for Illinois, however small. “Kohl hasn’t been real good to us,” Self said. “But I don’t see much of an advantage. I don’t think a shootaround and one game there this year is an advantage. Although I’d still rather be playing in our area than out of our area.”
Self also would rather be playing in the Sweet Sixteen than not playing in the Sweet Sixteen, given the soap opera of a season he has been through. One more victory would clinch Self’s third straight trip to the Elite Eight.
“Last year’s team was really hungry, really focused,” said Self. “This year’s team, I don’t think played with a chip on its shoulder until it was almost too late.”
As his Illini brace for their biggest and most difficult test of the year, Self is happy he can still put the emphasis on the word almost.
“We just have to be better than [Kansas] one day,” he said. “The toughest teams have the best chance to advance. We would have no chance to advance if we hadn’t had a lot of adversity during the regular season.
“I think this will go down as my most memorable year to date, but not necessarily the most enjoyable. It’s great to do it when the chips are down, when nobody thinks it can be done. I’m really proud of these guys. It has been a special year, but all we’ve done so far is what we were supposed to do.”
