I think A Lion Eye is one of the best sports blogs I’ve come across, for Robert’s level of obsession (novella-length 19 point plan!), and flat out ability to write. This is everything that’s good about the internet. The youtube-comments-level screed on messageboards is everything that’s bad about it. I think I enjoy A Lion Eye so much because Robert doesn’t have to go through the motions of being a sportswriter, with all of that journalistic integrity blah-blah-blah; you’re free to write from the perspective of a fan, often distilling and amplifying my own reactions to things so I finish reading a post just nodding my head or smiling. This is deeply felt, eloquently expressed, carefully considered concern. The “loonies,” as I see it, have more of a blind rage, ALL CAPS, irrational sense of entitlement and self-importance thing going on.

I think there’s no way Bruce Weber gets the credit he deserves. Works hard, for all of the right reasons, has navigated through some scary off-the-court waters and has, it seems, only grown as a coach as a result. He has worked at and addressed his shortcomings (recruiting). He could teach my mom to play defense (didja see Richardson on Turner yesterday? I caught glimpses of a Frazerien relish in the opportunity to be a fiesty painintheass to a national player of the year candidate. That had me jazzed more than any of McCamey’s heroics, which I pretty much take for granted at this stage). And what does he get? Millions of dollars (okay) and not nearly enough respect. I see only good things ahead for this program. Call me an optimist I guess (sounds familiar, no?).

after the kohl game, it seemed like the season was back on course. now i’m afraid we need both upcoming games against wisconsin to be assured a tourney spot. one might do it. but i have my doubts.

at the start of this season, i had a lot of hope for this squad. and high expectations, which (and i know it’s hard to see now) aside from lost vegas, georgia, and minny the team has met. really.

going back to october 2009, i seem to recall the consensus was that 2010 would be a “better team than 2009 but, it might not have as good a record, due to inconsistency.”

i admit, i was too quick to dismiss the inconsistency bug that carl and josh often cited. but overall, this team is what most people thought.

lose some you shouldn’t? check.

win some you shouldn’t? check.

squeak into the tournament and be a threat? check, please.

the issue is, they lost far too many that they could’ve won…including pu at home and nw on the road.

but even with that failing; even with the over-reliance on dmac, the questionable time-out calls, the one-step-forward-two-back progress, and dr. funk-a-lot, this team has the opportunity to do what most fans thought they should.

and when it comes down to it, that is likely the most frustrating thing about this illini team. they seem to be on the cusp of living up to their marketing slogan, only to fall short. and much of that is on weber’s shoulders, so i see why people want a change. and maybe it is time for one, but it’s so very unlikely.

one thing i do know, is that you are 100% spot on – illinois fans deserve better, with or without bruce.