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Illini junior guard Malcolm Hill talks with FIGHTINGILLINI.com about the team's experience on its August trip to Belgium, the Netherlands and France.
The University of Illinois recently sat down with basketball player Malcolm Hill to recap the Euro-Tour that the Illini took at the end of August. Hill said that the trip was not only a great way to sight see and take a nice vacation, but it was also a great team bonding experience, having the opportunity to play against some professional teams overseas.
Illinois' Euro-Tour could be considered a success when looking at how the Illini played, (they finished 3-1 against some stiff competition) but overall, it was a great way for Coach Groce to figure what he has to work with heading into the start of the season. While it was great experience for the players, they clearly had a good time off the court as well, check out the full video in the link above!
"The Fighting Illini Big Ten opener against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium is set for 2:30 pm CT and will be televised by Big Ten Network."
The scheduling for Illinois' Big Ten Opener against Nebraska is set, as the Illini will face the Cornhuskers on October 3rd at 2:30 P.M. Central Time, and the game will be televised on BTN. The Illini are coming off a blowout loss at North Carolina, and before their Big Ten Opener, they will have a chance to bounce back against Middle Tennessee this upcoming Saturday.
"Cubit acknowledged Monday that Illinois cannot afford to dwell on the breakdowns that led to North Carolina’s runaway. But they must be addressed and fixed and he’s trying to do that while staying positive going into Saturday’s 3 p.m. home game against Middle Tennessee."
Bill Cubit has proven a solid replacement for Tim Beckman thus far, and his positive mentality is helping the Illini move forward even after a disappointing loss this past weekend. The Illini had a number of fixable errors on both sides of the ball Saturday, and Cubit is working to do all that he can to make sure they get cleaned up before facing Middle Tennessee this weekend.
The loss to North Carolina can't be too disappointing for an Illini team that wasn't expected to do too much in the first place, but it is a return to reality after the Illini looked so good in their first two games against inferior opponents. But from here on out, there will be no easy games for Illinois, and both Bill Cubit and his players know that they're going to need to step it up a notch if they want to compete.