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ESPN ranks Illinois' State Farm Center as the No. 7 toughest place to win in the Big Ten

Good morning. Welcome to the Orange Minute for Wednesday, July 27.

By Jim Vainisi
Photo credit: Trevor Vallese

Once upon a time, Illinois basketball had one of the most intimidating home-court environments in all of college basketball. Fast-forward to 2016, and where does the State Farm Center rank amongst other schools in the conference? According to ESPN, the arena is only offering Illinois with a middle-of-the-pack advantage. Big Ten writer Eamonn Brennan recently ranked every venue in the league, and the Fighting Illini checked in at No. 7 on list.

At peak intimidation I think State Farm Center would be right up there with Wisconsin's Kohl Center (No. 3), but fans haven't been able to consistently achieve that level for about a decade because the teams have been so mediocre.

Overall, though, I think this list is pretty accurate; it's hard to argue with the top five spots, in particular. What's your take on ESPN's rankings? Let us know down in the comments.

Illinois Fighting Illini Links

- Four-star SF Jordan Goodwin narrows list, includes Illinois (TCR)

As expected, Fighting Illini basketball is a finalist for their top remaining recruiting target. On Tuesday night, Goodwin narrowed his list to Illinois, Northwestern, Missouri, Butler, Alabama, Creighton, and St. Louis.

- Lovie Smith, Illini look like perfect fit in Big Ten (Fox Sports)

Forget Michigan and Ohio State, Illinois --- yes, Illinois --- may have had the best off-season in the Big Ten. Why a surprising hire of Lovie Smith is exactly what this stagnant program needed.

- Josh Whitman: "We're done wanting. We want to start doing" (Illini Inquirer)

Illini AD Josh Whitman discusses Lovie Smith, possible facilities improvements, DIA staff changes and a big summer for Illini basketball

- Lovie Smith's message to Illinois fans: "Come back" (Chicago Tribune)

"There's nothing like student excitement in Memorial Stadium. We need their energy in the stadium wearing orange and blue. University of Illinois bumper stickers. Whatever it is, let people know who you believe in. Don't worry about what's happened in the past. It's about today."