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In an unusual role reversal, Illini Football enters Christmas Day with some positive momentum following a successful Early Signing Period and the transfer of former blue-chip WR Jeff Thomas. All the while, Illinois Basketball — who after 5 consecutive wins over Mizzou from 2013 to 2017— is somewhat in the dumps after a poor showing in this year’s Braggin’ Rights game.
So, we asked Illini fans what gift they want for Christmas.
Naturally, Basketball was mostly on the mind, but some fans still want Football to continue its positive momentum.
Basketball
Sorry Michael but Santa can only do so much.
An offensive strategy for @IlliniMBB and playing the right people
— Michael Bushman (@BushTrucks17) December 24, 2018
This is probably high on the list of several Illini Fans.
Contract buyout $$ for basketball
— Chris Strohbehn (@strobes77) December 24, 2018
Yes!!! At TCR, we are big advocates of the Olympic Model. The FBI, however, feels differently. So, we do not anticipate that Santa will start funneling money to recruits. Sorry Pete.
To start paying recruits
— Pete (@PeterNickles69) December 24, 2018
Isn’t Leslie Knope a diehard Hoosier fan? Anyway, .500 in Big Ten Play might exceed Santa’s capabilities.
To go .500 in Big Ten BBall play pic.twitter.com/EZbaFQSxdB
— Bolan Schmelty (@nkel31) December 24, 2018
Santa, we just want Underwood to do his job. Is that too much to ask???
Brad Underwood start earning the $19.92M he’s making per year. Land some freaking recruits that can thrive in this system.
— Opossum Jenkins (@intelwarrior) December 24, 2018
Patrick O’Dowd and Chris Gattuso are not asking for much here.
A functioning basketball program.
— Patrick O'Dowd (@WrestlngRealist) December 24, 2018
A basketball team that is not embarrassing....
— Chris Gattuso (@CMGattuso) December 24, 2018
We hope Santa has some modern basketball concepts in his sleigh for Brad Underwood to utilize.
A new modern day basketball coach not one that lives in the 90’s. Doesn’t he realize with the elimination of the five second call his defense became obsolete!!nobody can guard a man for 20 seconds and not get beat!! Adjust coach!!
— robert cosby (@illini11) December 24, 2018
Bruce Weber and the Illini back together again!! This sounds like the plot to a Hallmark Christmas Movie.
Bruce Weber
— Thor Graham (@thorgraham42) December 24, 2018
Football
Let’s be honest, after delivering on Signing Day and luring Jeff Thomas away from Miami, the beard is looking rather majestic.
Lovie’s Beard pic.twitter.com/rms4IHK5Ga
— Ryan (@Ry1028) December 24, 2018
Come on Santa!! Bring us Bowl Eligibility in 2019!!
I would like 7 wins in 2019 from the @IlliniFootball is that asking too much
— Tracey Wilson (@traceywilson67) December 24, 2018
Prying away a former five-star TE from Kirby Smart is easier said than done, but if anyone can make it reality, Santa can make it happen.
Luke Ford!
— Philip Cooper, CTS (@TheNationOfCoop) December 24, 2018
For Luke Ford to transfer
— NFC North Champs (@BearsEst1920) December 24, 2018
Dear Santa, please keep the Tampa 2 away from Champaign.
Another Rod Smith for the defensive side
— Brian Adams (@Brian_Adams6) December 24, 2018
And it’s not always about sports!
A nice scholarship for my son who was just admitted to the engineering program.
— The King of Swing lah (@MarcBussan) December 24, 2018
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
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For vintage inspired, high quality, and well-designed University of Illinois apparel, check out Fourth and Kirby, and look for the TCR Collection while you’re at it!