Beat Purdue then rest everyone against UM.

Posted by ISeeDeadHawkeyes on March 2, 2026, 12:30:29, in reply to "B1G seed chances"

That game and a potential one after it wouldnt matter one bit, so why bother? Previous Message

so the 4 seed and potential games against pu, scum, and unl / msu are pretty much a lock?

Posted by Ari Gold on March 2, 2026, 12:03:08, in reply to "B1G seed chances"

yikes. Previous Message

congrats to NCAA Champion Duke*

Posted by assassin on February 28, 2026, 17:21:16, in reply to "Michigan's Cason out for season torn ACL*"

Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman Brandon Schrock of Laredo, Texas, told the federal government that his employer was “poop,” and his occupation was “pooper.”

I’m at the NFL combine with my son and his friends

Posted by ab75 on February 28, 2026, 17:11:49, in reply to "Another thing grinding my gears today: third year in a row we've let the B1G leader come in "

And the combo of last night and IU fans all over this place has me a bit resigned to 2nd class. Previous Message near the end of the year and get a milestone win. 2024, Purdue clinched the outright title 2025, MSU gave Izzo the all time wins 2026, Michigan clinches outright Barf. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

3 big ten home losses this year. Not ideal.*

Posted by Mrap24 on February 28, 2026, 17:07:59, in reply to "Another thing grinding my gears today: third year in a row we've let the B1G leader come in "

Previous Message near the end of the year and get a milestone win. 2024, Purdue clinched the outright title 2025, MSU gave Izzo the all time wins 2026, Michigan clinches outright Barf. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Losing so many big home games has definitely been depressing *

Posted by jdl on February 28, 2026, 16:30:56, in reply to "Another thing grinding my gears today: third year in a row we've let the B1G leader come in "

Previous Message near the end of the year and get a milestone win. 2024, Purdue clinched the outright title 2025, MSU gave Izzo the all time wins 2026, Michigan clinches outright Barf. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Should also note that it’s highly likely we play Purdue in a 4/5 game on Friday of BTT

Posted by OB25 on February 28, 2026, 12:50:01, in reply to "Lunardi drops us back below Purdue down to #8, had moved us ahead of them yesterday*"

Could see a scenario where it’s as simple as the winner of that game getting the last 2 seed. Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

How much did you sell the cards for?*

Posted by OB25 on February 28, 2026, 12:42:49, in reply to "Non-game Thoughts:"

Previous Message 1. Can we partner with One Piece every year?!?!? It’s free money! 2. Can we bottle last night’s crowd for the future? Much better the past 2 games. 3. I remember the days when the DIA actually tried with halftime entertainment. Apparently we’ve gone cheap. 4. Speaking of cheap, they do nothing for the 200 level fans. All the T-shirt tossed go to the 100 level. No effort to get to the folks/kids up top. There used to be races that went from the 200 level and other stuff. Now, nothing. We have dozens of cheerleaders get their butt on the upper concourse with a bag of shirts and at least five the little ones hope!! 5. The Emcee has been more muted the past 2 games. So much better! 6. I love the postgame call in show. Such good entertainment for my drives home…except for the dumbass woman from the 217 last night who complained that we have too many foreigners on the roster. Silly stuff, I know. But it’s a good distraction from thinking about the actual game for awhile. I still really like this team. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

They didnt even have enough Toyota branded flags for the 200 level. *

Posted by Dilbert on February 28, 2026, 12:34:17, in reply to "Non-game Thoughts:"

Previous Message 1. Can we partner with One Piece every year?!?!? It’s free money! 2. Can we bottle last night’s crowd for the future? Much better the past 2 games. 3. I remember the days when the DIA actually tried with halftime entertainment. Apparently we’ve gone cheap. 4. Speaking of cheap, they do nothing for the 200 level fans. All the T-shirt tossed go to the 100 level. No effort to get to the folks/kids up top. There used to be races that went from the 200 level and other stuff. Now, nothing. We have dozens of cheerleaders get their butt on the upper concourse with a bag of shirts and at least five the little ones hope!! 5. The Emcee has been more muted the past 2 games. So much better! 6. I love the postgame call in show. Such good entertainment for my drives home…except for the dumbass woman from the 217 last night who complained that we have too many foreigners on the roster. Silly stuff, I know. But it’s a good distraction from thinking about the actual game for awhile. I still really like this team. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Now that Ben has become a valuable piece I guess someone has to be the new scapegoat*

Posted by bjl63 on February 28, 2026, 12:17:04, in reply to "Just an epic no show from Stojakivic. Not sure how you trust him moving forward*"

Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Andrej was bad, but we got far far far worse from T and Z

Posted by Blazer on February 28, 2026, 11:37:53, in reply to "Just an epic no show from Stojakivic. Not sure how you trust him moving forward*"

And the much bigger problem. Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

I actually liked bring AS off the bench and starting Jake in the USC game.

Posted by illinilosch on February 28, 2026, 11:37:09, in reply to "Just an epic no show from Stojakivic. Not sure how you trust him moving forward*"

Why can't we go that route again? AS gave a nice spark coming off the bench and ended up having a terrific game. Could be way off base with my take. But something has to be done. This is 2 straight games where he's been gawd awful! Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

I’m kinda feeling the opposite

Posted by snipes824 on February 28, 2026, 11:03:21, in reply to "Just an epic no show from Stojakivic. Not sure how you trust him moving forward*"

Jake Davis is a great bench guy, but he’s not a starter on a final 4 team. andrej should go back in the starting lineup. Get his confidence back up. His issues are mostly between the ears. Some baffling decisions and a lack of confidence. Not sure if he’ll be here next year, but this year’s team needs him to get to the second weekend. It’s time to pump him with confidence and let the chips fall where they may. But please get tougher on the ball. For such a great driver, his hands are so weak. So easily stripped. Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

He sucks. He does one thing well and doesn’t even do that anymore *

Posted by meanjeans on February 28, 2026, 10:37:01, in reply to "Just an epic no show from Stojakivic. Not sure how you trust him moving forward*"

Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman BLAM, there's my opinion people - behold

He had 22 in 17 minutes at USC, 17 and 7 against MSU the game before that.

Posted by larue33 on February 28, 2026, 10:36:22, in reply to "Just an epic no show from Stojakivic. Not sure how you trust him moving forward*"

I was saying this early in the week.Anything can happen. Last night sucked

Posted by OWWDig on February 28, 2026, 9:58:30, in reply to "Well Michigan’s ‘89 team lost to us by 16 at home after trailing by 21 and won the NC"

But I’m still enjoying this season. Previous Message That’s the closest thing to encouragement I can come up with. We’re a very good team having a fine year, but that was sobering. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

I processed and dumped it last night, recalibrated expectations. Having a fine morning today.*

Posted by Toonces on February 28, 2026, 9:56:21, in reply to "What a spitty way to start off the weekend. :-((((("

Previous Message Effin Meeeccchigan , no less. I’m ugly.

100% soft team.*

Posted by gullit on February 28, 2026, 9:47:07, in reply to "This team could use a Ty Rodgers and Morez Johnson.*"

Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Also a shame we paid up for Andre.*

Posted by Toonces on February 28, 2026, 6:57:05, in reply to "This team could use a Ty Rodgers and Morez Johnson.*"

Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman I’m ugly.

They have been crushing people all year*

Posted by MtHoodIllini on February 28, 2026, 14:33:38, in reply to "I didn’t anticipate scUM being that good"

Previous Message Fvck them for righting their ship in two short years

At least IU screwed up and missed out on Dusty *

Posted by jdl on February 28, 2026, 7:51:35, in reply to "I didn’t anticipate scUM being that good"

Previous Message Fvck them for righting their ship in two short years

Just coping with the last few weeks revealing this team is not quite

Posted by Blazer on February 27, 2026, 23:04:46, in reply to "Just gotta tip the cap tonight. Brad, Keaton, and Kylan did in post game."

as great as we hoped. We're not at the natty level. And that's fine, but it still sucks to come to that reckoning. It's still a very good team--right the ship, secure the 2/3 seed and get to the second weekend. From there, maybe we catch fire. Previous Message All admitted Michigan came in and kicked the shit out of us. How the team responds and learns will dictate what happens beyond this. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Hang in there man *

Posted by jdl on February 28, 2026, 7:27:27, in reply to "Trying to stay positive. It’s difficult for me.*"

Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Absolutely a great chance to play the second weekend. Maybe we get a fortunate draw from there

Posted by Ron McDon on February 27, 2026, 23:05:27, in reply to "Trying to stay positive. It’s difficult for me.*"

Maybe not. I’m just gonna try to look on the positive side. This can still be a fun team. That’s all I got. Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

I can't get over how truly horrendous Tomi and Z were.

Posted by Blazer on February 27, 2026, 23:01:19, in reply to "Trying to stay positive. It’s difficult for me.*"

I mean the entire team was bad outside of Kylan, Keaton, and Mirk (who weren't great, but at least showed up), but T and Z were a special level of bad. And then add in how Morez just dick slapped them all night. To shit the bed like that given everything leading up to it, the backstory, the shit talking, and what was at stake at this point in the season--just inexcusable. I know the "soft" thing is overused in place of guys just not being as athletic, but there was absolutely some mentally weak shit to their performance tonight. Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Need Kansas to lose at Arizona tomorrow, Nebraska to lose 1 on the west coast trip, and…

Posted by OB25 on February 27, 2026, 22:22:49, in reply to "Been some gradual shifting on the matrix the last couple days"

Purdue to lose at Ohio State or at home to Wisconsin. If all that happens, I think we can hang on to the last 2 seed. Florida is kind of a wagon so I think the ship has sailed on them dropping back to a 3. Previous Message UConn solidified as the consensus fourth 1 seed, Florida now on the two line, Purdue dropped to a 3. We're still solidly on the 2 line as the second 2 seed, but the different between 6 and 9 is .12. Purdue's loss last night was a huge help. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

It required a huge NIL budget that we couldn’t have come close to, but credit to May…

Posted by OB25 on February 27, 2026, 22:11:33, in reply to "Yaxel was a beast on defense. He set the tone*"

for realizing he could be a terror as an oversized 3. Lot of ‘what is Michigan doing?’ chatter when they just kept adding bigs. Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

Oh you were thinking 7 seed?

Posted by redgrange77 on February 27, 2026, 21:45:57, in reply to "LOL. Kendall Gill just said we’ll get a 4, 5, or 6 seed in the NCAA tournament"

Donuts. 3 at best. 5 is entering the chat room. Previous Message Why do people like that get paid to do this Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

ATHLETES. Especially in the middle.*

Posted by voiceofreason on February 28, 2026, 0:00:25, in reply to "Big picture, I'm back to my fears about Brad and defense"

Previous Message 10 years as a high major coach, he's had exactly one top 20 defense (the 2021 team), and only 2 others inside the top 30 (when Chester was the defensive assistant). We brought in Crocker, but by all accounts Hamer is still the brains behind this year's scheme. We've gone from pressing up the line and generating turnovers in his first two years to strictly drop to switching everything to running teams off the three point line to protecting the rim and making teams shoot over us. Things looked like they were trending the right direction this year (we were 19 before Bos went out), but since Bos came back it's getting worse. Tonight is what it is against Michigan, but UCLA was an abomination. Don't know if it's scheme, philosophy, or personnel (or all of the above), but the assistants and rosters have changed and Brad and mediocre defense are the constant. Granted, I'll take high level offense to win in March over defense every time. I don't want to be Houston. But you still need mildly competent defense to really have a chance. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

I honestly think it's like 80% personnel

Posted by snipes824 on February 27, 2026, 21:32:54, in reply to "Big picture, I'm back to my fears about Brad and defense"

which, to be fair, is also his doing. Previous Message 10 years as a high major coach, he's had exactly one top 20 defense (the 2021 team), and only 2 others inside the top 30 (when Chester was the defensive assistant). We brought in Crocker, but by all accounts Hamer is still the brains behind this year's scheme. We've gone from pressing up the line and generating turnovers in his first two years to strictly drop to switching everything to running teams off the three point line to protecting the rim and making teams shoot over us. Things looked like they were trending the right direction this year (we were 19 before Bos went out), but since Bos came back it's getting worse. Tonight is what it is against Michigan, but UCLA was an abomination. Don't know if it's scheme, philosophy, or personnel (or all of the above), but the assistants and rosters have changed and Brad and mediocre defense are the constant. Granted, I'll take high level offense to win in March over defense every time. I don't want to be Houston. But you still need mildly competent defense to really have a chance. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

We’ve gotten worked by the only 2 elite teams we played.

Posted by uofi1998 on February 27, 2026, 21:20:46, in reply to "Thing I’m trying to remind myself"

Ehh they are way better.

Posted by illini on February 27, 2026, 21:18:20, in reply to "What an absolute dogshit effort by everyone involved. What’s your excuse now Brad?"

Which was an optimistic projection at the time, not a negative one*

Posted by OB25 on February 27, 2026, 21:34:56, in reply to "EvanMiya called us a 3 seed January 11th. Fucker was right"

Previous Message https://x.com/i/status/2010431516879601972 Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman When something is happening, young people like to say it’s “lit.”

We're trending that way, but there is a lot of basketball left, and the 5-6 teams competing for the

Posted by Blazer on February 27, 2026, 21:29:34, in reply to "EvanMiya called us a 3 seed January 11th. Fucker was right"

2 seeds are impossibly close. Tonight didn't help (well, really, it was UCLA that burns), but take care of business in the last two and make the BTT semis, and I think we have as good a chance as anyone. Previous Message https://x.com/i/status/2010431516879601972 Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

He’s pretty good*

Posted by ilinni11 on February 27, 2026, 21:21:48, in reply to "EvanMiya called us a 3 seed January 11th. Fucker was right"

Previous Message https://x.com/i/status/2010431516879601972 Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Oh it matters

Posted by jdl on February 27, 2026, 21:15:43, in reply to "It doesn't really matter but please win the last 2 so we're guaranteed single-digit losses*"

And Lendeborg and Wagler flip-flopped the 3/4 spots in NPOY rankings*

Posted by LWillhite on February 27, 2026, 21:16:48, in reply to "kenpom dropped from 4 to 5. ORtg dropped from 132.8 to 132.4. Defense fell from 31 to 33*"

Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

He should be*

Posted by GMAW on February 27, 2026, 21:29:00, in reply to "Lendeborg will be BTPOY.*"

Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

I will say that if we had Morez instead of Tomi/Z this game, we still get beat

Posted by Blazer on February 27, 2026, 21:09:32, in reply to "Won’t do the hindsight game so I’ll say that prioritizing Tomi was the clear right call at the time"

They’re just better top to bottom, and Mara/Yax were as much a problem as Morez Previous Message But dammit if this game wasn’t a thorough and emphatic rebuke of that decision for 2 straight hours. Hopefully Morez gets a 1st round guarantee and we don’t have to do this again, him dunking all over us has felt inevitable for the last 11 months. Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

We can call it a 10 point game then*

Posted by Stu on February 27, 2026, 21:09:27, in reply to "7x-8x*"

Previous Message Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

We can’t.*

Posted by opossum jenkins on February 27, 2026, 21:09:31, in reply to "Everything short again this half. I don’t know if we can fix that the rest of the way "

Previous Message The lighter schedule the rest of the way should help, but the cumulative load may have already taken it toll. This was with 5 days rest, but we played the starters 17+ in the first half. Brad has to start trusting the bench and managing this better in game with strategic timeouts Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman

Michigan played full court d the whole time and had more in the tank. I’m not sure what the problem

Posted by John Coctostan on February 27, 2026, 21:08:23, in reply to "Everything short again this half. I don’t know if we can fix that the rest of the way "

is but it’s a problem. We can’t close or even stay close Previous Message The lighter schedule the rest of the way should help, but the cumulative load may have already taken it toll Previous Message Wagler articles leading into the pre-game hype frenzy https://www.si.com/college-basketball/keaton-waglers-meteoric-rise-at-illinois-isnt-a-fluke https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48037112/keaton-wagler-rise-illinois-freshman