is a lot different than last year's NIT because of the Illini's putrid play last Thursday. Last season there was a sense of disappointment about playing in the NIT because they gave maximum effort in the Big Ten Tourney, but came up short with a loss. The Illini better bring their man card when they play in this tournament. They have a lot to prove to the Illini Nation because I have never seen the fans this down on the program since the loss to UIC a few seasons back because of the lack of effort and urgency during the Big Ten Tournament game against Michigan. You have to believe the this Illini team was hearing it from the fan base while on campus and in Champaign. I hope they show a sense of pride and play with 100% effort in the NIT this week!
