INDIANAPOLIS — Illinois coach John Groce has used the phrase “Season 3” numerous times this week.
The Big Ten tournament was going to be a fresh start for his team.
Season 1 was a series of ups and downs for the Illini.
A competitive game but a loss at Providence.
A big win in Kendrick Nunn’s return against UAB, then putting a scare in a Top 5 Iowa State team.
But also near-disaster losses to Chicago State and Illinois-Chicago.
Season 2 was mostly downs in the Big Ten, save for an upset of Purdue.