If you look up the history and etymology for the word “sophomore”, this is what you’ll find:
perhaps from Greek sophos wise + moros foolish
That feels so appropriate. Thinking you’ve got the game of high school, college or life in general figured out just to be slapped in the face by it. Now, I’m not saying the sophomores listed below are fools, or over their skis, but it feels like a nice definition for Illinois Basketball. We have the history and the learned experience to be cautious and wise, but every fall comes around and we start whispering “Sweet Sixteen” or “top-four Big Ten finish”.