There’s just one day left before the start of the 2017-18 Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball season, which means it’s just about time to christen the Good Ship Underwood by cracking a champagne (Champaign?) bottle on her stern and seeing her off on her maiden voyage with our hearts full of hope.
The EIU scrimmage left a foul taste in many orange and blue mouths, so let’s cleanse the palate by remembering John Groce’s auspicious debut at the helm of the Fighting Illini. After wins against Colgate and St. Francis got the season underway, they headed to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational tournament and warmed up with a game at Hawaii.