Good Morning, Illini Nation: Basketball-football synergy

Sep. 8—Saturday night’s Illinois football win wasn’t just important for Bret Bielema’s team. Brad Underwood can benefit, too. It behooves both programs for each to be successful.

Knocking off No. 19 Kansas could be a stepping stone for the Illini football team, but it also should maintain a level of fan interest the basketball team can capitalize on this fall. Namely in having a lively environment at Memorial Stadium to sell prospective basketball recruits on the overall Illinois experience.

There have been football seasons where taking basketball recruits to games is not a priority. Why show them a lifeless, half-empty (on a good day) stadium? A sellout crowd Saturday night for a top 25 upset should keep the attendance numbers up moving forward this season.

A boon for both programs. Because the Illinois basketball team is paying attention …

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/good-morning-illini-nation-basketball-145400446.html

Author : The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

Publish date : 2024-09-08 14:54:00

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