A team that has brought me such pain, but I can never leave. Odd how that works out, but my love for Illinois basketball began around 2012-2013 season. My Dad was a huge reason why I found my love for the Illini. I recall one random night watching Illinois’ Final Four run in 2005. Deron Williams and Dee Brown leading the charge inspired me to fall in line with the orange and blue. John Groce was in his first season with the team, and with players Rayvonte Rice, Tyler Griffey and Brandon Paul the Fighting Illini were primed for NCAA tournament. While the team had fallen just short of defeating No. 2 Miami, I was so excited for the future of the team.

I remember my first game well versus No. 1 Indiana in 2013. As I sat on halfcourt with my Dad, the two rivals were tied with just seconds remaining on the clock. A slick pass to Griffey for an easy layup sealed the victory in one game I will never forget.

Some could say I joined a bandwagon, but Illinois while making the tournament were ranked very little through the season. But what truly proved my loyalty was endorsing the next six years.

Excitement turned to frustration fast.

Failed player experiments, poor coaching and a lack of finishing ability all plagued the Illini for years. Until this season. On the horizon sits Ayo Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn and Brad Underwood looking to turn this team around. The team finished fourth in the Big Ten and had a NCAA Tournament birth locked down.

All the newly found excitement is gone in an instant. I had plans to go to Indianapolis for the Big Ten tournament. Not only losing sports, but losing the chance to one of my absolute favorite teams get cheated out of an opportunity due to a virus that was managed poorly was infuriating.

My love for the team doesn’t die with the premature ending to their season, but I cant wait for next March for the eventual rise of the Illinois Fighting Illini.