This upcoming season...
BRADLEY with:
Super Senior Sammy returning to Junior year form
Taylor returning to Sophomore year form
Coached by Geno
VS
ILLINOIS with:
Super Senior Sammy returning to Junior year form
Coached by Bruce
.... BU with SM and TB would have been challenging for a top 2-3 spot in The MVC.
Good question! I do not believe it is so cut and dry. The Illini lost a lot of leadership and scoring. Historically speaking those are traits that are hard to make up regardless of who is coming into replace them. They will have a tough time finishing in the top 1//2 of the Big 10 where BU with SM and TB would have been challenging for a top 2-3 spot in The MVC.
Really hate to say it... UIUC...
UIUC has more talent and Geno is an unknown factor.
I think I agree. I actually think both the odds are/would be pretty good, but UIUC has the big conference benefit, plus a coach who has made a national title run, vs. a down MVC with a coach who has never made it to the NCAA's.
Good debate question though!