Mike Carpenter @FanboyCarp Twitter profile

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Mike Carpenter

21 days

AVAILABLE NOW: @The200Level - An Illinois Fighting #Illini Basketball Fan's Journey, by Mike Carpenter Locally at both @GamedaySpirit locations, @JaneAddamsBooks , and The Literary Worldwide on @amazon in hardcover, paperback, and kindle Audiobook on @audible_com

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Last Seen Profiles

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

You don’t win the Big Ten Championship without winning at Nebraska. And you don’t win at Nebraska without Omar Payne. So, while it was a rocky year for him overall, he was still a part of the first #Illini title in 17 years. Good luck to him.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

1 month

Even without a win at Penn State, an #Illini win vs. Purdue would put us at: • 4-1 record • Still ranked • Hosting Michigan • 100th anniversary game Can we start a #GamedayUIUC campaign and push for @CollegeGameDay to FINALLY come to Champaign-Urbana?

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

Michigan earned their Big Ten title. The #Illini earned theirs as well. There is no negative to awarding a co-championship to a 16-4 team that beat the 14-3 team head-to-head. Get it done, #B1G .

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Scott Frost should be re-hired and immediately fired all over again for losing to this Northwestern team.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

10 months

Some things that stood out tonight: * Coleman was PHENOMENAL * Ty makes me proud as hell * Domask gutted through a tough night * Harmon was scrappy as all get out * Quincy was reliable as ever Easiest #Illini team to root for in some time.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

11 months

Bill is back on the bandwagon! #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 months

I don’t want this season to end. But, I don’t think I’ve had a more fun month watching #Illini basketball than March 2024. Win or lose, I’m grateful to have the program relevant again. But while we’re here, F it . . . let’s win another.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

The most offensive part of this tweet is Toby Keith somehow being seen as an “artist”.

Peter Alexander

@PeterAlexander

4 years

Trump is currently in the Oval Office awarding the National Medal of Arts to singers Toby Keith and Ricky Skaggs, minutes after becoming the first president ever impeached twice.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

Can we dispense with the “Loyola should have been a 4 seed” conversation and admit last week was a total choke job by the #Illini ?

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

1 month

I'm rarely at a loss for words, but the magnitude of this #Illini win at Nebraska has rendered me speechless. Life is good when Illinois football is good. And by golly, I think they're a bit of alright.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

11 months

This #Illini team is different. They play hard. They play for each other. They clearly LIKE each other. And, a mere eight games into the season, they’re coalescing into a damn good team. Impossible to be anything but thrilled with this team right now.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

I have some exciting personal news to share: after being diagnosed with end-stage liver disease in November, my mom received a transplant yesterday. The operation went smoothly and, according to the surgeon, she has a "beautiful liver". Currently, she is resting and recovering.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 months

I can legitimately say this was the most unexpectedly fun season I’ve had as an #Illini basketball fan in a long time. In particular, March 2024 will be one of my favorite months - from a win at Wisconsin on March 1 to a BTT title and Elite 8 appearance. Well done, fellas.

Illinois Men's Basketball

@IlliniMBB

7 months

The journey was beautiful. #Illini | #HTTO | #EveryDayGuys

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

“Gard shouldn’t have called a timeout.” “We gotta find out what the Wisconsin assistant said.” What are we doing here, Twitter? This is a pattern of behavior for Juwan Howard and he should be punished accordingly.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

So, this is gonna be the most amped atmosphere ever, isn’t it? #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

8 months

When Domask tied the game up with 4 to go, SFC was loud. The kind of loud I grew accustomed to from 2000-2006. We didn’t win tonight, and that stinks. But the program is healthier than it’s been in over 15 years, and I appreciate any opportunity to soak it in. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Once in a lifetime experience . . . 17 years in the making. #Illini #B1GChamps

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

There may be plenty of great #Illini teams in the years to come, but there may never be another week like the one we just experienced. An all-timer.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

One moment I absolutely loved in this #Illini game: Epps launching that 3 with less than a minute to go. No hesitation. Had a great look, possible winning shot, and took it. He will make more than he will miss going forward.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Underwood can be as pissed off as he wants, but either: 1) He’s done his worst coaching job despite amassing a bunch of talent 2) He’s amassed a bunch of talented morons who don’t take to his coaching Neither option is good.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 months

Days like this don’t come around very often. Let’s shock the world! #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

I won’t try and estimate how many people took part in this peaceful protest and march in Urbana, but . . . wow.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

8 months

Brad Underwood has excelled at the macro aspects of running a program. But, there are far too many examples of him stinking in the micro, in-game aspects of coaching. It has cost this team a few times this year, and likely will cost them in March. Again. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 months

Could there be any bigger or more impactful shoutout for TSJ than this? Wow!

LeBron James

@KingJames

4 months

To my Young 👑 Terrance Shannon Jr! Love and Salute you! Proud of you!! God is Good! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 The apologies should be 30X louder than the hate he got but we know how it goes. Anyways back to the regular scheduled program. Great days ahead! ☀️☀️☀️✨✨✨

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Since the cries of “racist!” have already started . . . If Brad Underwood did this, his ass should be fired. As a fan and alum, I would be deeply embarrassed. This isn’t piling on Juwan. This is calling things out for what they are.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

You don’t win the Big Ten Tournament without Giorgi’s incredible second half run. The guy was easy to root for, and he deserves to see his family again. He’ll make a few bucks playing in Europe and receive a hero’s welcome whenever he comes back to CU.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

I understand why some would roll their eyes over Bielema mentioning #B1G officiating. But, as an #Illini fan . . . F it. That’s my coach.

Bret Bielema

@BretBielema

2 years

Congrats to both teams and all they have accomplished. Saw both teams on the field and didn’t get it done. Would love the opportunity to meet both again on a neutral field and officials. Can’t happen this year but #famILLy we will be there sooner than later #ILL

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Younger #Illini fans have asked me what it was like to live through the Self years. The answer is: we’re living it right now. It’s all the more impressive given what Underwood had to start with five years ago.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

That’s one of the most fun times I’ve had watching an #Illini basketball game in some time, and there’s been some good ones the last few years. This team plays balls to the wall, and I love it.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Epps Podz Curbelo Miller Griffin Smith Regardless of circumstance, you eventually need some continuity at the guard position. To date, Ayo and Trent are the only HS guards Underwood’s recruited to NOT transfer. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Has a team ever pissed away so much good will in two weeks?

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

6 years

Drunken pack of Iowa fans near me trying to roast Illinois fans. “Who even knows where Champaign is?!” Guys . . . you live in Iowa. Other than your caucus every four years, your state is the epitome of irrelevant.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

No need to watch the bracket reveal. Illinois vs. Akron is the opening round matchup. Book it.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Coleman cares. I'd love to see him back next year. His frustration speaks to a larger disconnect this year. Coaching, player performance, some combination . . . Why was it so disconnected all year? And, why did it get WORSE? He seems stumped. So am I.

Andy Olson

@imandyolson

2 years

Coleman Hawkins was visibly frustrated in the locker room following the Illini loss, apologizing for letting down the fans, taking blame for some of the teams faults, and added this: "It's not hard to swallow, it's expected when you don't move the ball, when you don't execute."

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

I hate . . . HATE . . . making anything about the refs. But, tonight's officiating was atrocious and had way too large of an impact on the game. Funny, because Seth Greenberg called them a "Final Four caliber" team on the broadcast. Bullshit. They were awful.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

I, for one, love to hate Michigan basketball. And I love it even more because I know they HATE #Illini basketball. It’s sports. It’s all part of the fun.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

5 years

Over the last decade, I felt like I made progress and could control my anger while watching Illinois basketball. Mostly, that’s because they weren’t winning. Now that they are? I’m reminded how much I hate every other Big Ten team.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

Kevin Warren can kiss our collective orange asses.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

8 months

Not discouraged. Purdue made plays that a title contender would make. More impressed with the overall defensive intensity, and I’m encouraged heading into the tournaments that count. Beat Iowa and get to Sunday in the BTT. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 months

Couldn’t be prouder of or happier with an #Illini team. They took a red-hot #Badgers team’s very best shot and won. Raise that banner, and let’s grab another over the next few weeks!

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 months

TSJ gets the not guilty verdict. Going to process the last few days before recording a podcast, but the prosecution’s case was flimsy at best. And I’m being far too generous by just saying “flimsy”.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 months

An all-timer win for #Illini basketball. Guts. Absolute GUTS to grab that W tonight.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

The reason I was agitated with Skyy's "personal issues" excuse is that it was likely BS, and it diminishes those actually DEALING with personal issues. He got a sweet NIL deal, made some cash, got benched, and left. I don't blame the kid so much as his enabler parents.

Derek Piper

@DPiper247

2 years

Coleman Hawkins after Arkansas: “When there’s promises for guys, when there’s little things like a freshman point guard coming in & bailing on you when times get tough…”

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

8 months

Could not have been a better start to March. Marcus. TSJ. Coleman strong again. Some defensive stinginess when it counted. And best of all? FOUR straight at the Kohl Center. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 months

Underwood and Co. are absolutely cooking right now. #Illini

Jeremy Werner

@JWerner247

4 months

COMMIT: #illini land five-star wing Will Riley The 6-foot-8 Canadian wing, who likely will reclassify to the Class of 2024, is the highest-ranked prep prospect Illinois has landed during the last two decades. How he fits (immediately) and what it means:

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Coming to grips with two truths: * 8-4 is a wildly successful second season for Bielema’s #Illini * Purdue earned a trip to Indy because they won when it mattered most. You didn’t. Rest up, get extra practices in, and I’ll see you in Nashville for a fun ass New Years.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

5 years

Here’s the deal: as a fan, I am over the moon with the result. I haven’t experienced that kind of joy as an Illini fan in a long time. Being critical of what I saw for the first 42 games does not require an apology, nor should it rob me of the enjoyment. Go Freakin’ #Illini .

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

If the rumors are true, hire Roger Powell and Dee Brown. Problem solved.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

5 years

We’re not even at the first media timeout and I’m reminded how much I loathe Wisconsin basketball. The players, their identity, their constant flopping and flailing about like idiots. All of it.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

11 months

In the worst division in power five history, Bret Bielema will go 1-5. This season has been an abject failure and any momentum we had is lost. Hard to be hyperbolic about how damaging this season has been. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 months

The second half was chicken soup for the #Illini fan’s soul. The execution was sharp, the defense was stingy, and the swagger was on full display. It felt like a half that exorcised some past tournament demons. Do that on Saturday and punch a ticket to Boston.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

9 months

I mean, #Illini basketball could just win out, take the #B1G crown, and grab a one seed.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

11 months

A near-20 point conference win on the road in a tough environment? Absolutely awesome stuff. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

I’m prone to hyperbole, but out of this hyper-talented group of freshmen, Jayden Epps exudes “next great #Illini ”. He plays, acts, and looks like a seasoned 22-year-old veteran. Without him, this game doesn’t make it to overtime.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

90 minutes later, and I’m still wondering . . . how did the #Illini win that game?! Mostly, it’s because their floor is immensely high. Even in a messy 2nd half, their athleticism and defense can overcome a suspect offense. The fact they won THIS game, THIS early, bodes well.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

FOR SURE: Rodgers Goode Harris Dainja Hansberry Gibbs-Lawhorn MAYBE: Hawkins IFFY: Shannon Lots to sort through, but the ceiling is retaining Hawkins and TSJ, grabbing a point guard, and a pure shooter. Would feel pretty good about that.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Kofi as Flex-N-Gate spokesman? Come on, Mr. Khan. One more time for the alma mater.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

5 years

Trubisky aside, you could argue that Ryan Pace should be fired based on the kicking fiasco alone.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 months

Yeah, it’s Eastern Illinois. But, for at least one week, hope springs eternal for 2024 #Illini football. Last year? There was a sense of unease after week one.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

There are so many positives to take away from tonight, but being one who focuses on the macro . . . It is so much fun when Illinois has a damn good basketball program.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

5 years

Most under appreciated Illini ever? He was so good.

Joel Hemingway 🇺🇸🍊

@JoelTHemingway

5 years

Holy cow. I didn’t know Demetri McCamey was 2nd all-time in Big Ten history in assists coming into this season.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Your takeaway after this is we should eliminate the hand shaking lines? I have a simpler solution: don’t punch people.

Dick Vitale

@DickieV

3 years

The time has come to eliminate the line after games of shaking hands . Too many incidents taking places with the action in the @BadgerMBB vs @umichbball being SICKENING . Punches thrown behavior was out of control & UGLY ! The @B1GMBBall Commish must act on what happened .

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Perusing #Illini basketball on @kenpomeroy this morning, and found an exciting nugget: Kenpom has similarity scores, comparing current players to those from the past. One comp for freshman Jayden Epps? Freshman Jalen Brunson.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

8 months

Gotta give props to Underwood. The hockey substitution seemed to up the intensity. It was a desperate moment calling for desperate measures. For a coach who stayed the course much of the last six weeks, it was a welcome change that paid off. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

5 years

There’s a word I’m thinking of for this . . . But then I remember I teach 6th graders, so it may not behoove me to use it on this platform.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

I’m just very disappointed in the entire Big Ten conference for allowing Wisconsin to do this.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

What I hate the most is not getting a W for Trent. At least in person, I don’t recall an individual performance where someone busted their ass to that degree. A phenomenal performance for a guy who had to run point, defend, and still was lights out shooting.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

5 years

Soooo . . . win out and you’re #B1G champs. Why not?

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

8 months

F*** it. Embrace the weirdness. Let’s just outscore everyone. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 months

One of the most impressive halves of basketball I’ve ever seen from an #Illini team. I don’t know what was said at the early 2nd half timeout, but from that point forward, Illinois waxed Nebraska. Let’s hang a banner tomorrow.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Upon reflection, last night's #Illini win feels even bigger. Trailing 50-41, they closed the game on a 34-16 run. Down 33-16 on the boards, they outrebounded MSU 14-9 in closing time. Only 5 turnovers (zero from Epps) and 10 fouls. Monster win in a kick-ass enivronment.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

11 months

Bielema is the best coach we’ve had in a long time. But, that doesn’t lessen how much of a failure this season was. Awful, awful stuff. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

There’s this trend in sports to be the “classiest” fan or fan base around. If Kofi goes to another college, I’ll be pissed. I won’t wax poetic about his two years here, but I also won’t send him angry tweets. Nothing personal. But it’s okay to be pissed when things go badly.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Iowa loses. Kentucky and their cadre of former Illinois assistants lose. Glass houses, yadda yadda. This is fun.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Has Juwan been fired yet? And why not?

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

8 months

Haven’t been this buzzed for an #Illini home game since Iowa ‘22 (Big Ten clincher). Vibes are strong. Underwood has won his last four Senior Nights: * Iowa ‘20 * Nebraska ‘21 * Iowa ‘22 * Michigan ‘23

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

6 years

Illinois is straight up playing good basketball right now. Let’s beat the freakin Badgers on Monday.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Borowski is an absolute joke. He calls the intentional on Goode because it looked like an open path foul. Except, that call DOESN’T EXIST in college basketball. Freaking moron.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Alright, @IlliniFootball - when and where can I get this new swag? The cursive #Illini is super slick. Can’t wait to see the rebrand. (Photo: @IlliniHQ )

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

6 months

Greetings from Memorial Stadium! #Illini #graduation2024

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 years

And she said YES!

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Also, while the officials didn’t lose this game for Illinois . . . No college basketball game should go 2.5 hours.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 months

This is an iconic moment. Pure jubilation. #Illini

Isaac Ambrose

@IMAbrose

7 months

The Shannon Dunk that stole the night #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

10 months

Tonight feels like a big moment for Brad Underwood. For fans, #BragginRights means something. Unfortunately, his #Illini teams have underperformed against some middling #Mizzou rosters. This 2023-24 team appears to be more “put together” in the early going. Get the W.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Sweet 16 or bust. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

4 years

Miller and Curbelo easing some of my concerns for a post Ayo/Trent world.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

7 months

I love all of you. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Today could not have gone better for #Illini football’s #B1G West chances.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

9 months

Harmon getting tick like he’s an elite closer. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Meanwhile, Ty is on the bench as if he hasn’t been great for over a month. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

To be clear, I’m not even mad. When a team continually shows you what they are, believe them. Not bad. Not great. Sometimes quite good, but not always. Sure beats the Groce era. But, this isn’t shaping up to be a memorable year.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Let’s just fast forward three weeks to see if this #Illini team somehow, some way, can win two in a row. Because until then, there’s nothing new. It’s the same tired rinse and repeat narrative. Frankly, it’s annoying and fast becoming a bore.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

10 months

Despite the loss: * moved up to #7 on KenPom * won’t drop much in NET * won’t fall far in AP rankings Played with house money and came out relatively unscathed. #Illini

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 months

For the #Illini football program and its fan base, tonight’s win was absolutely massive. Glowing, and don’t think I’ll stop until kickoff next Saturday.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

2 years

Certain wins just mean more. If the #Illini got one more W the rest of the year, I'd choose last night. The opponent, the 2OTs, a collapse then comeback . . . As a fan, you want to accrue memorable moments. Last night's game is an all-timer.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

A win like this changes the perception of Bielema’s first season. Today, style points mattered and offered more proof that progress was made. I’d love one of those close losses back, but my optimism for #Illini football isn’t any lower at this 5-7 than it would be at 6-6.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp

3 years

Kofi or not, that was putrid and embarrassing.

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Mike Carpenter

@FanboyCarp