It could be ... it might be ... but is it going to be?

Every year for the past five years, a familiar refrain has been heard around the great state of Illinois.

"The Hiding Illini won't play us, Big Bad Bruce is afraid of the monster he helped build."

"What's a Saluki? We don't need to go to Carbondirty to prove our supremacy."

So every now and again I'll ask SIU head coach Chris Lowery or Director of Athletics Mario Moccia about a potential match-up that would pit mentor against pupil. Lowery says he calls Illini head coach Bruce Weber, and it's among the things that get discussed. Moccia has also said he would like the teams to play a game as well.

Well, shoot, kids. Let's get this game together already. Allow me to break it down.

I want a three-game set. No buyouts. No bullshit.

Game One at the home of the Fighting Illini so the fans at Chambana get the first crack at the series, something they would probably ask for. Then, Game Two takes place at a renovated SIU Arena, where Lowery debuts a Maroon sports coat to offset the creamsicle-colored git-up from Coach Bruuuuuuce.

Finally, Game Three. The game that will take place to please the two biggest alumni bases in the city of wind. That's right. Game Three, at the United Center in Chicago.

I can see it now: The House That Jordan Built torn apart. Half maroon. Half orange.

Hat Tip: Paul Klee