With the 2024 NFL Draft drawing closer, we now re-post this feature article and exclusive with day three prospect Isaiah Williams, from the Reliaquest Bowl postgame press opportunities When you play a Big Ten West opponent, the Big Ten West envelops you. It's not just a college football division, it's an all-consuming force of nature. … [Read more...] about What Illinois Star Isaiah Williams Brings to the Next Level
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illini WR Isaiah Williams Took Unique Path to NFL Draft
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, we look back on the college career arc of Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver and return specialist Isaiah Williams. The narrative of his college career is a bit reminiscent of Aaron Bailey. Just like Bailey, Williams was a very highly rated quarterback recruit who chose Illinois, instead of one of the blue blood programs who offered him, … [Read more...] about Illini WR Isaiah Williams Took Unique Path to NFL Draft
Exclusive: Illini AHC Orlando Antigua on His Mentor John Calipari
With the official announcement yesterday of Assistant Coach Orlando Antigua returning to Illini Basketball, as the new Associate Head Coach, we now re-publish our two part exclusive with him, from 2017 Media Day. Part one can be found here If you have not seen the John Calipari ESPN 30 for 30 film ”One and Not Done." I strongly suggest you check it out. “I thought they did a … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Illini AHC Orlando Antigua on His Mentor John Calipari
Exclusive: Illini Asst Orlando Antigua on Being a Harlem Globetrotter
With the official announcement yesterday of Assistant Coach Orlando Antigua returning to Illini Basketball, we now re-publish our two part exclusive with him, from 2017 Media Day. In the world of Illini basketball recruiting, Illinois Assistant Coach Orlando Antigua has as much juice as just about anyone. We asked Antigua his thoughts about the recent explosion in recruiting … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Illini Asst Orlando Antigua on Being a Harlem Globetrotter
2024 NBA Mock Draft: Update 4-16-24
Welcome to the third edition of our 2024 NBA Mock Draft! The Sports Bank is the only independently-owned, mom and pop shop website to do a mock draft for all four of the major North American sports. And while most mock drafts don't fill out player descriptions, we do. For those that don't have descriptions now, they will added soon. … [Read more...] about 2024 NBA Mock Draft: Update 4-16-24
Ten of the Worst Illini Basketball Losses of All-Times
Occasionally, something that was truly great ends in a horribly awful manner. See The Sopranos or Seinfeld. The 2023-24 Illini basketball season was one for the ages. They ended the second weekend of March Madness drought, and then went one level past that. They claimed a trophy (Big Ten Tournament) and actually beat a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament. Plus, Booty Ball was … [Read more...] about Ten of the Worst Illini Basketball Losses of All-Times
#3 Illini vs #2 Iowa State: Sweet 16 Game Preview, Prediction
This Illini team is absolutely rolling right now! Led by Terrence Shannon Jr. who is playing as well as any individual baller in the country, you got to like their chances against the Iowa State Cyclones on Thursday night. Shannon already has the program's single season scoring record, after having just missed out on the Big Ten Tournament scoring record. His 30 points … [Read more...] about #3 Illini vs #2 Iowa State: Sweet 16 Game Preview, Prediction
Booty Ball: Illini Coach Brad Underwood Innovates Again
In the words of legendary American poet Bubba Sparxx: Booty, booty, booty, booty, rockin' everywhere. Booty, booty, booty, booty, rockin' everywhere.' Booty ball is a phrase coined by Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood, and hey, once again, the University of Illinois is at the forefront of innovation. After all, this is the university where the web browser was invented, … [Read more...] about Booty Ball: Illini Coach Brad Underwood Innovates Again