There was no Boxing Day celebration for Illini Nation in the Heart of Dallas Bowl. Illinois lost 35-18 to Louisiana Tech; although the score was much closer than that score indicates. As you know, we don't do game recaps here at The Sports Bank, just like I don't do "play by play" or "live tweeting" of individual games in my Twitter feed. It's all big picture features, … [Read more...] about Illini Football lose Heart of Dallas Bowl: 5 takeaways
Archives for 2014
What Nikola Mirotic brings to the Chicago Bulls table
Merry Christmas Chicago Bulls and Nikola Mirotic fans! You’ll notice the United Center Christmas tree picture below. The Bulls host the L.A. Lakers in a matter of hours and it's a special reunion as both Carlos Boozer and Pau Gasol will face their former teams. … [Read more...] about What Nikola Mirotic brings to the Chicago Bulls table
L.A. Lakers lead the 5 most popular NBA stories of ’14
Lots of NBA on Christmas Day as the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the defending NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs at 1:30. In the second game of ABC’s doubleheader, the Miami Heat host the Cleveland Cavaliers in LeBron James’ first game back in Miami at 4 p.m. At 11 AM the New York Knicks host the Washington Wizards. And of course, in prime time, the L.A. Lakers at the Chicago … [Read more...] about L.A. Lakers lead the 5 most popular NBA stories of ’14
Cubs lead the 5 most popular MLB stories of ’14
Merry Christmas Cubs fans! And with that, we count down The Sports Bank's five most popular MLBA stories of the year. Numbers indicate unique visitor counts. The Cubs dominate the list, as you'll see. … [Read more...] about Cubs lead the 5 most popular MLB stories of ’14
Will Lebron James be booed when he returns to Miami?
ESPN NBA analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Hubie Brown discussed key NBA on Christmas Day storylines on a media conference call. In the second game of ABC’s doubleheader, the Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade host the Cleveland Cavaliers in LeBron James’ first game back in Miami at 5 p.m. So what kind of reception will Lebron James receive? A standing ovation? Booed mercilessly? … [Read more...] about Will Lebron James be booed when he returns to Miami?
Daley Blind will return to MUFC in the New Year
Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind, 24, is making good progress in his comeback from a knee injury, he's now back in full training. Louis van Gaal said yesterday that will not feature in the Boxing Day match versus Newcastle, nor the Tottenham Hotspur visit on the 28th. … [Read more...] about Daley Blind will return to MUFC in the New Year
Rex Grossman turns down Browns; has Xmas plans with in-laws
Your next Cleveland Browns starting quarterback? Not Rex Grossman. Christmas plans with the in-laws was more important than leading the Brownies in their final garbage time game of the 2014 NFL season. Rex Grossman would literally go kite-surfing over the Yuletide than collect a week's pay from Cleveland. … [Read more...] about Rex Grossman turns down Browns; has Xmas plans with in-laws
Will Derrick Rose ever truly be that explosive again?
Merry Christmas Chicago Bulls and Derrick Rose fans! You'll notice the United Center Christmas tree picture above. Rose and company face the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day at the UC. ESPN NBA analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Hubie Brown discussed key NBA on Christmas Day storylines on a media conference call. I asked Brown: Do you think Derrick Rose so far has … [Read more...] about Will Derrick Rose ever truly be that explosive again?
Bulls F Nikola Mirotic: how’s he coming along?
Nikola Mirotic signed a deal worth $17 million over three years. And the Chicago Bulls paid more than $3 million for his buyout. So how has the stretch four fit into the system of Coach Tom Thibodeau? Mirotic and company face the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day at the UC. So the nation gets a chance to scope him out. Merry Christmas Chicago Bulls and Nikola Mirotic fans! … [Read more...] about Bulls F Nikola Mirotic: how’s he coming along?
PHOTO: Manchester United Human Christmas Tree at Old Trafford
You have to see this beautiful sight from Old Trafford. It's really cool, and no matter what football club you're a supporter of, you'll like what these children have done here at the Theatre of Dreams. It's the cover of the Manchester United Christmas card, and it was taken in Sir Alex Ferguson stand in Old Trafford. Enjoy! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! … [Read more...] about PHOTO: Manchester United Human Christmas Tree at Old Trafford