Michigan power forward Morez Johnson is coming home, again. A native of suburban Riverdale, IL Johnson attended St. Rita, on the south side of the city, before transferring and then graduating from Thornton high school- where his coach was former NFL wide receiver and high school basketball star Tai Streets. After his high school career came to an end, he went to the … [Read more...] about Michigan Forward Morez Johnson Set for Second Homecoming Tournament
College Basketball
Illini Bracket Overflowing with Past Grievances, Major Bad Blood
At this point, I don't think anyone really believes all the lip service that the NCAA Tournament broadcast partners gives to metrics, numbers and stats when it comes to how the bracket is constructed. Sure, things like Quad 1 wins, records versus the top teams and the NET standings do matter, but you know what trumps all that? Ratings. And you know how you get additional boosts … [Read more...] about Illini Bracket Overflowing with Past Grievances, Major Bad Blood
Complete Illini NCAA Tournament History for Millenials and Xennials
Thursday night sees the Illinois Fighting Illini making their 36th overall NCAA Tournament appearance, and sixth in a row. The Illini own an all-time NCAA Tournament record of 46-36. As a Xennial, (neither Gen-X nor millenial) generation member, my Illini fandom experience begins in 1991, a few years before I enrolled at the school. On this March Madness eve, let's stroll … [Read more...] about Complete Illini NCAA Tournament History for Millenials and Xennials
Is Mick Cronin Actually Trying to Get Fired by the UCLA Bruins?
Editor's note: this Mick Cronin article originally ran on Feb. 20, but is now updated with the reporting conducted after UCLA's Big Ten Tournament elimination. From the outside looking in, if UCLA and their head Men's Basketball Coach, Mick Cronin, parted ways, perhaps most of those involved would be happier. We know that Cronin seemingly hates the media as much as any … [Read more...] about Is Mick Cronin Actually Trying to Get Fired by the UCLA Bruins?
Northwestern Must Replace Program Great for Third Season in a Row
On Thursday night, Nick Martinelli played his final collegiate game. The Northwestern forward was subbed out early, as a badge of honor that he truly deserved, in his team's blowout loss to Purdue. The #7 seed Boilermakers knocked the #15 seed Wildcats out of the Big Ten Tournament, on the competition's third day, by a very window-dressed 81-68 score. Martinelli scored 25 … [Read more...] about Northwestern Must Replace Program Great for Third Season in a Row
2026 Big Ten Tournament (Men’s Basketball) Preview, Predictions
The 2026 Big Ten tournament is here! And this edition is bigger, bolder and longer than ever before, so we have no choice but to dive straight in to the schedule and predictions. With so many games to cover, there is no room for any preamble. … [Read more...] about 2026 Big Ten Tournament (Men’s Basketball) Preview, Predictions
UCLA, Purdue, Northwestern, Illini Among Big Ten Tournament Storylines
The final weekend of the college basketball regular season is upon us, and with it lots of seeding implications are still at stake. We're only five days away from the start of the Big Ten Tournament, which will be staged at the United Center in Chicago this year. So with that in mind, let's take a look at some of the major storylines heading into the BTT. Narratives abound with … [Read more...] about UCLA, Purdue, Northwestern, Illini Among Big Ten Tournament Storylines
All-Time March Madness All-Name Teams
When it comes to creative names in the college sports these days, the Key & Peele "East-West College Bowl" sketches changed the game forever. Remember that this March Madness. Jordan Peele and Michael Keegan are two brilliant humorists and social theorists, and their three part sketch about the uniqueness of player names is a must watch for anyone who has been involved … [Read more...] about All-Time March Madness All-Name Teams
Nick Martinelli Deserves a Huge Send-off vs Purdue Boilermakers on Senior Night
The Northwestern Wildcats will have a very special Senior Night when the #8 Purdue Boilermakers come to town in midweek. Nick Martinelli, last season's Big Ten scoring champion, who leads the league in points per game again this term, will play his final home game. The Glenview, Illinois native, so i.e. the local kid, will have a massive cheering contingent on hand for this … [Read more...] about Nick Martinelli Deserves a Huge Send-off vs Purdue Boilermakers on Senior Night
#3 Michigan 84, #10 Illinois 70: Sights, Sounds, Notes, Quotes, Nuggets, Tidbits
Tickets started at $300, in the secondary market for the #3 Michigan Wolverines 84-70 blowout of #10 Illinois, in their house tonight. No doubt lots and lots of people were paying up to $600, and maybe even $700 to be here tonight, for a game that was, simply put, much more lopsided than the final score indicated. Media wise, this affair got as much attention and interest as … [Read more...] about #3 Michigan 84, #10 Illinois 70: Sights, Sounds, Notes, Quotes, Nuggets, Tidbits