Apologies for the asterisks in the headlines. We don't believe that words should be censored here, but the various news sites that pick up our RSS feed tend to disagree. Also, Google and Google News, supposedly we're told, doesn't take too kindly to putting the words "pus**" and "b**" in your headline. However, these crude words are just part of sports. Trash talking happens … [Read more...] about Christian Laettner Talks About the Fab 5 Calling Him Nasty Names
College Basketball
Brad Underwood to Steady Illini Basketball through Sport’s Chaotic Times
In his final press conference of the season, Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood fielded a reporter's question about his national title ambitions. Underwood made it clear, once again what he's said multiple times previously- that competing for nattys are the ultimate goal in Champaign. In order to compete for national championships, a program needs stability and identity. … [Read more...] about Brad Underwood to Steady Illini Basketball through Sport’s Chaotic Times
Illini Basketball Transfer Talk: Mihailo Petrovic, Andrej Stojakovic
As we joked in both edition one and edition two of Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Transfer Talk, covering NCAA basketball in the offseason has a very European feel these days. By that we mean transfer portal developments occur in a story arc that is similar to the British tabloids covering European soccer players. But now more of the players themselves are Euro, as the … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Transfer Talk: Mihailo Petrovic, Andrej Stojakovic
Illini Basketball Transfer Talk: Dame Sarr, Jamir Watkins, Ian Jackson
We are now in an era where the college basketball offseason news cycle mirrors the summer transfer window in European football/soccer (we do actually need to cover FC Barcelona in this edition). Even when there is no actual news, there is still plenty of transfer rumors/talk/speculation and conjecture. It's a natural consequence given the rise of NIL budgets, and a NCAA … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Transfer Talk: Dame Sarr, Jamir Watkins, Ian Jackson
Cooper Flagg Will Be the 2025 NBA Draft #1 Pick, but Where Will He Go?
Image courtesy of YouTube Cooper Flagg being the number one pick of the 2025 NBA Draft is the worst-kept secret in basketball. The Duke Blue Devils youngster is such a hot favorite to be picked first that several NBA online betting sites have stopped taking bets on it happening. Those that are accepting wagers price Flagg's name being first out of the hat at between -6600 … [Read more...] about Cooper Flagg Will Be the 2025 NBA Draft #1 Pick, but Where Will He Go?
Exclusive with Ian Jackson, Ex-Tar Heel, #1 SG in NCAA Transfer Portal
When Ian Jackson enrolled at the University of North Carolina last year, he was the rated the #8 overall prospect in his freshman class. After a decent, but not dominant freshman season with the Tar Heels (11.9 ppg, 2.7 rebounds per game, 45.6% FG, 39.5% 3-PT in 36 games), Jackson is once again a free agent. Given the strength of his NBA Draft stock, it is not surprising … [Read more...] about Exclusive with Ian Jackson, Ex-Tar Heel, #1 SG in NCAA Transfer Portal
Tom Izzo Could Soon Tire of Brave New College Basketball World
Michigan State's Tom Izzo is the last man standing of the college basketball coaching old guard. Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and North Carolina's Roy Williams both announced their retirement within three months of each other in 2021. Less than a year later, Villanova's Jay Wright did the same. Obviously, all three decided it was time, having felt that they have already achieved … [Read more...] about Tom Izzo Could Soon Tire of Brave New College Basketball World
Michigan State Spartans vs Ole Miss Rebels: Sweet 16 Game Preview
This year's Michigan State Spartans team are a throwback of sorts to the types of teams that Tom Izzo had in the mid-to-late 2000s to early 2010s. There's not as much talent in East Lansing as we're used to usually seeing. Instead we have a starting five that, although they lack McDonald's All-Americans and Jordan Brand Classic guys, possess athleticism, toughness and an … [Read more...] about Michigan State Spartans vs Ole Miss Rebels: Sweet 16 Game Preview
Do Michigan State B1G Tourney Results Predict Their March Madness Runs?
Looking for clues on whether or not you should pick Michigan State in your bracket pool? Well, you can consider their Big Ten tournament final result as a factor in your equation. #1 seeded Michigan State opens their BTT against #9 seed Oregon in the tournament quarterfinals this morning in Indianapolis. Jase Richardson, the team's second leading scorer, discussed this … [Read more...] about Do Michigan State B1G Tourney Results Predict Their March Madness Runs?
Last Illini vs Kentucky Tournament Matchup Inspired a New NCAA Rule
Tomorrow will mark the fifth time that the Illinois Fighting Illini face the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament. UK has won all four of the previous meetings: 1942 Elite Eight: 46-44,1949 Final Four 76-47, 1951 Final Four 76-74 and 1984 Elite Eight 54-51. That last one has a special historical significance, as it was played at Rupp Arena and thereby gave UK an unfair … [Read more...] about Last Illini vs Kentucky Tournament Matchup Inspired a New NCAA Rule