Unfortunately, it's already time to look ahead to next season, Illini basketball fans. Once again, the second round of the NCAA Tournament continues to be a bugaboo/road block (they have exited the tourney in this exact round in five of their last seven tournament appearances) for the Illinois hoops program. It's an issue that goes all the way back to the Lou Henson days. … [Read more...] about Exclusive with Morez Johnson, Key Building Block for 2025-26 Illini
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How Illini Stars Kasparas Jakucionis, Tomislav Ivisic First Got Into Hoops
Illinois stars Kasparas Jakucionis and Tomislav Ivisic played in the NCAA Tournament for the first time tonight, as the #6 seed Illini beat #11 seed Xavier 86-73 in the first round at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Until Friday night, the pair of Eastern European sharpshooters has only watched it from afar, on television. Jakucionis, a combo guard with high NBA Draft stock from … [Read more...] about How Illini Stars Kasparas Jakucionis, Tomislav Ivisic First Got Into Hoops
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
When Illinois Basketball Got Shafted in the Tourney, and the NCAA Changed Rules
Editor's Note: As Illinois basketball is currently back in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, we now update, revise and augment this article from May of 2013. Illinois basketball has beaten a higher seeded team in the NCAA Tournament just twice in school history. However, they came extremely close to doing it a third time this past March. … [Read more...] about When Illinois Basketball Got Shafted in the Tourney, and the NCAA Changed Rules
Illinois Basketball: NCAA Tournament 1st Weekend News and Notes
The 2024-25 Illinois basketball team will begin their NCAA Tournament in Milwaukee on Friday night against the winner of Wednesday night's Texas vs. Xavier First Four play-in game. Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood will no doubt have his team believing: "We're gonna make our dreams come true...Doin' it our way...Nothin's gonna turn us back now. Straight ahead and on … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball: NCAA Tournament 1st Weekend News and Notes
Illini Basketball: 2025 NCAA Tournament Weekend 1 Preview
For the 2024-25 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team, the March Madness destination is Milwaukee and the Fiserv Forum, home of the 2021 NBA Champion Milwaukee Bucks. Their opponent will be the winner of the Texas-Xavier play-in game tomorrow evening. Fun fact- this is the first time the Illini will face a play-in game winner in their opening NCAA Tournament game. … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball: 2025 NCAA Tournament Weekend 1 Preview
Illinois Basketball: Offensive Rebounding the Biggest Difference Maker
Much has been made about how all-or-nothing Illinois basketball can be this season. As conveyed by RG, this is a team whose fortunes often rise and fall with their shooting percentages. However, as you saw tonight in the 106-94 throttling of the Iowa Hawkeyes, in the Big Ten Tournament's second round, offensive rebounding is maybe the true indicator to their success. … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball: Offensive Rebounding the Biggest Difference Maker
Illini Basketball: Big Ten Tournament History Preluding Results?
The Illini basketball program will always hold a special distinction when it comes to the Big Ten Tournament. From the event's inception, in 1998, all the way until 2012, they either advanced to or automatically qualified into the quarterfinal round. No one else can say that. In fact, there have only been six Big Ten Tournaments in which the Illini didn't play in a … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball: Big Ten Tournament History Preluding Results?
Illinois Basketball vs #18 Purdue Boilermakers Stats, Metrics, Trends, Prediction
Illinois basketball hosts #18 Purdue for a senior night affair that's crucial for NCAA Tournament seeding. There are no Big Ten title implications for this contest, but both sides need to a win to hold the line- the March Madness seeding line. This Illinois basketball team is back on the #7 line, but could still work their way up to the #6. Purdue is currently one of those … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball vs #18 Purdue Boilermakers Stats, Metrics, Trends, Prediction
Illini Tennis Brought Pro Pickleball Husband and Wife Duo Together
The game of Pickleball is certainly a feel-good story right now, in a nation that badly needs one. America's fastest growing sport isn't just "having a moment," right now. It has truly taken off ever since the covid-19 pandemic. One leading feel good story, in this sport of happiness, is husband-and-wife professional pickleball duo Ryler DeHeart and Megan Fudge. The couple … [Read more...] about Illini Tennis Brought Pro Pickleball Husband and Wife Duo Together