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Illinois Fighting Illini

Illini Sign 4 Chicagoans, Net 3rd Straight top 15 Recruiting Class.

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National signing day in college basketball is always very anti-climactic, because all it does is make official what we've already known for some time. But it's still a great chance to summate another year of recruiting, and another class. And it's very promising to see the Illini locking down their borders by continuing to recruit the Chicagoland area so well. It yielded them … [Read more...] about Illini Sign 4 Chicagoans, Net 3rd Straight top 15 Recruiting Class.

Illini Need to Rock the Mike (Tisdale, Davis) Right this Season

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During the last Illinois Fighting Illini season, they were too many college basketball games in which Bruce Weber could have described Demetri McCamey by a familiar rock anthem.  The Cars': "you're all I've got tonight. I need you. Tonight!" If there's one thing I do know, it's that Big Ten and NCAA expectations at Illinois will only materialize if that song becomes played … [Read more...] about Illini Need to Rock the Mike (Tisdale, Davis) Right this Season

Sophomore Brandon Paul electrifies Illini Opener Once Again

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Where was this Brandon Paul in February and March? For the second year in a row, Paul started the Illini season off with an impressive showing. Last year against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Paul stole the spotlight of the season opener, draining 4 of 6 shots from behind the arc and finishing with 22 points – a freshman debut scoring record. Tuesday, opening the season … [Read more...] about Sophomore Brandon Paul electrifies Illini Opener Once Again

99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini

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Without question, this is the most talent the Illinois Fighting Illini has put on the floor since their 2004-2005 Champaign Campaign.  There is a good mix of size, athleticism, and guard play; veterans and newcomers.  The question will be whether or not this group can put it all together and live up to the high expectations entering this season.  The first step begins tonight … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini

Illini Frosh Meyers Leonard Already YouTube Sensation

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When most freshmen begin their college basketball careers, they're usually an unknown commodity. (Other than the the blue-chip commodities) But in today's age of YouTube, Twitter, Flipshare, IPhone camcorders etc., one can become a star quite easily given the right set of circumstances. Take Illini freshman recruit Meyers Leonard. The seven footer from Robinson, IL is a … [Read more...] about Illini Frosh Meyers Leonard Already YouTube Sensation

Michigan 67, Illinois 65: Instant Classic Despite Lack of Defense

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When the Illini and the Wolverines got together to play college basketball in February, the score was Illinois 51, Michigan 44. When they met to play college football Saturday, the score was UM 67, UI 65. It reminded me of the 2009 Illini basketball 38-33 loss to home state. Because you looked at the box score, and you're like "is that a misprint?" If this Big Ten conference … [Read more...] about Michigan 67, Illinois 65: Instant Classic Despite Lack of Defense

Michigan vs. Illinois: Brutally Honest Game Preview

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Guess who leads the Big Ten in rushing the past five years? Surprisingly, it's not Ohio State or Penn State. During the Zook era (since 2005), it's actually Illinois. Illini: 196.1 yards per game. Wisconsin Badgers: 192.7 ypg in the five year span. That's right, you just read something good about Illini head coach Ron Zook, a man deemed by many to be the college football … [Read more...] about Michigan vs. Illinois: Brutally Honest Game Preview

Illini Mikel LeShoure: the Next Rashard Mendenhall?

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The Illini could very well run the table the rest of the way. Even if they don't, already at 5-3, (3-2 in Big Ten) they have greatly improved upon last year's 3-9 mark and will likely make their way into a pretty decent bowl. This season has been a pleasant surprise to say the least. Among the talent on the Illini roster is a trio of juniors with NFL level measurables and … [Read more...] about Illini Mikel LeShoure: the Next Rashard Mendenhall?

Illini Football Next Level Defenders: Corey Liuget and Martez Wilson

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Don't be surprised if the Illini run the table the rest of the way. Even if they don't, already at 5-3, (3-2 in Big Ten) they have greatly improved upon last year's 3-9 mark and will likely make their way into a pretty decent bowl. This season is a pleasant surprise to say the least. The MVP of 2010 is probably newly installed defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. The Illini … [Read more...] about Illini Football Next Level Defenders: Corey Liuget and Martez Wilson