The Loyola Ramblers scored one of the college basketball season's biggest upsets, when they knocked the #1 seed Illinois Fighting Illini out of the NCAA Tournament in the second round. For the Illini, it continues a long frustrating "tradition" of failing to advance to a March Madness round that has a nickname (Sweet 16, Elite 8 etc.), as they haven't reached one since … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Drew Valentine on Stopping Ayo Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn
NBA Draft
Study Analyzes NBA Franchises By Drafting Ability
Each year, new players are drafted to NBA teams in the hopes of becoming rising stars. Many have succeeded in that goal, but what do teams’ drafts throughout recent history say about their performance? Lines.com analyzed drafts from each team from 2005 to the present to see which teams performed best and which players have had the most impact. … [Read more...] about Study Analyzes NBA Franchises By Drafting Ability
2021 NBA Mock Draft 7-29-21 Final Update
The NBA Draft is July 29, with the Draft Lottery set to be held on June 22. The Draft Combine will take place June 21-27. Welcome to our first 2021 NBA mock draft, team needs have not been taken into account at this time. Some player descriptions have been filled out, but the others will be completed at a later date. … [Read more...] about 2021 NBA Mock Draft 7-29-21 Final Update
Bilas: Ayo Dosunmu Should Go Somewhere Around #20 in the Draft
Forget the fact that he was completely AWOL and totally MIA in his final collegiate game, the horrific disaster that was Illinois basketball in their second round out of the NCAA Tournament at the hands of Loyola. The Masked Mamba, Ayo Dosunmu was still the USA Today Player of the Year. It's hard to predict where Dosunmu will go Thursday night because the NBA Draft isn't … [Read more...] about Bilas: Ayo Dosunmu Should Go Somewhere Around #20 in the Draft
NBA Draft to Have Less Kentucky Wildcats Presence than Usual
Typically, the NBA Draft is a commencement ceremony for Big Blue Nation, but this year's edition will not be Kentucky Wildcats heavy. On opening night of the 2019-20 season, the University of Kentucky led the nation with 29 former players present on NBA rosters. That same day, the University sent out a press release stating that players coached by John Calipari in Lexington … [Read more...] about NBA Draft to Have Less Kentucky Wildcats Presence than Usual
Michigan vs Florida State Will Feature Plenty of Future NBA Talent
When top seeded Michigan takes on fourth seeded Florida State on Sunday, it will be a match-up that has a NBA "fun fact." Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton once coached his counterpart in this one, Juwan Howard, for 54 games when they were with the Washington Wizards together during the 2000-01 NBA season. Yes, that was during the very forgettable, and somewhat … [Read more...] about Michigan vs Florida State Will Feature Plenty of Future NBA Talent
Kofi Cockburn Still Needs Another Year Before Making NBA Jump
On the court, Illinois sophomore center Kofi Cockburn is a brute force low post scorer with nimble feet. Off the court he's a gentle giant with a fun sense of humor. He's made big strides this season and should be a tour de force come March. If you need some Sport Betting Tips for March Madness, it's always good to go with a team that has an overwhelming presence on the low … [Read more...] about Kofi Cockburn Still Needs Another Year Before Making NBA Jump
Four Basketball Players Certain to Make Every All-Time Best List
Basketball is a game made up of fierce matchups and tough competition. Therefore it’s no surprise that the prospect of an all-time great list is a hotly debated topic. From fans and analysts to the players themselves — everyone has an opinion. So that got me thinking, amidst all the arguing: which players are guaranteed a spot? And after research, there are names that … [Read more...] about Four Basketball Players Certain to Make Every All-Time Best List
When Might the NBA Potentially Return to Action?
The Covid-19 pandemic sabotaged all sporting activities across the globe with major leagues and tournaments halting on its account. The NBA is no exception; the 2019-20 season had to be called off for the safety of players, fans, and other stakeholders. Two months later, it is not yet clear when the league will resume. … [Read more...] about When Might the NBA Potentially Return to Action?
Illini Center Kofi Cockburn Announces Entry into NBA Draft
Illinois Fighting Illini Center Kofi Cockburn announced, just minutes ago via his Instagram page, his early entry into the 2020 NBA Draft. It is unclear, given the text of the message he posted, whether he is just testing the waters or not. The message says nothing about hiring an agent, which is the determining factor for whether or not he can return to school for his … [Read more...] about Illini Center Kofi Cockburn Announces Entry into NBA Draft