The Wikipedia page of Derek Harper describes him as one of the best players never to have made an All-Star Game. After being named to the University of Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame this week, the legendary former Illini did a teleconference call with the media. He was asked what he believes his legacy will be, and he responded by saying he really doesn’t think too much … [Read more...] about Mavericks, Illini Legend Derek Harper on Friendship with Mark Cuban
NBA
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
Chicago Bulls Join Lori Lightfoot Campaign Promoting Social Distance
The coronavirus pandemic has been trying times for everybody, worldwide, but the best thing we can do to get through it is to try and maintain a sense of humor. One of the funniest memes circulating on social media throughout this adverse month is Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and her look of strong disapproval. Her stern image appears, photo-shopped, in places closed off by … [Read more...] about Chicago Bulls Join Lori Lightfoot Campaign Promoting Social Distance
Stellar Kentucky Wildcats Guard Duo in NBA Draft to Stay
Within the past 24 hours we've seen the top two players, arguably, on the University of Kentucky declare for the NBA Draft in guards Tyrese Maxey and Ashton Hagans. Both backcourt stars are not testing the waters, they're in the draft to stay. And you got to like their chances of not just being drafted, but also making it big in the league given the UK track record in this … [Read more...] about Stellar Kentucky Wildcats Guard Duo in NBA Draft to Stay
Gretchen Whitmer Partners with Detroit Sports Teams for COVID19 Call to Action PSA
The public profile of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has risen so much lately that she's now in the mix to potentially be the Democratic VP candidate in 2020. One oddsmaker even lists her as the third most favorable candidate to get the nod, behind only Senators Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar. Governor Whitmer, or "that woman from Michigan" as the President condescendingly … [Read more...] about Gretchen Whitmer Partners with Detroit Sports Teams for COVID19 Call to Action PSA
John Calipari Gives Conditioning Advice for Quarantine
The new normal for sports media consists of Zoom, Cisco WebEx and teleconferences. Gone are press conferences and locker room access. For athletes doing strength training, the new normal consists of bench press pressing tires, pulling/pushing motor vehicles and jumping on to garbage cans. They've had to say goodbye to the weight room and any kind of training in groups. … [Read more...] about John Calipari Gives Conditioning Advice for Quarantine
John Calipari Gives Updates on Draft Process, Recruiting, More
Zoom, WebEx, Skype- this is our lives as sports reporters for the foreseeable future. It's an adjustment to be sure, but it's still a bit weird. It's what we all have to do though, as every single one of us must mobilize for the greater good. We all miss March Madness of course, but there is absolutely no way the games could have been played under current conditions. In a … [Read more...] about John Calipari Gives Updates on Draft Process, Recruiting, More
How Major US Sports Leagues Have Been Hit by Coronavirus Outbreak
As the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep around the globe, almost all of of the top tier sports leagues have gone into almost complete lockdown. The four major leagues in North America have all been affected, and it seems almost certain the impact rise over the coming weeks. Here's the latest state-of-play in the NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB with regards to the … [Read more...] about How Major US Sports Leagues Have Been Hit by Coronavirus Outbreak
Rookie Stephen Curry: Throwback To His First Triple Double
Drafted in the NBA in 2009, Stephen Curry is one of those rare players that have truly revolutionized the game of basketball. Now regarded as one of the best shooters of all time (if not the best from behind the arch), he completely took the league by storm with his Golden State Warriors team in the last 5 years. With this kind of player, it’s always interesting to look back … [Read more...] about Rookie Stephen Curry: Throwback To His First Triple Double
Ayo Dosunmu: Future of Illini PG More Uncertain than Ever
With all of college sports shut down now for the time being, a lot of questions persist. When will they restart? How does this effect recruiting and NBA Draft early entry? What will happen with the NBA Draft exploratory process? The Combine? Will there even be a combine or a draft? Illinois sophomore point guard Ayo Dosunmu is someone for whom all these questions definitely … [Read more...] about Ayo Dosunmu: Future of Illini PG More Uncertain than Ever