Bruce Weber has his 2011-12 Fighting Illini in real good shape to make the NCAA Tournament, with his third big, signature win coming just the other night over Michigan State. Yet he's on both the hot seat and the bad side of Illini Nation. (Much more on this in a quickly upcoming post) Why? Style points. Illini basketball is "sexy" alright, sexy as Camryn Manheim or Kathy … [Read more...] about ’11-’12 Illini Bare Disturbing Resemblance to ’98-’99 Team
brandon paul
Spartans’ Leading Scorer/Rebounder Draymond Green Leaves Game With Serious Leg Injury
The Big Ten's leading rebounder, and best player on the nation's 9th ranked team may be out for awhile. Michigan State forward Draymond Green seriously hurt his left leg in tonight's mild upset loss to the Illini, and left the game with 3:50 left, unable to walk on his own power. Green was down on the Assembly Hall floor in Champaign for quite awhile, and after examination … [Read more...] about Spartans’ Leading Scorer/Rebounder Draymond Green Leaves Game With Serious Leg Injury
Illini Guard Brandon Paul is National College Hoops Player of the Week
The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected Illinois guard Brandon Paul as its Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week. And of course he's the Big Ten Player of the Week as well. Paul, a 6-4 junior from Gurnee, Ilinois (Warren high school), led the Illini to a 79-74 win over #5 Ohio State, scoring 43 points to go with eight rebounds and four blocks. The 43-point … [Read more...] about Illini Guard Brandon Paul is National College Hoops Player of the Week
Illini Brandon Paul Drops 43! Illinois Stuns #5 Ohio State!
Illinois wing Brandon Paul was incredibly efficient tonight, becoming the 1st college basketball player in the last 15 years to score 43+ on 15 or fewer field goal attempts. It's the third most single game points by an Illini in program history. His heroics carried the Illini to a 79-74 victory at home over the #5 Ohio State Buckeyes. What a special performance. There is … [Read more...] about Illini Brandon Paul Drops 43! Illinois Stuns #5 Ohio State!
Illini Show they’re Still “Fighting,” Give #9 Mizzou a True Scare
If you're an Illini basketball fan, you've got to feel much better about this loss 78-74 to #9 12-0 Missouri Tigers team than you do about the last three wins. I'll repeat and explain because I know it's a very odd sounding sentence. You've got to feel much better about this Illinois game tonight when they were down double digits to an undefeated, top ten team yet clawed … [Read more...] about Illini Show they’re Still “Fighting,” Give #9 Mizzou a True Scare
Illini Basketball MVP Thus Far: Sam Maniscalco
Where would the Illlini be without Sam Maniscalco? What would become of their point guard situation if the three time team captain at Bradley, All-Missouri Valley second team pick wasn't eligible after his transfer this season? Illinois didn't play very well, but they did make it three straight wins in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, and snapped a three-game skid vs. Maryland in the … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball MVP Thus Far: Sam Maniscalco
How’s the Illini Point Guard Situation Coming Along?
Heading into this season, the Illinois Fighting Illini had some questions to answer at "the one." Two games in, they still do. Demetri McCamey, as inconsistent and polarizing as he was, provided minutes and some sense of stability. The situation was helped this offseason when Bradley transfer Sam Maniscalco became eligible. He provides a steady veteran hand while PG of the … [Read more...] about How’s the Illini Point Guard Situation Coming Along?
Illini Hoops Want More Defense Behind Leaders Richardson, Paul
One of the biggest reasons the Illini fell well short of preseason expectations last year was their lack of defensive heart and intensity. It isn't like a Bruce Weber coached team to not defend, and last year Illinois lost way too many games because their inability to get stops down the stetch and in crunch time. Especially on the road, Illinois would dig deep holes for … [Read more...] about Illini Hoops Want More Defense Behind Leaders Richardson, Paul
#36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s second annual college basketball season preview series. Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days. We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. We’ll break down rosters, non-conference schedules, and pick … [Read more...] about #36 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Bruce Weber Not Going to Oklahoma, but what would Illini do Without Him?
Rumors released via the Twitter-verse that Illinois coach Bruce Weber is in talks with the Oklahoma Sooners on their head coaching vacancy. Two newspapers in Oklahoma are apparently releasing statements about the rumor today. Of course, it's all about CYA in college basketball reporting, since no one wants to "pull a Bernie Miklasz," but ironically, the same newspaper that … [Read more...] about Bruce Weber Not Going to Oklahoma, but what would Illini do Without Him?