As proud a program as Illini basketball is, they've certainly had some "hiccups" (wow, what a euphemism there) in recent years. A 52-49 loss to the Indiana Hoosiers on January 30th, 2011 was just one disgusting-to-watch debacle that didn't even make the cut. It marked the first win over a ranked team at IU for Tom Crean. Last night, I experienced something similar to "Spooky … [Read more...] about Eleven worst Illini basketball losses of the past 10 years
Bruce Weber
College basketball is AWFUL in all of Illinois, yet again
What a shame. What a crying shame that Chicago, which every year has some of the best preps talent in the country, has zero going for it on the college level. Unless the Illinois Fighting Illini can somehow go 6-3 down stretch (and they face some brutal opponents so this highly unlikely) what Land of Lincoln team will get into the big dance? An improved UIC team that is 9-2 at … [Read more...] about College basketball is AWFUL in all of Illinois, yet again
#54 Kansas State Wildcats: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s third annual college basketball season preview series.  Two years we looked at 99 teams in 99 days.  Last year, we were slightly more aggressive and expanded to 111 teams in 111 days and will do so again as we look ahead to the 2012-2013 season. We will rank the 75 power conference teams and top 36 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. … [Read more...] about #54 Kansas State Wildcats: College Basketball 111 in 111
Illini Meyers Leonard at NBA Draft Combine (Video)
The Sports Bank's Ngozi Ekeledo stopped by the 2012 NBA Draft Combine's Media Day and talked to the former University of Illinois big man about why he made the decision to leave school early for the NBA. … [Read more...] about Illini Meyers Leonard at NBA Draft Combine (Video)
Jacob Pullen rips Kansas State for Bruce Weber coaching hire
Former Kansas State star and current professional basketball player (in Italy) Jacob Pullen had some harsh words for recently fired Illini head Coach Bruce Weber, the man introduced as the new Coach at KSU this morning. Pullen tweeted: "Bruce Webber didn't think I was good enough to play at Illinois and I don't think he is good enough to coach at Kansas State" "I … [Read more...] about Jacob Pullen rips Kansas State for Bruce Weber coaching hire
Bruce Weber gets offer to return to Southern Illinois
Much like the University of Illinois job is Shaka Smart's gig to accept or turn down, the Southern Illinois head coaching job is Bruce Weber’s to turn down, according to The Southern. Weber led the Salukis to two NCAA Tournaments from 1998-2003 before moving on to the Illini, where he coached until he was fired on the second day of the Big Ten Tournament. Weber won 103 games … [Read more...] about Bruce Weber gets offer to return to Southern Illinois
Purdue’s Matt Painter gives take on Bruce Weber firing
Purdue coach Matt Painter is from the same Gene Keady coaching tree as just fired, former Illini Bruce Weber; they're contemporaries, peers and friends. They both spend a lot of time screaming at their players to "MOVE" and "MOTION" in the motion offense system that they run. (It's been a struggle offensively for both teams at times this season). Following his … [Read more...] about Purdue’s Matt Painter gives take on Bruce Weber firing
Illini officially remove Bruce Weber as basketball coach
We knew this was coming since February, so I'm not going to say too much about it. I've already written thousands of words about Bruce Weber's virtues and failures, what Illini fans will miss about Weber, why Shaka Smart is the right guy to replace him etc. So let's just get to the official University of Illinois statement: … [Read more...] about Illini officially remove Bruce Weber as basketball coach
