It's rather ironic when you think about it. Last year's Illini basketball team entered the year with exceedingly high expectations; the theme was last dance for a talented senior trio. This year's team entered with zero expectations. The theme was rebuilding and re-establishing. Yet, if it were somehow possible to get the two teams to play each other I'd pick this year's squad … [Read more...] about 2011-12 Illini Have Competitive Advantage over ’10-’11 Version
Bruce Weber
Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think
Even when Illinois is having a down year, or a "rebuilding year," they still get at least one win in over a ranked team. In 1998-99 and 2007-08 (two college basketball seasons that saw Illinois break the school record for losses) they still beat a couple ranked teams- even if it didn't happen until the Big Ten Tournament. It's a hallmark of where Illinois is as a program, … [Read more...] about Illini Upset #18 Gonzaga; Illinois is Better than You Think
Illini Open New Season and Court With Victory Over Loyola 67-49
The state of Illinois has produced only one college basketball national championship, and it wasn't accomplished by the Illinois Fighting Illini; although they were just a couple 3-pt FGs away in '05. Depaul made the Final 4 in '80s glory years under Ray Meyer, but no further. SIU has won a lot of games in March lately, but they haven't cut down the nets either. I doubt any … [Read more...] about Illini Open New Season and Court With Victory Over Loyola 67-49
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
2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!
Last night's 79-51 exhibition rout of Wayne State was expected for most Illini basketball fans. The most important number of the box score is found in the game's leading scorer, Meyers Leonard. He had 18 points, in just 16 minutes, that's a great sign for your Illinois Fighting Illini, because they'll really need Leonard to be good, if they're going to be good. … [Read more...] about 2012 Illini Hoops Most Important Player? Meyers Leonard!
#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
Does Former Illini Star Dee Brown have a Future Coaching Basketball? (Videos)
He's one of the most iconic players in recent college basketball history, and the face of Illini basketball for half a decade. Dee Brown, an All-American, and winner of the 2006 Cousy Award (given to the nation's best point guard) was the cover boy for SI's 2005 March Madness issue. During that Final Four run, his "poppin your collar" move became a national trend. He didn't … [Read more...] about Does Former Illini Star Dee Brown have a Future Coaching Basketball? (Videos)
Illini Need to Play Loose (And Wiffleball) to Advance On
What did Yogi Berra once say about half of the game being 90% mental, or something thereabouts? For the Illini Fighting Illini to make a long run in March this college basketball season, it's all about getting/keeping their head right. And that means playing free and loose. Which means playing some wiffleball? "I think the biggest key to tonight's win was wiffleball last … [Read more...] about Illini Need to Play Loose (And Wiffleball) to Advance On
Blame for Disappointing Illini Season Goes Well Beyond Senior Class
In the bracket of non-existent, 2009-2011 Illini basketball leadership has got to be a #1 seed. And I’m not singling out Coach Bruce Weber, or point guard/star player Demetri McCamey. I’m talking about the total team's overall tendency to just NOT get things done together as a team. If Notre Dame is Gestalt, and a cohesive unit playing well beyond the sum of their parts, … [Read more...] about Blame for Disappointing Illini Season Goes Well Beyond Senior Class
Illini Stayin’ Alive for NCAA Tournament Berth
Well you can tell by the way they use their walk that...well, they haven't played themselves out of NCAA tournament contention yet. Was that all just an excuse to lead in with that smarmy photo of Disco John Travolta? Yes. Yes it was. But it still needs to be said that, after 29 games, the Illinois Fighting Illini men's college basketball team still is hanging around the … [Read more...] about Illini Stayin’ Alive for NCAA Tournament Berth