The Illinois Fighting Illini came into this year with across-the-board top 15 preseason national rankings. Yet here they are receiving no votes at all (deservedly so) in either poll for the past few weeks, under .500 in conference, and squarely on the NCAA bubble. In other words, grossly underachieving and not even remotely close to meeting expectations. And it’s not just … [Read more...] about Five Worst Moments of the 2010-11 Illini Hoops Season
Bruce Weber
Why do the Illini have so Little Fight on the Road?
Following yet another disappointing road loss at Northwestern, Illinois Head Coach Bruce Weber talked about what he's tried to fix their 1-4 in conference play road woes. "We tried lineup changes, they all want to start, but step up and be a starter, make the plays. Billy (Cole) said it, we got to start the game with shutouts, we got to be determined, we can't let a … [Read more...] about Why do the Illini have so Little Fight on the Road?
Can this Illini Team, specifically the Seniors, Ever Wake Up?
“We have had people talk to them, and we did everything except electric shock [therapy] to get them going, Illini coach Bruce Weber said about his college basketball team. “They have to jolt themselves from the inside. We have to be determined and not let a team, especially on the road, jump on us.” Weber made this comment after his Illini team lost at Northwestern; despite … [Read more...] about Can this Illini Team, specifically the Seniors, Ever Wake Up?
Where Have You Gone Illini PG Demetri McCamey?
He was having an All-American second team, All-Big Ten first team type season. At least up until his unhappy visit to Happy Valley. Illini senior point guard Demetri McCamey went (a then uncharacteristic) sub-50% from the field, and committed five turnovers to match his five assists. The Illini lost to Penn State, and the McCamey/Illinois college basketball season slide … [Read more...] about Where Have You Gone Illini PG Demetri McCamey?
Northwestern Closes Out Illini, Illinois Road Woes Continue
In the second battle between Chicago's two Big Ten college basketball teams, the outcome was drastically different from the first. Just how much of a disparity? It would be like comparing the body composition of Illini Center Mike Tisdale (7-1, very svelte) to that of Jersey Shore star Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (4-8, very squished). In their first meeting in Champaign, … [Read more...] about Northwestern Closes Out Illini, Illinois Road Woes Continue
Rapid Reaction: Ohio State 73, Illinois 68
It's the return of the sad Illini face, boys and girls. The Illinois Fighting Illini suffered their first home loss of the season on Saturday, taken down by the #1 Ohio State Buckeyes 73-68. Dubious officiating, unfortunate bounces and, most importantly of all, terrible shooting plagued the Illini all game and ultimately led to their demise. … [Read more...] about Rapid Reaction: Ohio State 73, Illinois 68
Illini Stop Slide, Smack Sparty
It was all about BP3. Maybe not all. There was a lot of Jereme Richmond thrown in. But for one night...it was Brandon Paul's world, and we were just living in it. … [Read more...] about Illini Stop Slide, Smack Sparty
Rapid Reaction: Wisconsin 76 Illinois 66
"I think if that was a dance, they would have called it off. You said rhythm; their was absolutely no rhythm. If it was the Gong Show, they would have hooked us all," said Bo Ryan in regards to the fifty fouls called in Saturday's game with Illinois. Despite the foul-fest which was reminiscent of a 1970s TV-show, the #20 Badgers 76-66 win over the #16 Fighting Illini … [Read more...] about Rapid Reaction: Wisconsin 76 Illinois 66
Illinois Wins ‘Typical Big Ten Game’ Against Wisconsin
"I thought it was a typical Big Ten Game against Wisconsin," Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said after the game. "You have to have the right mindset and understand your opponent and understand they are going to keep playing and they don't get rattled. We'd go on a run and they would calmly walk to the huddle. They come out, they make plays...You're not going to put a Bo Ryan … [Read more...] about Illinois Wins ‘Typical Big Ten Game’ Against Wisconsin
Illinois Fighting Illini versus Wisconsin Badgers! BASKETBALL LIVE BLOG BABY!
BOO YA KASHA!!! Happy New Year sports fans! I'm forgoing the Bears and Packers at Lambeau, and we're live blogging from THE Assembly Hall in Champaign! I don't want to say this is a must win game for the Illini...but....It's a must win game for the Illini. I'm finally going to leave an Illinois game with an impression about this team. This is making me, for one, … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini versus Wisconsin Badgers! BASKETBALL LIVE BLOG BABY!