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Bruce Weber

Keith Benson a Beast, Oakland Grizzlies Scaring Big Ten

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If the Big Ten wants to expand to 13 teams, at least for college basketball, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies are a good candidate. The school located in Rochester, Mich.—near the Palace of Auburn Hills has given two of the three Big Ten teams they've played a scare. Three days after leading the Illini for the first 25 minutes (before Illinois pulled away with a 18-0 run, in a … [Read more...] about Keith Benson a Beast, Oakland Grizzlies Scaring Big Ten

Will The Real Fighting Illini Basketball Team Please Stand Up?

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Sometimes this job is easy. Sometimes it's really, really hard. Take the Illinois men's basketball team for instance. Many people are saying that the Illinois-Texas tilt, a game the Longhorns won 90-84 in overtime, is the best game of this young season so far. I can't possibly agree. I saw two teams playing disorganized, frantic, one-on-one basketball for much of the … [Read more...] about Will The Real Fighting Illini Basketball Team Please Stand Up?

2K Sports Classic Preview: Illini Ready to Run the Table?

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The pre-season tournament season is upon us and The Sports Bank is your home for in-depth previews to get your Feast Week watching ready.  The 2K Sports Classic college basketball tournament that benefits Coaches vs. Cancer has already tipped off with pod play but hits the main stage of Madison Square Garden Thursday and Friday with big-time programs Pitt, Illinois, Texas, and … [Read more...] about 2K Sports Classic Preview: Illini Ready to Run the Table?

Illinois Hunt Down Salukis in Spirited Rivalry Game

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After a football game that nearly defied all description, Illinois head coach Bruce Weber knew it was important for the Illini basketball team to get out fast. "I did bring up the football game in the shootaround -- you just never know and you gotta be ready to play," Weber said. "When you are winning you've got to keep pouring it on. One of the things we weren't that … [Read more...] about Illinois Hunt Down Salukis in Spirited Rivalry Game

Illini Need to Rock the Mike (Tisdale, Davis) Right this Season

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During the last Illinois Fighting Illini season, they were too many college basketball games in which Bruce Weber could have described Demetri McCamey by a familiar rock anthem.  The Cars': "you're all I've got tonight. I need you. Tonight!" If there's one thing I do know, it's that Big Ten and NCAA expectations at Illinois will only materialize if that song becomes played … [Read more...] about Illini Need to Rock the Mike (Tisdale, Davis) Right this Season

Sophomore Brandon Paul electrifies Illini Opener Once Again

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Where was this Brandon Paul in February and March? For the second year in a row, Paul started the Illini season off with an impressive showing. Last year against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Paul stole the spotlight of the season opener, draining 4 of 6 shots from behind the arc and finishing with 22 points – a freshman debut scoring record. Tuesday, opening the season … [Read more...] about Sophomore Brandon Paul electrifies Illini Opener Once Again

99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini

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Without question, this is the most talent the Illinois Fighting Illini has put on the floor since their 2004-2005 Champaign Campaign.  There is a good mix of size, athleticism, and guard play; veterans and newcomers.  The question will be whether or not this group can put it all together and live up to the high expectations entering this season.  The first step begins tonight … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini

Coaches Rock Upon the Mic Right at Big 10 Media Day

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Many college basketball experts believe the Big Ten will be the best conference in the nation this year. And on paper, it certainly looks that way, as they have a first team all conference squad of players who have ruled the Big Ten since they were sophomores. Now they have reached their prime. And when it comes to coaches, the Big Ten has a fine a pedigree as any. … [Read more...] about Coaches Rock Upon the Mic Right at Big 10 Media Day

Illini Hoops Media Day Notable Quotables (Videos)

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Last season, the Illinois Fighting Illini were one of the most schizophrenic teams in the Big Ten, if not the nation. They beat Michigan State, a Final Four team in an emotional ESPN College Gameday event, and won at Wisconsin's Kohl Center, where almost no one beats the Badgers. They also had Ohio State, a #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament on the ropes in the conference … [Read more...] about Illini Hoops Media Day Notable Quotables (Videos)