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Bruce Weber

Illini get 1st win on Neutral Court!

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By Paul M. Banks INDIANAPOLIS- Gonzaga. Bradley. Utah. Georgia. Missouri. Those were the five opponents Illinois played on neutral courts this season. All five were losses. Given that the entire NCAA tournament is played on neutral courts, it was IMPERATIVE that Illinois get at least ONE win on a non-partisan floor at the Big Ten Tournament before the big dance begins. So … [Read more...] about Illini get 1st win on Neutral Court!

Illinois-Minnesota Live Blog, NCAA’s at Stake!

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By Paul Schmidt and Paul M. Banks Let's not understate the importance of this game: Illinois MUST win at home, and Minnesota MUST win to keep their slim NCAA hopes alive. Neither team can afford the blemish of this loss. The key will be which team doesn't succumb to the immense pressure that comes with must-win games nearly every time out at this time of the season.  Tip … [Read more...] about Illinois-Minnesota Live Blog, NCAA’s at Stake!

Bruce Weber: Both the Best and Worst Coach in the Country

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By Paul Schmidt Throughout the season, the up and down Illini have had by definition, problems with consistency. With desire. With attitude. With focus. Their loss 72-53 loss to Ohio State at home on Sunday probably didn't do anything to dispel that notion. Still, one of the week's big rallying cries was Bruce Weber for National Coach of the Year, for the job he has … [Read more...] about Bruce Weber: Both the Best and Worst Coach in the Country

Illinois Basketball’s Key: Improved Depth

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By Paul Schmidt A very different Illini team is taking the court this season in the Assembly Hall in Champaign, and this fact gives the Illini options a-plenty. Though defensively the team has seemed to take a step back, offensively they have as diverse and dynamic of an offense as the team has displayed in 20 years -- Yes, since the Flyin' Illini. One of the more … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball’s Key: Improved Depth

Cubbies are Consistently Inconsistent

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By Paul Schmidt Nothing like an easy week or so of baseball to just get you relaxed. The Cubs have always given their fans something of a workout, pumping them waaaayyyy up, then bringing them waaaayyyy down.  I feel as though, personally, that they may actually make my head explode. Somehow, in their last 10 games, the Cubs are 6-4.  It seems ridiculous to see this in … [Read more...] about Cubbies are Consistently Inconsistent

Bruce Weber’s International Incident

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By Paul M. Banks If you’ve ever seen University of Illinois Men’s basketball Head Coach Bruce Weber on television, you might notice what a happy-go-lucky guy he appears to be. In person, he’s just the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. One might even call him “cuddly.” That’s why I was shocked to learn that someone might actually treat him like a potentially dangerous criminal or … [Read more...] about Bruce Weber’s International Incident