It took finding out there was a women's basketball in play for the first eight minutes of the game to get the Illini shooting a little. "Our kids said something right away, but I was like, 'You guys are just missing shots, shut up and play,'" Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said after the game. "I kept saying, they're scoring, it can't be too bad of a ball!" And though … [Read more...] about Illinois Takes Down Oakland in Weird, Wild Fashion
Demetri McCamey
North Carolina All-American Latest of Many to Praise Demetri McCamey
During his college basketball career, Illinois point guard has received a lot of hype from the media, but also a fair amount of criticism. Illini fans have similarly (perhaps even more so) had a disjointed, and almost bi-polar assessment of Meechi. This year however, it's become increasingly clear that Demetri McCamey IS good. Period. Yes, his defense can still be a … [Read more...] about North Carolina All-American Latest of Many to Praise Demetri McCamey
Demetri McCamey’s NBA Draft Stock Rises with Illini Wins
When Illini point guard Demetri McCamey was a freshman, he was a highly regarded recruit with a few explosive games but also terrible choice in shot selection. His sophomore year, the Illini needed a leader and a closer and McCamey developed into that go-to-scorer. He developed immensely on offense, but was still non-existent on defense. Meechi's junior season, he pretty … [Read more...] about Demetri McCamey’s NBA Draft Stock Rises with Illini Wins
Will The Real Fighting Illini Basketball Team Please Stand Up?
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?
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
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
Sophomore Brandon Paul electrifies Illini Opener Once Again
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
Illini Hoops Media Day Notable Quotables (Videos)
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)