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
dj richardson
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
Illinois’ Second Half Choke Not Surprising
There wasn't much you could say about the Illini and their fall to top-ranked Ohio State on Saturday afternoon. It was certainly disappointing. It was certainly a let down after building a lead. The one thing you really can't call it, and we all know it deep down inside, was all that surprising. … [Read more...] about Illinois’ Second Half Choke Not Surprising
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats, LIVE BLOG! The “Rivalry” Renews!!!
OHHHHHHHHH It's a family affair here at the Ass Hall tonight. Not really, but I feel like Northwestern is our "little brother"... We're three minutes to tipoff! The purple weenies are here! There was a bigger crowd for Wisconsin (wait, that's not good)...Northwestern HAS to win this game (wait, that's worse...). Uh oh. Maybe this is gonna be trouble tonight...2:30 til … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Northwestern Wildcats, LIVE BLOG! The “Rivalry” Renews!!!
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!
Illinois Takes Down Oakland in Weird, Wild Fashion
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
At Illini Madness, Joseph Bertrand Displays Regained Athleticism
In the grand scheme of things, does Midnight Madness mean anything? Probably not. It is a marketing ploy to get students excited about the basketball season by allowing the players to show off absurd moves and dunks that likely have no place in a formal Bruce Weber practice. For example, D.J. Richardson tried to teach Huff Hall how to dougie at Illinois' Midnight Madness … [Read more...] about At Illini Madness, Joseph Bertrand Displays Regained Athleticism
Video Exclusive Illini Freshman D.J. Richardson
By Paul M. Banks Meet Illini freshman guard D.J. Richardson, a very highly touted recruit. Watch the video below To watch the exclusive videos of Dominique Keller and Alex Legion click here … [Read more...] about Video Exclusive Illini Freshman D.J. Richardson