Coach John Groce landed his first recruiting victory as coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini today, as Rayvonte Rice is leaving Drake and coming home. The 6-4, 250-pound guard grew up in Champaign, Illinois and was the 2010 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year while playing for Champaign Centennial High School. Hopefully, this will help bring in this year's Gatorade player of … [Read more...] about Illini grab shooting guard transfer Rayvonte Rice from Drake
illini basketball
Chief Illiniwek lives on in Illini Nation; new logo revealed
Chief Illiniwek was officially retired by the University of Illinois, under pressure from the NCAA in 2007. That ended a decades long tradition of the Chief dancing at halftime of college football and college basketball games. The very familiar, perfect circle Chief in a headdress logo was also retired, and if you wanted to get merchandise emblazoned with this logo, it was … [Read more...] about Chief Illiniwek lives on in Illini Nation; new logo revealed
Illini C Meyers Leonard declares for NBA Draft; tough break for John Groce
The first season for new Illini head coach John Groce just got a lot tougher. He'll be without his big 7 foot post presence in Center Meyers Leonard, who declared for the NBA Draft. His sounds-like-it-tested-well-with-focus-groups statement regarding the matter: “This was a very difficult decision because I love the University of Illinois. But I feel the timing is right … [Read more...] about Illini C Meyers Leonard declares for NBA Draft; tough break for John Groce
Illini basketball introduces John Groce: I hope reality is inverse of press conference
You've heard the expression "win the news conference." Well, for the University of Illinois and the Illini basketball coaching hire of John Groce, that ship sailed weeks ago. Any time you get your sixth (possibly seventh) choice in a men's basketball coach at a basketball school, your news conference is...well, you just hope there's no pitchforks and flaming torches. Most … [Read more...] about Illini basketball introduces John Groce: I hope reality is inverse of press conference
Brad Stevens not coming to Illini, staying at Butler
So the Illini extended Brad Stevens of Butler an offer, supposedly. The University of Illinois met with Stevens and allegedly gave him an offer similar to what VCU's Shaka Smart turned down. I guess Illinois A.D. Mike Thomas is not a very good salesman. This is the second big mid-major leader to turn down the chance to step up to the Big Ten. BU released this statement just … [Read more...] about Brad Stevens not coming to Illini, staying at Butler
Brad Stevens to the Illini? Settle down everybody
After swinging and missing on Shaka Smart, the University of Illinois has gone full throttle after Butler head coach Brad Stevens. Multiple sources confirm that there has been contact between Stevens and the University. There is confirmed interest on Illinois' part, but no confirmed interest on Stevens' part- yet. So everyone settle down! I'm talking to you message board … [Read more...] about Brad Stevens to the Illini? Settle down everybody
Illini Meyers Leonard and Brandon Paul testing NBA Draft waters
The 2011-12 Illinois Fighting Illini alpha dog (Brandon Paul) and second banana (Meyers Leonard) have submitted their names to the NBA’s undergraduate advisory committee to receive feedback on their draft stock. Therefore, they will have the chance to receive feedback from NBA scouts on their game, but still retain the ability to return to school next season. I think I know … [Read more...] about Illini Meyers Leonard and Brandon Paul testing NBA Draft waters
Illini officially remove Bruce Weber as basketball coach
We knew this was coming since February, so I'm not going to say too much about it. I've already written thousands of words about Bruce Weber's virtues and failures, what Illini fans will miss about Weber, why Shaka Smart is the right guy to replace him etc. So let's just get to the official University of Illinois statement: … [Read more...] about Illini officially remove Bruce Weber as basketball coach
Illinois Falls To Iowa In Big Ten Tournament, Likely Bruce Weber’s Final Game
When asked if he thought his team would accept an NIT bid, embattled Illinois coach Bruce Weber responded "I don't know, I don't know if we'll make the NIT to be honest." After falling to Iowa in the opening game of the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis, all signs seem to be pointing to Weber's imminent departure from Champaign and the University of Illinois. In his post … [Read more...] about Illinois Falls To Iowa In Big Ten Tournament, Likely Bruce Weber’s Final Game
Top 5 things Illini fans would miss about Bruce Weber
It's complete turmoil in Illini basketball nation right now, but don't feel too bad for them for much longer. Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Doc Sadler had to help wipe away the tears of Bruce Weber following the Illini loss by 23 in Lincoln (the Huskers were up 32, and as decorum dictates wisely took their foot off the gas pedal and it could have been worse). Weber's fate appears … [Read more...] about Top 5 things Illini fans would miss about Bruce Weber