Blue chip, five-star freshman Ace Bailey entered this season with with as much hype up as any one single player. Thus far, the Chattanooga, Tennessee native has delivered the goods, as he currently leads the Big Ten in scoring (top 10 nationally). So when the #23 Illinois Fighting Illini head to the RAC tonight, they'll have a tough assignment on their hands, … [Read more...] about Ace Bailey Provides a Tough Task for Illini Defenders
illini basketball
Illinois Basketball: Current NCAA Tournament Resume, Projections
Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood has been great for the program, on a big picture level. He inherited a dumpster fire from John Groce, and within three-to-four years he had the Illini nationally relevant again. And overall, Illinois basketball is in a great place. Credit Athletic Director Josh Whitman on this hire. However, every season of the Underwood era, or so it … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball: Current NCAA Tournament Resume, Projections
#19 Illini Basketball at Northwestern Wildcats Game Preview
Friday night brings the men's basketball version of the LOL Hat game (1 of 2 every season) with the football version just having completed this past Saturday at Wrigley Field. Illini basketball will look to make it a sweep for the orange and blue. One of the main story lines here is the environment. How will the Welsh-Ryan Arena crowd be split, percentage wise, between … [Read more...] about #19 Illini Basketball at Northwestern Wildcats Game Preview
Terrence Shannon Jr Scores First NBA Points on Illini Night
Thursday night brought a very special moment, during a National Basketball Association game, for Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball fans everywhere. Terrence Shannon Jr., currently a rookie with the Minnesota Timberwolves, scored his first NBA points in his hometown of Chicago, and he did it on Illini Night. Yes, the Chicago Bulls, who have Illinois legend Ayo Dosunmu … [Read more...] about Terrence Shannon Jr Scores First NBA Points on Illini Night
Kendall Gill Makes a Unique Choice for Hoops G.O.A.T. (Exclusive)
Current NBC Sports Chicago Analyst Kendall Gill really know his hoops- both college and pro. The Olympia Fields, Illinois native led the NBA in steals during the 1999 season, and he still holds the record for most single game steals in NBA history. A legend at the University of Illinois, where he helped lead the Illini to the 1989 Final Four, Gill was the fifth overall pick in … [Read more...] about Kendall Gill Makes a Unique Choice for Hoops G.O.A.T. (Exclusive)
Will Riley: Illini Basketball Inks Their Highest Rated Recruit Ever
In Will Riley, Illinois may have their men's basketball version of Chase Brown. By that we mean a Canadian import who totally changes the game for them in a revenue sport. Will Riley is the Illini basketball program's highest ranked recruit of all-time. If that sounds like hyperbole, you have to remember that recruiting services have only been around a few decades or so. … [Read more...] about Will Riley: Illini Basketball Inks Their Highest Rated Recruit Ever
Exclusive: Illini AHC Orlando Antigua on His Mentor John Calipari
With the official announcement yesterday of Assistant Coach Orlando Antigua returning to Illini Basketball, as the new Associate Head Coach, we now re-publish our two part exclusive with him, from 2017 Media Day. Part one can be found here If you have not seen the John Calipari ESPN 30 for 30 film ”One and Not Done." I strongly suggest you check it out. “I thought they did a … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Illini AHC Orlando Antigua on His Mentor John Calipari
Exclusive: Illini Asst Orlando Antigua on Being a Harlem Globetrotter
With the official announcement yesterday of Assistant Coach Orlando Antigua returning to Illini Basketball, we now re-publish our two part exclusive with him, from 2017 Media Day. In the world of Illini basketball recruiting, Illinois Assistant Coach Orlando Antigua has as much juice as just about anyone. We asked Antigua his thoughts about the recent explosion in recruiting … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Illini Asst Orlando Antigua on Being a Harlem Globetrotter
#3 Illini vs #2 Iowa State: Sweet 16 Game Preview, Prediction
This Illini team is absolutely rolling right now! Led by Terrence Shannon Jr. who is playing as well as any individual baller in the country, you got to like their chances against the Iowa State Cyclones on Thursday night. Shannon already has the program's single season scoring record, after having just missed out on the Big Ten Tournament scoring record. His 30 points … [Read more...] about #3 Illini vs #2 Iowa State: Sweet 16 Game Preview, Prediction
Booty Ball: Illini Coach Brad Underwood Innovates Again
In the words of legendary American poet Bubba Sparxx: Booty, booty, booty, booty, rockin' everywhere. Booty, booty, booty, booty, rockin' everywhere.' Booty ball is a phrase coined by Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood, and hey, once again, the University of Illinois is at the forefront of innovation. After all, this is the university where the web browser was invented, … [Read more...] about Booty Ball: Illini Coach Brad Underwood Innovates Again