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
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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
Purdue’s Matt Painter gives take on Bruce Weber firing
Purdue coach Matt Painter is from the same Gene Keady coaching tree as just fired, former Illini Bruce Weber; they're contemporaries, peers and friends. They both spend a lot of time screaming at their players to "MOVE" and "MOTION" in the motion offense system that they run. (It's been a struggle offensively for both teams at times this season). Following his … [Read more...] about Purdue’s Matt Painter gives take on Bruce Weber firing
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
Illini partnering up with Chicago White Sox, Fire
On the heels of yesterday's deal with the Chicago White Sox, the University of Illinois and Chicago Fire Soccer Club have formed a cross-promotional partnership where Illini fans will receive special offers for Fire events, including pre-arranged behind-the-scene tours of Toyota Stadium and unique events like breakfast in the clubhouse. Illini fans who purchase Fire season … [Read more...] about Illini partnering up with Chicago White Sox, Fire
Embattled Illini avoid first winless February since 1907
The college basketball season is only five months long, so any time you're talking about a winless month, it's not a good sign. And in their seventh and final game of the year's shortest month, the Illini would not come up short. They picked up a 65-54 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes, avoiding the February donut, which hasn't happened to the program since 1907. The Illini also … [Read more...] about Embattled Illini avoid first winless February since 1907
Former Illini, NBA Draft bust Jereme Richmond finds “professional” team
The only McDonald's All-American to be recruited by Bruce Weber, and the 2010 state of Illinois Mr. Basketball Jereme Richmond has finally found a place to play basketball again, in the Premier League. No, not that Premier League, the world's finest soccer association in England. The ex-Illini forward will play for the Sauk Valley Predators in the Premier Basketball League, … [Read more...] about Former Illini, NBA Draft bust Jereme Richmond finds “professional” team
Illini basketball season follows same depressing path as Illini football season
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." For Illini fans in 2011-12, both were true. In both revenue producing sports. On the college football gridiron, Illinois started 6-0, on the strength of some ugly wins: (Northwestern, Western Michigan), and ascended to #16 in the nation. They lost as favorites to Ohio State, then became the first team in FBS … [Read more...] about Illini basketball season follows same depressing path as Illini football season