The Final Four is here and now more than ever it's great to be an Illini! It's always good to be a University of Illinois fan, alumni, student etc. but right now, this is the moment. And by moment, we mean the time to list out the five greatest U of I references in recent pop culture history. And since we're doing a top five, and it's Final Four weekend, we'll list it out in … [Read more...] about Top Five University of Illinois Pop Culture References
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Brad Underwood ‘never doubted’ Illinois Would Get to a Final Four
"Living the dream" is a term that is certainly cliche, but it's also a wonderful reality for those who get to truly experience it. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is one of the fortunate few for which this catchphrase is very real. Leading the Illini has been Underwood's dream job for a long time. During his days leading Stephen F. Austin, he told an assistant that … [Read more...] about Brad Underwood ‘never doubted’ Illinois Would Get to a Final Four
Deron Williams Waiting for Brad Underwood, Illini to get over March Madness Hump
With Illinois reaching the Final Four tonight, we re-post this interview of Deron Willliams, discussing about Brad Underwood. In the Illini nation, the opinion of Deron Williams will always hold sway. The greatest NBA player in Illini basketball history, or at least for the modern era, he is what you would call "a club legend." So his public endorsement of current Illini … [Read more...] about Deron Williams Waiting for Brad Underwood, Illini to get over March Madness Hump
Kelvin Sampson and Six More All-Time Enemies of Illini Nation
Nothing like bringing up the all-time worst enemies of Illini Nation on a Monday morning when you're back at work, and the madness is over...for now. Don't worry, it ramps right up again in only three days. It's time for the #3 seed Illinois to face #2 seed Houston, led by head coach Kelvin Sampson, on Thursday night. The game will tip around 8 or 9 pm local, and it's taking … [Read more...] about Kelvin Sampson and Six More All-Time Enemies of Illini Nation
Exclusive: David Mirkovic Gets Candid on Differences Between NCAA and Montenegro Leagues
Freshman David Mirkovic is probably the best soundbite on this Illini basketball team. Although Jake Davis isn't too far behind. Mirkovic can often be blunt and colorful, which is very refreshing, given how sports media availability world is one where cliches and platitudes almost always rule. "If we lost today and I wasn't playing I would kill myself probably," Mirkovic … [Read more...] about Exclusive: David Mirkovic Gets Candid on Differences Between NCAA and Montenegro Leagues
Illini Bracket Overflowing with Past Grievances, Major Bad Blood
At this point, I don't think anyone really believes all the lip service that the NCAA Tournament broadcast partners gives to metrics, numbers and stats when it comes to how the bracket is constructed. Sure, things like Quad 1 wins, records versus the top teams and the NET standings do matter, but you know what trumps all that? Ratings. And you know how you get additional boosts … [Read more...] about Illini Bracket Overflowing with Past Grievances, Major Bad Blood
Complete Illini NCAA Tournament History for Millenials and Xennials
Thursday night sees the Illinois Fighting Illini making their 36th overall NCAA Tournament appearance, and sixth in a row. The Illini own an all-time NCAA Tournament record of 46-36. As a Xennial, (neither Gen-X nor millenial) generation member, my Illini fandom experience begins in 1991, a few years before I enrolled at the school. On this March Madness eve, let's stroll … [Read more...] about Complete Illini NCAA Tournament History for Millenials and Xennials
#3 Michigan Wolverines at #10 Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview
A couple weeks ago, Friday night's visit from the Michigan Wolverines looked like it might be the biggest Illini regular season game in a very long time. It was setting up to be the de facto Big Ten regular season title game, with a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament at stake. However, now Michigan is no longer #1, having suffered a loss at Duke. But they have wrapped up the … [Read more...] about #3 Michigan Wolverines at #10 Illinois Fighting Illini Game Preview
Bret Bielema Has an $88,000 Super Bowl Ring
As Super Bowl 60 approaches this Sunday, it's a good time to be reminded of the bodacious bling possessed by Illini Coach Bret Bielema. In addition to the Rose Bowl ring that he earned during his playing days (1990 Iowa Hawkeyes, Big Ten Co-Champions, who lost to Washington 46-34), he also has a ring Super Bowl ring. It's from Super Bowl LIII, when he served as the defensive … [Read more...] about Bret Bielema Has an $88,000 Super Bowl Ring
Updated Illini Basketball Postseason Resume After Keaton Wagler Clinic
We all just witnessed history! Illini basketball has a superstar in the making in point guard Keaton Wagler. The electric freshman just achieved one of the greatest performances in college basketball history with 46 points (13-17 FG, 9-11 3PT, 11-13 FT) and four assists. Keaton Wagler broke many Illini basketball and NCAA records on Saturday. … [Read more...] about Updated Illini Basketball Postseason Resume After Keaton Wagler Clinic