Last year's Illinois Fighting Illini started 10-0, just like this year's team. They finished an awful 17-15. But those were the Illini of Bruce Weber, not John Groce. With the 85-74 win at #10 Gonzaga last night, the first year coach has now produced the fastest start for a rookie coach in school history. 11 point underdogs, no one gave the Illini a chance. CBS' Doug … [Read more...] about #13 Illini are for real; win at #10 Gonzaga verifies
illinois basketball news
Illini Forward/Blogger Tyler Griffey: Books, Blogs, and Tweets
Could Illini power forward Tyler Griffey be the new Mark Titus? You know Titus, the former walk-on for the Ohio State Buckeyes who blogged about his basketball-related experiences at his site 'Club Trillion'. Learn more about him here Today, Titus writes for ESPN's new site, Grantland.com Unlike Titus, Griffey is a starter, and key contributor for his team. And he has … [Read more...] about Illini Forward/Blogger Tyler Griffey: Books, Blogs, and Tweets
’13 Illini hoops recruiting class gets even better
The Tim Beckman hire is such a disaster that it requires FEMA aid, but so far the entrance of John Groce may be alright. It looks like this guy can really recruit. Monday afternoon Austin Colbert, a four-star center from Gill St. Bernards in New Jersey, announced his commitment to the Illini. He did it through Twitter; which is of course the new AP. Get ready "cuz this is … [Read more...] about ’13 Illini hoops recruiting class gets even better
Illini offer special opening night tribute to John Groce
Illinois tips off the 2012-13 season on Friday, hosting Colgate at 7 p.m. at the Assembly Hall. In addition to being the season opener, it also marks the debut for new Fighting Illini head coach John Groce. … [Read more...] about Illini offer special opening night tribute to John Groce
Illini star Brandon Paul breaks jaw in open gym session
Illini guard Brandon Paul will have to carry the load for Illinois college basketball next season. Especially now that Meyers Leonard is gone to the NBA (most likely the Milwaukee Bucks with the #12 pick). BP dropped 43 in the season's biggest win over Final Four team Ohio State, but he was still largely inconsistent, and committed way too many turnovers. Paul will need to … [Read more...] about Illini star Brandon Paul breaks jaw in open gym session
Illini add big man in transfer Sam McLaurin
New University of Illinois head coach John Groce got his second recruit today. The Illini announced today Coastal Carolina’s Sam McLaurin has signed a tender of financial aid and will transfer to Illinois for his final season of eligibility upon earning his bachelor's degree in May. Because he will be enrolled as a graduate student at Illinois majoring in a major that … [Read more...] about Illini add big man in transfer Sam McLaurin
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