The Assembly Hall crowd in Champaign called for Bruce Weber's head. Illini fans in B Section screamed "pack your bags" and "I can draw up a better offense." This has gone on for years, except this time there was one major difference- No one in the orange and blue crowd stuck up for Bruce. And this happened during one of this year's signature wins, a victory over a top ten … [Read more...] about Just how shaky is Illini coach Bruce Weber’s Job Security?
illinois basketball news
Spartans’ Leading Scorer/Rebounder Draymond Green Leaves Game With Serious Leg Injury
The Big Ten's leading rebounder, and best player on the nation's 9th ranked team may be out for awhile. Michigan State forward Draymond Green seriously hurt his left leg in tonight's mild upset loss to the Illini, and left the game with 3:50 left, unable to walk on his own power. Green was down on the Assembly Hall floor in Champaign for quite awhile, and after examination … [Read more...] about Spartans’ Leading Scorer/Rebounder Draymond Green Leaves Game With Serious Leg Injury
Illini Most Super Sophomore: Joseph Bertrand!
What a loaded and deep sophomore class the Illini were to have this year! McDonald's All-American Jereme Richmond, consensus top 90 recruit Crandall Head, 7-footer/future NBA big Meyers Leonard and overlooked Sterling, Illinois product Joseph Bertrand. Well, look at where we are today: Richmond caused as many headaches and issues as possible before leaving school after one … [Read more...] about Illini Most Super Sophomore: Joseph Bertrand!
Illini Get Grindy Road Win at Northwestern, Snap Chicago Area Losing Streak
Lots of cliches applied in this college basketball game "tale of two halves," "halftime adjustments" "wining ugly" "blue-collar" I could go on and on, but I've tortured you enough already. In the battle to be "Chicago's Big Ten team" Illinois defeated Northwestern 57-56 in the same manner they won this year's college football meeting- starting slow, having to come back in … [Read more...] about Illini Get Grindy Road Win at Northwestern, Snap Chicago Area Losing Streak
Illini Outlast Gophers in Never Ending Big Ten Opener
One of my all time favorite The Simpsons quotes: "Mr. Simpson, this is the biggest case of false advertising since my suit against the film the Never Ending Story" --Lionel Hutz The legendary lawyer played by the late, great Phil Hartman refers to a 1984 film with a running time of 94 minutes. Illinois escaping 81-72 in 2 OT over the Minnesota Golden Gophers ran about 2 … [Read more...] about Illini Outlast Gophers in Never Ending Big Ten Opener
Luther Head’s Brother Crandall Leaves the Illini Program
The Illinois Fighting Illini will have one less guard on the bench tonight when they take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Bruce Weber announced Tuesday that sophomore guard Crandall Head, little brother of NBA veteran Luther Head has decided to leave the Illinois college basketball program. Head was suspended for four games for the very arcane "violation of team rules" at … [Read more...] about Luther Head’s Brother Crandall Leaves the Illini Program
Illini Show they’re Still “Fighting,” Give #9 Mizzou a True Scare
If you're an Illini basketball fan, you've got to feel much better about this loss 78-74 to #9 12-0 Missouri Tigers team than you do about the last three wins. I'll repeat and explain because I know it's a very odd sounding sentence. You've got to feel much better about this Illinois game tonight when they were down double digits to an undefeated, top ten team yet clawed … [Read more...] about Illini Show they’re Still “Fighting,” Give #9 Mizzou a True Scare
2011-12 Illini Have Competitive Advantage over ’10-’11 Version
It's rather ironic when you think about it. Last year's Illini basketball team entered the year with exceedingly high expectations; the theme was last dance for a talented senior trio. This year's team entered with zero expectations. The theme was rebuilding and re-establishing. Yet, if it were somehow possible to get the two teams to play each other I'd pick this year's squad … [Read more...] about 2011-12 Illini Have Competitive Advantage over ’10-’11 Version
Illini Basketball MVP Thus Far: Sam Maniscalco
Where would the Illlini be without Sam Maniscalco? What would become of their point guard situation if the three time team captain at Bradley, All-Missouri Valley second team pick wasn't eligible after his transfer this season? Illinois didn't play very well, but they did make it three straight wins in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, and snapped a three-game skid vs. Maryland in the … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball MVP Thus Far: Sam Maniscalco
How’s the Illini Point Guard Situation Coming Along?
Heading into this season, the Illinois Fighting Illini had some questions to answer at "the one." Two games in, they still do. Demetri McCamey, as inconsistent and polarizing as he was, provided minutes and some sense of stability. The situation was helped this offseason when Bradley transfer Sam Maniscalco became eligible. He provides a steady veteran hand while PG of the … [Read more...] about How’s the Illini Point Guard Situation Coming Along?