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
Illinois basketball
Brad Underwood Makes Good on Orange Jump Suit Promise from September
It's time to re-post this article from September, now that the Illini are back in the Final Four, for the first time in 21 years. Back at the media opportunity during the football season opener, I asked Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood about recruiting the Balkans. In his response, he mentioned that an orange jump suit could be in the future. Today, Underwood delivered … [Read more...] about Brad Underwood Makes Good on Orange Jump Suit Promise from September
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
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
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
#13 Illinois Basketball Game Preview vs Maryland Terrapins
To quote a minor background character in Wedding Crashers, the ultra-wealthy meathead guy, "crab cakes and football- that's what Maryland DOES!" Well, not so much this year, as both the Baltimore Ravens and the Maryland Terrapins missed the postseason. However, Maryland doesn't do basketball either, as this has been a brutally awful season for them, thus far. However, the … [Read more...] about #13 Illinois Basketball Game Preview vs Maryland Terrapins
Why Illini Basketball Stays Overly Reliant on Three-Point Shooting
The cliche "live and die by the three" is just as apt this season as it was last year for the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team. Win or lose, the Illini will be chucking up threes with regularity. When the three-pointers are dropping, Illinois fans are happy. When they're missing, the fans will inevitably ask "what are you doing?" And "why do you take so many threes?" … [Read more...] about Why Illini Basketball Stays Overly Reliant on Three-Point Shooting
#8 Illini See Their Defensive Issues Exposed by #11 Alabama
It is absolutely clear that Camryn Crocker is a definite improvement over Zach Hamer as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive coordinator. However, the Illini defense remains very suspect. The #8 Illini, playing in their home away from home, Chicago's United Center, blew a second half lead and fell 90-86 to #11 Alabama tonight. You had a high profile game, against a SEC … [Read more...] about #8 Illini See Their Defensive Issues Exposed by #11 Alabama
Projected Illinois Basketball 2025-26 Depth Chart
Another Illinois basketball season begins on Sunday with a preseason scrimmage against Illinois State. One guy who almost certainly won't feature is Andrej Stojakovic, a former McDonald’s All-American and son of three-time NBA All-Star Peja Stojakovic. He is reportedly injured right now, and it's doubtful that reports will emerge between now and the weekend that he will be … [Read more...] about Projected Illinois Basketball 2025-26 Depth Chart