The Illini basketball program will always hold a special distinction when it comes to the Big Ten Tournament. From the event's inception, in 1998, all the way until 2012, they either advanced to or qualified into the quarterfinal round. No one else can say that. In fact, there have only been six Big Ten Tournaments in which the Illini didn't play in a quarterfinal (2015, … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Big Ten Tournament History
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illini Basketball Team Way More Likable than Last Year
The 2023-24 Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team has done a tremendous job of putting the 2022-23 Illini basketball season far far out of memories. Good riddance, as that campaign brought us the strange experience of strongly disliking our own favorite team. While it is common to sometimes be happy your favorite team's season is over, and to look forward to that ending … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Team Way More Likable than Last Year
Illinois Fighting Illini Bowl Game Projections (Updated 11-20-23)
Iowa was exactly who we thought they were yesterday, and unfortunately your Illinois Fighting Illini could not overcame the muck. Having to sit through any game involving the Hawkeyes should automatically grant you a treat, but alas, Illini Nation came away from last night with nothing. Now Bret Bielema's squad will have to gain bowl eligibility in the final game, at home … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini Bowl Game Projections (Updated 11-20-23)
Possible sports photo of the year: Illini coach John Groce and son
I'm not talking about the picture above; I'm talking about the Chicago Tribune photo after the jump. It's Illini coach John Groce and his son embracing the moment after knocking off the #1 Indiana Hoosiers, their hated rival. Of course, there's conflict for Groce as he grew up a huge Hoosiers fan in Muncie, Indiana. And his wife went to IU as well. … [Read more...] about Possible sports photo of the year: Illini coach John Groce and son
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Wisconsin Badgers: Brutally Honest Preview
The Illinois Fighting Illini and Wisconsin Badgers have a lot in common in 2012 and it's not a good thing. Most notably is the unexpected and disappointing starts for both teams. Neither team looked half-decent against non-conference foes and both lost their Big Ten openers. The Illini's new head coach Tim Beckman could already be on the hot-seat and the Wisconsin Badgers … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Wisconsin Badgers: Brutally Honest Preview
#63 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank’s third annual college basketball season preview series. Two years we looked at 99 teams in 99 days. Last year, we were slightly more aggressive and expanded to 111 teams in 111 days and will do so again as we look ahead to the 2012-2013 season. We will rank the 75 power conference teams and top 36 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order. … [Read more...] about #63 Illinois Fighting Illini: College Basketball 111 in 111
NBA Draft: Don’t draft No Orange “Heeled” Fighting Illini
I am doing a little research on previous drafts, trying to figure out which players will be successful in the NBA. Here is today's post about NBA Draft Don'ts. … [Read more...] about NBA Draft: Don’t draft No Orange “Heeled” Fighting Illini
Chief Illiniwek lives on in Illini Nation; new logo revealed
Chief Illiniwek was officially retired by the University of Illinois, under pressure from the NCAA in 2007. That ended a decades long tradition of the Chief dancing at halftime of college football and college basketball games. The very familiar, perfect circle Chief in a headdress logo was also retired, and if you wanted to get merchandise emblazoned with this logo, it was … [Read more...] about Chief Illiniwek lives on in Illini Nation; new logo revealed