by Paul Schmidt The news came down with little fanfare, something that puzzled me greatly. On top of all of that, very little has been written of what has to be considered a fairly bizarre story. The headlines read: Hoops star Frank Williams, brother arrested: Drug agents seize marijuana, handgun. Specifically, the agents seized 78 grams of marijuana (about 3 ounces, … [Read more...] about Former Illinois Basketball Standout Williams Arrested: Surprising, or Not?
Illinois Fighting Illini
Bruce Weber’s International Incident
By Paul M. Banks If you’ve ever seen University of Illinois Men’s basketball Head Coach Bruce Weber on television, you might notice what a happy-go-lucky guy he appears to be. In person, he’s just the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. One might even call him “cuddly.” That’s why I was shocked to learn that someone might actually treat him like a potentially dangerous criminal or … [Read more...] about Bruce Weber’s International Incident
Illinois and Northwestern Seeking New Rivalry Trophy
By Paul M. Banks EVANSTON, Ill. -- The University of Illinois and Northwestern University are collaborating to establish a new trophy for the winner of the football game between the two institutions. The Sweet Sioux Tomahawk Trophy, which went to the winner of the Illinois-Northwestern football game from 1945-2008, was retired following the 2008 contest and both schools have … [Read more...] about Illinois and Northwestern Seeking New Rivalry Trophy
South Regional Bracket Breakdown
By: David K. Overview: This is hands down the toughest bracket. North Carolina and Oklahoma are the #1 and #2. If Blake Griffin didn’t suffer a concussion a couple weeks ago, odds are the Sooners would have been a #1 seed. What I hate about this bracket is that it has three teams I was considering Final Four sleepers; Syracuse, Gonzaga, and Arizona State. I am giddy at … [Read more...] about South Regional Bracket Breakdown
Illini Rarely Survive Tourney’s First Weekend
Paul M. Banks In order to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, a team must go 6-0. Out of the 6 rounds within which a team may be eliminated, the University of Illinois has the most issues with the second round. Since 1995, the Illini have qualified for the tournament every year but three. In those 11 March Madness appearances, they were ousted in exactly the second … [Read more...] about Illini Rarely Survive Tourney’s First Weekend
Big Ten Tournament Preview and Predictions
By Paul M. Banks When the 12th Annual Big Ten Men’s basketball tournament tips off Thursday morning it will feature one of the deepest fields in recent years. If a couple of the bubble teams make a strong showing at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, as many as nine teams could have a case to be in the big dance occurring the following week. One thing I can’t figure out … [Read more...] about Big Ten Tournament Preview and Predictions
TSB.net All-Big Ten Honors
TSB.net All-Big Ten Honors 1st Team *Talor Battle (Penn State)- Led conference in scoring, second in assists on the surprise Nittany Lions *Evan Turner (Ohio State)- Everything in the Buckeye offense ran through Turner Kailin Lucas (Michigan State)- Lucas with the lid off emerged as conference champ's leader Manny Harris (Michigan)- Despite shooting … [Read more...] about TSB.net All-Big Ten Honors
More Bruce Weber Grilling
By Paul M. Banks Welcome to a new feature here at TSB where I’ll give you the highlights of the many Bruce Weber press conferences that I attend over the course of the season. As we get closer to March Madness, I’ll be publishing for you the most meaningful statements I’ve heard Weber make. I asked him if the best player on conference champ Michigan St. Kalin Lucas … [Read more...] about More Bruce Weber Grilling
Illini, Spartans Class of Big 10 during ’00s
By Paul M. Banks When second place Illinois hosts first place Michigan State on Sunday, the battle for the Big Ten title will be yet another chapter in a decade familiar story. For the past ten years or so, the Illini and Spartans have met each other at the apex of the conference. In 1998 and 2001, they finished conference co-champions. In the latter season, they both earned … [Read more...] about Illini, Spartans Class of Big 10 during ’00s
Big Ten Power Rankings
By Paul M. Banks, David K, & Peter Christian 1. Michigan State -Momentum is on the Spartans side right now -Izzo finally beat Bo -If you can beat this team on the boards, you’ll likely go far come March 2.Purdue -Getting healthy and regaining their chemistry at the perfect time - 10-1 with Hummel in the line-up in conference play, 0-3 without him -Cuonzo … [Read more...] about Big Ten Power Rankings