It all started with the New Jersey Nets' Deron Williams declaring that he would play in Turkey if the NBA lockout continues. Then more dominoes fell, and the next one could be the Los Angeles Clippers' Brian Cook, like Williams, an ex-Illini. No, this is not the Brian Cook of MGoBlog fame, the well known Michigan Wolverines fan site. … [Read more...] about L.A. Clippers Brian Cook Headed to China?
Illinois Fighting Illini
Nets Deron Williams Takes to the Basketball Court Again
In this summer of the NBA lockout, college basketball alumni games are more exciting than ever. We need to get our Basketball Jones somewhere. And tonight we could find it in Champaign-Urbana as former Illinois Fighting Illini point guards Deron Williams and Demetri McCamey squared off against each other in the UI alumni game. Both are heading to Turkey for the 2011-2012 … [Read more...] about Nets Deron Williams Takes to the Basketball Court Again
Need a Basketball Fix? Illini Scrimmage in Assembly Hall
The Illinois Fighting Illini will depart in a few days for an Italian tour that is reminiscent (to me at least) of the film "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Well, probably no identity theft, fraud and homicide, but the scenery and travel destinations are similar. Before the tour, which includes a scrimmage against West Virginia at a NATO Air Force Base, the Illini welcomed fans … [Read more...] about Need a Basketball Fix? Illini Scrimmage in Assembly Hall
Illinois Basketball to Scrimmage West Virginia at NATO Air Force Base in Italy
It is impressive that the Michigan State Spartans and North Carolina Tar Heels will take on each other in college basketball aboard the deck of an aircraft carrier. But don't sell the Illinois Fighting Illini and West Virginia Mountaineers short. The two basketball teams will visit Aviano Air Base on Aug. 17 during their upcoming Italian tours. … [Read more...] about Illinois Basketball to Scrimmage West Virginia at NATO Air Force Base in Italy
More Illinois Fighting Illini Named to College Football Award Watch Lists
We already told you about QB Nathan Scheelhaase being named a candidate for the Maxwell Award, the most outstanding player in college football. But there's more: Illinois senior wide receiver A.J. Jenkins has been named a preseason candidate for the 2011 Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s most outstanding wide receiver by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club … [Read more...] about More Illinois Fighting Illini Named to College Football Award Watch Lists
Illini get Tourney Win, Need to Beat a Higher Seed
It was a pretty sweet NCAA Tourney win for the Illinois Fighting Illini last night. They absolutely crushed UNLV, and former Illinois Coach Lon Kruger in game that was much more lopsided than the final box score indicates. And it was their first Tournament win in a half decade. That pretty much makes this season the most successful one in Champaign since 2006. For one … [Read more...] about Illini get Tourney Win, Need to Beat a Higher Seed
Illini Derail Hoosiers, Continue to Enhance NCAA Profile
Truthfully, if I again hear the words "enhance NCAA profile" or "NCAA profile needs enhancing" like there's some sort of a erectile dysfunction drug to fix it, I'll probably punch all the Viagra in the world. It's getting out of hand people. Seriously. But we've had to examine the profile of the Illinois Fighting Illini a lot these past couple of seasons. There's been a lot … [Read more...] about Illini Derail Hoosiers, Continue to Enhance NCAA Profile
Illini Stayin’ Alive for NCAA Tournament Berth
Well you can tell by the way they use their walk that...well, they haven't played themselves out of NCAA tournament contention yet. Was that all just an excuse to lead in with that smarmy photo of Disco John Travolta? Yes. Yes it was. But it still needs to be said that, after 29 games, the Illinois Fighting Illini men's college basketball team still is hanging around the … [Read more...] about Illini Stayin’ Alive for NCAA Tournament Berth
Buckeye Recap: #11 Purdue Beats #3 Ohio State Thanks to Moore’s 38
"E'Twaun, he may put his fingers up and tell you he hit a 3-pointer, but he rarely smiles," Purdue guard Lewis Jackson said. "Once he smiles, he's in a zone, and you probably won't stop him that night." Purdue guard E'Twaun Moore was smiling all day Sunday as he lit up Ohio State for 38 points en route to a 76-63 victory. How they lost: The Boilermakers took the lead … [Read more...] about Buckeye Recap: #11 Purdue Beats #3 Ohio State Thanks to Moore’s 38
Illinois’ Second Half Choke Not Surprising
There wasn't much you could say about the Illini and their fall to top-ranked Ohio State on Saturday afternoon. It was certainly disappointing. It was certainly a let down after building a lead. The one thing you really can't call it, and we all know it deep down inside, was all that surprising. … [Read more...] about Illinois’ Second Half Choke Not Surprising