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Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois Wins ‘Typical Big Ten Game’ Against Wisconsin

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"I thought it was a typical Big Ten Game against Wisconsin," Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said after the game. "You have to have the right mindset and understand your opponent and understand they are going to keep playing and they don't get rattled. We'd go on a run and they would calmly walk to the huddle. They come out, they make plays...You're not going to put a Bo Ryan … [Read more...] about Illinois Wins ‘Typical Big Ten Game’ Against Wisconsin

Illinois Takes Down Oakland in Weird, Wild Fashion

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It took finding out there was a women's basketball in play for the first eight minutes of the game to get the Illini shooting a little. "Our kids said something right away, but I was like, 'You guys are just missing shots, shut up and play,'" Illinois head coach Bruce Weber said after the game. "I kept saying, they're scoring, it can't be too bad of a ball!" And though … [Read more...] about Illinois Takes Down Oakland in Weird, Wild Fashion

Tristan Thompson Playing beyond his years for Longhorns

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One thing was clear at Madison Square Garden after Thursday and Friday’s 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches v. Cancer – Texas is going to be a scary good team. The Longhorns boast some of the top recruits in the nation that have seamlessly stepped in and contributed immediately. Mix “diaper dandies” Tristan Thompson – who early in the season is playing well beyond his … [Read more...] about Tristan Thompson Playing beyond his years for Longhorns

Will The Real Fighting Illini Basketball Team Please Stand Up?

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Sometimes this job is easy. Sometimes it's really, really hard. Take the Illinois men's basketball team for instance. Many people are saying that the Illinois-Texas tilt, a game the Longhorns won 90-84 in overtime, is the best game of this young season so far. I can't possibly agree. I saw two teams playing disorganized, frantic, one-on-one basketball for much of the … [Read more...] about Will The Real Fighting Illini Basketball Team Please Stand Up?

Illinois Hunt Down Salukis in Spirited Rivalry Game

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After a football game that nearly defied all description, Illinois head coach Bruce Weber knew it was important for the Illini basketball team to get out fast. "I did bring up the football game in the shootaround -- you just never know and you gotta be ready to play," Weber said. "When you are winning you've got to keep pouring it on. One of the things we weren't that … [Read more...] about Illinois Hunt Down Salukis in Spirited Rivalry Game

Illinois Mega-Sports Extravaganza, 2010 Edition!

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Hello everyone, and welcome to a fantastic day for Illinois sports!  The Illinois football team tries to get bowl eligible against LOWLY Minnesota, and then Illinois basketball takes on, for the first time in the Bruce Weber era, in-state rival Southern Illinois (yes, Bruce's old school...and they still haven't forgiven him). Quite a day indeed, and I'll admit to being fired … [Read more...] about Illinois Mega-Sports Extravaganza, 2010 Edition!

99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini

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Without question, this is the most talent the Illinois Fighting Illini has put on the floor since their 2004-2005 Champaign Campaign.  There is a good mix of size, athleticism, and guard play; veterans and newcomers.  The question will be whether or not this group can put it all together and live up to the high expectations entering this season.  The first step begins tonight … [Read more...] about 99 in 99: #10 Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois-Purdue: Brutally Honest Game Preview

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When you hear Illinois vs. Purdue, its sounds like a great Big Ten Tournament title game in Men's basketball right? Well this Saturday the match on the gridiron, features two teams that will likely end up bowl eligible, so the winner likely gets a leg up in the bowl selection hierarchy come December. Is Illinois the greatest 4-3 team in history? Maybe! They have faced the … [Read more...] about Illinois-Purdue: Brutally Honest Game Preview

Frosh Jereme Richmond Should Crack Starting Five for the Illini

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University of Illinois freshman Jereme Richmond (Waukegan, Ill.) has already accomplished something before he even begins his Illini career. Richmond made the USA Basketball U18 National Team, and played in the FIBA Americas U18 Championship. Richmond became the first Illini on the U.S. U18 National Team since Deron Williams and Dee Brown in 2002. The frosh averaged 21 … [Read more...] about Frosh Jereme Richmond Should Crack Starting Five for the Illini