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
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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
Illinois Fighting Illini Choke Away BTT Game to Wolverines
There's only one program to have reached (or received a bye into) the Big Ten Tournament quarter-finals every year in the tourney's inception, and that's the Illinois Fighting Illini. In fact out of the 13 conference tourneys, they've reached the semi-finals in every year except one. Make it two after today's epic choke job. The Illini (who have the most BTT wins all time … [Read more...] about Illinois Fighting Illini Choke Away BTT Game to Wolverines
Illinois 81, Iowa 68: Rapid Reaction
It was a college basketball game that highlighted one of the main reoccurring themes of the Illinois Fighting Illini season. Every time they had a big lead, they just couldn't find a way to step on their opponents' throat. The "killer instinct," or "closing speed" just was not there. It seemed like every time they went up 15, the margin was back to five or less before you … [Read more...] about Illinois 81, Iowa 68: Rapid Reaction
Illini Basketball Weaknesses: Zones, Neutral Courts, and Complacency
It's certainly nice that Illini basketball has started 2-0 in Big Ten play. It's a lot better than 0-2. Their win yesterday over Wisconsin was just the second time they've beaten a ranked opponent in '10-'11. (Gonzaga, exactly like the Badgers, were ranked #24 in the coaches poll, receiving votes in the AP). It was a good win, and the Illini do have a couple decent wins … [Read more...] about Illini Basketball Weaknesses: Zones, Neutral Courts, and Complacency
Illinois or Northwestern: Who Choked Worse?
By Paul M. Banks Regarding college basketball in the state of Illinois, it is the worst of times. And it's again the worst of times. We may get zero teams in the NCAA tournament. And it's all over from the Wisconsin border to the edge of the state that neighbors Kentucky. SIU was on the national stage for much of the 2000s, today they're irrelevant. DePaul has been a joke … [Read more...] about Illinois or Northwestern: Who Choked Worse?
#20 Illini Fighting on in Las Vegas Invitational
By Paul M. Banks It's Feast Week! When there's non-stop college basketball, so many games start at bizarre times. And not just because games are going on in obscure parts of the world in far away time zones. In order to accommodate the television coverage, some games start at...like this one starts at 8:30 pm. #20 Illinois vs. the Wofford Terriers in the second round of the … [Read more...] about #20 Illini Fighting on in Las Vegas Invitational