Before we get to the breakdown of what happened in the Illinois Fighting Illini first loss, (Illinois was one of the last 6 unbeaten teams remaining in the nation) suffered at the hands of the Missouri Tigers 82-73, a few observations and notes on this series and rivalry overall, with updated stats. -Why is this even called the Braggin' Rights game? I mean seriously, how … [Read more...] about #10 Illinois Fighting Illini suffer first loss to #17 Missouri
john groce
Illini Brandon Paul wins national player of the week award
The U.S. Basketball Writers Association has selected Illinois guard Brandon Paul as its Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week for games ending the week of Sunday, Dec. 9. The USBWA's weekly honor is presented by Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook and will be handed out each Tuesday through Feb. 19 this season. … [Read more...] about Illini Brandon Paul wins national player of the week award
#13 Illini are for real; win at #10 Gonzaga verifies
Last year's Illinois Fighting Illini started 10-0, just like this year's team. They finished an awful 17-15. But those were the Illini of Bruce Weber, not John Groce. With the 85-74 win at #10 Gonzaga last night, the first year coach has now produced the fastest start for a rookie coach in school history. 11 point underdogs, no one gave the Illini a chance. CBS' Doug … [Read more...] about #13 Illini are for real; win at #10 Gonzaga verifies
’13 Illini hoops recruiting class gets even better
The Tim Beckman hire is such a disaster that it requires FEMA aid, but so far the entrance of John Groce may be alright. It looks like this guy can really recruit. Monday afternoon Austin Colbert, a four-star center from Gill St. Bernards in New Jersey, announced his commitment to the Illini. He did it through Twitter; which is of course the new AP. Get ready "cuz this is … [Read more...] about ’13 Illini hoops recruiting class gets even better
Illini offer special opening night tribute to John Groce
Illinois tips off the 2012-13 season on Friday, hosting Colgate at 7 p.m. at the Assembly Hall. In addition to being the season opener, it also marks the debut for new Fighting Illini head coach John Groce. … [Read more...] about Illini offer special opening night tribute to John Groce
#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
Illini add big man in transfer Sam McLaurin
New University of Illinois head coach John Groce got his second recruit today. The Illini announced today Coastal Carolina’s Sam McLaurin has signed a tender of financial aid and will transfer to Illinois for his final season of eligibility upon earning his bachelor's degree in May. Because he will be enrolled as a graduate student at Illinois majoring in a major that … [Read more...] about Illini add big man in transfer Sam McLaurin
Illini basketball introduces John Groce: I hope reality is inverse of press conference
You've heard the expression "win the news conference." Well, for the University of Illinois and the Illini basketball coaching hire of John Groce, that ship sailed weeks ago. Any time you get your sixth (possibly seventh) choice in a men's basketball coach at a basketball school, your news conference is...well, you just hope there's no pitchforks and flaming torches. Most … [Read more...] about Illini basketball introduces John Groce: I hope reality is inverse of press conference